1.Purpose

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (the “University”) is committed to sustaining a safe and healthy environment that enables members of our community to acquire knowledge, develop intellectual skills, and become more thoughtful and responsible members of a global society. The illegal use or abuse of alcohol and drugs in the workplace and academic environment disrupts the University’s mission. This policy is intended to ensure the illegal use or abuse of alcohol and other drugs does not interfere with this core mission and that the University complies with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug-Free Workplace Act. The University will attempt to minimize such conduct through educational and counseling activities as well as disciplinary action. 

2.Scope

This policy applies to all employees (including faculty, EHRA non-faculty, and SHRA staff), students, and guests who are present on University Premises.  

3.Definitions and Roles and Responsibilities

3.1Definitions

3.1.1Alcoholic Beverage

References to “alcoholic beverage” or “alcohol” in this policy means any beverage containing at least one-half of one percent (0.5%) alcohol by volume, including, as defined in Article I of Chapter 18B of the North Carolina General Statues, malt beverages, unfortified wine, fortified wine, spirituous liquor, mixed beverages, and any alcohol consumable. 

3.1.2Controlled Substance or Illegal Drugs

Controlled substance” means any drug listed in 21 CFR Part 1308 and other federal regulations, as well as those listed in Article V, Chapter 90 of the North Carolina General Statutes. Such drugs include, but are not limited to heroin, marijuana, cocaine, PCP, and GHB. They also include legal drugs which are not prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. Furthermore, any substance taken that may cause impairment, including but not limited to bath salts, inhalants, or synthetic herbs are also considered a violation of this policy.  

3.1.3University Premises

References to “University Premises” in this policy mean buildings, property, or grounds owned, leased, operated, controlled, or supervised by the University.  

3.2Roles and Responsibilities

3.2.1Coordinator of Drug Education:

AOD Staff Counselor/ Social Worker, the Coordinator of Drug Education, acting under the authority of the Chancellor, will be responsible for overseeing all actions and programs relating to this Policy. 

3.2.2Employee:

Each employee of the University will adhere to the provisions of this policy, report to their worksite prepared to perform their required duties and assignments without being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, and seek help with alcohol and/or drug problems when necessary. 

3.2.3Supervisor:

Each supervisor of University employees will adhere to the provisions of this policy, inform employees of this policy, refer or encourage employees impacted by drugs and/or alcohol to utilize the services offered by the Employee Assistance Program, clearly state the consequences of violations of this policy to employees, and notify Human Resource Business Partners of employees arrested, charged, or convicted of a criminal drug or alcohol violation, if known.  

3.2.4University Police:

will apply and enforce relevant state and federal laws as well as University policy.

4.Policy

4.1Illegal Use and Abuse of Alcohol and Other Drugs

Students, faculty, and staff are responsible, as citizens, for knowing about and complying with the provisions of North Carolina law. It is unlawful, and shall therefore be a violation of this policy, for any individual covered under the scope of this policy to manufacture, sell, transport, import, deliver, furnish, purchase, consume, or possess any alcoholic beverages except as authorized by Article I of Chapter 18B of the North Carolina General Statues. Additionally, per the City of Greensboro Ordinance, Chapter 4, Section 4-7, it is a violation to possess/consume an open container of a malt beverage or unfortified wine on any city street or public park.  

It is unlawful, and will therefore be a violation of this policy, for any individual covered under the scope of this policy to possess, sell, deliver, distribute, dispense, or manufacture controlled substances, except as authorized by Article 5 of Chapter 90 of the North Carolina General Statutes.  

Any employee who reports to work under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, or other controlled substances in the workplace will be subject to discipline, up to and including dismissal and referral for prosecution, consistent with the policies and procedures for their employment classification.  

All individuals covered by the scope of this policy are expected to know and adhere to these regulations. A violation of this policy may result in a variety of sanctions depending on the nature and seriousness of the offense, up to and including expulsion from enrollment and discharge from employment.  

4.2Education, Counseling, and Rehabilitation

The University maintains and makes available to all students and employees comprehensive education programs concerning alcohol and illegal drugs that emphasize: 

  1. The incompatibility of excessive alcohol consumption and use of illegal drugs with the goals of the University; 
  1. The legal consequences of underage drinking and use of illegal drugs; 
  1. The medical implications of excessive alcohol use and use of illegal drugs; and 
  1. The ways in which alcohol and illegal drugs can impact an individual’s present accomplishments and future opportunities. 

The University provides students and employees with information about available substance abuse counseling and rehabilitative services (campus-based or community-based), including the Employee Assistance Program and Spartan Recovery Program. Persons who voluntarily avail themselves of these University services or programs are assured applicable professional standards of confidentiality will be observed. 

5.Compliance and Enforcement

Any individual covered by the scope of this policy who violates state and federal drug and alcohol laws may be subject to criminal prosecution and punishment by civil authorities. State and federal law pertaining to employees, students, and guests will be applied and enforced by the UNC Greensboro Police Department .  

This conduct may also be subject to discipline under this policy.  It is not “double jeopardy” for civil and criminal authorities and the University to proceed against and punish a person for the same specified conduct. Violations of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the policies pertaining to the classification of the employee or student.  

For second or other subsequent offenses involving violations of this policy, progressively more severe penalties may be imposed. Individuals covered under the scope of this policy found to have violated applicable law or this policy may be required to participate in a drug or alcohol education and counseling program, consent to regular testing, and accept such other conditions and restrictions, including a program of community service, as the Chancellor or their designee deems appropriate. Refusal or failure to abide by such conditions and restrictions may result in additional disciplinary action, up to and including discharge from employment and expulsion from enrollment.  

6.Additional Information

6.2Resources

6.2.1Information, Assistance, and Recovery

  • itMatters Foundations for Understanding Alcohol  
    • Student Well-Being: itMatters is an interactive course designed to provide students with information, knowledge, skills, and resources on topics that are often avoided or ignored, but that have a lot of influence on personal success as a student and, more broadly, in life.  
  • Employee Assistance Program 
    • The University encourages employees to voluntarily seek help with alcohol and/or drug problems. The University recognizes that issues with alcohol and drug abuse and addiction are treatable, and that early intervention and support improves the success of rehabilitation. This policy encourages employees to seek help if they are concerned that they or their family members may have a drug and/or alcohol problem, utilize the services of qualified professionals in the community to assess the seriousness of suspected drug or alcohol problems, and identify appropriate sources of help. The University offers all employees and their family members assistance with alcohol and drug problems through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 
  • Spartan Recovery Program   
    • Spartan Recovery Program nurtures social, academic, and professional success for people seeking or living in recovery by providing a welcoming and fun environment, individual and community support, and opportunities for growth. Services provided include peer support; recovery coaching; recreational activities; monthly celebration of recovery events; roommate matching; referrals for support services; and personal, professional, and academic development.

6.3Approval Authority

The Chancellor is responsible for the approval of this policy and approved this policy on December 11, 2023.  

6.4Contacts for Additional Information and Reporting

Revisions

Revision Date Revision Summary
12/11/2023 Consolidated with the University's Policy on Illegal Drugs to ensure consistency with other applicable policies for students and employees

- Illegal Use or Abuse of Alcohol and Other Drugs . Retrieved 03/19/2024. Official version at https://policy.uncg.edu/university_policies/illegal-use-or-abuse-of-alcohol/. Copyright © 2024 The University of North Carolina at Greensboro.