KENTUCKY COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM DRUG FREE POLICY

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) is committed to providing a healthy and safe workplace for its employees and students. Conduct which is a violation of this policy poses unacceptable risk and disregard for the health, safety, and welfare of faculty, staff, students, and the total KCTCS community.

1. In accordance with the Federal Drug-free Workplace Law (P.L. 100-196) and in recognition of the serious consequences of drug abuse to KCTCS employees and students, all employees and students (regardless of grade, position, or stage of instruction) are subject to KCTCS's drug-free workplace policy and procedures.

2. Being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs on KCTCS property or at any sponsored event is prohibited. Such activities will not be tolerated and are grounds for dismissal.

3. All KCTCS employees and students, as a condition of employment/program enrollment, are to notify the immediate supervisor (college CAO) of any criminal drug statute conviction within five (5) days of such a conviction.

4. The KCTCS will help any employee who requires assistance through the Employee Assistance Program and any student through the counselor for assistance or treatment referral. Confidentiality will be maintained; however, this does not exempt any employee or student from disciplinary action for violation of this or any other policy.

5. Employees or students who, in the judgment of the college director, exhibit behavior in their work or class tasks which would give one reasonable cause to suspect behavior influenced by alcohol or drug use shall be isolated from their respective tasks and may be subject to medical evaluation prior to resuming employee or student responsibilities.

On the first occurrence of proof of drug abuse, a student shall be referred to a counseling and treatment program and reported to the college director. For secondary students, the high school principal and parent or guardian will be notified. A report of the drug abuse evidence shall be made to the police. The student shall be suspended for five (5) days with possible re-entry upon proof of enrolling in a treatment program. Readmission shall be with probationary status.

During suspension, the student shall lose all college privileges and shall not be permitted on the college campus. A second drug abuse occurrence by a student shall result in dismissal from the college.

KCTCS is committed to implementing this policy in a fair and equitable manner which respects the dignity and privacy of the individual. With the help and cooperation of our employees and students, the public trust in our institutions, programs, and services can be maintained; and the students and employees shall be assured a drug-free environment.