Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act (DFSCA) Annual Notification for UConn Employees
(Applies to UConn Storrs, Regional Campuses, UConn Law School, and UConn Health)
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.
University Policy
Employees are required to follow University standards of conduct. The General Rules of Conduct (applies to UConn Storrs and regional), UConn Health’s Rules of Conduct, and the Alcoholic Beverage Sales and Services Policy (applies to all campuses) outline rules related to alcohol and drug use. All University-wide polices applicable to Storrs and regional campus employees can be found at https://policy.uconn.edu. All UConn Health policies can be found at https://uconn.ellucid.com.
Alcohol and Other Substances
Alcohol
Impact on Health:
- Low amounts: euphoria, relaxation, and lowered inhibitions.
- High amounts: drowsiness, slurred speech, nausea, loss of coordination, impaired memory, sexual dysfunction, loss of consciousness, neurological deficits, increased risk of injuries, and fatal overdoses.
Laws & Policies:
- Violations of the law can result in criminal sanctions, which can adversely impact job opportunities, performance, and status.
- Illegal to drive if blood alcohol content (BAC) ≥ 0.08% (age 21+) or ≥ 0.02% (under 21).
- Illegal for anyone under 21 to possess, buy, or transport alcohol. Penalties include an infraction for the first offense, and up to $500 for a second offense.
- Illegal to sell or provide alcohol to anyone under 21. Penalties include a fine up to $1000 and/or up to a year in prison.
- Illegal 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.
- More information about relevant State of Connecticut liquor laws.
- Refer also to the General Rules of Conduct (applies to UConn Storrs and regional), UConn Health’s Rules of Conduct, and the Alcoholic Beverage Sales and Services Policy (applies to all campuses).
Cannabis
Impact on Health:
- Various amounts: euphoria, relaxation, slowed reaction time, distorted sensory perception, impaired balance and coordination, increased heart rate and appetite, impaired memory, anxiety, and panic attacks.
- May cause slowed reaction time, memory problems, mental health concerns, anxiety, and respiratory issues (if smoked). Long-term use can lead to cannabis use disorder.
Laws & Policies:
- Violations of the law can result in criminal sanctions, which can adversely impact job opportunities, performance, and status.
- Legal to possess and consume in Connecticut for those 21+, but still illegal under federal law.
- Because UConn receives federal funding, all cannabis use or possession (medical or recreational) is prohibited on University property and during University activities.
- More information about relevant State of Connecticut laws.
- Refer also to the General Rules of Conduct (applies to UConn Storrs and regional) and UConn Health’s Rules of Conduct.
Tobacco & Nicotine
Impact on Health:
- Increases risk of diabetes, cancer, heart and lung disease, stroke, and harm during pregnancy. These health impacts are also associated with the inhalation of secondhand smoke.
- Nicotine is highly addictive and contains toxic substances that can harm adolescents, young adults, and developing fetuses.
- 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.
Laws & Policies:
- Must be 21+ to buy or use tobacco/nicotine in Connecticut.
- UConn’s Smoking Policy prohibits use in restricted areas.
- More information about relevant State of Connecticut laws.
Prescription Medications
Impact on Health (if misused):
- Health impacts of non-medical use of prescription medication vary, depending upon the substance.
- Opioids: constipation, nausea, euphoria, slowed breathing rate, drowsiness, confusion, poor coordination, and increased sensitivity to pain.
- Sedatives/Anti-anxiety meds: drowsiness, confusion, unsteady gait, slurred speech, poor concentration, dizziness, memory problems, and slowed breathing.
- Stimulants: increased alertness, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, high body temperature, reduced appetite, insomnia, agitation, anxiety, and paranoia.
Laws & Policies:
- Violations of the law can result in criminal sanctions, which can adversely impact job opportunities and job performance.
- Illegal to sell or use prescription drugs without a prescription.
- More information about relevant State of Connecticut laws.
- Refer also to the General Rules of Conduct (applies to UConn Storrs and regional) and UConn Health’s Rules of Conduct.
Other Substances
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).
Impact on Health
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.
Laws & 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.
· More information about Connecticut laws about drug crimes.
· Refer also to the General Rules of Conduct (applies to UConn Storrs and regional) and UConn Health’s Rules of Conduct.
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:
· 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 and for UConn Health.
- ADA Accommodations: University HR ADA Case Managers process benefits under the ADA. University employees with substance dependence are encouraged to consult with an ADA Case Manager. See more information about ADA workplace accommodations for UConn employees and UConn Health employees.
- Health Insurance: University employees seeking treatment should consult with their health insurance provider to determine treatments that are provided through their health insurance plan. See more information about employee health benefits for UConn employees and UConn Health employees.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): 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. UConn Health EAP is the provider for UConn Health employees, which can be contacted at (860) 679-2877.
Prohibited Actions
- Use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs or controlled substances.
- Use or possession of cannabis on University property or at University events (even if legal in CT or prescribed).
- Violation of alcohol and drug-related laws or University policies, include the General Rules of Conduct (applies to UConn Storrs and regional) and UConn Health’s Rules of Conduct
UConn and Local Sanctions
Employees who violate policies or laws may face:
- Letter of warning or reprimand
- Suspension
- Demotion
- Dismissal (termination of employment)
- Referral to law enforcement, when appropriate
All disciplinary actions are documented in the employee’s personnel file.
Federal Sanctions
In addition to state laws, employees should be aware that federal law strictly prohibits the possession, use, or distribution of controlled substances. Under the federal Controlled Substances Act, penalties can include substantial fines and imprisonment, which vary depending on the type and quantity of the substance, prior convictions, and whether distribution occurred near schools or colleges. For example, unlawful possession of a controlled substance can result in up to one year of imprisonment and a minimum fine of $1,000, while trafficking offenses may result in significantly higher fines and sentences ranging from several years to life imprisonment.
Questions?
UConn Storrs and Regional: Human Resources Labor Relations
Email: laborrelations@uconn.edu
UConn Health: Employee/Labor Relations
Email: hr@uchc.edu
For more information, contact: Labor Relations at laborrelations@uconn.edu