[Faculty Handbook Category #3]
St. Olaf College desires to have a campus free of alcohol and illicit drugs and to operate all of its academic and co-curricular programs accordingly. It does so out of the conviction that this freedom will
- enhance the atmosphere for study, learning, growth, work, and wellness;
- support members of the community affected by or concerned with the abuse of alcohol and illicit drugs;
- respect the decisions of those who choose not to use alcohol or illicit drugs; and
- promote a caring environment.
Since we recognize that members of the community may, within applicable national, state, and local law, choose to use alcohol,St. Olaf College will actively educate the members of the campus community about alcohol and drugs and provide help for those affected by substance abuse problems. In addition, the college will provide social activities that do not rely on alcohol or illicit drugs and will maintain a supportive climate for those who choose not to use these substances.
Employees who are convicted of a criminal drug-statute violation that occurred in the workplace are required to inform their supervisor or department head.
At the same time, the college realizes that employees may have a problem of substance abuse which they are not able to control, but would like to overcome. The college supports employees with substance abuse problems who seek treatment to overcome such problems. Employees who wish to seek assistance may discuss such plans with their supervisor or contact the Employee Assistance and Wellness Support Program. The supervisor and the employee will meet with the Director of Human Resources to make arrangements for a leave for treatment if necessary.
Policy Statement
Notwithstanding the provisions above, from time to time it may suit the purposes of the College to serve alcohol at a College-sponsored event. With the exception of St. Olaf-sponsored events where alcohol is being served, the possession, distribution, or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on the St. Olaf campus, on land owned by the college, and in student residence halls and houses.
St. Olaf prohibits the unlawful possession, distribution, or use of illicit drugs and/or controlled substances on any property owned by the college or in any program or activity sponsored by the college in any location.
Anyone violating college policy regarding alcohol, illicit drugs, and/or controlled substances will be subject to disciplinary action.
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).