Nebraska State College System
Policy: 5006 Drug-Free Workplace
The Nebraska State College Board of Trustees recognizes and affirms its responsibility and commitment to maintain a drug-free
workplace environment that is safe and provides appropriate motivation to ensure a creative and productive work force. In
accordance with this responsibility and to ensure worker safety and workplace integrity, the Board prohibits the illegal manufacture,
possession, distribution or use of controlled substances in the workplace by its employees or those who engage or seek to engage in
business with the State College System.
The term "controlled substance" refers to a controlled substance as defined in Schedule I through V of Section 202 of the
Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812).
In an effort to bring about a drug-free workplace in the State College System and to assure employees of a workplace free from
illegal drugs and their effect, the Board through its campus administrations will implement the following Drug-Free Workplace
Policy.
SCOPE: Applicable to all State College employees.
POLICY: It is unlawful to illegally manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, or use a controlled substance in the workplace.
The Board, therefore, establishes a drug-free workplace policy for its employees.
1. All employees, including part-time student employees, and each new hire will receive a copy of this policy.
2. Each employee will receive a drug abuse awareness form which will state it is unlawful to manufacture, distribute, dispense,
possess, or use a controlled substance in the workplace. Each employee will sign and date this statement certifying that he or she:
A. Understands and will abide by the drug-free workplace policy;
B. Has knowledge of disciplinary actions which may be imposed for violations of the drug-free workplace policy.
The signed and dated statement will be forwarded to the employee's immediate supervisor who will forward it to the individual in
charge of campus personnel records. The signed and dated statement will be permanently maintained in the employee's personnel
file.
3. All current employees will receive drug abuse awareness training. New hires will receive the training within the first six months
of date of hire. This training shall include:
A. A definition of drug abuse;
B. Information on specific drugs and the effects of drug abuse;
C. Dangers of drug abuse in the workplace;
D. Availability of counseling and treatment services; and
E. Disciplinary actions which may be imposed on employees for violations of this policy.
4. If an employee violates the drug free workplace policy, disciplinary action may be imposed according to established Board policy
and procedures. Disciplinary action shall include one or more of the following action:
A. Referral to an assistance program for evaluation and assessment to determine the appropriate treatment for
rehabilitation; and/or
B. Participation in a drug rehabilitation program; and/or
C. Termination of employment.
5. If an employee is convicted of violating any criminal drug statute while in or on the workplace, he or she will be subject to
discipline up to and including termination. Alternatively, the College may require the employee to successfully complete a drug
abuse program sponsored by an approved private or governmental institution at the employee's expense.
6. An employee is required to report within five days any criminal drug statute conviction occurring in the workplace to his or her
immediate supervisor. The supervisor will immediately report such conviction to the President of the College or his or her designee.
7. If the employee is hired on federal contracts or grants, as a condition of employment, the College shall notify the Federal granting
agency within ten (10) days after receiving notice of an employee's drug statute conviction.
Policy Adopted: 4/14/89
Policy Revised: 3/11/94
Health Risks & Resources
Health Risks
The use of illegal drugs, tobacco, and the abuse of alcohol may
have serious health consequences, including damage to the
heart, lungs, and other organs. Alcohol related accidents are the
number one cause of death for persons aged 15-24. The most
significant health risk, besides death, is addiction. Chemical
dependency is a disease that, if not “arrested”, is fatal. No
addict (including alcoholics and smokers) ever thought he/she
would become addicted.
 The use of cocaine or amphetamines greatly increases the
risk of a heart attack.
 Stimulants (“uppers”, speed, crack, methyl, crystal) may
cause permanent damage to the brain, heart, lungs, and
other organs from long-term use.
 Medical consequences of alcohol abuse include liver
damage and disease, gastrointestinal problems, and brain
damage. Also can cause injury to a fetus during pregnancy.
 Abuse of alcohol and marijuana during puberty can result
in an imbalance of sex hormones resulting in reduced
muscle mass and shrinkage of testicles in males, and
menstrual difficulties and infertility in females.
 Inhalants (“poppers”, rush, laughing gas, glue, paint
thinner) may cause mental confusion, mood swings,
delusions, and hallucinations.
 Depressants (“downers”, ludes, reds, barbs) greatly
increase the risk of car crashes because they affect vision,
judgment, coordination, and physical skills.
 The use of hallucinogens, especially PCP, can result in an
irreversible drug induced psychotic state and/or delusions
which may trigger life-threatening behavior.
 Users of heroin and other opiates risk AIDS infections
from sharing needles.
 In cases or rape, 75% of the men and 55% of the women
had been using alcohol or other drugs.
Alcohol-Reducing Your Risk. . “By the Numbers!”
Research reveals that, under certain circumstances, alcohol can
be dangerous. Zero “0” alcohol is the safest choice if you are:
 On certain medications or have certain illnesses (ask your
doctor)
 Behind the wheel or engaged in tasks that require full
mental or physical functioning
 Stressed or tired
 Either the son or daughter or sibling of someone with
alcoholism
 Recovering from alcoholism or drug dependency
 Violating policies, laws (including legal age limits) or
personal values
 Expecting, nursing, or considering pregnancy
If you OBSERVE the times to avoid alcohol, you can greatly
reduce the risk of experiencing an alcohol related problem.
However, if you are not in the zero “0” category and choose to
drink, current research suggests:
1
Never more than one drink an hour*
2
No more than two drinks a day for men, one
for women**
4
Never drink more than four days a week
* A “standard drink” is equal to a 12-oz. beer, a 4-oz. glass of
wine, or a 1-oz. shot of 100-proof liquor
** Recent studies indicate that women may develop alcoholrelated health problems more quickly and at lower levels of
alcohol consumption than do men. Recommendations for
alcohol use are thus lower for women.
Exceeding these recommendations increases the chances of
having problems, either immediate or long-term.
For more information on the “By the Numbers” concept, call the
Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Council of Nebraska (402) 474-0930 – (01-2-4 standard used with permission of the “Alcoholism & Drug Abuse
Council of Nebraska”).
Health Resources
On-Campus
The Alternatives Program – Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
Kent Hall (308) 432-7225 or 6403
Peer-group sponsorship (TASC Force)
Self-Help Group Information
Drug & Alcohol Education Resources
Alcohol, Drug, & Tobacco Pamphlets
Drug & Alcohol Education Tapes
Residence Life Program
Kent Hall (308) 432-6403
Alcohol Education Programs
Drug Education Programs
Self-Help Group Information
Drug & Alcohol Education Resources
Tobacco Information
Student Health Services
118 Crites Hall (308) 432-6232
Health Status & Evaluation
Health & Wellness Counseling
Pregnancy Testing
HIV Testing
College Counselors
Crites Hall (308) 432-6461
Individual Counseling
Group Counseling
Referrals to Agencies & Practitioners
Off-Campus
Panhandle Mental Health – Chadron (308) 432-6106
Individual Alcohol & Drug Evaluations
Psychotherapy
DUI Group Education Class
Intensive Outpatient Alcohol Group Therapy
AA/Al-Anon Information
AA Meetings – Sunday-Saturday @ 8 pm 848 Morehead
North East Panhandle Substance Abuse Center – Gordon
(308) 282-1101
Social Setting Detoxification & Short Term Residual
Treatment
Prevention
Panhandle Substance Abuse Council – Scottsbluff
(308) 282-3044
Public Information & Technical Assistance
Numbers to Call for Assistance
Nebraska Abuse Hotline – Omaha
1-800-652-1999
Family Rescue Services – Chadron Crisis Line 1-308-432-4113
Emergency Counseling – Scottsbluff
1-877-492-7001
Domestic Violence Hotline – Gering
1-308-436-4357