The following is the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act (“DFSCA”) Notification for UConn (UConn Storrs and regional campuses and UConn Law School) and UConn Health Center (“UConn Health”) employees (collectively as the “University”). The University strives to promote an environment that supports the health and safety of all members of the community. To support the prevention and reduction of harm resulting from substance misuse and, in accordance with the DFSCA passed by Congress, the University provides annual notification with information regarding alcohol and other substances. This brief overview provides information regarding University policies, the impact on health, potential legal sanctions, risk reduction strategies, and resources for support related to alcohol and other substances.
Overview of Policy Statement
UConn and UConn Health employees are required to adhere to the University’s standards of conduct. UConn’s General Rules of Conduct, found here, and the UConn Health’s Rules of Conduct, found here, prohibit certain conduct related to alcohol, drugs and controlled substances; and the Alcoholic Beverage Sales and Services Policy, found here, applies to all University campuses and provides specific requirements for the sale and/or service of alcoholic beverages at University sponsored events. All University-wide polices applicable to UConn employees can be found here and UConn Health employees can be found here.
I. Alcohol and Other Substances
A. Alcohol
1. Impact on Health
- In lower doses, alcohol can cause euphoria, relaxation, and lowered inhibitions.
- In higher doses and when consumed rapidly, alcohol can cause drowsiness, slurred speech, nausea, loss of coordination, impaired memory, sexual dysfunction, loss of consciousness, neurological deficits, increased risk of injuries, and fatal overdoses.
- Consumption of higher doses over time is associated with increased risk of hypertension, heart disease, cancer, stroke, pancreatitis, liver inflammation (including cirrhosis), and alcohol use disorder.
2. Law and Policies
There can also be legal repercussions for alcohol-related violations. Violations of the law can result in criminal sanctions, which can adversely impact job opportunities, performance, and status.
- Consuming alcohol can impair one’s ability to drive, which can result in legal consequences. If you are over the age of 21, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content of 0.8 or over. If you are under the age of 21, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.2 or over.
- It is a crime for anyone under the age of 21 to procure, possess, or transport alcohol. Penalties include an infraction for the first offense, and up to $500 for a second offense.
- It is a crime to sell or supply alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. Penalties include a fine up to $1000 and/or up to a year in prison.
- It is a crime to misrepresent one’s age, possess a fake ID, use someone else’s ID, forge, or alter an ID, or let someone use your ID to obtain alcohol. Penalties for using a fake ID to purchase alcohol include fines up to $500, up to 30 days in prison, and/or a 150-day suspension of your motor vehicle license.
- Please refer here for more information about the relevant State of Connecticut liquor laws.
- Please also refer to UConn’s General Rules of Conduct here, UConn Health’s Rules of Conduct here, and the Alcoholic Beverage Sales and Service Policy here.
B. Cannabis
1. Impact on Health
- At various doses, cannabis can cause euphoria, relaxation, slowed reaction time, distorted sensory perception, impaired balance and coordination, increased heart rate and appetite, impaired memory, anxiety, and panic attacks.
- Over time, consistent cannabis use is associated with increased risk of frequent respiratory infections (when smoked), mental health concerns, and cannabis use disorder.
2. Law and Policies
There can also be legal repercussions for cannabis-related violations. Violations of the law can result in criminal sanctions, which can adversely impact job opportunities, performance, and status.
- In Connecticut, it is legal to possess and consume cannabis for residents over the age of 21, but it remains illegal under federal law.
- Because the University receives federal funding, the University is required to prohibit the use and possession of federally classified controlled substances, including cannabis. Therefore, the possession or use of cannabis (recreational or medical) is prohibited on all University property and during any University activity.
- Please refer here for more information about the relevant State of Connecticut regulations of adult-use cannabis.
- Please also refer here to UConn’s General Rules of Conduct and here to UConn Health’s Rules of Conduct.
C. Tobacco and Nicotine
1. Impact on Health
- Using tobacco and nicotine over time is associated with increased risk of diabetes, heart and lung disease, stroke, cancer, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. These health impacts are also associated with the inhalation of secondhand smoke.
- Nicotine itself is highly addictive and contains toxic substances that can harm adolescents, young adults, and developing fetuses.
- Besides nicotine, the aerosol from e-cigs or vapes can also contain harmful substances, including tiny particles that are inhaled deep into the lungs, cancer-causing chemicals and heavy metals.
2. Law and Policies
- You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase and use tobacco products (including electronic nicotine delivery systems) in Connecticut.
- Please refer here for more information about Connecticut laws about smoking.
- Please also refer here to UConn’s Smoking Policy and here to UConn Health’s Smoke and Tobacco-Free Environment Policy.
D. Prescription Medication
1. Impact on Health
Health impacts of non-medical use of prescription medication vary, depending upon the substance.
- Use of opioids can cause constipation, nausea, euphoria, slowed breathing rate, drowsiness, confusion, poor coordination, and increased sensitivity to pain.
- Use of anti-anxiety medication and sedatives can cause drowsiness, confusion, unsteady gait, slurred speech, poor concentration, dizziness, memory problems, and slowed breathing.
- Use of stimulants can cause increased alertness, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, high body temperature, reduced appetite, insomnia, agitation, anxiety, and paranoia.
2. Law and Policies
There can be legal repercussions for prescription drug-related violations. Violations of the law can result in criminal sanctions, which can adversely impact job opportunities and job performance.
- It is a crime to sell prescription drugs or to knowingly possess or deliver drugs that are not prescribed to you.
- Please refer here for more information about Connecticut laws concerning drug crimes.
- Please also refer here to the UConn General Rules of Conduct and here to UConn Health’s Rules of Conduct.
E. Other Substances
1. Identification and Impact on Health
In addition to alcohol, cannabis, tobacco/nicotine, and prescription medication, there are other substances that have the potential to impact your health. See the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Commonly Abused Drugs Chart found here.
- Depressants (in addition to alcohol), including GH and Rohypnol (roofies)
- Stimulants (in addition to the prescription stimulants mentioned above), including cocaine and nonprescription methamphetamine.
- Hallucinogens, including LSD (acid), MDMA (ecstasy, molly), and psilocybin (mushrooms).
- Dissociatives, including PCP, ketamine, and DXM (cough medicine).
- Narcotics (in addition to prescription opioids noted above), including heroin.
- Inhalants, such as solvents, like gasoline and paint thinner, aerosols (spray cans) and gases (nitrous oxides and whippets).
Acute impacts on health vary depending upon the substance. The National Institute of Health’s list of health impacts listed by substances can be found here.
2. Other Substances Law and Policies
- There can be legal repercussions for controlled substance related violations. Violation of the law can result in criminal sanctions and adversely impact job opportunities and performance. It is a crime to knowingly possess, deliver, or sell controlled substances.
- Please refer here for more information about Connecticut laws about drug crimes.
- Please also refer here to the UConn General Rules of Conduct and here to UConn Health’s Rules of Conduct.
II. Resources and Support
The University is committed to offering resources and support to employees who are experiencing impacts from substance use. Employees struggling with alcohol and/or drug use are encouraged explore the following benefits and resources:
A. The Family Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”): The Human Resources (“HR”) Leave Teams process benefits consistent with state and federal laws. Employees with substance dependence are encouraged to consult with their respective HR Leave Teams for UConn here and for UConn Health here
B. Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”): University HR ADA Case Managers process benefits under the ADA. University employees with substance dependence are encouraged to consult with an ADA Case Manager. More information about ADA workplace accommodations can be found for UConn employees here and UConn Health employees here
C. Health Insurance Coverage: University employees seeking treatment should consult with their health insurance provider to determine treatments that are provided through their health insurance plan. More information about employee health benefits can be found for UConn employees here and UConn Health employees here.
D. Employee Assistance Program (“EAP”): The University recognizes that employees may wish to seek support regarding substance use. Confidential counseling and referral services for University employees are provided through EAP, including free clinical assessment and referral services for employees exhibiting problems related to alcohol and/or other drug misuse. The Lexington Group, Inc. is UConn’s EAP provider, which can be contacted at (800) 679-4357 and more information can be found at here. UConn Health EAP is the provider for UConn Health employees, which can be contacted at (860) 679-2877 and more information can be found at here.
III. Prohibited Actions and Sanctions
A. Prohibited Actions
Prohibited actions related to alcohol, drugs and other substances are included in the UConn General Rules of Conduct found here and UConn Health’s Rules of Conduct found here. As noted above, although Connecticut state law permits the use of medical and recreational cannabis (marijuana) for those over the age of 21, the use, possession, and/or cultivation of cannabis remains a crime under federal law. As a recipient of federal funding, the University is required to prohibit the use and/or possession of all federally-classified controlled substances, including cannabis. Therefore, the possession and use of cannabis in any form, even if accompanied by a medical prescription, is prohibited on all University property and/or during any University activity.
B. Possible Sanctions
Below is a list of disciplinary actions that may be issued for employees found to have violated University policies, although the list is not exhaustive. Discipline is usually issued in a progressive manner, however, depending on the circumstances, steps in the disciplinary process may be skipped, including being dismissed without prior discipline. All discipline is placed in the employee’s official personnel file.
- Letter of Warning: Is the first step in the ladder of progressive discipline and in general should be constructive in tone.
- Letter of Reprimand: Is the second step in the ladder of progressive discipline.
- Suspension: Is the third step in the ladder of progressive discipline and is most often imposed for a specific and serious break of state or University regulation or policy.
- Demotion: Disciplinary action that involves reducing an employee’s job level due to problematic performance.
- Dismissal: The last step in the disciplinary process where the employer-employee relationship is terminated.
The University may also make a referral to law enforcement where appropriate.
For more information, contact: Labor Relations at laborrelations@uconn.edu