With regard to employees, violations will result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension and termination of employment. Violations involving manufacture, sale, or distribution of controlled substances will result in termination of employment. The responsible use of alcohol at events approved by the university will not be considered a violation of the policy. A summary of relevant local, state and federal laws, a summary of the health risks of controlled substances and alcohol, and a listing of some local sources of information, counseling, and treatment, are attached as a part of this communication. Under federal, state, and local laws, illegal uses of drugs and alcohol are serious crimes.
Conviction can lead to imprisonment, fines, and assigned community service work.
Courts do not lift prison sentences to allow convicted persons to attend college or continue their jobs. A felony conviction can prevent individuals from entering many fields of employment. Under federal and state law, persons convicted of possession of controlled substances are ineligible for federal student grants and loans for up to one year after the first conviction and five years after the second. Under federal and state laws, penalties for possession will vary according to the drug, the amount involved, and whether conviction is for a first or subsequent offense. While penalties for possession are generally not as great as for distribution, possession of a relatively large quantity may be considered distribution and many laws dictate mandatory prison terms, with the full minimum being served.