Murray State University Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management

DRUG-FREE CAMPUS/DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY

It is the policy of Murray State University that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of controlled substances is prohibited in buildings, facilities, grounds, or property controlled by the University and/or while engaged in University business. It is also the policy of Murray State University to enforce Kentucky statutes concerning the possession, sale, or use of alcoholic beverages. In addition, Murray State University specifically prohibits the possession or use of alcohol in the residence halls. Any enrolled student or any employee of the University, including faculty, staff, and student employees, found to be illegally manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing, possessing or using controlled substances, or found to be in violation of Kentucky statutes or University policy regarding the possession, sale, or use of alcohol on University property, shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with applicable policies of Murray State University up to and including expulsion or termination. Satisfactory participation in certain drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation programs may be required in certain cases.

Students and employees are reminded that illegal manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of controlled substances, or illegal possession, sale, or use of alcohol, may also subject individuals to criminal prosecution. In appropriate cases, referrals will be made to outside law enforcement agencies. Murray State University reserves the right to pursue disciplinary action, however, independent of criminal disposition.

As a condition of employment, all employees of Murray State University shall abide by the terms of this policy statement and will notify Murray State University of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five days after such conviction. Murray State University will, in turn, notify as appropriate, the applicable federal agency of the conviction within ten (10) days of its receipt of notification of the conviction. For purposes of this policy, “conviction” means a finding of guilt (including a plea of nolo contendere or an “Alford” plea). Appropriate personnel action, up to and including termination, will be taken against any employee with such a conviction. Alternatively, such employee may be required to participate in a proper drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.

All employees and students will annually receive written notice of this policy including sanctions under law for unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs; a description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol; and a description of any drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation or re-entry programs that are available to employees or students.

A description of drug and alcohol abuse education programs is available through the Office of Student Affairs and/or Human Resources. Murray State ’s policy on drugs and alcohol can be found in the Student Life Handbook which is available at www.murraystate.edu/secsv/handbook/Handbook.htm and through Human Resources.

The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace as well as the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol include, but are not limited to, marked changes in behavior, aggressive acts, impaired judgment and coordination, and impairments of higher mental functions. Additional information about the health risks of drug and alcohol abuse is available at Health Services. Also, Counseling and Testing Center provides educational programming including discussion, videotapes, and printed material to campus groups such as Housing staff, social organizations, and staff groups.

Sanctions for unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs can range from up to 1 year in jail for unlawful possession of marijuana (a class A misdemeanor) to up to 10 years in prison for trafficking in a controlled substance 1 st degree (a class C felony).

The Counseling and Testing Center provides limited personal counseling at no cost to students and employees with abuse/addiction problems. The services offered to employees are a part of the Employee Assistance Program. The Center also provides limited counseling for the families of student/employee drug abusers. Some cases requiring more intensive therapy are referred to the Psychological Center , whose services are also free to students. Referrals for therapy and rehabilitation are also made to the off-campus agencies or services nearby, including 12-Step Recovery Groups, Murray-Calloway County Hospital , Four Rivers Behavioral Health, and other agencies. There may be costs associated with such referrals.