Drug-Free Schools and Workplace

Statement of Policy

In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, Excelsior College has a longstanding commitment to providing a safe, quality-oriented, and productive work environment. Alcohol and drug abuse pose a threat to the health and safety of Excelsior staff, our students and to the security of our facilities. For these reasons, Excelsior College is committed to the elimination of drug and/or alcohol abuse in the workplace and College community. Excelsior College is committed to maintaining an alcohol and drug free workplace and College community.

The College is also committed to rigorous enforcement of applicable laws and policies and to support those trying to cope with alcohol or drug related problems.

Illegal drug use and alcohol abuse can seriously injure the health of employees, adversely impact the performance of their responsibilities, and endanger the safety and well-being of fellow employees. In addition, illegal drug use and alcohol abuse by our students can lower academic achievement, diminishing student success at Excelsior College.

Individuals who wish to obtain information on drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs may contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Clearinghouse for Alcohol & Drug Information (Web site, toll free: 800-729-6686, and TDD toll free: 800-487-4889) or the Excelsior College Office of Human Resources at 888-647-2388.

Information and referrals to treatment centers in your local community may be obtained by calling the National Institute on Drug Abuse Hotline at 800-662-4357.

For its employees, Excelsior College has retained the services of Human Resources Associates, an employee assistance provider, that provides awareness, counseling, and rehabilitation referrals related to the abuse of alcohol and drugs. For more information please call Human Resources Associates and speak with any of the professional staff at 518-434-1799.

Excelsior College will assist and support employees and students who voluntarily seek help for such problems before becoming subject to discipline and/or termination under this or other Excelsior College policies. Such individuals will be allowed to use accrued Paid Time Off, placed on leave of absence, referred to treatment providers, and otherwise accommodated as required by law. Such individuals are required to document that they are successfully following prescribed treatment.

Procedure

Requirement

Whenever Excelsior College employees are present on Excelsior College premises (whether or not Excelsior College students are on the premises) or conducting Excelsior College business, they are prohibited from:

  • Using, possessing, buying, selling, manufacturing, or dispensing an illegal drug (including possession of drug paraphernalia)
  • Being under the influence of alcohol or an illegal drug, as defined by law
  • Abusing illegal, prescribed, or over-the-counter drugs

Excelsior College reserves the right to inspect all portions of its premises for drugs, alcohol, or other contraband. All employees, visitors and students may be asked to cooperate in inspections of their persons, work areas, and property that might conceal a drug, alcohol, or other contraband.

Employees who possess such materials and/or refuse to cooperate in such inspections are subject to appropriate discipline, up to and including discharge.

Law enforcement personnel shall be notified, as appropriate, when criminal activity is suspected.
 

Notification Requirements for Students

As an institution receiving Federal grant funds, Excelsior College is required to observe certain requirements related to criminal drug convictions:

  • As a condition of enrollment in Excelsior College a student must notify either the Director of Financial Aid or the Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management (phone: 518-464-8500, press zero for the receptionist) if the student is convicted of a criminal drug offense within five calendar days of such a conviction.
  • In the event of any such conviction, Excelsior College will notify the appropriate federal agency (i.e. Department of Education for Title IV) within ten days of receiving notice of a conviction.
  • Within 30 calendar days of receiving such notice, Excelsior College may:
    • Take action against such student, as appropriate, up to and including administrative withdrawal from the College, consistent with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

    or

    • Require such student to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a Federal, State, or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency.

    In addition to the foregoing, students convicted of a drug-related offense may lose Federal financial aid under Title IV and/or other financial aid.
     

Notification Requirements for Employees

As an institution receiving Federal grant funds, Excelsior College is required to observe certain requirements related to criminal drug convictions:

  • As a condition of employment, an employee of Excelsior College must notify the Excelsior College Office of Human Resources (phone: 518-464-8545) if they are convicted of a criminal drug offense within five calendar days of such conviction.
  • In the event of any such conviction, Excelsior College will notify the appropriate federal agency (i.e. Department of Education for Title IV) within ten days of receiving notice of a conviction.
  • Within 30 calendar days of receiving notice with respect to any employee who is convicted, Excelsior College may:
    • Take personnel action against such an employee, as appropriate, up to and including termination, consistent with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; or require such employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a Federal, State, or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency.
    • Require such employee to make a good faith effort to maintain a drug-free workplace.

This policy and its requirement are promulgated in accordance with the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (34 CFR 668.14(c)) and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (P.L. 101-226; 34 CFR 86) both of which were enacted by Congress. Excelsior College will continue its efforts to maintain an alcohol- and drug-free environment by adhering to the above policy.