Information Concerning Drug-Free Campus and Alcohol Abuse Prevention for CBU Faculty/Staff
Faculty/Staff Policy Review
The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act requires colleges and universities to annually review the statement of policy with faculty and staff. All employees and students are subject to applicable laws related to this matter and any violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion or termination of employment with the university and referral for prosecution or mandatory satisfactory participation in a drug or alcohol abuse assistance program.
The office of Human Resources is responsible for addressing alcohol and drug issues with university employees. As a condition of employment each faculty and staff member is required to sign a “Drug Free Workplace Agreement” which states that policy was reviewed and explained to him/her and that he/she agrees to abide by the conditions set forth in this policy.
Our goal is to provide a drug-free, healthy and safe workplace. Faculty and staff are required to report to work in appropriate mental and physical condition to perform their jobs in a safe and satisfactory manner.
In accordance with local, state and federal law, Christian Brothers University faculty, staff, and students are prohibited from engaging in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use, or being under the influence of illegal drugs, or alcohol on the university campus or as part of university activities.
The moderate use of alcohol is permitted at university sponsored social events and while conducting business related activities on or off CBU premises.
The legal use of prescribed drugs is permitted on the job only if the use does not impair a faculty or staff member’s ability to perform the essential functions of the job effectively and in a safe manner, and does not endanger other individuals in the workplace.
Health Risks
Health risks associated with the excessive use of alcohol include damage to the liver and heart; impairment of brain activity, digestion, and blood circulation; and impairment of judgment and memory. The abuse of illicit drugs can lead to organic damage, impairment of physiological processes, and impairment of mental functioning. The risk of hepatitis, AIDS, and other infections increases if illicit drugs are injected, Alcohol and other drugs can be fatal in excessive amounts or in certain combinations.
Legal Sanctions
Various federal, state and local statutes make it unlawful to manufacture, distribute, dispense, deliver, sell or possess with intent to manufacture, distribute, dispense, deliver or sell, controlled substances. Possible maximum penalties for a first-time violation include imprisonment for any period of time up to a term of life imprisonment; a fine of up to $4,000,000 if an individual; supervised release; any combination of the above; or all three. These sanctions are doubled when the offense involves either: 1.) distribution or possession at or near a school or college campus or, 2.) distribution to persons under 21 years of age. Repeat offenders may be punished to a greater extent as provided by statute. Further, a civil penalty of up to $10,000 may be assessed for simple possession of “personal use amounts” of certain specified substances under federal law. Under state law, the offense of possession or casual exchange is punishable as a Class A misdemeanor; if there is an exchange between a minor and an adult at least two years the minor’s senior, and the adult knew that the person was a minor, the offense is classified a felony.
It is unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one to buy, possess, transport (unless in the course of his employment), or consume alcoholic beverages, wine, or beer. Such offenses are classified as Class A misdemeanors punishable by imprisonment for not more than 11 months, 20 days, or a fine of not more than $2,500, or both. It is further an offense to provide alcoholic beverages to any person under the age of twenty-one, such offense being classified as a Class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of not more than 30 days or a fine of not more than $50, or both
Available Drug and Alcohol Counseling
In the Memphis area community there are a variety of services available that can provide confidential referral, information, and/or counseling to anyone in need:
Alcoholics Anonymous (901) 454-1414
Narcotics Anonymous (901) 276-5483
Lakeside Behavioral Health Services 1-800-232-5253
Family Services of the Mid-South (901) 324-3637
Church Health Center (901) 272-0003
Suicide and Crisis Intervention (901) 274-7477