Substance Abuse/Drug Free Workplace Policy

Kenyon College has a vital interest in maintaining safe, healthful, and efficient working conditions for its employees. The College is committed to a drug-free school and work environment for its students and employees and furthermore supports the applicable laws governing the use of alcohol and illicit drugs.

Kenyon also recognizes that its own health and future are dependent upon the physical and psychological health of its employees. Accordingly, Kenyon has established the following guidelines with regard to use, possession or sale of alcohol or drugs:

*The manufacture, possession, use, distribution, sale, purchase, or transfer of, or being under the influence of, alcohol or illegal drugs is strictly prohibited while on Kenyon premises or while performing College business. The use of alcohol when authorized by the College for approved College functions is not prohibited. For purposes of this policy the term "drug" shall include any illicit drug, controlled substance, intoxicating substance, inhalant, counterfeit substance, look-a-like substance, marijuana, cannabis, opiate, hallucinogen, narcotic, or other unlawful drug for purposes of federal or state law including, but not necessarily limited to the Drug Free Workplace Act and the Drug Free Schools and Community Act.

*Employees will not be permitted to work while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Individuals who appear to be unfit for duty may be subject to a medical evaluation which may include drug or alcohol screening. Refusal to comply with a fitness-for-duty evaluation may result in disciplinary action up to and including discharge. An employee shall notify the Director of Human Resources of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the work place no later than five (5) days after such conviction.

*Off-the-job illegal drug use which could adversely affect an employee's job performance or which could jeopardize the safety of other employees, the public or College facilities, or where such usage could jeopardize the security of College finances or business records, or where such usage adversely affects students, customers, or the public's trust in the ability of the College to carry out its responsibilities, will not be tolerated. Employees who are involved in or suspected of involvement in off-the-job drug activity will be considered in violation of this policy.

*Employees undergoing prescribed medical treatment with a controlled substance that may affect the safe performance of their duties are required to report this treatment to their supervisor through their personal physician.

Kenyon College recognizes that alcoholism/drug abuse is a form of illness that is treatable in nature. The College shall not discriminate against employees based on the nature of their illness. No employees shall have their job security threatened by their seeking of assistance for a substance abuse problem. The same consideration for referral and treatment that is afforded to other employees having non-drug/alcohol related illnesses shall extend to them.

*Every effort shall be made to provide an early identification of a substance abuser, to work with and assist the employee in seeking and obtaining treatment without undue delay.

*Early identification of the substance abuser shall be based upon job performance and related criteria, as well as resulting impairment on the job from the job activities. The supervisor of the employee shall bring such information to the attention of the designated representative for further evaluation. An employee who voluntarily seeks treatment for a substance abuse problem which requires a leave of absence for treatment shall be granted such leave of absence and further shall be eligible for benefits under the specifications of the existing paid and unpaid leave and insurance policies.

Nothing in this policy is construed to prohibit the College from its responsibility to maintain a safe and secure work environment for its employees or from invoking such disciplinary actions as may be deemed appropriate for actions of misconduct by virtue of their having arisen out of the use or abuse of alcohol or drugs or both. Depending on the nature and seriousness of the infraction, an employee may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal and may be further required to participate in and/or successfully complete a drug or alcohol evaluation, assistance, or rehabilitation program in conjunction with such discipline or otherwise. Depending on the nature of the violation, the authorities may be contacted for criminal prosecution.

Through this program of providing the above information to each employee, the College is making a good faith effort to implement an alcohol-drug program as required by the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act amendments of 1989 and the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988.