Public Safety

Drug and Alcohol Policy

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of illegal drugs or alcohol (consistent with federal, state and local laws) by any person is prohibited in or on Brandeis premises, in vehicles owned by Brandeis, at any work site or location at which university duties are being performed by Brandeis employees and students or as part of any Brandeis activities.

In addition to any actions taken by law-enforcement authorities, the university will take disciplinary action against violators, including but not limited to referral for prosecution; requiring satisfactory participation in a substance-abuse treatment, counseling or education program as a condition of reinstatement or continued employment; termination of employment; or dismissal of a student.

Common examples of illegal drugs, as defined by law, are cocaine, marijuana and heroin. Further, Massachusetts law prohibits the sale or delivery of alcoholic beverages to persons less than 21 years of age and from misrepresenting one's age, or falsifying an identification to obtain alcoholic beverages.

Any employee who is convicted of a violation of any criminal drug law occurring in the workplace must report that conviction to his or her immediate supervisor or the provost's office within five days. Failure to comply with this requirement is a separate and distinct violation of this policy and subjects the individual to the sanctions specified above.

This policy applies to every Brandeis staff, faculty member and student. The university has additional drug and alcohol policies with respect to students contained in the Student Handbook.