Standards of Conduct

The unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of illegal drugs or controlled substances, and the unauthorized use or abuse (e.g., being intoxicated) of alcohol by anyone on University property (including any facilities leased or used by the University) or in University vehicles are prohibited. The use of alcohol by anyone under 21 years of age or the abuse of alcohol by anyone at any University-sponsored or -supervised activity off campus is also prohibited. The University reserves the right to refuse any advertising or promotional activities that focus on the consumption of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, or drugs that might encourage use or abuse.

Salisbury University’s interest in identifying violators of law and of University policy is not intended to be punitive, but rather to establish clear limits of conduct for members of the campus community. The program is designed to encourage those persons habituated to drugs and/or alcohol to seek rehabilitation. Conscientious efforts to seek such help will not jeopardize a student’s academic standing or employee’s job, and all information related to such efforts will be confidential. However, efforts to obtain assistance will not preclude other disciplinary action for any of the usual reasons, including policy violation or unacceptable job performance. Students or employees seeking or receiving assistance are subject to all University policies and procedures.

Reporting Violations

Anyone who witnesses or has knowledge of violations of any Alcohol, Tobacco, or Other Drug Use and Awareness policies occurring on University premises or at a University-sponsored activity should contact University Police at 410-543-6222 or activate any of the University emergency blue light phones.

Sanctions

Employees

As required by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and as a condition of employment, employees must abide by the terms of University procedures and notify the Human Resources Office, in writing, of any criminal drug statute conviction no later than five calendar days after such conviction. Lack of compliance with these requirements may subject the employee to disciplinary action up to and including immediate termination in accordance with USM Policy VII-1.15 (Criminal Background Checks for Faculty and Staff).

Upon receipt of notification of a conviction, the University will take the following actions as required by law: 1) notify federal agencies, as appropriate, of such convictions within 10 calendar days, and 2) take appropriate personnel action against the employee, up to and including termination; and/or 3) require the employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a federal, state or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency.

Sanctions for employees may include coaching and counseling, reprimand, suspension with or without pay, or discharge from employment. The University may also require the completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program.

Students

Any student member of the University community who violates this standard of conduct will be subject to disciplinary proceedings by the University. Depending upon the severity of the offense, the University will impose one or more of the following disciplinary sanctions as may be appropriate.

Sanctions for students may include reprimand, warning, or dismissal from the institution. A complete list of disciplinary penalties for students is included in the Code of Community Standards.