I. Definitions

A. Drugs

Drugs referred to under this policy include alcoholic beverages, all illegal drugs as defined in NC Controlled Substance Examination Regulation Act, and misused legal drugs (both prescription and over-the-counter).

B. College Premises

Any property in use by the College including property that is leased, owned, used for College functions, or used by the College in the conduct of any of its courses.

II. Rule

The purpose of the Drug-Free College policy is to maintain a safe and productive teaching and learning environment and to be in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988; the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act/Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations (Edgar Part 86); NC Administrative Code Title 13, Chapter 20; and the NC Controlled Substance Examination Regulation Act.

III. Policy

A. All employees are expected to perform their job duties unhindered by drugs and/or alcohol.

B. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, use, or being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol presents a hazard to students, employees, and property and is not permitted on College premises.

C. The illegal or unauthorized use, abuse, or distribution of prescription drugs or over-the-counter drugs by employees is prohibited.

D. The College will maintain a Drug-Free Awareness program for employees and students, and employees and students are expected to work together to maintain a drug-free teaching and learning environment. Educational materials, programs, and other resources are available through Student Life, Counseling Services, and Human Resources. Confidentiality is maintained.

E. Any employee who violates this policy is subject to disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the College, up to and including termination.

IV. Applicability

This policy applies to all employees:

A. During all working hours;

B. During lunch or break periods;

C. While operating a College-owned vehicle;

D. While on College premises. (The president or designee has the right to give special written permission to serve alcohol at College events.)

V. Legal Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drugs

A. Employee use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs is not prohibited when taken in standard dosage or according to a physician's prescription.

B. Employees who take drugs must determine whether the drug may interfere with their safety or the safety of others on campus, or otherwise interfere with safe performance of their job duties. It is the employee's responsibility to use appropriate personnel procedures (e.g., call in sick, use leave, notify supervisor) if any use of legal drugs presents a safety risk.

VII. Drug and/or Alcohol Examinations

Any College employee may be required by his or her supervisor or College administrator, in accordance with Drug and Alcohol Examinations Procedures, to submit to a drug and/or alcohol examination when there’s reasonable suspicion of drug and/or alcohol use and/or after an injury. Refusal to submit to examination and/or any interference with the collection of the sample shall result in the employee’s dismissal.

Related Procedures

Drug and Alcohol Examinations Procedures

Changes

Approved by the Board of Trustees on November 14, 1990; July 20, 2011; May 6, 2020

Approved by Cabinet on May 2, 2011