3.15 Alcohol and Drugs

Piedmont University is committed to the health and well-being of the members of its staff, faculty, and student body. As part of this commitment, the university 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 university officials will be addressed within the university and/or through prosecution in the courts. This policy applies to all Piedmont University full-time, part-time, and temporary faculty, staff, and students (hereinafter collectively referred to as "faculty/staff/students") and applies to all university- owned property and university-sponsored activities.

As administrator of certain federal-funded financial aid programs for students, Piedmont University adheres to the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989. Also, as administrator of certain state- funded financial aid programs for students, Piedmont University adheres to Georgia's Drug-Free Postsecondary Educational Act of 1990.

Standards of Conduct

All Piedmont University faculty/staff/students are prohibited by the university from unlawful possession, use, manufacture, dispensing, or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs on university- owned property or at university-sponsored activities. Further, no alcoholic beverages shall be served or consumed on university property, with the exception of Piedmont Village apartments and Wallace Hall occupied by Residence Life Assistant Directors/Resident Directors and university-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. Unless prior approval by the President of the University, no alcoholic beverages shall be served or consumed at any university-sponsored functions at which any Piedmont University students are present because of their status as students. At university-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 University expects all of its faculty/staff/students and all university-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. University Sanctions: Any member of the Piedmont University 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 university academic programs, termination of employment, and referral to the appropriate state, federal, or local authorities for prosecution in the courts.

1. 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 University 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. 

Substance Abuse Health Risks and Education

The scope and impact of health risks from alcohol and drug abuse are well documented and alarming. These risks range from mood-altering to life threatening, and the consequences affect not only individuals, but also their families, communities, and society at large. The University conducts educational programs about the dangers of abuse of alcohol and other drugs in an effort to encourage and promote responsible and healthy lifestyles.  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. These Human Resource and Office of Student Life and Leadership sponsored programs relating to Alcohol and Drug Awareness and Education are offered [as required in HEA Section 120 (20 U.S.C. 100i)] as well as help for those seeking additional assistance with alcohol or drug related problems. The University also works closely with local resources to provide access to programs for treatment for individuals who are experiencing difficulty in coping with issues related to alcohol and/or drug abuse. Faculty/staff/students wishing to seek initial assistance through off-campus sources may contact Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services at 1-800-848-3649 in Gainesville or Advantage Behavioral Health at 1-800-715-4225 in Athens.  Additional substance abuse resources are:

Advantage Behavioral Health Systems (Athens, GA) 1 (855) 333-9544

Avita Community Partners (Demorest, Gainesville, and Toccoa, GA) (706) 894-3700

Black Bear Lodge (Sautee Nacoochee, GA) 1 (855) 688-0706          

Freedom Hill (Demorest, GA) (706) 776-6109

Mustard Seed Counseling (Demorest, GA) (706) 894-1371

Psychiatric Professionals of Georgia (Suwanee, GA) (678)-496-9863

Ridgeview Institute Monroe (844) 350-8800

Skyland Trail (Atlanta, GA) (404) 315-8333

Summit Ridge Athens (678) 442-5858

Thriveworks Counseling (Cumming, GA) (770) 224-7008

Twin Lake Recovery Center (Monroe, GA) 1 (888) 995-2560

SAMHSA’s National Helpline provides free, 24-hour information and referral assistance to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.  1-800-662-HELP (4357) and http://findtreatment.SAMHSA.gov

National Council for Behavioral Health can assist you in finding a local provider of behavioral

health services and support. www.theNationalCouncil.org (click on “Find a Provider”)

Piedmont University Campus Police works with the Office of Student Life and Leadership, Human Resources and Athletics to offer additional alcohol-and drug abuse programs upon request.  

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 University.

The University will not employ persons who use illegal drugs or abuse alcohol. Accordingly, the University 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 University 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.

Notification and Biennial Review

All Piedmont University faculty/staff/students are notified of the Standards of Conduct that Piedmont University will apply to all activities conducted on university-owned property and to all other university-sponsored activities. This policy and any revisions thereto, shall be made available to all faculty/staff/students (including student employees) in the university’s Policies and Procedures and in the Student Handbook. A review of this policy shall be conducted once every two years.