College Life

It is the policy of Essex County College to maintain a workplace that is free from the effects of drug and alcohol abuse. Specifically, any location at which Essex County College’s business is conducted, whether at the Main Campus, West Essex Campus or any other site, is declared to be a DRUG FREE WORKPLACE. This means:

Employees are prohibited from the

  • unlawful possession
  • use
  • dispensation
  • distribution
  • manufacture

of controlled substances on College premises or work sites.

The following is a partial list of controlled substances prohibited in the workplace and some of their health risks:

  • Narcotics: heroin, morphine, etc. Depression, infections, overdose
  • Cannabis: marijuana, hashish, etc. Short term memory loss, time distortion, lung damage
  • Stimulants: cocaine, amphetamines, crack, etc. Blood pressure, nervousness, insomnia
  • Depressants: downers, barbiturates, etc. Confusion, dependence, coma
  • Hallucinogens: PCP, LSD, etc. Panic attacks, flashbacks
  • Alcohol: wine, liquor, beer, etc. Accidents, blackouts

Any employee violating the above policy is subject to discipline (up to and including termination) for the offense.

WORKPLACE VIOLATION

Any employee convicted of violating a criminal drug statute in this workplace must inform the Director of Human Resources of such conviction within five (5) days. Further, Essex County College must notify any applicable federal contract agency within ten (10) days of such conviction if said employee works in a grant funded program. Failure to so inform the College subjects the employee, upon discovery, to disciplinary action, up to and including termination, for the offense.

REHABILITATIVE/EDUCATION ASSISTANCE

To assist employees in overcoming drug-abuse problems, the following rehabilitative/education help is offered by the College:

I. Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

EAP provides comprehensive services designed to assist all drug abusers, whether members of the college community or related family. Information, screening, treatment referral, intervention, case management, recovery training, counseling, prevention and other modalities are available.

II. Treatment:

Participation in an approved rehabilitation or drug treatment program is sanctioned. If such an arrangement is provided, the employee must satisfactorily complete the program as a condition of continued employment.

III. Training:

Training to assist supervisory personnel in identifying illegal drug use is provided by the College.

Download Drug-Free Workplace Policy (.pdf) »

Questions regarding EAP and its related services may be directed to:

Substance Abuse Coordinator

(973) 877-3129

Room 1124

Human Resources Director

(973) 877-3084

Room 5112

All contact with EAP is strictly confidential.