It is the policy of the South Carolina Technical College System to provide a drug-free, healthful, safe and secure work and educational environment. Employees and students are required and expected to report to their work, class or student activities in appropriate mental and physical condition to meet the requirements and expectations of their respective roles.
The South Carolina Technical College System prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of narcotics, drugs, other controlled substances, or alcohol at the workplace and in the educational setting. Unlawful for these purposes means in violation of federal/state/local regulations, policies, procedures, rules, and legal statutes.
Workplace means either on agency premises or while conducting agency business away from the agency premises. Educational setting includes both institutional premises and in approved educational sites off campus.
In order to prevent the consequences of alcohol and/or drug abuse at the workplace and in the educational setting, the South Carolina Technical College System has implemented this policy to ensure a drug-free work and educational environment.
The South Carolina Technical College System recognizes that chemical dependency using controlled or uncontrolled substances, including alcohol, is a treatable illness. The agency supports and recommends employee and student rehabilitation, and assistance programs and encourages employees and students to use such programs.
All locations will also implement drug-free awareness programs for employees and students. Such programs will annually ensure employees and students are aware that:
- Alcohol and other drugs at the workplace and in the educational setting are dangerous because they lead to physical impairment, loss of judgment, safety violations, and the risk of injury, poor health, or even death. Information concerning health risks and effects of controlled substances and alcohol will be provided to students and employees.
- Alcohol and other drug abuse can also significantly lower performance on the job and in the classroom, thus impacting on the agency and the College Mission, as well as seriously affecting the student’s educational and career goals.
- Employees must report any personal conviction under a criminal drug statute for conduct at the workplace to their personnel officer within five days.
- It is a condition of employment and admission that all employees and students must abide by the policy on alcohol and other drug use and related procedures/statements/laws/ guidelines. Violation of any provisions may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination or expulsion respectively and may have further legal consequences consistent with federal and state laws and regulations. Additionally, management may require an employee or student to enter an employee/student assistance or drug rehabilitation program as a condition of employment or enrollment.
- Use of employee assistance programs (EAP), student assistance programs, (SAP), or drug/alcohol rehabilitation services is encouraged.
PLEASE NOTE: Denmark Technical College expressly prohibits the possession of alcohol and drugs; firearms or other dangerous weapons; and fighting (on campus and/or off campus). The penalty for violation of this regulation is suspension and/or expulsion from the College.