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, and 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 the University 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 applicable requirements 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 towards 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 with a counselor. Employees requiring this service may contact the Cigna EAP 24 hours a day, seven days a week Toll-free at (877) 622-4327 and identify themselves as being affiliated with the University of Richmond.
Additional information concerning the EAP may be obtained by request from Human Resources. In addition, employees who seek drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation may schedule an appointment with a professional staff member in Human Resources at (804) 289-8704. These offices can provide referral to the University's EAP or community resources that 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 an around-the-clock basis, including:
- Al-Anon: (804) 353-4885
- Alcoholics Anonymous: (804) 644-2095 or (804) 355-1212
- Narcotics Anonymous: (800) 234-0420 or (804) 289-0870
Grants
Individuals (faculty or staff) employed by the University 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.
Employees with grant status must notify Human Resources, in writing, of their convictions of a violation of a criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace no later than five calendar days after such conviction. Within ten (10) calendar days of receiving such notification, Human Resources will notify the granting agency, in writing, of the conviction, as well as the director of grants and contract services with the U.S. Department of Education.
Following the required notification to Human Resources, 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, the employee must perform satisfactorily in that program in order for employment with the University to continue.
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.
Conclusion
By law, the University workplace is drug-free. No one is allowed to use, make, sell, distribute, possess, 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 regards to prescription drugs. If this law is violated, then the entire institution is put at risk due to the potential 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 employees who are involved with illegal substances, then encourage them to seek help.
University Drug Abuse Alcohol Prevention Program
The University of Richmond is committed to the reduction of alcohol and other drug misuse by students and employees through the Drug Abuse Alcohol Prevention Program (DAAPP). The Standards of Student Conduct and Student Handbook outline the expectations for students pertaining to alcohol and other drugs. All employees must abide by the drug-free workplace and are subject to disciplinary procedures if found in violation. For more information on the University’s DAAPP, click here.