Substance-free Workplace for Academic Appointees

Scope

Pursuant to IC-21-38-11, faculty governance organization actions are advisory only. To the extent that any portion of this policy conflicts with IC-21-38-11, Indiana law shall control. 

A foundational principle of Indiana University is its enduring partnership across its units, including faculty, to collectively advance the institution's mission. The establishment, revision, and retirement of academic policies will occur with consultation and input from the University Faculty Council. 

All academic appointees with teaching, research, or librarianship responsibilities, including visiting, adjunct, acting and part-time faculty. 

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Policy Statement

1. In accordance with federal and state law, Indiana University prohibits the unlawful possession, use, distribution, or manufacture or dispensing of illicit drugs and alcohol, including controlled substances, on Indiana University’s premises, or while conducting university business off university premises.
2. In addition to possible penalties under federal and state law, failure to comply with this policy may result in any of the following sanctions: 

1. 1. Reprimand, suspension, or termination; 
   2. Required completion of substance-abuse treatment or substance-abuse education program. 

C. An academic appointee must notify the dean or department chair of a conviction for violations occurring on or off university premises while conducting university business. This must be done within five calendar days after the conviction. 

D. Indiana University shall maintain an Employee Assistance Program for individuals with drug and alcohol problems and encourage its use by academic appointees with substance abuse issues. 

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Reason for Policy

The Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C. § 8103) and Drug Free Schools and Campuses Regulations of 1989 (34 CFR 86.100) require universities to adopt a substance-free workplace policy because substance abuse increases the risk for a number of health-related problems and can contribute to a number of social, behavioral and academic work performance problems. 

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Procedures

1. Potential violations of this policy shall be addressed under campus-specific procedures for addressing misconduct by academic appointees.
2. On campuses that have no campus-specific, general misconduct policy, potential violations of this policy shall be addressed pursuant to BOT-15, Academic Appointee Responsibilities and Conduct. 
3. Non-reappointment or dismissal of an academic appointee for violating this policy shall be addressed pursuant to BOT-18, Permanent Separations for Academic Appointees.   
4. Academic appointees adversely affected by administrative action taken against them for violating this policy have the right to appeal to the Faculty Board of Review of the appropriate campus under its existing policies. This policy neither expands nor contracts the right to a Board of Review.   

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Additional Contacts

IU Employee Assistance Program, http://hr.iu.edu/benefits/eap.html.

1-888-881-LINC (5462) (24-hour helpline)

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History

Required by federal law, 34 CFR 86.100 (1989).
Posted as a policy in 1990.
Reviewed by UFC Policy Review Committee 2019.
Amended and approved by the University Faculty Council, November 12, 2019.

June 2025- Substantive revisions and update Responsible Office and Responsible Administrator

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