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Drug & Alcohol Policy

Section: Employee Conduct & Responsibilities
Responsible Offices: Office of Human Resources 
Effective Date: 9/3/2015
Revised: 01/16/2024

POLICY

In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and as a demonstration of the University’s longstanding commitment to providing a safe, quality-oriented, and productive work environment, this policy has been established to reduce and prevent drug- and alcohol-related problems within the University community. It is the policy of the University that the unlawful use, possession, sale, distribution, or manufacture of controlled substances and/or alcohol on University property or at University-sponsored programs and activities are prohibited. Drug and alcohol abuse pose a threat to the health and safety of employees and to the security of the University’s equipment and facilities. It is important that all members of the University community comply with applicable laws related to drugs and alcohol and understand the risks and consequences of substance abuse. The University policy complies with state and federal laws regarding controlled substances, drugs, and alcoholic beverages.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

Iona University prohibits the unlawful possession, use, sale, manufacture or distribution of controlled substances, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, cannabis, and alcohol by employees and students on University premises, property, or as part of its activities.

The University expects all employees to report to work fit for duty and free of any adverse effects of controlled substances, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, cannabis, and/or alcohol. 

Iona University will not allow employees to perform their duties while taking prescribed drugs that adversely affect their ability to perform their job duties safely and effectively. Employees must consult with their doctors about the medication’s effect on their fitness for duty and ability to work safely, and they must promptly disclose any work restrictions to their supervisor and contact the Office of Human Resources to request a leave or a medical accommodation if needed. This policy does not prohibit employees from the lawful use and possession of prescribed medications.

Whenever employees are working, operating any University vehicle or equipment, or are conducting University-related work (whether on University premises or offsite), they are prohibited from:

  • Using, possessing, buying, selling, manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing any controlled substances, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, cannabis, and/or alcohol (including possession of drug paraphernalia).
  • Being under the influence of a controlled substance, alcohol, cannabis, or an illegal drug as established by applicable local, state, and federal laws.

Employees may be subject to criminal, civil, and disciplinary penalties if they distribute, sell, attempt to sell, possess, or purchase controlled substances, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, cannabis, and/or alcohol while at the workplace or while performing in a work-related capacity for the University. Such acts may result in disciplinary action. It is also the policy of the University that employees are prohibited from on-the-job use of or impairment from alcohol or controlled substances, including cannabis. Detectable amounts of any illegal drug or illegal controlled substance, while performing University business or while on campus or engaged in work for the University, is prohibited. At the discretion of the University, employees who present as impaired or under the influence or smell of controlled substances, alcohol or cannabis while working, will be sent home and potentially subject to disciplinary action. Any illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia found on an employee during their scheduled work shift will be turned over to an appropriate law enforcement agency and may result in criminal prosecution.

While alcohol is served at certain University functions and off-site events where University business is conducted, and alcohol consumption is permitted on these occasions, employees must do so lawfully, responsibly, and demonstrate good judgment if they are consuming alcohol during these events. Under no circumstance may alcohol be served at a University function to anyone under the age of 21.

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

Any violation of the University’s Drug and Alcohol policy may result in disciplinary actions which include, but are not limited to, warnings, referrals to substance abuse awareness programs, dismissal from employment, and/or referral to the appropriate law enforcement agency for criminal prosecution, as applicable.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE

Iona University will assist and support employees who voluntarily seek help for drug or alcohol problems under this policy or other applicable University policies. The Employee Assistance Program provides professional counseling and referral as well as consultation and information to Iona University employees and their families through their health coverage provided through the University. For issues of drug and alcohol abuse, short-term counseling is available through this program. If necessary, referrals can be made to private counselors or community agencies. All services of the Employee Assistance Program are confidential and can be found here. Iona University is committed to educating its faculty and staff about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse. We believe that the best way to achieve and maintain this objective is through education about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse. To that end, the University provides support through GuidanceResources, which partners with Iona University in delivering our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).