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CCSU’s compliance with
federal law helps to maintain a safe and healthy campus environment Accordingly, CCSU works diligently to maintain compliance with these federal requirements in order to continue the flow of critical federal funding for students and student programs and to ensure a campus conducive to learning. Both the federal Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools and the Office of Student Financial Aid periodically conduct audits to ensure compliance. The Drug Free Schools Act requires that CCSU prepare a biennial report on the effectiveness of its programs and compliance efforts. CCSU’s 2006 biennial report, a comprehensive document outlining all of the University’s efforts in drug and alcohol abuse prevention, was recently submitted to President Jack Miller. This report was developed by a staff representing Student Affairs, Human Resources, Intercollegiate Athletics, and the Public Safety Department. The biennial report includes several components, including a comprehensive description of all activities under the Alcohol, Tobacco, and other Drug Prevention (ATOD) Program at CCSU, overseen by the Presidential Advisory Council on Alcohol, Tobacco, and other Drugs. Various subcommittees handle a wide variety of projects. The Advisory Council has been instrumental in developing a number of programs and resources for students, including requiring incoming students to complete an online course entitled “Alcohol Edu for College Students” and offering “Alcohol Edu for Parents;” training “Natural Helpers,” a group of volunteer students who work toward reducing substance abuse on campus; creating “Devils Den@10,” an on-campus, alcohol-free activity on Thursday nights from 10 pm to 1 am in the Student Center Devil’s Den restaurant; alcohol prevention in first year experience classes; surveying students through the CORE Alcohol and Drug Survey; providing information to incoming freshman at orientation; and participating in the New Britain Coalition Against Substance Abuse (CASA). The report also contains descriptions of the Counseling and Wellness Center; the Employee Assistance Program; the disciplinary sanctions for students and employees who violate the University’s policies; the Drug Education and Screening policy for student athletes; a description of the legal sanctions under state and federal law for drug and alcohol violations; and recommendations for improvement. Drug Free Workplace Act compliance requires ongoing efforts to provide substance abuse awareness programs for employees. CCSU employees receive annual reminders of the State and the University’s policies on maintaining a drug free workplace, as well as brochures and cards from the Lexington Group, the CCSU employee assistance provider. In February, the Lexington Group will be holding two workshops for campus staff: “Drug and Alcohol Awareness for supervisors and managers,” and “Recognizing and Managing Addictive Behaviors.” By maintaining compliance with both of these federal laws, CCSU not only ensures the continuation of critical federal funding for students and programs, but also helps ensure a safe and healthy work environment for all students and employees. |
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The
federal Drug Free Schools Act requires that as a condition of receiving
funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal
program, institutions of higher education must implement a program to
prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs
and alcohol by students and employees. In addition, the Act requires
that all state agencies receiving federal funding must certify that they
will maintain a drug-free workplace.