Drug Free Workplace

The possession of controlled substances on Seton Hall University South Orange Campus or on the Law School Campus in Newark is unlawful. The University's policy regarding the work-related effects of drug use and the unlawful possession of controlled substances is as follows:

  1. Employees are required to report to work free from the influence of drugs and alcohol. It is the University's intention and obligation to provide a drug-free, healthy, safe and secure work environment.

  2. Supervisors will report immediately to the Director of Human Resources any action by an employee that demonstrates an unusual behavior pattern. Employees believed to be under the influence of drugs, narcotics, or alcohol will be required to leave the University premises. Arrangements will be made through the Office of Safety and Security if the need for safe transit is warranted.

  3. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance on the South Orange Campus or Newark Campus, or while conducting University business off campus, is prohibited. Any violation of this Policy will result in prosecution to the extent allowed by local, state, or federal laws. The legal sanctions imposed are contingent upon the specific offense, which may include fines, and/or imprisonment. In addition, the following University disciplinary action will occur:

    Sanctions of the University
    For the manufacture, distribution, or dispensation of a controlled substance:

    First Offense: Termination of Employment.

    For the possession or use of a controlled substance:

    First Offense: Mandatory attendance at an Alcohol Drug Abuse/ Education Class and assessment by Counseling Services where indicated. If an employee refuses, termination of employment will be the second alternative available.

    Second Offense: Termination of Employment.

  4. Seton Hall University recognizes drug dependency as an illness and a major health problem. The University also recognizes that drug abuse threatens the safety and security of the University Community. Employees needing help in dealing with substance abuse problems are encouraged to seek assistance through the University. Good faith efforts to obtain help will not jeopardize an employee's job, provided that the health, safety or welfare of the employee and/or others is not at risk. However, any employee assistance programs should be considered as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, appropriate disciplinary action. Any information regarding unlawful drug use or abuse communicated to the University by the affected employee will be kept confidential to the extent permitted by law. The Office of Human Resources is available to assist employees with such problems.

  5. Employees are required to report to the Director of Human Resources any conviction for violation of any criminal drug law for incidents occurring on or off Seton Hall's campuses while conducting University business, within five days of the conviction. Seton Hall is obligated by law to impose sanctions on the convicted employee, up to and including termination, or to require that the convicted employee participate satisfactorily in an approved drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.

  6. The Office of Human Resources will provide a copy of the Drug-Free Workplace Policy to applicants who request one, all employees at New Hire Orientation, and it will be distributed annually to all employees. Employees are required to read the Policy and may offer suggestions to the Human Resources Department, in writing, to improve the effectiveness of the Drug-Free Workplace Program.