The College is committed to maintaining a drug-free learning and work environment.  The College Board and employees recognize that the abuse of alcohol and other drugs interferes with a person's ability to learn and work, and increases the risk of accidents and serious health problems. 

While on College premises, conducting College business, or participating in College-sponsored events or activities, no employee, student, partner or guest shall possess, store, use, sell, distribute, solicit, purchase or manufacture drugs, drug paraphernalia, or alcohol.  This prohibition applies to all College sites and facilities, including leased property and clinical sites. All students and employees are prohibited from being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on College premises, conducting College business, or participating in College-sponsored events or activities.

For the purposes of this policy, the term "drugs" means any controlled substances and any other substances that cause or result in intoxication or discernibly altered states of mood or mind, including unregulated substances intentionally used in order to produce intoxication or discernibly altered states of mood or mind.  The term "drugs" includes any "look alike" substances which are intended to resemble or be mistaken for drugs, as defined by this policy.  The term "drugs" does not include substances possessed or used by an employee or student pursuant to the employee's or student's valid prescription. 

The legal use of drugs prescribed by a medical professional for the employee is permitted on the job only if it does not impair an employee's ability to perform the essential functions of his or her job in a safe manner.  The College may conduct drug or alcohol testing for students and employees at any given time with individualized suspicion, unless otherwise prohibited by federal or state law.

Employees and/or students seeking assistance in dealing with alcohol or other substance use/abuse are encouraged to use resources available to them, such as seeking the assistance from the Western Alcohol and Drug Abuse counselor, Employee Assistance Program, or referral to an appropriate rehabilitation program where possible.

The College and the Wisconsin Technical College System Board policy forbid the expenditure of tax dollars and/or student activity fees for alcoholic beverages.  The advertising of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on College property and in College publications.

Exceptions to this policy may be made by the College President or his/her designee only.  Violators of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action and/or referral to law enforcement officials for prosecution under specific state, federal, or local laws.

This policy is adopted in accordance with the 1989 Wisconsin Act 121, the Drug-Free Schools and Community Acts Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226), and Wisconsin State Statute, Chapter 961, Uniform Controlled Substances Act.

Revised January 17, 2012
Revised June 21, 2005
Reviewed December 21, 2004
Reviewed March 11, 1993
Adopted September 18, 1990