7          APPENDIX

7.1       DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE

7.1.1    INTRODUCTION

In order to comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and
Communities Act of 1989, this written program has been established for Roanoke College.  All
divisions and sections of the College are included within this program.   Copies of this written program will be available in the following locations:
           
Financial Aid Office
Human Resources Office
Lewis-Gale Medical Center’s Advantage EAP

Roanoke College in conjunction with the Lewis-Gale Medical Center’s Advantage Employee Assistance Program strives to make our employees aware of issues regarding the dangers of substance abuse and the policy of the College regarding a drug-free workplace.
                       
7.1.2    ALCOHOL AND ILLICIT DRUG HEALTH RISKS

Substance abuse/dependence is often manifested by a loss of individual control regarding usage of drugs or alcohol.  This may ultimately result in harm to the individual or others and/or potential disruption of the mission of the College.                      
                       
Alcohol and illicit drugs are toxic substances that affect the mind, body and spirit.  Excessive drinking can cause health risks which include damage to your body organs (liver, heart and digestive tracts), impaired physiological responses (decreased brain activity, digestion and blood circulation), and mental and emotional disorders (loss of memory, impaired judgment and personality changes).  Alcohol related problems include deaths from drunk driving, use of violence, and poor judgment in personal relationship situations.

Drug abuse is dangerous and can lead to death.  An overdose can cause psychosis, convulsions, coma and death.  Continuous use of drugs can lead to organic damage, mental illness and malnutrition.  It increases the risk of AIDS, hepatitis and other diseases related to injectable drugs.  Drug abuse can cause accidents resulting from foolish risks, "panic attacks" and acting irrationally.

7.1.3    POLICY STATEMENT ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Roanoke College considers its employees and its students to be its most valuable assets.  We realize that our employees are not immune to the problems associated with drug and alcohol abuse in our society.  To help contend with such problems, and to prevent drug or alcohol use that adversely affects job performance and safety, the College has developed a substance abuse policy.

1.         Comprehensive health care benefits are available through our health insurance policy for treatment of alcohol and drug problems.

2.         The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by the College offers free, confidential short-term counseling and referrals for substance abuse problems, both for the abuser and for family members dealing with an abuse problem of a loved one.  Employees are encouraged to seek help voluntarily through the EAP.

3.         When an employee's job performance or behavior reasonably suggests a substance abuse problem, the employee may be directed to seek help either through the EAP or through a personal physician.

4.         Any employee who seeks rehabilitation through an inpatient program will receive the support of the College, including an unpaid leave of absence in accordance with the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993.  Although an employee’s rehabilitation efforts will be supported, participation in any program will not serve as protection against the normal disciplinary process associated with job performance and behavior.

5.         Employees under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while on the job may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

6.         Employees using prescription medication capable of impairing job performance must advise their supervisor immediately of such use.  The substance involved and the duties of the employee will be reviewed.  The College reserves the right to impose sick leave (or leave without pay if the employee has no sick leave accrued) in the event it determines the medication and the job responsibilities to be incompatible.

7.         The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance while on College premises or during the conduct of College business is prohibited and may result in immediate dismissal.  Law enforcement authorities will be notified of the facts and circumstances concerning any illegal activity.

8.         It is the policy of the College to maintain a drug-free workplace.  As a condition of employment, employees must abide by the College policy on substance abuse and must report any conviction under a criminal drug statute for conduct in the workplace within five days after conviction.
7.1.4    AWARENESS/ASSISTANCE

Roanoke College maintains a contractual relationship with the Lewis-Gale Medical Center’s Advantage Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  Therefore, regular employees have access to a free and confidential professional service to assist them with problems of drug and alcohol abuse.  Information is available to all employees in the Human Resources Office or by calling the Lewis-Gale Medical Center’s Advantage Employee Assistance Program directly at (540) 989-6605 (2107 Electric Road, SW, Roanoke, VA, 24018) (Oak Grove Office Park).

Employees are advised of the College's policy on substance abuse and the availability of the Lewis-Gale Medical Center’s Employee Assistance Program at new employee orientation and in writing in faculty and staff handbooks.

7.1.5    PENALTIES

Employees under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while on the job may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance while on College premises or during the conduct of College business is prohibited and will result in immediate dismissal.  Law enforcement authorities will be notified of the facts and circumstances concerning any illegal activity.

Roanoke College will take appropriate personnel action within thirty days of notification of any criminal drug statute conviction occurring in the workplace.

Local and National trends in Drug Enforcement have resulted in an increased enforcement effort at the user level.  It is important that the Roanoke College community be aware of the legal implications and penalties associated with substance abuse:

In addition to action(s) taken by Roanoke College, members of the College community are subject to state and local alcohol and drug related penalties that include:

Alcohol – Drinking in Public                A fine not to exceed $250, court costs and attorney’s fees.

Alcohol – Purchasing for Minors        Confinement in jail for up to 12 months, a fine not to exceed $2,500, court costs and attorney’s fees.

Alcohol – Underage Possession         A fine not to exceed $2,500.   Confinement in
                                                            jail for up to 12 months; loss of driver’s permit for up to one year; court costs and attorney’s fees.

Alcohol – Driving While                       A fine not to exceed $2,500.  Confinement for up
                Intoxicated                          to 12 months in jail for first and second offenses.  Confinement in prison for up to 5 years for subsequent offenses.  For first offense, mandatory jail time (Court cannot suspend sentence) as follows: 
Blood Alcohol Content of .15 to .20 – 5 days
Blood Alcohol Content of more than .20 – 10 days.  For second offense, mandatory jail time as follows:  Blood Alcohol Content of .15 to .20 – 10 days.  Blood Alcohol Content of more than .20 – 20 days.  Loss of driver’s permit for up to 12 months (for the first offense).  Court costs and attorney’s fees.

Drugs – Marijuana – Possession        Possession of one-half ounce or less of marijuana may result in confinement up to 12 months, a fine of $2,500, court costs and attorney’s fees.

                                                            Possession of more than one-half ounce may result in confinement up to 1-10 years, a fine not to exceed $2,500, court costs and attorney’s fees.

Drugs – Schedule I and II –                Imprisonment not less than one year or more
Possession (Cocaine, LSD,                than ten years, fine not to exceed $2,500, court
Hallucinogenic Mushrooms, etc.)       costs and attorney’s fees. 

Drugs – Distribution within                  Imprisonment not less than one year or more
              1,000 yards of school           than five years, up to $100,000 fine,
              property (includes                 court costs and attorney’s fees.
              college campus)                                          

Drugs – Possession of                        Confinement up to 12 months, up to $2,500 fine,
Paraphernalia                                      plus court costs and attorney’s fees.

Drugs – Transporting into Virginia      Imprisonment not less than 5 years, but not  
              Transporting of Schedule     more than 40 years, and a fine of not more
              I & II Drugs (Cocaine,           than $500,000.
  LSD, Hallucinogenic Mush-
  rooms, five or more pounds
  of Marijuana, etc.) into Virginia
  with intent to distribute.

Conviction of any Drug Offense could, in addition to above penalties, include a six-month driver’s license suspension.

7.1.6    OTHER ACTION

The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (Title V of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988) requires Roanoke College to provide notice to any federal agency granting funds to the College of an employee's criminal drug statute conviction for conduct in the workplace.  The College must fulfill this requirement within ten days after receiving notice from an employee or otherwise of such conviction.

The Director of Human Resources will be responsible for processing all required certifications, notices, etc. on behalf of Roanoke College.