Drug-Free/Smoke-free Workplace Policies
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts adheres to the principles of the
Drug-Free Workplace Act and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. The use of illegal drugs and alcohol abuse at the College workplace, on
College property or at College activities both on and off campus impairs
the safety and health of College community members, inhibits the
personal and academic growth of students and undermines the public's
confidence in the College. Only in an environment free of illegal drugs
and alcohol abuse can the College fulfill its mission of developing the
professional, social, cultural and intellectual potential of each
member of its community. For these reasons, it shall be the policy of
MCLA that all College activities, College property and the College
workplace shall be free of the use of illegal drugs and the "abuse" of
alcohol.
Responsible use of alcohol will be allowed at College activities and on
College property only under specified conditions. First, possession and
consumption is limited to persons of legal age and is confined to
particular locations and/or events. Second, events where alcohol will
be served shall be managed through the campus dining services. Third,
resident students who are of legal age shall observe the regulations
which control the possession, use or distribution of alcohol within
residence areas. Students should refer to the Resident Student Handbook
and Guidelines for Community Living for these regulations.
The College affirms that fundamental responsibility for personal
behavior associated with the use of alcohol rests with the individual;
however, the College will provide constructive leadership for promoting a
positive environment for its members. In addition, the College will
maintain and enforce rules and regulations deemed appropriate and
necessary to preserve conditions essential to academic and personal
wellbeing.
The staff of MCLA shall not unlawfully manufacture, distribute,
dispense, possess or use controlled substances or alcohol on College
property, in conjunction with any College activity or in the College
workplace. No alcohol shall be present at any staff or student meetings
or events where College business related efforts are being conducted.
Any employee or student employee must notify the College's Director of
Human Resources within five days of being convicted of violating a
criminal drug statute in the workplace. The College will notify
appropriate authorities, as required, that an employee or student
employee has been convicted of a drug-related offense within 10 days.
Smoking Policy
Recognizing that exposure to tobacco smoke (both active and passive)
presents an unhealthy environment and has been linked to many serious
health problems, the Governor's Executive Office for Administration and
Finance issued a smoking policy on May 15, 1987, affecting all state
agencies. The Massachusetts State Legislature amended the Massachusetts
General laws, effective January, 1988, restricting smoking in all
public buildings. More recently, the American College Health
Association and the Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia
University have issued specific guidelines concerning college campuses. In the absence of separate, adequately ventilated indoor areas that
meet the recommended criteria, smoking is not permitted inside any
public buildings on campus.
Designated, outdoor, protected areas with proper receptacles are
available, subject to cleanliness standards and adherence to safety
regulations.
No smoking is permitted inside any student dormitories at the College.
SMOKING IS PROHIBITED IN ALL PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND AREAS INCLUDING
WORK AREAS, DINING AREAS, PRIVATE OFFICES, WAITING ROOMS, RESTROOMS,
STAIRWELLS, LOBBIES, HALLWAYS, MEETING ROOMS AND CLASSROOMS. SMOKING IS
ALSO PROHIBITED IN COLLEGE VEHICLES.
It is expected that all members of the College community will exercise
self-discipline in modifying their behavior and will demonstrate good
judgment in respecting the rights of others. It is expected that all
members of the College community and visitors will abide by this policy.
Smokers are expected to show consideration for the health and safety of
others. Any employee, or student, who believes he or she is being
subjected to secondhand smoke in violation of this policy, should inform
the offending party that this policy exists and request that he or she
adhere to the policy. If the offending party does not comply with this
request, the violation should be reported to the department head or
administrator who is in charge of the area in which the violation
occurred. That individual will be responsible for addressing the
problem with the offending person or persons. Problems which cannot be
resolved at that level should be referred to the Vice President who
oversees the department.
