Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Piedmont College is committed to the health and well-being of the members of its staff, faculty, and student body. As part of this commitment, the college complies with all federal, state, and local laws that regulate or prohibit the possession, use, or distribution of alcohol or illicit drugs. Violations of such laws that come to the attention of college officials will be addressed within the college and/or through prosecution in the courts.

As administrator of certain federal-funded financial aid programs for students, Piedmont College adheres to the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment. Also, as administrator of certain state-funded financial aid programs for students, Piedmont College adheres to Georgia's Drug-Free Postsecondary Educational Act.

Accordingly, all Piedmont College full-time, part-time, and temporary faculty, staff, and students (hereinafter collectively referred to as "faculty/staff/students") are notified of the Standards of Conduct that Piedmont College will apply to all activities conducted on college-owned property and to all other college-sponsored activities. This policy and any revisions thereto, shall be made available in the Policies and Procedures Manual and the Student Handbook to all faculty/staff/students (including student employees). A review of this policy shall be conducted once every two years.

Standards of Conduct

All Piedmont College faculty/staff/students are prohibited by the college from unlawful possession, use, manufacture, dispensing, or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs on college-owned property or at college-sponsored activities. Further, no alcoholic beverages shall be served or consumed on college property, with the exception of college-owned homes occupied by faculty or staff, in which locations the consumption and service of alcohol must comply with all federal, state and local laws. No alcoholic beverages shall be served or consumed at any college-sponsored functions at which any Piedmont College students are present because of their status as students. At college-sponsored functions attended only by faculty and staff, alcoholic beverage service and consumption shall comply with requirements of all federal, state and local laws.

Piedmont College expects all of its faculty/staff/students and all college-sponsored organizations to comply with applicable state, federal, or local laws pertaining to the use, possession, manufacture, dispensation, or distribution of alcohol or illegal drugs.

Sanctions and Penalties

1. College Sanctions: Any member of the Piedmont College faculty, staff, or student body who violates any of these Standards of Conduct shall be subject to corrective disciplinary actions and penalties up to and including expulsion from college academic programs, termination of employment, and referral to the appropriate state, federal, or local authorities for prosecution in the courts.
2. State, Federal, and Local Sanctions: In addition, depending on the nature of the crime, persons convicted of violating federal and state laws prohibiting the unlawful use, possession and distribution of illegal alcohol or drugs may face sanctions such as heavy fines; incarceration for various periods of time, including life; forfeiture of assets; and suspension or loss of drivers, business, or professional licenses.

Employee Notification of Drug-Related Convictions

In accordance with the mandates of the Drug-Free Workplace Act, and as a condition of employment at Piedmont, all employees will abide by the terms of this statement and must notify their supervisor of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace, no later than five days after such conviction. If the employee is a recipient of Title IV funds, the Piedmont College Office of Financial Aid must be notified immediately. Failure to make the required notification within the five-day time limit may result in disciplinary action.

Within 30 calendar days of receiving notice of a conviction, the person notified above shall consult with the Human Resources Department for possible appropriate personnel action against the employee, up to and including termination, consistent with the requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; who shall require the employee to participate successfully, and provide evidence of such participation, 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.

Student Notifications of Drug-Related Convictions

In accord with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the State of Georgia’s Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990, and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989, and as a condition of employment, all student employees must notify their supervisor and the Office of Financial Aid of any criminal drug statute conviction no later than five days after such conviction. For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Health Risks of Alcohol and Drug Abuse

The scope and impact of health risks from alcohol and drug abuse are both alarming and well-documented ranging from mood altering to life-threatening, with consequences that extend beyond the individual to family, organizations, and society at large. The college therefore conducts programs to educate its faculty, staff, and students that the abuse of alcohol and other drugs alters behavior, distorts perception, impairs thinking, impedes judgment, and sabotages opportunity. Alcohol and drug abuse also may result in deterioration of physical health by causing or contributing to various diseases, illnesses, birth defects, and even death.

Drug & Alcohol Testing

In the event that an employee is injured on the job and requires treatment at a hospital emergency room facility, the injured employee will take drug and alcohol tests. If either test is positive, the employee will be dismissed from Piedmont College.

The College will not employ persons who use illegal drugs or abuse alcohol. Accordingly, the College shall have the right to require an employee to submit to testing for drug and/or alcohol use as a continuing condition of employment as the College deems necessary to maintain safe and efficient campus operations. An employee who refuses to submit to drug and/or alcohol testing or who tests positive may be suspended from duty pending further investigation and may be subject to discipline, up to and including immediate discharge.