Alcalá View 1987 3.6

Drug, alcohol policy clarified

Drug and alcohol abuse have been the focus of much media attention re- cently . In the fall Presi- dent Reagan addressed the nation on the growing problem of drug use in schools and the work place. In light of the atten- tion the subject has re- ceived , Dr. Judith Munoz, director of human resources, recently an- swered some questions on the University's policy on controlled substance use. The University expects and counts on all of its em- ployees to maintain a high standard of work. Employ- ees cannot function in a safe and productive man- ner if they are working un- der the influence of a con- trolled substance . The written policy for staff em- ployees states that employ- ees may be discharged for "using or being under the influence of a lcoho l or other contro ll ed sub- stances on the job." Does USD have a drug problem with its work force? I would say no. We try to select emp loyees whose values are consistent with the University's and try to provide a working environ- ment that is nurturing and supportive. However, USD has a fairly large and di- verse work force, and our employees have some of the same problems that are What is the University policy on drug and alco- hol use?

Construction is progressing rapidly on the new student apartments near the Sports Center. The 156 units are scheduled to be ready for occupancy by September.

present in the general pop- ulation . Why is drug and alco- hol abuse a problem for an employer? Besides the ethical and moral concerns for the em- ployee, substance abuse can have a significant eco- nomic impact on the em- ployer. Employees who abuse alcohol and drugs have higher rates of absen- teeism , on -t he-job acci- dents and illness. They also file more workers' compen- sation claims. They fre- qu ently function below their abilities. make more errors and are generally less productive. Does USD have a drug testing program? No, we do not test appli- cants or employees, and

there are no current plans for implementing a testing program. What has USD done about the potential problems of drug and alcohol abuse? We have developed an Employee Assistance Pro- gram (EAP) . If an employee or covered dependent has drug or alcohol abuse prob- lems, they can contact our EAP (275-2320; 480-8223 - North County) and be re- ferred for appropriate treat- ment. Also our supervisors have been trained in how to identify employees with substance abuse problems. Do our medical plans cover substance abuse treatment? Yes. Although the cover- age differs some by each

plan, all of our medical in- surances provide for treat- ment and rehabilitation of drug and alcohol abuse. The University recog- nizes that a substance abuse problem can have devastating effects on not only the abuser but his or her family and loved ones. The University is prepared through its Employee As- sistance Program and in- surance plans to help any employee or covered de- pendent who has a prob- lem. • For more information about the Employee As- sistance program, contact Human Resources at ext. 4594.