Clark College Drug Free Workplace Policy

Background

Clark College is the recipient of federal grants and contracts.  The Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 requires that the college, as a recipient of a grant or major contract from a federal agency, certify that it will provide a drug free workplace.  The college must publish a policy statement notifying employees of the provisions of the 1988 Act and that action will be taken against an employee who violates such prohibition.  The policy should also include student employees and other students receiving aid under federal campus based programs.  The college is also required to establish a drug free awareness program.  Failure to comply with the provisions of the ACT may result in the suspension, termination, or debarment from the award of any federal contract.

Policy Statement

Clark College intends to provide a drug free work environment.  Each employee is expected to report to work in an appropriate mental and physical condition to perform his/her assigned duties.

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance in or on Clark College owned or controlled property, or while conducting Clark College business is prohibited.  Violation of this policy will be reason for taking personnel actions against such employee and/or requiring the employee’s participation in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.  Any personnel actions will be processed in accordance with the Higher Education Personnel Board rules, bargaining unit agreements, student disciplinary code or other appropriate policies of the college.  Any disciplinary action for employees or students will be decided on a case-by-case basis depending upon the specific circumstances.  Students may lose federal funding or be subject to the student disciplinary process depending upon the circumstances of the conviction.

Clark College recognizes drug use and/or dependency to be a health, safety and security problem.  Employees needing assistance with problems related to drug or alcohol abuse are encouraged to use the State Employee Advisory Service and/or employee medical insurance plans, as appropriate.  Conscientious efforts to seek such help will not jeopardize employment.

Employees must, as a condition of continued employment abide by the terms of this policy, and must report any conviction under a criminal drug statute for violations occurring in or on property owned or controlled by Clark College or while conducting Clark College business.  Employees shall report any such conviction to their supervisor within five (5) days after the conviction.  Supervisors must report the conviction to the appropriate federal grant/contracting agency within ten (10) days after receiving notice wherein a person employed under a federally sponsored grant or contract is found to have any drug statute conviction or violation occurring in the workplace.

Acknowledgment