Policy 4.06

Part 1. Scope of Policy

The Minneapolis College Drug-and Alcohol-Free Campus Policy is for Students and Employees of the College and includes all campus locations.

Part 2. Purpose

Minneapolis College, along with all Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (Minnesota State), is committed to ensuring an educational and employment environment where students and employees can work, learn and develop to their full potential. Because the use and abuse of alcohol and controlled substances negatively impact the ability of students and employees to work, learn, and develop to their full potential, and to comply with federal and state laws, Minneapolis College has adopted and will implement the following drug-and alcohol-free campus policy.

Part 3. Drugs, Alcohol Prohibited

The unlawful manufacture, growing, possession, use, dispensation, sale, or distribution of controlled substances (including marijuana/cannabis); and the manufacture, use, sale, distribution, or possession of alcoholic beverages by Minneapolis College students and Minneapolis College employees is strictly prohibited:

1. On Minneapolis College property
2. While participating in a student activity, activities sponsored by officially recognized student organizations, or an event or activity sponsored or sanctioned by Minneapolis College or Minnesota State, including off-site activities
3. While performing work, including overtime work and rest breaks.

Subpart A. Exceptions

The use of alcoholic beverages may be permitted only for:

1. Minneapolis College or Minnesota State educational/awareness programs; or
2. A specific event or circumstance authorized by Minnesota State or Minneapolis College.

However, in no case may students or employees violate Liquor Laws.

Subpart B. Employees

No Minneapolis College employee may:

1. Report to work under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances or other drugs which affect her/his alertness, coordination, reaction, response, judgment, decision-making or safety; or
2. Operate, use or drive any Minneapolis College or Minnesota State equipment, machinery or vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances or mind-altering drugs.

An employee who is under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or other mind-altering drugs, or who is taking medically authorized drugs or other substances which may affect job performance, has an affirmative duty to immediately notify the appropriate supervisor that the employee's mental or physical condition precludes her/his ability to operate, use or drive Minneapolis College or Minnesota State equipment.

Employees are discouraged from consuming alcoholic beverages off-site during lunch or dinner meals when returning to perform work on behalf of Minneapolis College. In any situation subsequent to the intake of alcohol, an employee whose behavior or condition adversely affects her/his performance is subject to discipline.

Since engaging in off-duty sale, purchase, transfer, use or possession of controlled substances may have a negative effect on an employee's ability to perform his/her work, an Minneapolis College employee involved in such circumstances is subject to discipline.

Employees working on federal grants or contracts who are convicted of a criminal drug statute violation occurring in the workplace are required to notify Minneapolis College or Minnesota State within five (5) working days of such a conviction.

Part 4. Marijuana/Cannabis

While according to state law the possession, transportation, and use of marijuana/cannabis is legal for those 21 years or older in the State of Minnesota as of August 1st, 2023, federal law continues to classify its use or possession as illegal (per the federal Controlled Substances Act).

Because of the federal Controlled Substances Act, the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, and the Drug-Free Workplace Act, Minneapolis College classifies marijuana/cannabis (including its derivatives, products, and cannabinoids) as a controlled substance and prohibits it as described in Part 3 of this Policy. This prohibition is required as a condition of receiving federal financial assistance and similar guidelines regarding federal contracts.

There are no exemptions to the prohibition of marijuana/cannabis at the College. Individuals who have approval from a healthcare professional to use marijuana/cannabis for medicinal purposes are still prohibited from its use on campus and campus locations and must abide by all parts of this policy. 
 

Part 5. Penalties for Policy Violations

Minneapolis College employees and students who violate this policy are subject to Minneapolis College and Minnesota State sanctions and may be subject to legal sanctions under local, state, or federal law.

Minneapolis College students will be disciplined according to the Student Code of Conduct. Disciplinary sanctions include, but are not limited to, warning, confiscation, restitution, dismissal, suspension, expulsion, and referral for prosecution.

Minneapolis College employees covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement will be disciplined according to the process delineated in the appropriate agreement. Other employees will be disciplined according to the Excluded Administrators Plan or the Commissioner's Plan. Discipline may include, but is not limited to, oral and written reprimand, suspension, termination, and referral for prosecution.

Part 6. Information

Minneapolis College provides voluntary educational programs designed to inform students and staff about the health risks associated with drug and alcohol use, community resources available to assist individuals dealing with drug and/or alcohol abuse issues, the legal ramifications associated with illegal use of drugs and/or alcohol, and penalties for policy violations under Minnesota Law.

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Owner(s) Title: Vice President of Student Affairs

Date of Adoption: 7/1/1999

Date of Implementation (if different from adoption date): N/A

Date Last Amended: 7/19/2023 (Limited Review)

History and Subject of Revisions: 7/19/2023 (Expedited Review, revisions to add clarification regarding the prohibition of marijuana/cannabis at the College due to state legislation regarding its recreational use in the state.), 5/12/2022 (Limited Review)

Regulatory Authority (e.g. Minnesota State policy, federal or state law): Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226); Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act (41 U.S.C, Chapter 10, §701 and 41 U.S.C, Subtitle IV, Chapter 81), Federal Controlled Substances Act, and Minnesota Statutes 152 Drugs; Controlled Substances, and 340A Liquor; Minnesota State System Policy 5.18