850.1 Drug-Free Workplace

850.1 Drug-Free Workplace

A. Background

Furman University seeks to provide a drug-free workplace that will enhance a safe and secure work environment. Furman makes available to faculty and staff drug education, counseling, rehabilitation, and coordination with available community resources. The Personnel Office and employing departments endeavor to inform employees about (1) the dangers of drug abuse in the workplace, (2) the availability of drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs, and (3) the university's policy for a drug-free workplace.

B. Policy

Furman University prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance or alcohol by an employee (faculty or staff) on Furman's premises.

C. Guidelines

1. An employee who violates this policy, reports to work under the influence of a controlled substance or alcohol or is convicted for controlled substance or alcohol abuse occuring on campus or as a part of university activities will be evaluated based on his/her impaired performance and the result will be appropriate discipline up to and including termination, mandatory satisfactory participation in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program, and/or referral for prosecution.

2. An employee who is convicted of a criminal drug statute arising out of conduct on university premises or while conducting Furman business off the University's premises must notify the university of such conviction within five (5) days of the conviction.

3. If an employee who is convicted of violating a criminal drug statute is working on a federal grant or contract, the university is required by federal law to notify the federal grant or contracting agency of the conviction within ten (10) days of the date the university receives actual notice and to take appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination, or require the employee to satisfactorily participate in an approved drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.

4. To the extent possible, the university will respect confidentiality regarding all actions referred to in this policy and the guidelines.

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