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Drug Free Workplace Act

Monmouth University desires a healthy, drug-free environment for all of its employees. As such, the University takes a firm stand of non-tolerance for the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol for all employees. Employees are expected to adhere to the University’s rules and regulations. Those employees who disregard University policies and /or Federal Laws and/or New Jersey State laws will be subject to sanctions and penalties.

I. Alcohol and Drug Policies

Alcoholic Beverages

The use of alcoholic beverages is regulated primarily by the State of New Jersey. The possession and use of any of the regulated beverages by employees must be in compliance with state law and University policy. Alcoholic beverages may only be consumed by those persons over the age of twenty-one (21) on campus in areas designated for officially sanctioned or authorized campus events including but NOT limited to pre and post-game activities at home football contests, homecoming activities, reunion weekends, etc. Requests for program authorization must be submitted to the Vice President for Student Services and Leadership Engagement for approval two weeks prior to the event. Employees are expected to comply with State law regarding the consumption and possession of alcoholic beverages. In addition, employees are expected to exercise good judgment when using alcoholic beverages.

While on University premises or property or while engaged in authorized activities, the unauthorized consumption, possession, selling, or serving of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. Any event at which there will be alcoholic beverages must be authorized, in writing, by the Vice President for Student Services and Leadership Engagement. In general, to be authorized, the person(s) sponsoring the event should make appropriate arrangements for verifying age and distribution procedures. If there is any charge involved, the sponsor must have a permit from the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission. A complete Policy Statement regarding Alcoholic Beverages can be obtained from the Office of Student Services.

Drugs and Narcotics

The use of drugs (controlled substances) by employees can create conditions that are contrary to those deemed necessary for the maintenance of an optimal work environment. Monmouth University affirms the following policy: the University prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, use of illicit drugs in the work place or being under the influence while on University premises or while engaged in University business. Compliance with the law is a condition of employment, and anyone who violates this policy is subject to immediate termination.

II. University Sanctions

The University has established work rules which all employees are expected to follow. A complete listing of the work rules is contained in the Employee Handbook. The following activities apply specifically to alcohol and substance abuse.

  1. Possession and/or distributing non-prescribed, controlled substances, and/or distributing prescribed, controlled substances, designer drugs, counterfeit or synthetic drugs, inhalants, drug paraphernalia, or reporting for work under the influence of intoxicants, including alcohol, or non-prescribed drugs, on University property, or being convicted for the use of such substances, or as any part of any related activities whether on or off campus that are considered to be school activities, such as professional meetings attended by employees is prohibited.
  2. Unauthorized consumption, possession, selling, or serving of alcoholic beverages/drugs on University property or while on University business or engaged in University activities is prohibited.
  3. Driving on University property while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited.

The University will impose disciplinary sanctions on employees consistent with local, State and Federal law, up to, and including termination of employment and referral for prosecution, for violations of standards of conduct cited herein.

In its application of disciplinary sanction, Monmouth University will consistently enforce all University rules and regulations.

III. New Jersey State Law

Alcoholic Beverages

Employees should be aware of the following aspects of New Jersey State Alcoholic Beverage law:

  1. No one under the age of 21 may purchase, possess, or consume alcohol.
  2. Transporting an open alcoholic beverage container in any kind of vehicle, on or off campus, is a violation of the law.
  3. The sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages to persons under the legal drinking age is a serious criminal offense. Individuals can be held both criminally and civilly liable for the injury or death of any person resulting, either directly or indirectly, from the distribution of alcoholic beverages by them to a person under the legal drinking age.

Drugs and Narcotics

According to the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice pertaining to controlled substances, employees should be aware of the following:

  1. It is unlawful for any person, knowingly or purposely, to manufacture, distribute or dispense, possess or have under his/her control with the intent to manufacture, distribute or dispense, a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog.
  2. It is unlawful for any person, knowingly or purposely, to obtain or to possess a controlled dangerous substance unless the substance was obtained directly by a valid prescription from a practitioner (physician, dentist, etc.)

IV. Health Risks

The health risks most commonly associated with the use of alcoholic beverages, drugs and narcotics are described below:

Alcoholic Beverages

Whether in the form of beer, wine, or liquor, alcohol is a mind-altering chemical, which has effects similar to barbiturates and narcotics. Alcohol acts as a depressant to the central nervous system. In small amounts, alcohol can produce mild relaxation and a feeling of well-being. In large amounts, alcohol can cause intoxication, sedation, unconsciousness, or death.

Hangovers are probably the best known sign of too much alcohol in the body. They are caused by the body’s reaction to the toxic, or poisonous, effects of alcohol. Often those effects can occur at very low levels of drinking.

Liver – 95% of all alcohol is metabolized by the liver. Because clearing alcohol out of the body is a “priority,” the other functions of the liver, such as regulating blood glucose levels, are slowed down.

Stomach – Alcohol causes a surge in the flow of digestive acids, which can irritate the stomach lining. Nausea and vomiting frequently occur, while regular, heavy drinking can cause ulcers and chronic stomach problems.

Nervous System – Alcohol suppresses almost every function causing problems such as slurred speech, coordination, loss of balance, and memory loss.

Heart – Alcohol makes the heart work harder and less efficiently. Long-term heavy drinking is associated with heart muscle disease, irregular heartbeats, and an increased risk of coronary artery disease.

Other Heart Problems – Heavy, prolonged or excessive drinking can lead to malnutrition, cancer, psychological problems, miscarriages, possible birth defects, and infertility in women, as well as impotency and sterility in men.

Drugs and Narcotics

We live in a drug-oriented society. Drugs have saved lives, reduced pain, and improved the quality of our lives. However, misuse and abuse of drugs can cause critical injury or death.

Marijuana – Marijuana is a drug taken to produce a high or euphoric feeling and a state of relaxation. The short-term effects of marijuana include distortion of time perception, increased heart rate, dilation of the blood vessels, and loss of short-term memory. Visual perception and psychomotor skills are also decreased, which has adverse effects on driving ability. The effects of long-term use include loss of motivation, chronic bronchitis, decreased lung capacity, and an increased risk of lung cancer. In men, marijuana use can result in reduced levels of testosterone.

While the State of New Jersey passed the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act in January 2010, please be aware that using and/or being under the influence of marijuana during work time or while on University property is prohibited.

Cocaine – Cocaine is a powerful stimulant. It is most often inhaled (snorted) into the nose. It can also be smoked or injected. No matter how it is taken, the drug’s immediate effect is to create a high that is often described as orgasmic or euphoric. It creates increased alertness, suppresses appetite and temporarily relieves depression.

Studies indicate that cocaine’s effect on the body and psyche is dangerous. It is thought that some of the damage caused by cocaine is irreversible. The least harmful effects are nosebleeds and nasal erosions that result from irritation of the lining of the nose. Most dangerous are the “coke blues” which are intense downs that often occur after a high, which results in the user trying other drugs to relieve the psychological and emotional discomfort. There is a strong psychological dependency on “coke” which slowly increases as tolerance develops.

Stimulants – Caffeine is the most widely used stimulant, and can be found in coffee, tea, cola, and cold medications. Amphetamines are also stimulants. They are also referred to as “speed and uppers.” Stimulants increase awareness, keep people awake and depress the appetite. Short-term effects include elevated blood pressure, nervousness, and hyperactivity. Long-term effects include insomnia, malnutrition and acute psychosis.

Depressants – Depressants, also called “downers,” include Quaaludes, barbiturates and tranquilizers. These drugs reduce anxiety, induce sleep and promote relaxation. Used together, they can be extremely dangerous and can suppress the central nervous system enough to cause death. Downers cause slower response time, loss of rational judgment, decreased coordination and loss of motor skills. Driving skills are seriously affected. Tolerance and physical dependence often develops.

Hallucinogens – Hallucinogens include LSD, mescaline, and PCP. They produce dream-like perceptions and/or panic reactions that produce horrifying perceptions. PCP is a hallucinogen, which is particularly dangerous and can cause a person to become violent to himself/herself and others. Ecstasy (MDA) is a drug that became popular in the 1980s. It has been billed as “the perfect drug” by enhancing thinking, coordination, and empathy. The use of “Ecstasy” also results in irreversible brain damage. Although most hallucinogens do not result in physical or psychological dependence, tolerance to them can develop.

Narcotic Analgesics – These drugs include opium, morphine, heroin, and codeine. They relieve pain. Improper use of narcotics can result in physical dependence in a relatively short period of time. A narcotic overdose can result in death.

Steroids – Steroids are drugs that resemble the male sex hormone, testosterone. Popular since the 1950s, steroids have been used by athletes and body builders to increase muscle mass and improve athletic performance. The true effectiveness of steroids in improving strength and performance is not known; however, it is known that steroids pose certain health risks. Taken in large doses, steroids can cause psychological dependence, increased anger, aggression, depression, and will stunt growth in adolescents who have not attained their full height. Men may also experience nipple and breast growth, shrunken testicles, and baldness. Intravenous steroid users are at risk for hepatitis, liver cancer, an altered sex drive, and AIDS.

V. University Resources and Programs

Monmouth University provides all full-time employees with the opportunity to enroll in our health insurance program, currently offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ. Dependent insurance is also available. Full-time employees are also eligible to utilize the University’s Employee Assistance Program. Brief descriptions of the alcohol and drug related services available to employees and their eligible dependents are as follows: (The terms of the policies prevail. Schedule of Services sheets and booklets are available upon request in the Office of Human Resources).

Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ (BCBSNJ), Direct Access Plan or Exclusive Provider Organization Plan

Employees and their participating eligible dependents are covered for alcohol-related illnesses and substance abuse on an inpatient and outpatient basis provided such treatment is prescribed by a licensed physician either in or out of BCBSNJ’s network of physicians. Specific payment information and benefits are referenced on the BCBSNJ Schedule of Services sheet, available in the Office of Human Resources, or by calling Magellan Behavioral Health’s 24-hour confidential Help Line at 1-800-626-2212. This number is also listed on the back of the BCBSNJ ID card. Limitations and exclusions are set forth in the descriptive information sheet and require prior authorization for coverage.

Employee Assistance Program

Monmouth University provides an Employee Assistance Program through Barnabas Health One Source for all full-time benefit-eligible employees and their eligible family members. Under the terms of this program a dependent family member is one who is living within the employee’s home, e.g. an employee’s mother-in-law or father-in-law, who is living in the employee’s home, would be eligible for services. Employees are eligible to utilize the services of Barnabas Health One Source effective upon their date of hire. Employees and their eligible family members individually have up to eight free counseling sessions per calendar year. However, if employees or their family members are referred to a physician or hospital for treatment, they should refer to their appropriate health insurance contract for coverage information. Appointments may be made by calling 1-800-300-0628. Barnabas Health One Source services are available twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven days per week in the event of a crisis. The telephone number listed above is staffed at all times. Barnabas Health One Source services are completely confidential. In the event of an emergency, the Director of Human Resources may be contacted to facilitate arrangements with a Barnabas Health One Source counselor.

In addition, Barnabas Health One Source counselors are prepared to assist management employees with supervisory referrals for employees whose performance is unacceptable including, but not limited to, situations which reflect that there is sufficient evidence to indicate that the employee may be suffering from a substance abuse problem.

If a supervisor suspects an employee is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they should contact the Director of Human Resources or the Vice President for Administrative Services.

Monmouth University will sponsor Substance Abuse Awareness Programs. The programs will be provided for employees, students, and their families free of charge. The programs will be offered at least once per year.

In addition, Monmouth University employees may be eligible to participate in substance abuse workshops sponsored by Barnabas Health One Source.

VI. Review of the Program

In compliance with Federal Law, this Policy will be reviewed biennially to determine the effectiveness of the University’s Drug Prevention Program; implement changes to the program as required and to ensure that disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced.

Appendix A

20 USCS § 1011i. Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention

  1. Restrictions and eligibility. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no institution of higher education shall be eligible to receive funds or any form of financial assistance under any Federal program, including participation in any federally funded or guaranteed student loan program, unless the institution certifies to the Secretary that the institution has adopted and has implemented a program to prevent the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees that, at a minimum includes:
    1. the annual distribution to each student and employee of —
      1. standards of conduct that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on the institution’s property or as part of any of the institution’s activities;
      2. a description of the applicable legal sanctions under local, State, or Federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol;
      3. a description of the health-risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol;
      4. a description of any drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation or re-entry programs that are available to employees or students; and
      5. a clear statement that the institution will impose sanctions on students and employees (consistent with local, State, and Federal law), and a description of those sanctions, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution, for violations of the standards of conduct required by subparagraph (A); and
    2. a biennial review by the institution of the institution’s program to–
      1. determine the program’s effectiveness and implement changes to the program if the changes are needed;
      2. determine the number of drug and alcohol-related violations and fatalities that —
        • occur on the institution’s campus (as defined in section 485(f)(6) [20 USCS § 1092(f)(6)]), or as part of any of the institution’s activities; and
        • are reported to campus officials;
      3. determine the number and type of sanctions described in paragraph (1)(E) that are imposed by the institution as a result of drug and alcohol-related violations and fatalities on the institution’s campus or as part of any of the institution’s activities; and
      4. ensure that the sanctions required by paragraph (1)(E) are consistently enforced.