[Faculty Handbook Category #3]
We want to maintain a healthful and safe workplace that is free from improper drug or alcohol use. Our policies described below help us promote this goal.
Prohibited Uses of Alcohol, Illegal Drugs, and Legal Drugs
While on our premises and while conducting business-related activities off our premises, you may not use, possess, distribute, sell, or be under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or any legal drugs (including prescribed drugs) that might cause you impairment or impact your ability to fully or safely perform the functions of your position.
Life Assistance Program
Our Life Assistance Program (LAP) provides confidential counseling and referral services if you need assistance with problems like drug and/or alcohol abuse or addiction. We encourage you to address any questions or concerns you may have about substance dependency or abuse with the LAP, and to review the treatment programs that may be covered under our health insurance program or any other health insurance program that provides coverage to you. You can discuss these matters with your supervisor or the Human Resources Office to receive assistance or referrals to appropriate resources in the community.
Alcohol in Approved Situations
From time to time, the consumption of moderate amounts of alcohol may be permitted at college-sponsored events or with the express approval of the college’s leadership. If students are present at the function, employees are prohibited from consuming alcohol. When students are not present at an event and alcohol is being served, you must drink responsibly, must not become intoxicated, and must not return to work after drinking. Similarly, if you bring guests to functions where the consumption of alcohol has been approved, you are responsible for the conduct of any such guests and must prevent your guests from becoming intoxicated or getting out of control.
Alcohol in the Context of Faculty-Led, Off-Campus Opportunities:
St. Olaf funds will not be used to provide alcohol at off-campus program-sponsored functions, with the exception of academic excursions related to alcohol production or distribution.
Faculty/staff leaders may not purchase alcohol for any student or accept alcohol purchased by a student.
Every effort should be made to communicate that program events are alcohol-free. Should a program host provide unanticipated alcohol, faculty/staff leaders may exercise judgment and allow limited consumption by participants who are legally of age, to avoid a culturally-insensitive response to the host.
Faculty/staff leaders of off-campus opportunities may consume alcoholic beverages while off-campus, but are expected to exercise good judgment when drinking in the presence of students.
Faculty/staff leaders may only use medication prescribed for them, in the dose prescribed, or medication available over the counter. Medical marijuana prescribed in the State of Minnesota cannot be legally transported to other states or out of the country, and may only be used in the State of Minnesota.
Faculty/staff leaders may not be impaired at any time while off-campus, as a primary responsibility of the role of off-campus leader is the ability to respond in case of emergency.
Faculty/staff leaders are encouraged to discuss responsible use of alcohol with their group by referring participants to the student Policy on Alcohol and Illicit Drugs. Faculty/staff leaders will not facilitate, encourage, and/or ignore a student or fellow leader who is abusing alcohol and will seek appropriate assistance from the Dean of Students office, Human Resources, and/or other appropriate college officer.
Faculty/staff leaders may choose to set and communicate more restrictive expectations for student participants in their off-campus opportunity, for particular events and/or cultural contexts (e.g., homestays).
updated 1/1/2026