Drug Free Workplace Statement of Policy

With the recent legalization of cannabis use in Connecticut, we would like to remind all staff that the University of Hartford receives federal funds and therefore follows federal law, which continues to deem cannabis as illegal.  

In accordance with the Federal Drug-free Workplace Act of 1988, it is the University’s policy to work actively to ensure a drug-free workplace. The Act applies to any employee directly engaged in the performance of work pursuant to the provisions of a grant or contract from the federal government and its departments.  

The University will not tolerate the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance in the workplace. Individuals not in compliance with this policy are in violation of various controlled substance laws and are subject to criminal prosecution.  

Under the Act, any person convicted of a drug offense in the workplace must notify the University within five days. The University is required to notify the funding agency within 10 days after receiving notice of a conviction from any employee, or otherwise receiving actual notice of such conviction.  

Within 30 days of receiving notice, the University must take one of the following courses of action with respect to any employee so convicted: 

a.)    Take appropriate personnel action, up to and including termination; or

b.)    Required such employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by federal, state or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency.