E. Drug and Alcohol Prohibition

A separate, annual mailing distributes Colgate’s complete policy on drug and alcohol prohibition to all employees. The policy applies to all employees, including full- and part-time, temporary or regular members faculty and staff and to student employees and interns. Students are also informed about Colgate’s alcohol policy through the Student Handbook distributed by the Dean of the College. Agreeing to comply with the policy is a condition of employment.

Colgate University is committed to creating and maintaining a drug-free workplace and does not permit or condone the unlawful possession, use, consumption, sale, or distribution of illegal drugs and/or alcohol by employees on its property or as part of any of its activities. The University expects that all members of the Colgate community who serve or consume alcoholic beverages will do so in a responsible, lawful, and non-abusive manner. The University also expects all members of the Colgate community to comply with the laws of New York State as well as local statutes and ordinances pertaining to alcohol.

Employees are prohibited from working, or operating any Colgate vehicle or equipment, while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances. In addition, no passenger in a Colgate vehicle may consume alcoholic beverages or use controlled substances while in the vehicle. Employees using medication are also prohibited from operating Colgate vehicles or equipment at any time when their ability to do so might be impaired by the medication.

Further, the use, consumption, sale or distribution of alcohol during working hours is prohibited except on occasions when the consumption of alcoholic beverages in a social setting is authorized by the University. Employees who violate this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, consistent with local, state, and federal law, which may include counseling, mandatory participation in an appropriate rehabilitation program, unpaid suspension from employment, loss of the privilege of operating a Colgate vehicle, and/or termination of employment and referral for prosecution. In addition, there are additional requirements for employees who are directly engaged in the performance of work pursuant to the provisions of a federal grant or contract.

The purpose of this policy is to produce a workplace and campus environment that discourages the unauthorized or illegal use of drugs and/or alcohol by employees and to support the requirements of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.