Drug Free Campus/Workplace Policy Statement

The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act mandates that institutions of higher education adopt and implement a policy designed to prevent the unlawful possession, use, dispensation or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by faculty, staff and students and, provide certification to the Department of Education that such a policy is in place. The university has developed this policy not only in response to this federal anti-drug legislation, but also to provide a healthy environment by preventing the use of illegal drugs or the abuse of alcohol within the university community.

Any faculty, staff or student who violates this policy or does not cooperate with the university in its attempts to maintain a drug-free environment will face disciplinary action up to and including termination/expulsion from the university. Such persons also may be required, as a condition of continuing their relationship with the university, to enroll in substance-abuse counseling and/or a treatment program at their own expense. Individuals violating any town ordinances, state criminal laws or federal laws relating to alcohol or drug use also risk fines and imprisonment.

Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with resources available in the area for substance-abuse counseling and treatment. In addition, the counseling services in the Wellness Center are available to assist students with substance-related problems. In emergency situations, faculty and staff may also request their assistance in the identification of referral services. The Wellness Center respects the confidential nature of information shared by participants in its programs. If questions arise related to any of these guidelines or policies, please direct them to the appropriate university department.

This policy applies to all Dominican University faculty, staff and students..

  1. In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, Dominican University is committed to the maintenance of a drug-free workplace and is committed to rigorous enforcement of applicable laws and policies to support those trying to cope with drug-related problems.
  2. Dominican University is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in compliance with applicable laws. The unlawful possession, use, distribution, dispensation, sale or manufacture of controlled substances is prohibited on university premises. Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment and or expulsion from the university in the case of students. .
  3. The illegal or improper use of controlled substances can: seriously injure the health of others: adversely impair the performance of responsibilities: and endanger the safety and well-being of fellow employees, students and members of the general public. It is therefore the policy of Dominican University to discourage the use of controlled substances by its faculty, staff and students at any time. Faculty and staff seeking resources for substance abuse issues may confidentially contact Human Resources. Students can contact the Wellness Center for confidential support and resources. .
  4. An employee of Dominican University will notify his/her supervisor if he/she is convicted of a criminal drug offense involving the workplace within five days of conviction (this includes student workers). Such conviction will be grounds for mandatory evaluation and possible treatment for a substance abuse disorder, and for disciplinary action up to and including termination. In the event any such conviction involves an employee working on a federal contract or grant, the University will notify the granting or contracting federal agency within 10 days of receiving notice of a conviction.
  5. This statement and its requirements are promulgated in accordance with the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 enacted by the U.S. Congress. The university will continue its effort to maintain a drug-free environment by adhering to the above policy and by providing on-going drug awareness programs.
  6. Failure to comply with the foregoing rules will be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including termination. The terms of this policy statement are conditions of employment at the university.

ALCOHOL POLICY

  • Alcohol is not allowed in public areas of the university. This includes, but is not limited to, classrooms, lounges, parking lots, library, etc.
  • The purchasing or selling of alcohol is never allowed, unless the event has been approved by the Dean of Students
  • No one under the age of 21 is allowed to possess or consume alcohol.
  • Any alcohol that is possessed by a minor, and/or is present during any policy violation, may be confiscated and/or emptied.
  • Excessive drinking and intoxication will not be tolerated. Members of the community who choose to drink will be held fully responsible for their behavior while under the influence of alcohol. Loss of control due to intoxication in no way excuses or justifies violation of state law, university regulations or the rights of others.
  • Any violation of state laws regarding alcohol will be considered grounds for university disciplinary action.

 

Any event sponsored by a university department, organization or group at which alcohol will be served or consumed must be registered with the office of the Dean of Students. A checklist assuring all standards have been adhered to will be filled out by the hosting/sponsoring department or division and approved by the office of the Dean of Students.

The hosting/sponsoring department or division of the event is responsible for all aspects of the event including, but not limited to, the following standards:

  • Registering and purchasing all liquor licenses in compliance with local, state and federal laws.
  • Hiring of sufficient security personnel.
  • Supervision of underage persons to ensure there is not underage consumption of alcohol (i.e., carding). No one under the age of 21 is allowed to serve, possess or consume alcohol.
  • Completing and submitting all facilities reservation and set-up forms.
  • Removal and disposal of all unused alcohol.
  • Any and all costs for insurance or damage to university property.
  • No kegs, beer bongs, party balls or other common containers of alcohol are allowed, unless advance written notice is made by the appropriate university official and approved by the Dean of Students.

 

RESIDENCE HALLS

  • Only those ages 21 or older may possess or consume alcohol, and this is permissible only in the residence halls room of those that are 21 or over. Both residents and visitors in the room where alcohol is being consumed must be 21 or over.
  • Those who are 21 or older are prohibited from giving alcohol to minors.
  • No one under 21 may be present in a residence hall room where alcohol is being consumed, unless it is a host student’s roommate.
  • Anyone of legal drinking age bringing alcohol into the residence hall must cover it.
  • Common-source containers (kegs, etc.) are not allowed, and will be confiscated and not returned.
  • Students may not display empty containers, including but not limited to, shot glasses, wine bottles, etc. Students are not allowed to display alcohol promotions or advertisements.

 

DRUG POLICY

The unlawful use, possession, manufacturing, selling, and/or distribution of illicit drugs are strictly prohibited at Dominican University. Students, who illegally use, sell, create, possess, distribute or provide controlled substances will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the student code of conduct. Any drug or drug paraphernalia will be confiscated from the student and not returned. This includes, but is not limited to, roach clips, scales, bowls, baggies, hookahs, bongs, etc.  When adjudicating any case involving drugs, physical evidence of drug use is not required for a finding of responsibility in a case.  Scent or smell of drug use, or other behaviors and/or observations made by students and/or university officials and personnel, may be used in determining the outcome.