Drug Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) – Employees
The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) Amendments of 1989 and the Drug-Free
Workplace Act of 1988 require institutions of higher education to adopt and implement
a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students
and employees on university property or as a part of university activities. The DFSCA
also requires institutions to establish policies that address the unlawful possession,
use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs. The information provided below,
which is part of TCU’s program adopted to comply with these Acts, serves as the annual
notice to all employees.
Standards of Conduct
The University prohibits the unauthorized purchase, manufacture, distribution, possession,
sale, storage, or use of an illegal drug or controlled substance while in or on premises
or on property owned or controlled by the University, at University sponsored activities,
or while in vehicles used for University business. Besides their legal implications,
these drugs are a health hazard and are incompatible with the philosophy and objectives
of the University. For complete information, please refer to Policy 2.007 – Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Policy 2.006 – Drug Free Workplace.
Except for certain specified areas in University residence halls approved by the Vice
Chancellor for Student Affairs (see the University Calendar/Student Handbook for the student alcohol policy), and for specific events authorized by the Chancellor
or Provost in University buildings, the consumption, sale or use of alcoholic beverages
is prohibited on the campus. The purchase or sale of alcoholic beverages by individuals
is prohibited everywhere on the campus. Alcohol may only be sold by a vendor authorized
by the University. Furthermore, no person may provide alcoholic beverages to any person
younger than 21 years of age. The University also prohibits the use or possession
of alcoholic beverages in all instructional settings including those remote to the
campus.
Health Risks of Using Alcohol and Other Drugs
Alcohol’s effects vary from person to person, depending on a variety of factors, including
how much you drink, how often you drink, your family history, your age and your health
status. Abuse of alcohol has been shown to cause serious health problems including:
Alcohol
Frequent or heavy use of alcoholic beverages can result in negative brain development;
cirrhosis of the liver; cancer of the liver; cancer of the mouth, throat, and pancreas;
stomach ulcers; heart damage; lowered sex hormone production; and lowered immunity
to infections and disease.
- Alcohol use by pregnant women can also cause birth defects, lowered birth weight and/or severe psychological disorders.
- Alcohol use is involved in most campus behavioral concerns: assaults, accidents, and other issues that impede student health/safety and academic success.
- Use of alcohol is involved in half of all traffic-related deaths and permanent disabilities.
- Alcoholism can lead to family dysfunction and violence. Alcoholics are six or more times as likely to commit suicide as non-alcoholics.
A drug is a chemical substance that can change how your mind and body work, and drug use can hurt not only the people who take the drugs, but also the people around them. Abuse of drugs has been shown to cause serious health issues including:
Drugs
The use of illegal drugs, including but not limited to marijuana, cocaine, heroin,
crack, amphetamines, psychedelics and so-called “designer drugs” has been shown to
result in physical and mental disorders.
- Lung damage (including lung cancer), lowered immunity to disease, memory loss, depression, flashbacks, lowered production of sex hormones, birth defects, low birth weight infants and severe psychological disorders may result from the use of drugs.
- These drugs are highly addictive, both physically and psychologically. The body builds a tolerance to such drugs so that larger and more frequent doses are required to satisfy the need for the drug.
For additional information on health risks associated with alcohol or drug abuse:
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Substance Use & Recovery Services
An employee who voluntarily seeks assistance to correct a drug or alcohol abuse problem
will not be subject to disciplinary action as a consequence of such abuse. Even though
voluntary assistance has been sought, the employee becomes subject to disciplinary
action if the abuse continues. The Substance Use & Recovery Services office, located
in Jarvis Hall, Suite 232, has a library of printed resources regarding drug and alcohol
abuse. They can also provide a list of off-campus treatment facilities.
Employee Assistance Program
Individual and family problems can impact your life both at home and at work. When
you face these challenges in life, it is nice to know there’s a place to turn. To
assist employees and their family in getting the help needed, TCU offers an Employee
Assistance Program (EAP) through CompPsych GuidanceResources. The EAP is a confidential
support service especially designed to assist employees in managing daily responsibilities,
life events and challenges, issues impacting work performance, and quality of life.
TCU understands that family members of employees also may benefit from speaking with
an EAP professional. That’s why the program is available to both employees and their
immediate dependent family members. To learn more about EAP, visit the website or contact Human Resources at askhr@tcu.edu.
Disciplinary Sanctions
For employees found to be in violation of the university's policy on drug and alcohol
abuse, disciplinary sanctions may range from a reprimand to suspension without pay
for an appropriate period or termination of employment. Violators who are not terminated
may be required to complete an approved drug or alcohol abuse assistance or rehabilitation
program. Failure to complete the program may result in immediate termination of employment.
Legal Sanctions for Illegal Use of Alcohol and Other Drugs
An employee who violates any of these alcohol or drug laws will be reported to the
appropriate law enforcement agency and will be subject to prosecution in accordance
with the law. Legal sanctions for violation of local, state, and federal laws may
include, but not be limited to: fines, probation, jail, or prison sentences. Detailed
descriptions of the legal sanctions are outlined in Policy 2.007 - Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy.
Biennial Review Report
Additional information is available in the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Biennial Review: 2024