In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act and the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act, it is the policy of this College that the use, possession, distribution, manufacture, or dispensation of illicit drugs and alcoholic beverages on college property or as part of any college sponsored activity be prohibited. The term “illicit drugs” can include any drug listed in G.S. 90-89 through G.S. 90-94. The term “alcoholic beverage” can include any beverage listed in G.S. 18B-101.
Any employee or student who engages in any of these prohibited actions on College property or at a College sponsored activity will be subject to sanctions which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with the penalties which may be imposed ranging from written warnings, mandatory counseling or rehabilitation, up to and including termination of employment or expulsion. Any infraction which is also a violation of federal, state, or local law will be turned over to local law enforcement authorities. Legal sanctions for violations of federal, state, or local laws can include, but are not limited to, fines and prison sentences.
Any such person charged with a violation of this policy may be suspended from enrollment or employment before initiation or completion of disciplinary proceedings, if, after an appropriate pre-termination inquiry, the College determines that the continued presence of such person within the College community would constitute a clear and immediate danger to the health or welfare of other members of the community.
Each employee is required to inform the College in writing within five days after he or she is convicted of violating any federal, state, or local drug or alcoholic beverage control statute where such violation occurred while in the College workplace, on College premises, or as a part of any college sponsored activity. A conviction means a finding of guilt (including a plea of nolo contendere) or the imposition of a sentence, or both by any judicial body charged with the responsibility to determine violations of federal or state criminal drug statutes.
In the case of a conviction of an employee working on a federal government grant or contract, the College must notify the U. S. Governmental agency from which the grant was made within ten days after receiving notice from the employee or otherwise receiving actual notice of a drug conviction. Within 30 days after receiving notice of a conviction, disciplinary action against the employee must be undertaken by the College, up to and including termination. The employee, if retained, may be required to satisfactorily participate in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.
The College maintains information on its drug-free awareness program in the office of the Director of Human Resources and the office of the Dean of Student Development. This information includes the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol which can include, but are not limited to, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, and death. The use of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol can also be a danger in the workplace or academic environment creating problems of tardiness, absenteeism, and poor performance.
The College does not have a program of drug counseling, rehabilitation or an employee assistance program. However, people experiencing problems with illicit drugs or alcohol abuse are encouraged to voluntarily seek counseling or treatment programs.
Wilson Community College will conduct a biennial review of its drug-free awareness program to determine its effectiveness and implement changes as needed. The biennial review will also ensure that sanctions for violations of this policy are consistently enforced.