Drug and Alcohol Policies

Purdue is committed to providing its employees and students with a safe and healthy campus and workplace. The University recognizes the health risks associated with controlled substance use and alcohol misuse and is committed to supporting those who seek treatment for these conditions. The University also recognizes that controlled substance use and alcohol misuse diminish workplace and campus safety and undermine Purdue’s ability to fulfill its missions of discovery, learning and engagement. Accordingly, the University prohibits the following conduct:

• Using, selling, manufacturing, distributing, possessing, storing or dispensing alcohol on University premises, as part of any University-related activity, or in the workplace, except as authorized under University Regulations or otherwise by the University;
• Using, selling, manufacturing, distributing, possessing, storing or dispensing controlled substances on University premises, as part of any University-related activities, or in the workplace, except as authorized under University Regulations or otherwise by the University;
• Failing to meet the requirements of a drug or alcohol treatment program that the University requires an employee to complete as a condition of employment;
• Interfering with a workplace inspection under this policy;
• Alcohol misuse or controlled substance use, even though not during working hours or in the workplace, which impairs job performance or attendance;
• Failing any drug or alcohol test or engaging in any other conduct prohibited under the University’s drug or alcohol testing procedures;
• Being under the influence of legally prescribed drugs in the workplace that prevent an individual from performing the essential functions of his or her job or where that individual poses a direct threat while using those drugs;
• Any other conduct that the University determines to be inconsistent with providing a drug-free and alcohol-free campus and workplace.

To ensure that the provisions of the Substance-Free Campus and Workplace Policy are strictly adhered to and enforced, the University reserves the right to inspect the workplace for alcohol, controlled substances, or paraphernalia relating to alcohol or controlled substances. The University reserves the right to question any employee when the University reasonably suspects that its Substance-Free Campus and Workplace Policy or any procedure under that policy has been violated.

This does not limit in any way the Purdue University Police Department’s right to conduct law enforcement activities including, but not limited to, questioning or searching any person or inspecting any University premises. The University conducts drug and alcohol testing as required by law. For example, if an individual is employed as a commercial motor vehicle operator, that person will be required to submit to drug and alcohol testing under procedures developed by Human Resources. Department of Defense regulations require the University to establish programs to test employees and final applicants for illegal drug use if they will work in sensitive positions on Department of Defense contracts. Also, the University conducts drug and alcohol testing for employees and volunteers who work in child care facilities, as required by law.

Employees with alcohol or drug problems are strongly encouraged to voluntarily contact their family physician or the University’s Employee Assistance Program for assistance. Employees may seek help without a supervisor’s knowledge. Although voluntarily seeking assistance will not bar the University from treating an employee like other employees, the University will consider voluntary requests for help in determining any discipline to impose. The University does not assume any financial or other responsibility for drug or alcohol treatment except as may be provided by University benefits. Additional information can be found by referring to the Substance-Free Campus and Workplace (IV.A.9) Policy, https://www.purdue.edu/policies/facilities-safety/iva9.html.