Drug Free Workplace Policy

Massachusetts Maritime Academy maintains an environment that is safe, secure and productive for all students and employees. Full time employees’ offer of employment is contingent upon a successful drug screening process. The inappropriate or illegal use of alcohol and other drugs on Academy property or at Academy activities may impair the health and safety of students and employees. It can also inhibit the personal and academic growth of students and lower their productivity. Further, it can deminish the quality of work performed by employees, and undermine the public's confidence in the college. For all of these reasons, Massachusetts Maritime Academy has established a strong policy prohibiting such use.

All members of the Academy community are urged to carefully and seriously reflect on their personal responsibility to remain drug free. They must also demonstrate care and concern for others who may be experiencing a substance abuse problem. This could include having to make a timely referral for intervention.

An employee of the Academy (including student employees) shall not unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use controlled substances or alcohol on Academy property or in conjunction with any Academy activity, whether work-related or non-work related. Alcohol may not be served at any Academy-sponsored employee activity without the express permission of the appropriate Vice President or the President.

Any employee who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action. For unit employees, this disciplinary action will be in accordance with the relevant provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement. Disciplinary action may include suspension from employment, mandatory participation in an alcohol/drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program as a condition of continuing employment, or termination of employment. Violations of criminal law will also be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Any employee who is convicted of a workplace violation of any criminal drug statute must notify the Director of Human Resources of that conviction in writing no later than five days after such conviction. If the employment of any employee so convicted is partially or fully federally funded, the Academy will notify the federal agency providing those funds of the conviction.

It is the policy of Massachusetts Maritime Academy to enforce all state and federal laws pertaining to controlled substances and to prosecute individuals who violate those laws on Academy property.

The Academy encourages employees who believe they have a substance abuse problem to seek assistance. Employees who are enrolled in any of the health insurance plans offered through the Group Insurance Commission should consult their plan booklets or service offices to determine which programs are covered. Employees who need to enter a residential treatment program may wish to consult with the Director of Human Resources for details about the applicable policies and procedures for requesting an absence due to treatment substance abuse.

Certain Massachusetts Maritime Academy employees hold U. S. Coast Guard licenses, merchant mariner documents, or are involved in maritime safety-related assignments. These individuals must participate in random screenings under the requirements of 46 CFR Part 16 "Chemical Testing."

Employees who have questions about this policy should contact Human Resources at extension 5092.