Brown University is committed to maintaining a Workplace free from the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, Possession, or use of illegal drugs or Controlled Substances. The University recognizes the health and safety risks of substance abuse in the Workplace.

This policy applies to all staff, faculty, and student Employees (collectively referred to as “Employees”).

Brown University expects its Employees to maintain a safe and healthy environment. Brown University prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, Possession, or use of a Controlled Substance, of any kind in any amount on University property or at its Worksites, or while conducting University business away from the campus. This prohibition includes the manufacture, distribution, dispensation, Possession, or use of prescription drugs without a prescription.

In accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, Brown University must certify that it will maintain a drug-free Workplace. As a term and condition of employment at Brown, Employees are prohibited from the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, Possession or use of illegal drugs and Controlled Substances on Brown's premises, or at its Worksites. Additionally, Employees must make reports in accordance with Section 5.0 of this policy. Brown may require an Employee to participate in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program. 

In addition, Employees are prohibited from consuming alcohol at any time during the course of performing of their job duties and responsibilities in the Workplace, unless specifically allowed by existing University policy. Employees who consume alcohol as specifically allowed are expected at all times to be able to safely perform their job duties.

The University will not permit criminal activity of any kind by anyone on its property or on property under its direct control. If criminal activity is found, Brown will take appropriate action up to and including terminating an Employee.

For the purpose of this policy, the terms below have the following definitions:

All individuals to whom this policy applies are responsible for becoming familiar with and following this policy. University supervisors and Employees with student oversight duties are responsible for promoting the understanding of this policy and for taking appropriate steps to help ensure and enforce compliance with it.

Failure to comply with this and related policies is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension without pay, or termination of employment or association with the University, in accordance with applicable (e.g., staff, faculty, student) disciplinary procedures, or for non-Employees may result in the suspension or revocation of the user’s relationship with Brown University.

This policy is not a legal document. This policy does not confer a term of employment, nor is the language intended to establish a contract of employment, express or implied, between any Employee and Brown University. The University reserves the right to change, amend or terminate any of its human resources policies at any time for any reason.

Brown University is a community in which Employees are encouraged to share workplace concerns with University leadership. Additionally, Brown’s Anonymous Reporting Hotline allows anonymous and confidential reporting on matters of concern online or by phone (877-318-9184).

The following information complements and supplements this document. The information is intended to help explain this policy and is not an all-inclusive list of policies, procedures, laws and requirements.