Policy 806 - Drug and Alcohol Policy

Section: Work Environment
Policy Number: 806
Responsible Office: HR Services
Effective Date: 9/1/98
Revised: 1/10/07; 7/1/07; 1/5/11; 10/25/16; 8/1/17; 11/10/20; 5/25/22; 9/16/25

Scope

This policy applies to all faculty, staff and administrators. 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

St. John's University is committed to an educational community that is free of illegal drug use and alcohol misuse. Therefore, the University strictly prohibits the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol on its property or as part of its activities. Any employee found to possess, use or distribute alcohol or controlled substances on University property or at a University activity, in violation of law or University policy, is subject to University disciplinary action as well as possible referral for criminal prosecution. Such violations of the standards of conduct will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, with the imposition of discipline being appropriate to the severity of the violation. Disciplinary action ranges from, but is not limited to, professional counseling to termination of employment, and referral for prosecution.

Drug use is a major health problem in the United States. As an institution rooted in the Vincentian tradition of serving the community, the University is committed to helping any individual member of the University community overcome the psychological and physical problems that may be attributable to drug and alcohol abuse. The St. John’s University Office of Wellness Education and Prevention publishes and distributes annually the Drug-free Campus Guidelines. These guidelines contain important information concerning drugs and alcohol that the University is legally obligated to communicate to its employees and students. The Guidelines include detailed information on legal sanctions, federal trafficking penalties, health risks and the effects of using illicit drugs. They also contain hotline numbers and contact information for available New York City programs for detoxification, outpatient rehabilitation, inpatient rehabilitation and re-entry programs. Employees and students receive this information each year. It is also available on the University’s website.

Drug and Alcohol Support Services

The University’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offered through an external professional service, provides employees and their family members with free and confidential assessment, referral, and follow-up services if they are experiencing problems with alcohol and substance abuse or need other assistance concerning personal or work-related issues, family and care giving concerns, emotional wellbeing, health and wellness, and daily living challenges. Employees can request assistance and initiate these services 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling the helpline at (800) 833-8707. The EAP program provides employees a wide range of support to help handle life’s challenges successfully – from routine concerns to major crises. On-campus workshops are offered on a wide range of topics, in addition to online webinars and on-demand seminars. Employees and family members have continuous online access to the member website at www.myccaonline.com (login with company code: STJOHNS). Additionally, professional consultants are available to employees 24 hours a day, 365 days a year via immediate phone access. In person sessions with a counselor can be arranged by appointment at convenient locations locally and nationwide. For more information, visit EAP on the HR website or refer to policy #610 in the HR Policy Manual.

University Support Services

Additional information pertaining to alcohol and drug counseling and treatment may be obtained by contacting any of the University support services indicated above. Employees can also access the online substance abuse treatment facility locator and other resources provided by the EAP on the website (login with company code: STJOHNS). Click on the "Mental Health" tab and then on "Addiction and Recovery" in the drop-down menu.

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