Drug-Free Workplace

September 29, 2008

TO: All Employees and Students of the University of Minnesota

FR: President Robert H. Bruininks

RE: DRUG-FREE CAMPUS AND WORKPLACE COMPLIANCE

Revised: September 2008: Updated Contact Information.

Revised: March 2005: Updated Duluth EAP information.

Revised: September 2004. Updated Duluth phone numbers in Educational and Treatment Programs section.

Revised: October 2003. Updated Educational and Treatment Programs section.

Revised: November 2002. Updated links.

Revised: November 2001. Updated phone numbers in Educational and Treatment Programs section.

Revised: December 2000. Added information about resources available to students.

Revised: December 1999. Changed SANCTIONS section to show Associate VP and changed name of ORTTA to SPA, changed Morris contact name and phone number.

Revised: December 1998. Clarified language in sanctions section, and added links to state law and health risks information.

Revised: September 1998. Updated Employee Assistance Program Contacts.

Previous versions: 1995, 1997

To obtain a copy of a historical policy, e-mail the U Policy Librarian at policy@umn.edu or call 612-624-4372.

PROHIBITED ACTIONS

Drug and alcohol abuse affects the health, safety, and well-being of all employees and students and restricts the University's ability to carry out its mission. Therefore, the University of Minnesota:
  1. Prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs by employees on all campuses and at all facilities of the University or as part of the University's activities; and
  2. Prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances in the workplace.

SANCTIONS

Employees who violate the prohibition against illicit drugs and alcohol are subject to discipline up to and including dismissal, consistent with existing policies and contracts. Possible discipline includes suspension or warnings, and also may include required completion of an appropriate treatment or rehabilitation program. Sanctions will reflect the particular violations and their severity. Referral for criminal prosecution may occur where appropriate.

Employees who are convicted of a drug crime in the workplace must report it to a supervisor within five days. Supervisors, department heads, or principal administrators who are aware of any criminal drug-statute convictions for violations that occurred in the workplace must report them to the Associate Vice President, Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) within three calendar days of their notice of the conviction.

Students who violate the prohibition against illicit drugs and alcohol are subject to discipline. Item 11 of the Student Conduct Code states:

When the violation of a federal or state law, including but not limited to those governing alcoholic beverages, drugs, gambling, sex offenses, indecent conduct or arson occurs on campus, the offense will also constitute an offense against the University.

Potential sanctions for violation include: 1) warning and admonition; 2) required compliance; 3) confiscation of illicit drugs or alcohol; 4) probation 5) suspension or expulsion; and 6) referral for criminal prosecution.

EDUCATIONAL AND TREATMENT PROGRAMS

Services for students and employees include: diagnosis and assessment, short- term counseling, referral, and support groups. Consultation also is available for supervisors whose staff members may have alcohol- and/or drug-related problems. Federal law requires that any information obtained from clients or patients by doctors, psychologists, or drug treatment centers remain confidential. This makes it possible for people to receive help for drug problems without getting into trouble with the law.

Students seeking professional help for a drug- and/or alcohol-abuse problem can contact:

Twin Cities:
Boynton Health Service (612) 624-1444
  • http://www.bhs.umn.edu
    • Duluth:
    UMD Health Services (218) 726-8155
  • http://www.d.umn.edu/depts/Listing/health_serv_umd.html
    • Morris:
    UMM Health Service (320) 589-6070
  • http://www.morris.umn.edu/services/hlth_serv/
    • Crookston:
    Northwestern Mental Health Center (218) 281-3940
    24-hour Northwestern Mental Health Center Crisis Line 1-800-282-5005
  • http://ccs.umcrookston.edu/ATOD/index.htm


    • UMC Counseling Services (218) 218-8585 Fax: (218) 218-8584
  • http://www.umcrookston.edu/ccs/counseling/index.htm
  • http://www.umcrookston.edu/ATOD/index.htm

    • Employees seeking professional help with a drug- and/or alcohol-abuse problem can contact the Employee Assistance Program at the following locations:

    Twin Cities:
    Civil service and bargaining unit employees 612-625-2820
    Faculty and academic staff 612-625-4073
    Duluth:
    UMD Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 218-249-7077 or 1-888-355-8495
    Morris:
    Stevens Community Medical Center, 320-589-7625
    Crookston:
    Northwestern Mental Health Center 218-281-3940
    24-hour Northwestern Mental Health Center Crisis Line 1-800-282-5005
    Employees' health insurance may cover some or all of the costs of assistance and/or treatment.

    HEALTH RISKS OF USE/ABUSE

    Information about the health risks of drug use and abuse can be accessed through the following web site:

    MINNESOTA CRIMES AND PENALTIES - DRUGS

    Information about Minnesota controlled substance crimes and penalties can be found at the following web site:

    MINNESOTA CRIMES AND PENALTIES - ALCOHOL

    Information about Minnesota alcohol-related crimes and penalties can be found at the following web site:

    FEDERAL DRUG TRAFFICKING PENALTIES

    Information about federal drug trafficking penalties can be found at the following web site:
    [Policy Library] [Policies by Process]

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    http://www.fpd.finop.umn.edu/groups/ppd/documents/Policy/Drug_Free.cfm
    Updated: October 6, 2008