Human Resources

Appendix K - Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy

This policy is issued in compliance with the resolution concerning drug and alcohol abuse by faculty, staff, and students adopted by the Illinois Board of Higher Education on May 5, 1987, the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (PL 100-690), and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (PL 101-226). The purpose of the policy is to inform faculty, administrative staff, Civil Service employees, and students about sources of information regarding the adverse effects of drug and alcohol abuse, to advise them of the counseling and rehabilitation services that are available, and to notify them of the disciplinary actions that may be taken by the University. Copies of this policy and related University guidelines are in the Faculty Handbook and Civil Service Handbook.

Work Environment

In compliance with the requirements of the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, it is the policy of Western Illinois University that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance (as defined in schedules I through V of section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. 812) by employees in the workplace is prohibited. Violations of this prohibition by employees may result in the application of sanctions, including possible required participation in an approved drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program, referral for prosecution, and up to and including termination of employment under applicable Board of Trustees Regulations, university policies, statutes, employment contracts, or collective bargaining agreements.

The illegal use of controlled substances can seriously injure the health of employees, adversely impair the performance of their duties, and endanger the safety and well-being of fellow employees, students, and others. Any employee who appears to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol while on the job may be temporarily relieved of work responsibilities. When the employee returns for work, the supervisor will review and discuss with the employee the circumstances which caused the supervisor to direct that the employee be temporarily relieved of his/her work responsibilities. Possible outcomes of this discussion and review may include a recommendation that the employee seek counseling and/or the initiation of disciplinary action in accordance with applicable University policies and procedures.

Employees directly engaged in work under a federal grant or contract are required, as a condition of employment under the grant or contract, to:

  1. Abide by the terms of this policy, and
  2. Notify their supervisors of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than 5 calendar days after such conviction. Such convictions may result in the application of sanctions, as described above. The University will notify the granting or contracting federal agency within 10 calendar days of receiving notice of criminal drug statute conviction of any employee working on a federal grant or contract when said conviction involves a drug offense occurring in the workplace. A copy of this statement will be given to all employees assigned to work under a federal grant or contract.

Use and Possession of Alcoholic Beverages

Students and their guests who are of legal age, as defined by Illinois statute, may possess or consume alcoholic beverages on University property only in certain designated locations which have been specified in accordance with the University's Residence Hall Handbook and Student Code of Conduct. Except for those University Union staff who have been properly licensed and authorized to sell and serve alcoholic beverages as specified by University policy, University faculty, administrative staff, Civil Service employees, students, and/or their guests may not effect the commercial delivery of alcoholic beverages for sale on University property.

Alcoholic beverages may be sold, served, and consumed at activities sponsored by off campus groups in accordance with "Policies Governing the Sale and Provision of Alcoholic Beverages on Western Illinois University Property" which appears in this manual.

The possession of alcoholic beverages in open containers by any person is prohibited on University owned or controlled property, except as specified by University policy. The unlawful possession, use or distribution of alcoholic beverages by students and employees on institutional property or at any of its activities is prohibited.

Prohibited Drugs

Faculty, administrative staff, Civil Service employees, and/or students shall not manufacture, possess, use, deliver, sell, or distribute any substance prohibited by the Illinois Cannabis Control Act or the Illinois Controlled Substance Act, any other State statute, or any Federal statute, except as authorized by law, the Board of Trustees Regulations, and the policies of Western Illinois University.

The unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs by students and employees on institutional property or at any of its activities is prohibited.

Counseling and Support Services

Consistent with its mission as a public institution of higher education, Western Illinois University is committed to providing education about the effects of drugs and alcohol and assistance for victims of drug and alcohol abuse. In each of the residence halls, the University offers educational programs on substance abuse and provides referral services for students with drug and alcohol abuse problems. The University Counseling Center and Beu Health Center offer counseling to students with drug and alcohol abuse problems and to students with alcoholic parents. Health Sciences, Counseling Center, and Beu Health Center staff members also offer educational information and programs in classroom settings, for student living units, and for other student organizations.

The University encourages employees who know or believe they have a problem with the abuse of alcoholic beverages or the illegal use of controlled substances to seek professional advice and assistance. One source of assistance is the University's Employee Assistance Program (EAP). If job performance is adversely affected by abuse of controlled substances, an employee may be referred to the EAP. Participation in the EAP is confidential and is encouraged by the University; however, it will not preclude normal disciplinary action or relieve an employee of responsibility for performing assigned duties in a safe and efficient manner.

Disciplinary Actions

Students who violate University policies concerning drugs and alcohol may be referred to the University Judicial System for disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. In addition, student employees who violate University policies concerning drugs and alcohol may be subject to termination of employment.

Faculty, administrative staff, and Civil Service employees who violate University policies concerning drugs and alcohol may be subject to disciplinary action including termination of employment.

Faculty, administrative staff, Civil Service employees, and students are advised that violators of State or Federal law are also subject to criminal prosecution by State and/or Federal authorities.

July 1990
Ralph H. Wagoner, President

Civil Service Handbook

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