I. Definitions

A. Drugs

“Drugs” referred to under this policy include alcoholic beverages, all illegal drugs as defined in the NC Controlled Substance Examination Regulation Act [Article 20 of Chapter 95 of the North Carolina General Statutes], and misused legal drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter.

B. College Premises

Any property owned or leased by, or in the control of the College, used for official activities provided or sponsored by the institution, in the conduct of any instructional, administrative, or performance functions and events.

II. Rule

The purpose of the Drug-Free College and Workplace Policy is to maintain a safe and productive teaching and learning environment. The abuse of controlled substances is inconsistent with the behavior expected of students and employees, subjects all employees and visitors to College facilities to unacceptable health and safety risks, and consequences, and undermines Central Piedmont's ability to operate effectively and efficiently. Therefore, the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, consumption, possession, sale, or use of a controlled substance in the workplace or while engaged in Central Piedmont Community College business off premises is strictly prohibited. Therefore, it is the intent of this policy to enforce and 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

This policy applies to all students and employees, regardless of enrollment or employment status, all applicants for enrollment or employment, and all visitors to any of the College's campuses. This policy applies during all working hours, during lunch or other break periods, while operating College owned vehicles or equipment on College premises, or any hour during which a non-College employee is on any College campus.

A. All students are expected to attend classes, labs, and College activities unhindered by the effects of drugs.

B. Whenever students or employees are in class or working, are operating any College vehicle, are present on the College premises, or are conducting college-related work offsite, they are prohibited from:

1. Using, possessing, buying, selling, manufacturing or dispensing an illegal drug, including possession of drug paraphernalia;
2. Being under the influence of alcohol or an illegal drug as defined in this policy;
3. Possessing or consuming alcohol; or,
4. Distributing or selling prescription drugs.

The presence of any detectable amount of any illegal drug or legally controlled substance in an employee's body system, while performing college business or while in a college facility, is prohibited.

Central Piedmont Community College will also not allow employees to perform their duties while taking prescribed drugs that are adversely affecting their ability to safely and effectively perform their job duties. It is the employees' responsibility to use appropriate personnel procedures and options (sick leave, notifying Supervisor, etc.) if any use of legally prescribed drugs or medications presents a safety risk to themselves or any other employee or student at the College. Employees taking a prescribed medication must carry it in the container labeled by a licensed pharmacist or be prepared to produce it if requested.

C. The College will maintain a drug-free awareness program for employees and students. Employees and students are expected to work together to maintain a drug-free teaching and learning environment.

D. Any student who violates this policy is subject to disciplinary action in accordance with Policy 4.00 Conduct of Students.

IV. Student Use of Legal Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drugs

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

B. Students who take legal prescription and over-the-counter drugs must determine whether the drug may interfere with the safety of themselves or others on campus. It is the student's responsibility to communicate with appropriate College personnel if his or her use of legal drugs presents a safety risk.

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

V. Drug-Free Awareness Program

A. Central Piedmont Community College maintains a Drug-Free Awareness program in compliance with the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act/Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations (Edgar Part 86).

B. Educational materials, programs, and other resources are available through Student Life, Counseling Services, and Human Resources. Confidentiality is maintained.

Changes

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

Approved by Cabinet on April 18, 2011