Drugs and Alcohol Policy

The following policy on drugs and alcohol is designed to address the University’s concerns for the health and safety of its community, to prevent alcohol and substance abuse, and to ensure Lesley’s compliance with applicable laws, including the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act.

• Standards of Conduct

  Lesley University prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of drugs or alcohol in the workplace, including misuse of prescribed medications.  This prohibition is in effect on Lesley’s property, at University events, in University vehicles, and while conducting University business at any location on or off campus.  

  Lesley University also prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of drugs and alcohol by students and employees anywhere on campus, in University vehicles, and as part of University activities.   

  The use of alcohol is prohibited at any time in the workplace, with the exception of approved department or University social functions, and then only by those 21 years of age and older. 

  Despite changes to Massachusetts law, the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of marijuana – including medical marijuana – remain prohibited under federal law and, thus, are prohibited everywhere on campus, including in student residential facilities (dorms), parking lots, University vehicles, University buildings, and any other property owned, operated, or leased by the University. 

  Violation of any law governing the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of alcohol or other, controlled substances, including marijuana, will not be tolerated by Lesley University. The University will cooperate with law enforcement authorities with regard to the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of alcohol or other controlled substances anywhere on Lesley University property or at University functions.

• Reasonable Suspicion of Impairment

  Employees are expected to come to work free of impairment resulting from use of alcohol, controlled substances, and illicit drugs whether at night, at lunch, or at any other time. 

  Depending upon the severity of the condition, if there is reasonable suspicion that an employee is impaired by alcohol or other drugs while at work or at a University function, the employee will be required to leave the campus or University function immediately and will be referred to the University's Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  Behavior that may lead to a reasonable suspicion that an employee is impaired by alcohol or drugs includes but is not limited to the observation of slurred speech, sleeping on the job, poor balance, loss of concentration, or similar behaviors.  It should be noted that these behaviors could also indicate illness, or reactions to medications.  Therefore, a supervisor should seek help from Human Resources before taking any action, except in emergencies or where the impairment is obvious (such as slurred speech and a strong smell of alcohol).

  A scent of marijuana strong enough to suggest that someone has been smoking or using marijuana anywhere on campus, including in any University room, building, vehicle, or any outdoor location, constitutes a violation of this policy.

• Disciplinary Actions

  Employees who violate this policy will be subject to discipline and other corrective actions, including but not limited to satisfactory participation in, or completion of, a treatment or education program, suspension, termination of employment, or referral for criminal prosecution.

• Notice of Conviction

  Any employee who is convicted of any criminal drug law for a violation occurring in the workplace is required by federal law to notify the University in writing within five (5) days after the conviction. The federal Drug-Free Workplace Act makes strict compliance with this policy a condition of employment for all federal grants or contracts. Within ten (10) days of learning of a drug conviction, the University must notify the relevant funding agency of the conviction.

• Legal Sanctions

  The University expects its employees to comply with local, state, and federal laws relating to the possession, use, or distribution of drugs and alcohol when they are on University property or taking part in University activities.  It is impractical to list all the drug and alcohol related crimes and penalties under local, state, or federal law here, but employees should be aware that conviction under the applicable laws can lead to imprisonment, fines, and assigned community service, as well as the loss of professional licenses. 

• Health Risks

  Alcohol and substance abuse may be harmful to your health.  The effects of drug abuse include but are not limited to anxiety, depression, insomnia, hallucinations, hyperactivity, loss of appetite, convulsions, coma, and possible death.  Alcohol consumption can also result in changes in behavior, including impaired judgment and coordination, aggressiveness, depression, and memory loss.  Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence and damage to vital organs.

• Drugs and Alcohol Education and Treatment

  Lesley University supports the efforts of its employees to seek help and advice regarding drugs and alcohol.   The University has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  If employees are concerned about their own alcohol or substance abuse, or that of another employee or member of their family, they are encouraged to review the University’s EAP webpage and contact the EAP directly, or through their supervisor or Human Resources.