Policy 805 - Statement on a Drug-Free Workplace

Section: Work Environment
Policy Number: 805
Responsible Office: HR/HR Services
Effective Date: 9/1/98
Revised: 1/5/11; 9/12/18

Scope

This policy applies to all employees of the University. The University’s Drug-Free Campus Guidelines, distributed annually and located on the St. John’s website, provides additional information for employees and students.

Policy

This statement and its requirements are promulgated in accordance with the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 enacted by the United States Congress. The University will continue its efforts to maintain a drug-free environment by adhering to the policy and by providing on-going drug awareness programs.

1. St. John's University is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in compliance with applicable laws. The unlawful possession, use, distribution, dispensing, sale or manufacture of controlled substances is prohibited on University premises. Violation of this policy may result in termination of employment or the imposition of other employment discipline as defined by existing University Statutes, policies, employment contracts and/or labor agreements. All employees of the University must abide by this policy. At the discretion of the University, and after following appropriate procedures, any employee convicted of a drug offense involving the workplace shall be subject to employee discipline and/or required to satisfactorily complete a drug rehabilitation program as a condition of continued employment.

2. The illegal use of controlled substances can seriously injure the health of employees; adversely impair the performance of their responsibilities; and endanger the safety and well-being of fellow employees, students and members of the general public. Therefore, the University urges employees engaged in the illegal use of controlled substances to seek professional advice and treatment. Anyone who is employed at St. John's University is invited to participate in the University's substance abuse prevention program that includes educational material, wellness initiatives, written policies and resources. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP), a free and confidential employee benefit, offers a wide range of support services from assessment, referral and follow up, to articles, resource listings, and an online substance abuse treatment facility locator for employees and family members who may be experiencing problems with alcohol and other drugs. Employees engaged in contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense are additionally subject to D.O.D. requirements and may be required to submit to tests for the illegal use of controlled substances.

3. In order to comply with federal law, St. John's University requires that employees notify the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office in the Office of Human Resources of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than 5 days after such conviction. The University must notify any federal contracting agency within 10 days of having received notice that an employee engaged in the performance of such contract has had any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace. After following appropriate procedures, the University will impose a sanction on or require the satisfactory participation in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program by any employee who is so convicted.

St. John's University, New York
Human Resources Policy Manual