University Policy on Drugs and Alcohol

This policy statement on drugs and alcohol is designed to address the University's concerns about substance abuse and to ensure that the Harvard community complies with the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (the "Drug-Free Workplace Act") and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (the "Drug-Free Schools Act") (collectively, the Acts"). Violations of laws relating to controlled substances or alcohol are prohibited in or on Harvard premises, in vehicles provided by Harvard, at any worksite or location at which University duties are being performed by Harvard staff members, or as part of any other Harvard activities. Common examples of controlled substances, as defined by law, are cocaine, marijuana, and heroin. To acquaint members of the Harvard community with the applicable laws, the University's Office of the General Counsel has prepared a description of local, state and federal laws concerning drugs and alcohol.

This policy applies to every Harvard staff member. Each Harvard faculty should have its own drug and alcohol policy with respect to students. In the absence of a separate student policy, this policy applies. The University will take disciplinary action against violators, consistent with federal, state and local laws. Such disciplinary action may include requiring satisfactory participation in a substance abuse treatment, counseling or education program as a condition of reinstatement or continued employment with Harvard, suspension, termination of employment, and referral for prosecution. Substance abuse is potentially harmful to health. Because of the considerable health risks involved in drug and alcohol use, resources are available to assist the Harvard community in understanding and dealing with drug and alcohol abuse problems. Harvard staff members can learn about the dangers of substance abuse and get information about treatment and counseling options available to the Harvard community through the Office of Health Education of the University Health Services, the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program and other activities of the Office of Human Resources. For more information on Harvard's resources, staff members and others, may consult the brochure, "Getting Help for Substance Abuse at Harvard," or contact the Office of Human Resources. These programs and offices are part of Harvard's ongoing efforts to maintain a drug-free workplace. Additionally, any member of the University community may use the University Health Services on an emergency basis at any time, day and night. Finally, to ensure Harvard's compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act, any employee who is convicted of a violation of any criminal drug law occurring in the workplace must report that conviction to her/his immediate supervisor within five days. The Drug-Free Workplace Act makes strict compliance with this policy statement a condition of employment on all federal grants and contracts. Within ten days of learning of a drug conviction resulting from workplace activities of any individual engaged in work under grants or contracts funded by a federal agency, Harvard must notify the relevant funding agency that a violation of this policy statement has occurred.