State of Connecticut Drug-Free Workplace Policy for Western Connecticut State University

The State of Connecticut and Western Connecticut State University (hereafter referred to as the “University”) are committed to winning the battle against substance abuse. Substance abuse jeopardizes a stable family structure, increases crime, impacts worker productivity, and presents a continuing and growing drain of government funds. For our youth, substance abuse is an especially serious threat. Drugs destroy their hopes and dreams and, all too often, their very lives.

The workplace is not immune to the influence of substance abuse. Worker safety, health and efficiency are adversely affected. Therefore, in harmony with Connecticut’s three-pronged strategy of education, treatment and enforcement to combat substance abuse and in accordance with federal legislation, this Drug-Free Workplace Policy has been adopted.

Effective March 18, 1989, the federal government enacted the “Drug-Free Workplace Act”, (41 U.S. Code §§701 et seq.). This act requires that any employer receiving federal funding must certify that it will maintain a drug-free workplace. Among other things, the act requires that a policy be published notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of controlled substances is prohibited in the workplace. It also requires that certain actions be taken if this policy is broken.

General Policies

It is the policy of the State of Connecticut that each employee has a right to come to work and perform his or her job in an environment that is free from the illegal use of drugs. It is also in the interest of the State and the public that employees be able to perform their duties safely and efficiently. The State is firmly committed to promoting high standards of health, safety, and efficient service. Thus, our goal is to maintain a work environment free from the effects of drug abuse.

It is the policy of the State of Connecticut that employees shall not unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use a controlled substance while on the job or in the workplace, or be under the influence of a controlled substance, not prescribed for him/her by a physician, while on the job or in the workplace. Any employee violating this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination.

It is the policy of the State of Connecticut that employees with substance abuse problems are encouraged to participate in a counseling or rehabilitation program prior to being in a disciplinary situation. Employees should be advised of the Employees Assistance Program provided by the agency and any available drug counseling or rehabilitation programs (1).

Employee Requirements

Employees shall not unlawfully use, possess, distribute, dispense or manufacture controlled substances or be under the influence of a controlled substance while on the job or in the workplace. Any employee violating this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination.

“Controlled substances” are specifically defined in federal law and consist of two classes of drugs: (1) those commonly thought of as “illegal” drugs; and (2) certain medications if not being taken under a physician’s prescription or according to a physician’s orders, which the federal government has determined have a potential for abuse, or are potentially physically or psychologically addictive.

Employees must give notification in writing to Mr. Fred Cratty, Associate V.P. for Human Resources, within five (5) calendar days of any conviction for violation of a criminal drug statute if the violation occurred in the workplace. A conviction means a finding of guilt (including a plea of nolo contendre) and/or the imposition of a sentence by a judge or jury in any federal or state court. This reporting requirement is in addition to any agency work rules that require notice of arrests and/or convictions. An employee who is so convicted or who fails to report such a conviction is subject to discipline, up to and including termination.

“Workplace” includes any locations owned, operated or controlled by the State, whether the employee is on or off duty, and any other locations while on duty where State business is conducted, including traveling on State time to or from such work locations.

The agency must notify the appropriate federal agency in writing, as well as the Office of Labor Relations, within ten (10) calendar days of receiving notice that one of its employees funded under a federal grant or contract has been convicted for a violation of a state or federal drug statute occurring in the workplace.

Employees who have substance abuse problems are encouraged to participate in a rehabilitation program and should be notified of the Employee Assistance Program and available drug counseling or rehabilitation programs. The federal act requires that an employer take action within 30 calendar days of receiving notice of a workplace drug conviction to impose discipline upon and/or to require satisfactory participation in a substance abuse rehabilitation program by the convicted employee.

Since it is a federal certification requirement that employees be notified of this policy, each employee will receive a copy of it. The policy will also be available at Human Resource Department bulletin board in University Hall at 181 White Street, Danbury Connecticut 06810.

Information regarding Western Connecticut State University’s Employee Assistance Program can be obtained at the University’s Human Resources Department or from the Human Resource website.

University Tobacco and Vape-Free Policy

Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) is committed to providing a healthy and nurturing environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors on campus. We have adopted a tobacco and vape-free policy effective June 30, 2023.

Section 1. Tobacco and Vaping Products Are Prohibited on Western Connecticut State University’s Campus*
As of June 30, 2023, the WCSU campus shall be entirely vape- and tobacco-free. The Tobacco and Vape-Free Policy applies to all Western Connecticut State University facilities, property, and vehicles, owned or leased, regardless of location. Smoking and the use of tobacco or vape products shall not be permitted anywhere, including, but not limited to, all offices, classrooms, hallways, waiting rooms, restrooms, meeting rooms, community areas, performance venues and private residential spaces within Western Connecticut State University housing. Vaping and the use of tobacco products shall also be prohibited outdoors on all Western Connecticut State University campus property, including, but not limited to, parking lots, paths, fields, sports/recreational areas, and stadiums, as well as in all personal vehicles while on campus. Littering the campus with the remains of tobacco and vape products or any other related waste is prohibited. This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, and other persons on campus.
*Ceremonial use, such as during Indigenous smudging rituals, may be approved on a case-by-case basis.
Section 2. Definitions
A. “Electronic Delivery Smoking Device” or ENDS, means any product containing or delivering nicotine or any other substance intended for human consumption that can be used by a person in any manner for the purpose of inhaling vapor or aerosol from the product. The term includes any such device, whether manufactured, distributed, marketed, or sold as an e-cigarette, e-cigar, e-pipe, e-hookah, or vape pen, or under any other product name or descriptor.
B. “Hookah” means a water pipe and any associated products and devices which are used to produce fumes, smoke, and/or vapor from the burning of material including, but not limited to, tobacco, shisha, or other matter.
C. “Smoking” means inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, pipe, hookah, or any other lighted or heated tobacco or plant product intended for inhalation, including cannabis, whether natural or synthetic, in any manner or in any form. “Smoking” also includes the use of an electronic smoking device which creates an aerosol or vapor, in any manner or in any form, or the use of any oral smoking device for the purpose of circumventing the prohibition of smoking in this policy.
D. “Tobacco Product” means any substance* containing tobacco leaf, including but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, hookah tobacco, snuff, chewing tobacco, dipping tobacco, bidis, blunts, clove cigarettes, or any other preparation of tobacco; and any product or formulation of matter containing biologically active amounts of nicotine that is manufactured, sold, offered for sale, or otherwise distributed with the expectation that the product or matter will be introduced into the human body by inhalation, ingestion, or absorption.
*This does not include any cessation product specifically approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in treating nicotine or tobacco dependence.
Section 3. Dissemination of Policy; Signage
Copies of this policy shall be distributed to all students, faculty, and staff. Information about the policy and how to comply with it shall also be posted on the Western Connecticut State University website. Announcements concerning the policy and any changes to it will be posted on the Western Connecticut State University website. Signs prohibiting smoking and the use of tobacco and vape products shall be posted on campus and at building entrances.
Section 4. Enforcement of Policy
WCSU recognizes that quitting vaping and tobacco is complex and difficult. We have founded this policy on education and outreach, not punishment or discrimination. The goal is to foster behavior and culture change over time, through continued community support and voluntary compliance.
The responsibility for communication and enforcement of this policy rests with all members of the university community. It applies equally to students, employees and visitors. Individuals found in violation may be given a warning and informed of resources available to help them reduce dependency.
All members of the Western Connecticut State University community share the responsibility to respect this policy. Its success depends upon the consideration and cooperation of everyone. We share the responsibility of supporting a tobacco- and vape-free campus through education, community support, and voluntary compliance.
Employees and members of the faculty are encouraged to contact their Primary Care provider or the Employee Assistance Program for information concerning cessation support, products and programs. Students are encouraged to reach out to CHOICES and Health Services for cessation support, products and programs. Questions regarding this policy should be directed to the Vice President for Student Affairs or Human Resources.

This policy shall be effective on June 30, 2023.

Senate Approved R-07-09-04

Administrative Approval 10/26/07

Revised 1/21/2015

Senate Approval 1/18/2023 (R-22-12-03)

Administrative Approval 1/19/2023