Catering and Alcohol Policy

In March 1988, Congress enacted the Drug-Free Workplace Act which requires all federal contractors and grantees to maintain a drug-free workplace. In September 1989, President Bush's National Drug Control Strategy proposed that the Congress pass legislation to require schools, colleges and universities to implement and enforce firm drug prevention programs and policies as a condition of eligibility to receive federal financial assistance. The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 demonstrates the intent of Congress to draft institutions of higher education into the federal government's war on drugs.

The law requires that schools certify that they have adopted and implemented a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees. The law requires that the school distribute annually to each student and employee the following information:

• Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of drugs and alcohol by students and employees on the school's property or as any part of the school's property or as any part of the school's activities
• A description of the applicable legal sanctions under local, state and federal law for unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol,
• A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol
• A clear statement that the school will impose sanctions on students and employees, consistent with local, state and federal law, and a description of these sanctions, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution for violations of the standards of conduct, and
• A description of any drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation or re-entry programs that are available to employees or students.

The school must conduct a biennial review of its program to (i) determine its effectiveness and implement changes if they are needed, and (ii) ensure that the sanctions developed are enforced consistently.

The purpose of this policy is not only to comply with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, and the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, but to continue the work of providing both students and employees an opportunity to understand the harmful effects of drug and alcohol use so that responsible choices can be made.

The policy of Briar Cliff University is to provide a drug-free workplace and learning environment for all of its employees and students. The presence of illegal drugs in our school and workplace is a danger to each one of us because they impair the safety and health of those who are here to work and learn. In addition, drugs undermine the confidence in the work done by each employee and student. Additionally, all employees and student are responsible for compliance with any University policies outlined in any program handbooks and announcements which may be issued from time to time (i.e. Student Athletic policies).