Background
Pierce College has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol by students and employees. The policy and prevention program is in concert with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989.
Policy Statement
Pierce College will make a good faith effort to maintain a drug-free WORK PLACE through compliance with the Drug-Free Work Place Act of 1988. The district shall establish and maintain a drug-free awareness program which will inform employees about (1) the dangers of drug abuse in the Work Place, (2) the college's policy of maintaining a drug-free Work Place, program, and (3) penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations. The unlawful possession, illegal manufacturing, use or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol by students or employees on Pierce College property or as part of Pierce College activities is prohibited. Any violation of local, State, or Federal law regarding the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol may be referred for prosecution and result in the imposition of penalties, which may include community service hours, fines, forfeiture of personal and/or real property, and/or incarceration.
Pierce College will impose appropriate sanctions, consistent with local state and federal laws, on individuals found to have violated this policy. Such sanctions may include recommendation for completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program, expulsion from Pierce College or corrective action up to and including termination of employment and referral for prosecution. Student disciplinary action will be in accordance with the Washington Administrative Code and college policy. Classified staff disciplinary action will be initiated in accordance with the Washington Administrative Code, Negotiated Agreement and college policy. Disciplinary actions, which may be taken against members of the Faculty will be in accordance with college policy and procedures and the Faculty Negotiated Agreement. Disciplinary actions, which may be taken against Administrative Exempt employees are outlined in their annual contracts.
Program
The use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol may result in numerous physiological, psychological and sociological disorders. College and community resources are available to assist students and employees with problems related to alcohol and other substance abuse. County alcohol centers and mental health clinics are available for both students and employees. Private practitioners and agencies are listed in your local telephone directory (See Alcoholism Treatment and/or Drug Abuse Information & Treatment in the Yellow Pages).
Acknowledgement
All college employees shall be provided with a copy of this policy and each employee shall acknowledge that he or she has read and understands the policy and agrees to abide by its requirements.
The Employee Advisory Service (EAS) is available statewide to all state employees at the following telephone numbers: Seattle Office (206) 720-3514; Olympia Office (360) 753-3260; Spokane Office (509) 482-3686. EAS schedules appointments in the Tacoma area through their Seattle Office.
Revised 2000-11-01