All Policies › Administration & Operations › Alcohol and Drug-Free University
Alcohol and Drug-Free University
Responsible Office
Vice President for Strategic Operations & Human Resources
Policy Owner
Vice President for Strategic Operations & Human Resources
Policy Contact
Vice President for Strategic Operations & Human Resources
Issued
2025-04-14
Last Revised
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On this page: Policy Statement · Reason for Policy · Policy Scope · Procedures · Frequently Asked Questions · Forms · Appendices · Additional Contacts · Definitions · Responsibilities · Related Information · History
Policy Statement
North Central University employees and students must refrain from the manufacture, possession, use, sale, or distribution of non-medical drugs, tobacco and nicotine products, cannabis products, hookah, vaping products, or alcohol in any form.
Although Minnesota law permits adults age 21 or older to possess and use cannabis under certain circumstances, the university also prohibits its use by university employees and students.
The university strictly prohibits the unlawful or unauthorized use, abuse, solicitation, theft, possession, transfer, purchase, sale, or distribution of controlled substances (including medical marijuana), drug paraphernalia, or alcohol by any individual anywhere on university premises, while on university business (whether or not on university premises), or while representing the university. This prohibition includes the use of prescription medications not prescribed to the individual by a licensed healthcare provider.
The university prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs on university property and in connection with university activities. The university also prohibits the possession, use, or distribution of alcohol on university property and in connection with university activities.
Employees and other individuals who work for the university must not report to work or work while using or under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance that may affect the ability to perform their job or otherwise create safety concerns. An exception applies when the use follows a licensed medical practitioner’s instructions and the practitioner authorized the employee or individual to report to work.
This exception does not create any right to report to work under the influence of medical marijuana or to use medical marijuana as a defense to a positive drug test, to the extent any drug testing requirement applies to the employee, except as permitted by and in accordance with applicable law.
The university reserves the right to report illegal drug use and may refer an employee or student to criminal or civil authorities in cases involving trafficking or intent to distribute illegal drugs.
Non-University Employment Restrictions
Employees and students must not hold outside employment in which distributing alcohol, tobacco and nicotine products, or cannabis products (including hemp-derived cannabinoid products such as CBD) serves as a primary function of the position. Prohibited employment includes bartending and working at a liquor store, tobacco shop, hookah bar, or cannabis-related business. Employment in which distribution serves only a secondary or incidental function, such as working as a grocery or convenience store cashier, remains permitted.
Violations and Sanctions
Violations can result in disciplinary action up to and including discharge for employees and dismissal for students, as well as referral for prosecution.
The Assemblies of God owns and operates North Central University, and the university expects students and employees to abide by the highest standards of Christian ethics. The university and the Assemblies of God interpret the Bible to condemn both alcohol consumption in any form and the possession or distribution of illicit drugs.
Assistance for Those Seeking Help
The university encourages members of its community who want or need help to seek assistance. The Office of Student Development offers educational and counseling services to students who seek help for issues related to their drug or alcohol use. The university encourages members of its community affected by or concerned about another person’s alcohol or drug abuse to seek confidential assistance through the Office of Student Development. Professional staff can help the concerned individual plan a strategy to address the specific issue.
Employees may seek assistance through the Office of Human Resources. The university also strongly encourages any member of the university community concerned about use, abuse, or rehabilitation to contact their family physician or health plan.
Reason for Policy
North Central University maintains a workplace free of drugs and alcohol to help ensure a safe, healthy, and productive environment for employees and others, protect university property, and support efficient operations.
The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226) require institutions of higher education to certify that they have adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees.
Policy Scope
Alcohol and drug requirements apply to all students, guests, employees, and other individuals who perform work for the university.
Procedures
There are no procedures associated with this policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I drink alcohol off campus or on my own time?
A: No. The university requires employees and students to refrain from alcohol in any form. The requirement applies both on and off campus, not only during university activities.
Q: Minnesota law allows adults 21 and older to use cannabis. Does that change anything?
A: No. Although Minnesota law permits adult cannabis use under certain circumstances, the university prohibits cannabis use by employees and students. The prohibition covers all cannabis products, including hemp-derived products such as CBD, delta-8 THC, and hemp-derived edibles and beverages.
Q: Can I vape or use nicotine pouches?
A: No. The university prohibits tobacco and nicotine products, including electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, hookah, and nicotine pouches. FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapies used to quit, such as patches or gum, fall outside the prohibition.
Q: Can I take medication my doctor prescribed?
A: Yes, when you use the medication as prescribed. The university prohibits using prescription medications that a licensed healthcare provider did not prescribe to you. Employees may work while using a prescribed medication when they follow their practitioner’s instructions and the practitioner authorized them to work. Medical marijuana does not qualify for this exception.
Q: Can I work as a bartender or at a liquor store?
A: No. Employees and students must not hold outside jobs where distributing alcohol, tobacco and nicotine products, or cannabis products serves as a primary function. Jobs where distribution plays only a secondary or incidental role, such as a grocery or convenience store cashier, remain permitted.
Q: Do these rules apply to guests and visitors?
A: Yes. Guests must not possess, use, or distribute alcohol or drugs on university property or in connection with university activities.
Q: Why does NCU prohibit alcohol completely?
A: The Assemblies of God owns and operates North Central University and expects students and employees to follow the highest standards of Christian ethics. The university and the Assemblies of God interpret the Bible to condemn alcohol consumption in any form. Federal law also requires colleges and universities to maintain a program that prevents unlawful drug and alcohol use.
Q: Where can I get help with alcohol or drug use?
A: Students can contact the Office of Student Development for education and counseling services. Employees can seek help through the Office of Human Resources. Anyone may also contact a family physician or health plan.
Q: I’m worried about someone else’s drinking or drug use. What should I do?
A: The Office of Student Development offers confidential help to community members concerned about another person’s alcohol or drug use. Staff can help plan a way to address the situation.
Q: What happens if someone violates these requirements?
A: Violations can result in disciplinary action up to and including discharge for employees and dismissal for students. The university may also refer violations for prosecution.
Forms
There are no forms associated with this policy.
Appendices
There are no appendices associated with this policy.
Additional Contacts
| Subject | Contact | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Contact | Office of Human Resources | 612.343.4412 | hr@northcentral.edu |
| Student Concerns and Complaints | Office of Student Development | 612.343.4450 | stulife@northcentral.edu |
Definitions
Alcohol
Any alcoholic product that Minnesota law prohibits persons under 21 from possessing or consuming.
Drugs or Controlled Substances
Drugs and other substances regulated or prohibited under state or federal law, including the federal Controlled Substances Act. These substances include illicit drugs such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD, and MDMA (Ecstasy), as well as certain prescription medications such as opioids (e.g., oxycodone, hydrocodone) and stimulants (e.g., Adderall) when used without a valid prescription. Drugs or controlled substances also include all cannabis products, whether lawful or not, including hemp-derived cannabinoid products such as CBD, delta-8 THC, and hemp-derived edibles and beverages.
Tobacco and Nicotine Products
Any product that contains or delivers tobacco or nicotine, including cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff, nicotine pouches, hookah, electronic cigarettes, and other vaping devices and their liquids. FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapies used for cessation, such as patches or gum, fall outside this definition.
Responsibilities
Departments and Units
- Ensure employees and students who do not attend new faculty or new employee orientation receive information about alcohol and drug requirements.
- Refer suspected illegal activity to Campus Safety or local law enforcement.
Office of Human Resources
- Ensure new employees receive information about alcohol and drug requirements through new employee orientation.
- Help departments and units investigate and address situations where employees may have violated alcohol and drug requirements.
- Oversee and document a biennial review of the university’s drug and alcohol prevention programs as required by the U.S. Department of Education.
Office of Student Development
- Provide education and counseling referrals for students.
- Address student violations through the student conduct process.
- Give new students information about alcohol and drug requirements at orientation.
Related Information
University Policies and Procedures
- Good Samaritan
- NCU Staff Handbook
- NCU Student Code of Conduct
Relevant Legislation
- Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988
- Minnesota Statutes Section 340A.503, Subdivision 8
Other Related Information
- Federal Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. § 801 et seq.
- Minnesota controlled substances laws and sanctions
- Minnesota law: underage alcohol offenses
- Minnesota law: violations and penalties related to liquor laws
- Minnesota law: driving while impaired, including underage drinking and driving
History
Issued
2025-04-14