Effective: 03/10/1989
Revised: 02/02/2008

Background

On October 21, 1988, Congress enacted the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. This statute requires that all institutions receiving grants from any federal agency certify to that agency that they will maintain a drug-free workplace. The OSU Drug-Free Workplace Policy was developed to accomplish this purpose.

Policy

Oregon State University is committed to maintain a workplace free from the unlawful manufacture, use, dispensing, possession, or distribution of controlled substances (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act [21 U.S.C. 802]). Unlawful manufacture, use, dispensing, possession, or distribution of controlled substances by university employees in the workplace is prohibited under university policy. All employees of the University will receive a copy of, and must abide by this policy.

Abuse of controlled substances in the workplace is dangerous and must be avoided. Any employee convicted of violating a criminal drug statute in the workplace must notify his or her supervisor and the Director of Human Resources no later than five days after such conviction.

If the employee is involved in work supported by a federal agency, the University will notify the federal agency within ten days after receiving notice of the criminal drug statute conviction. Within 30 days of receiving notification that an employee has been convicted of violating a criminal drug statute in the workplace, the University will take appropriate personnel action against such an employee, or will require the employee to participate satisfactorily in a controlled substance assistance or rehabilitation program.

Employees found to be in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary sanctions consistent with applicable provisions of state laws and regulations, collective bargaining agreements, University and Oregon State Board of Higher Education administrative rules, as well as penalties under federal and state law.

The University supports programs for the prevention of controlled substance abuse by university employees as well as assistance programs for those with problems related to controlled substance abuse. Employees found to be in violation of this policy may be required to provide evidence of satisfactory participation in a substance abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.

Employees are encouraged to seek assistance for controlled substance dependency problems through the University Employee Assistance Program. Evaluation, counseling and referral services are available to employees through this program, and assistance is provided on a confidential basis. The health benefits packages available to all university employees provide at least partial reimbursement for treatment and rehabilitation associated with substance abuse problems.

Information about the Employee Assistance Program can be obtained at the Department of Human Resources (122 Administrative Services, 541-737-3103).