Drug Free Policy

BSU has a no-tolerance drug policy

Illegal drugs are prohibited on the property of Bridgewater State University and at all University sanctioned events, wherever located.

The university will enforce all applicable laws concerning illegal drugs. In addition, the possession of drug paraphernalia is prohibited.

When illegal drug use is suspected, when the university is notified of illegal drug use, or when persons are apprehended in the presence of, in possession of, using or selling illegal drugs, appropriate steps will be taken to determine the facts involved, provide for appropriate due process and proceed to a just conclusion. Persons determined by the university police to be in possession of, using or selling illegal drugs may be prosecuted and/or referred for university disciplinary action.

Suspected violators of the drug policy are subject to immediate suspension from the university or any area thereof pending completion of due process as outlined in this handbook. If following due process the suspected violator is found responsible, they may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the university and will also be subject to criminal prosecution under applicable laws.

The following policy information applies to all employees of the university, including student employees:

In accordance with the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, the following employee policy on drugs and alcohol has been established:

  • An employee of BSU shall not unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use controlled substances or alcohol on university property or in conjunction with any university activity, whether work related or nonwork related.
  • Alcohol may not be served at any university sponsored employee activity without the approval of the director of administrative support services.
  • An employee convicted for violating a criminal drug statute on university property or during any university sponsored activity, whether the violation occurred while engaged on work-related activities or not, must report that conviction to the assistant vice president of human resources within five days.
  • If the employee’s position is fully or partially federally funded, the university will notify the federal grantor that the employee has been convicted within 10 days of notification.

The following applies specifically to student employees:

Any student who is also employed in any capacity by the university, as a condition of such employment, will abide by the alcohol and other drug policies outlined in this handbook.

Student employees will notify the vice president of human resources within five days of being convicted of violating a criminal drug statute on university property or during any university sponsored activity, whether the violation occurred while engaged in work-related activities or not. If the student’s employment is federally funded, the university will notify the grantor agency that the student employee has been convicted within 10 days of notification.

The following sanctions apply to all employees (including student employees):

  • An employee who violates the policy will be subject to disciplinary action.
  • For unit employees, such disciplinary action will be in accordance with the relevant provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
  • Disciplinary action may include suspension from employment, mandatory participation in an alcohol/drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program as a condition of continuing employment, or termination of employment.
  • Any violations of criminal laws will also be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency for prosecution.

For detailed descriptions of different drugs and their effect, see the Health Risks of Alcohol and Other Drugs in the Right-to-Know Information section of this handbook. For the legal ramifications of drug use, see Legal Risks of Alcohol and Drugs in the Right-to-Know Information section.

Reviewed 8/2023 by David Tillinghast, University Police