Alcohol/Drugs Policy

Midlands Technical College seeks to provide a drug-free, healthy, 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.

Midlands Technical College prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of narcotics, drugs, or 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 college premises or while conducting college business away from the college premises. Educational setting includes institutional premises, approved educational sites off campus, and any off-campus location during college-sponsored events and activities.

To prevent the consequences of alcohol and other drug abuse at the workplace and in the educational setting, Midlands Technical College and the South Carolina Technical College System have implemented this policy to ensure a drug-free work and educational environment.

Midlands Technical College recognizes that chemical dependency through the use of controlled or uncontrolled substances, including alcohol, is a treatable illness. The college supports and recommends employee and student rehabilitation and assistance programs, and it encourages employees and students to use such programs. Midlands Technical College also performs a biennial review of alcohol and drug policies, programs, incidents, and needs and uses this information in the development, adjustment and implementation of related policies, procedures and programs.

The college implements annual drug-free awareness programs for employees and students. Such programs ensure employees and students are aware that: 

• Alcohol and other drug abuse at the workplace and in the educational setting is dangerous because it leads to physical impairment, loss of judgment, safety violations, and the risk of injury, poor health or even death. The health risks and effects of controlled substances and alcohol will be provided to students and employees.
• Alcohol and other drug abuse can significantly lower performance on the job and in the classroom, thus adversely affecting the college and the college’s mission, as well as seriously affecting a student’s educational and career goals.
• Employees must report any personal conviction under a criminal drug statute for conduct at the workplace to their human resource officer within five days. Management must report to granting agencies any employee conviction for conduct in the workplace within ten days of receiving notice.
• It is a condition of employment and enrollment that all employees and students must abide by the policy on alcohol and other drug use as well as related procedures, statements, laws and 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. In addition, management is specifically required by law to take appropriate action within 30 days of receiving notice of any employee’s conviction for conduct in the workplace.
• Use of employee assistance programs (EAP), student assistance programs (SAP) or drug/alcohol rehabilitation services is encouraged.

For information on substances that can cause chemical dependence and their side effects and health risks, please visit the Student Life Office on either campus or obtain Consumer Information online.