Policy and Objectives

Students and employees of Northern Virginia Community College shall not unlawfully possess, sell, use, purchase, manufacture, give away, or otherwise distribute controlled substances or other drugs, or, where prohibited, alcohol while on campus, attending a college-sponsored off-campus event, or while serving as a representative of the college at off-campus meetings. Students or employees who violate this policy shall have college charges processed against them in accord with student conduct or human resources procedures governing such violations.

Further, the college reserves the right to notify the appropriate agencies of the U.S. Government, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and county and/or city governments for investigation and, if warranted, prosecution.

DAAPP for Employees at NOVA Shall:

• Educate employees about alcohol and drug abuse in an effort to encourage responsible decisions around their use;
• Provide resources for employees who have experienced the consequences around alcohol and drugs;
• Support employees who are in recovery from substance abuse and addiction;
• Encourage constructive lifestyles and norms that discourage abuse of alcohol and drugs; and
• Develop an environment that facilitates alcohol and drug abuse-free lifestyles.

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a drug, controlled substance or alcohol on College property, while on duty, in or on premises or property owned or controlled by the College, or while in vehicles used for College business is strictly prohibited.

Use of alcohol at an authorized College function, in the course of official College business or at an authorized College site, which adversely affects job performance or may adversely affect the health or safety of other persons is prohibited.

Distribution of a drug or controlled substance obtained pursuant to a prescription, except by duly licensed and certified persons, while on duty or while in or on premises or property controlled by the College is prohibited.

The College offers an Employee Assistance Program for any employee in need of drug or alcohol abuse aid. In addition, the College offers all employees workshops and seminars pertaining to drug­‐free awareness and prevention of the illicit use of drugs and abuse of drugs or alcohol. Employees believed to be under the influence of an unlawful drug or alcohol will be counseled.