III. Institutional/School Sanctions
IV. Health Risks Associated With the
Use of Illicit Drugs and the
Abuse of Alcohol
V. Available Drug and Alcohol Counseling,
Treatment, Rehabilitation
Programs, and Employee
Assistance Programs
This policy is distributed to all East Tennessee State University (ETSU)
employees, including faculty and students, in compliance with the provisions
of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C. '701, et. seq.) and the
Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (20 U.S.C. '3171,
et. seq.). Moreover, this policy supersedes the Drug-Free Workplace policy
promulgated March 13, 1989.
I. Policy
It is the policy of this university that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, use of alcohol and illicit drugs on the ETSU campus in the workplace (on or off campus), on property owned or controlled by ETSU, or as part of any activity of ETSU is strictly prohibited. All employees and students are subject to applicable federal, state and local laws related to this matter. Additionally, any violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action.
II. 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. The penalty imposed depends upon many factors which include the type and amount of controlled substance involved, the number of prior offenses, if any, whether death or serious bodily injury resulted from the use of such substance, and whether any other crimes were committed in connection with the use of the controlled substance. 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 as provided in T.C.A. Section 39-17-417. (21 U.S.C. Section 801, et. seq.; T.C.A. Section 39-17-417)It is unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one (21) 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, 29 days, or a fine of not more than $2,500, or both. (T.C.A. Sections 1-3-113, 57-5-301) It is further an offense to provide alcoholic beverages to any person under the age of twenty-one (21), such offense being classified as a Class A misdemeanor (T.C.A. Section 39-15-404). The offense of public intoxication is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of not more than 30 days or a fine of not more than $50, or both. (T.C.A. Section 39-17-310).
III. Institutional/School Sanctions
East Tennessee State University will impose the appropriate sanction(s) on any employee or student who fails to comply with the terms of this policy.
- Employees
As a condition of employment, each employee, including student employees, must abide by the terms of this policy, and must notify the Office of Human Resources of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace (on or off campus) no later than five days after such conviction. A conviction includes a finding of guilt, a plea of nolo contendere, or imposition of a sentence by any state or federal judicial body. Possible disciplinary sanctions for failure to comply with this policy, including failure to notify of conviction, may include one or more of the following depending on the severity of the offense:
Moreover, the following certification and notification requirements apply (responsibility of Research and Sponsored Programs in coordination with Human Resources):
- termination;
- suspension;
- mandatory participation in, and satisfactory completion of drug/alcohol abuse program, or rehabilitation program;
- recommendation for professional counseling;
- referral for prosecution;
- letter of warning;
- probation.
Possible disciplinary sanctions for failure to comply with the terms of this policy may include one or more of the following depending on the severity of the offense:
IV. Health Risks Associated With the
Use of Illicit Drugs and the
Abuse of Alcohol
There are many health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol including organic damage; impairment of brain activity, digestion, and blood circulation; impairment of physiological processes and mental functioning; and, physical and psychological dependence. Such use during pregnancy may cause spontaneous abortion, various birth defects or fetal alcohol syndrome. Additionally, the illicit use of drugs increases the risk of contracting hepatitis, AIDS and other infections. If used excessively, the use of alcohol or drugs singularly or in certain combinations may cause death.
V. Available Drug and Alcohol Counseling,
Treatment, Rehabilitation
Programs, and Employee
Assistance Programs
The university and local community provide a variety of educational programs and services to respond to the problems associated with alcohol and drug abuse. The Campus Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Program at East Tennessee State University is designed to serve university students by providing information related to alcohol awareness and chemical dependency. The Division of Student Affairs offers several educational programs which seek to involve university student organizations.Below is a list of campus and community agencies which also provide referral, information, and/or counseling to students and/or employees:
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