TEXAS AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICE PROCEDURES

34.02.01.X1.01 DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMS
Approved: April 30, 2001
Supplements System Policy 34.02, System Regulation 34.02.01, and Extension Service Rule 34.02.01.X1.

The Texas AgriLife Extension Service (Extension) is fully committed to providing its employees a drug and alcohol free workplace. The procedures contained herein will assist units in complying with System Policy 34.02, System Regulation 34.02.01, and Extension Service Rule 34.02.01.X1, and must be used in conjunction with those guidelines.

2.01 Each unit will conduct a biennial review of their drug and alcohol abuse prevention program during the month of September so as to align reporting requirements with biennial fiscal years, and submit the report to the Texas A&M AgriLife (AgriLife) Human Resources Office as appropriate. The review and its accompanying report will contain information on the following:

A. the training programs conducted, to include copies of materials handed out and outlines of the type of program conducted, names of speakers, titles of video tape materials, etc.;

B. percentages of employees trained each year, number of drug/alcohol tests conducted (if any);

C. number of employees identified with drug/alcohol problems (if any), a list of any sanctions imposed on employees; and

D. an overall statement of the unit’s perceived effectiveness of the program.

2.02 The AgriLife Human Resources Office will consolidate all reports into a composite Extension report and submit it to the Director for approval. The biennial report and copies of all materials distributed will then be maintained by the AgriLife Human Resources Office and made available for review by the Secretary of Education, or designee, other applicable governmental agencies, and the general public if requested in accordance with System Policy 34.02, Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Rehabilitation Programs.

Extension is committed to providing alcohol and drug education and treatment to its employees.

A. Drug-Free Awareness Training

1. As part of its commitment, Extension has established a Drug-Free Awareness Program. This program will inform employees about (1) Extension policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace; (2) the penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations; (3) the dangers of drug abuse; and (4) any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs. The information for this program is included in Attachment A.

2. Annually, as a part of drug-free awareness training, a copy of Attachment A will be distributed to each employee. This distribution, where possible, may be done electronically. When done electronically, units will print and distribute copies of this information to those employees without access to electronic media and will report the numbers distributed to the AgriLife Human Resources Office.

3. Other beneficial training may be developed by using the materials included in the AgriLife Drug and Alcohol Awareness pamphlet, or may be obtained from Texas A&M University, state or local government, or commercial sources. Materials available include video tapes which may benefit the employee by assisting in the identification of abuse by co-workers, friends, or immediate family members.

B. The Resources section of the AgriLife Drug and Alcohol Awareness pamphlet  provides information on treatment available to employees and family members.