Catalog of Sample Policies for Pennsylvania's Conservation Districts

Drugs and Alcohol Policy
(Columbia University)

In compliance with the federal requirement for a drug policy, this also defines Columbia's formal policy on alcohol abuse at the workplace.

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a "controlled substance" in a University workplace by any Columbia faculty or staff member is prohibited.

Faculty and staff may not report to work, or remain at work while under the influence of either a controlled substance or while impaired by the use of alcohol.

It is a condition of employment that each University employee will abide by the terms of this Policy. In addition, each employee must notify the University's Vice President for Personnel Management within 5 days of "conviction" for a violation of any "Criminal Drug Statute." (Notification should be sent directly to the Office of the Vice President, 311 Dodge Hall, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027).

Any employee who violates this Policy will be subject to serious disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

Within 30 days of receiving notice from an employee of a conviction, the University will take appropriate disciplinary action. This action can include termination of employment, and/or require the employee to satisfactorily participate in a drug assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a Federal, State or local health, law enforcement or other appropriate agency.

Columbia has established awareness programs to educate employees on:

• the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace;
• the University's policies pertaining to a drug-free workplace; and
• the availability of confidential assistance, seminars and other programs through the Health Services and Employee Relations Departments.

Definitions as used in this Policy Statement

• The term "controlled substance" refers to a controlled substance as defined in schedules I through V of Section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. 812, and as further defined in regulation at 21 CFR 1308.11-1308.15.
• The term "University workplace" refers to any site at which faculty and staff perform work for the University, whether or not such site is owned by Columbia University.
• The term "conviction" is defined as a finding of guilt (including a plea of nolo contendere) or imposition of sentence, or both, by any judicial body charged with the responsibility to determine violations of the Criminal Drug Statutes.
• The term "Criminal Drug Statute" refers to a criminal statute involving the manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of any controlled substance.