Drug + Alcohol Use Policy

Policies + Disclosures

RISD prohibits the unlawful use, possession, distribution, dispensation, and manufacture of controlled substances, other illicit drugs, and alcohol in the workplace, classroom, and studio, at any other location owned, leased, or being used by RISD, and in connection with any RISD sponsored activities. RISD further prohibits even the lawful service and use of alcohol on the RISD campus and at any other location owned, leased, or being used by RISD unless such service and use has been pre-authorized under RISD's Guidelines for the Service and Consumption of Alcohol On Campus. Individual departments and offices may impose additional prohibitions on employees and students within their jurisdiction.

Employees who violate this policy will be subject to the full range of discipline available under RISD's Staff Corrective Action Policy and/or applicable collective bargaining agreements, up to and including termination, and may also be referred for criminal prosecution. It is a condition of employment at RISD that any employee who is convicted of violating a criminal drug statute in the workplace must notify his or her immediate supervisor and the Vice President for Human Resources within five days of the conviction.

Confidential assessments, counseling, and referrals to community resources are available from The Wellness Corporation, RISD's employee assistance program provider, by phone at 1-800-828-6025 and on the web at www.WellnessWorkLife.com (see Employee Assistance Program for additional contact information).

Guidelines for Alcohol Use at Openings and Other Social Events at RISD
Unauthorized use or possession of alcoholic beverages in RISD buildings is forbidden. Alcohol may be served at social events, such as exhibit openings, with specific written permission from the Museum Director for events taking place in the Museum, from the Provost for events taking place in academic spaces, and from the Dean of Students for events taking place in social or non-academic spaces. Alcohol consumption is never permitted during crits or in situations where grades are assigned for student projects.

In order to serve alcohol at openings or other social events on campus, a student or student group must seek approval through completion of an alcohol proposal form available at Public Safety. A sample form is included in the Appendix (E) of this Handbook. Even at approved functions, the guidelines must be followed and only under these conditions, will the Office of Academic Affairs approve and inform Public Safety of the approved event:

a) the individual requesting the approval must be over 21 years of age

b) minors will not be served

c) only beer and wine may be served

d) food must also be served

e) there must be a bartender contracted through Dining + Catering Services