Drug Free Schools and Communities Act

Pursuant to federal legislation, the University of Richmond is required to communicate information regarding the unlawful manufacture, possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol to its students and Employees.

The unlawful manufacture, dispensing, possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and Employees on the University's property, or as part of its activities, is prohibited.

Legal sanctions under local, state or federal law for the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol are applicable to students and Employees. Individuals who violate the law are subject to the full range of criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment. University disciplinary sanctions, up to and including removal from this community may also be imposed. Should the University have a reasonable suspicion that an Employee is under the influence of illicit drugs or alcohol or if the Employee is involved in an accident causing damage to University property, the Employee may be required to submit to drug/alcohol testing and/or mandatory referral into a substance abuse assistance or rehabilitation program. Refusal by the Employee to comply with this requirement will be grounds for immediate dismissal from University employment.

All new Employees are required to sign a statement of commitment to a drug free workplace. This statement explains the University's attitude and policy toward the use of drugs and alcohol on its premises. In addition, the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol are described in information provided to support staff at the New Employee Orientation program and in annual mailings.

The University of Richmond provides the Healthy Returns Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to assist faculty and staff and their dependent family members in identifying and resolving substance abuse problems. This service is provided free of charge for up to four (4) visits. Employees requiring this service may contact the EAP 24-hours a day, 7-days a week at 1-800-346-5484 and identify themselves as being affiliated with the University of Richmond. Additional information concerning the EAP may be obtained by request from the Department of Human Resource Services. In addition, Employees who seek drug or alcohol counseling, treatment or rehabilitation may schedule an appointment with a professional staff member in the Department of Human Resource Services at (804) 289-8704. These offices can provide referral to the University's EAP or community resources which offer special help in these areas. Persons seeking help with substance abuse problems may be assured confidentiality to the fullest extent possible.

Community agencies are also available free of charge on a 24-hour, round-the-clock basis including:

• Al-Anon: (804) 353-4885
• Alcoholics Anonymous: (804) 644-2095 or (804) 355-1212
• Narcotics Anonymous: 1-800-234-0420 or (804) 289-0870

A. Grants

Individuals (faculty or staff) employed by the University of Richmond under the terms of a grant are required to abide by this policy and will be subject to the same disciplinary and testing procedures as other Employees. In addition, an Employee with grant status must notify the Department of Human Resource Services, in writing, of his/her conviction for a violation of a criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace no later than five (5) calendar days after such conviction. Within ten (10) calendar days of receiving such notification, the Department of Human Resource Services will notify the granting agency, in writing, of the conviction as well as the Director of Grants and Contract Services, U.S. Department of Education. Following the required notification to the Department of Human Resource Services, an Employee with grant status will, within the next thirty (30) calendar days, receive appropriate personnel action up to and including employment termination and/or referral to and participation in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program. Should a referral to a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program be made, satisfactory performance in that program must be made in order for employment to continue.

B. Notification of Convictions

Employees must, as a condition of employment, abide by the terms of this policy and report any convictions under a criminal drug statute for violations occurring on or off the University premises while conducting University business. A report of a conviction must be made within five (5) days after the conviction to the Associate Vice President. Campus police must follow departmental guidelines.

C. Conclusion

By law, this workplace is drug free. No one is allowed to use, make, sell, distribute, have in his/her possession or be under the influence of any controlled substance (including alcohol) while at work. Individual departments, due to the nature of their work may have more stringent policies with regard to prescription drugs. If this law is violated, then the entire institution is put at risk due to the possible loss of funding. The University takes this policy very seriously. Disciplinary action will be taken against any Employee for violation of this policy. Any disciplinary action will depend on the circumstances, but could include termination of employment. If you are involved with illegal substances, then use the help that the University makes available to you. If you know of other Employees who are involved with illegal substances, then encourage them to seek help.