The Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 require all federal grant recipients to certify a drug-free environment.

It is the policy of the State University of New York (SUNY) to comply with the Federal Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities (Campuses) Act of 1989. The Drug-Free Workplace Act and the Drug-Free Campuses Act Amendments require SUNY Maritime to adopt and put into effect a program to prevent the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of illegal drugs or alcohol by students and employees on SUNY Maritime property, or at SUNY Maritime activities or events, and to offer an anti‐drug and alcohol abuse program. These federal regulations also require SUNY Maritime to distribute annually to each student and employee information below that outlines the Standards of Conduct that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on its property or as part of its on-campus or off-campus activities; health risks associated with substance abuse; substance abuse resources; legal sanctions; and applicable legal penalties under local, State, or Federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs. These guidelines are reviewed by SUNY Maritime on an annual basis to determine the effectiveness of the program and consistency of sanction enforcement, in order to identify and implement any necessary changes.

In compliance with Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, SUNY Maritime has established the following policy which reinforces the College’s commitment toward promoting a drug-free learning environment. Research Foundation employees are included under this Federal Law.

IT IS THE POLICY OF SUNY MARITIME COLLEGE THAT THE UNLAWFUL MANUFACTURE, DISTRIBUTION, DISPENSION, POSSESSION, OR USE OF ILLICIT DRUGS AND ALCOHOL IS PROHIBITED ON SUNY MARITIME PROPERTY OR AS PART OF ITS ACTIVITES.

This prohibition also applies to student-sponsored social activities or professional meetings attended by employees that the campus authorizes and/or use any campus resources.

Standard of Conduct

Sale, use, possession or distribution of prohibited drugs or controlled substances, or loitering with intent to engage in these activities, is prohibited in SUNY Maritime buildings or grounds and at SUNY Maritime-sponsored events. The term "drug" covers all controlled substances as defined in Section 220.00 of the New York State Penal Law and the Marijuana Reform Act of 1977. Offenders are subject to college discipline, up to and including dismissal from the college or termination of employment, and referral for prosecution, independent of action taken by the civil authorities. An employee convicted of any violation of the criminal drug statutes for activities in or on property owned or controlled by SUNY Maritime or at activities sponsored by SUNY Maritime must notify the Office of Human Resource Services, of the conviction, in writing, within five calendar days of conviction. Student workers must notify the Office of Human Resource Services. Medical testing may be done if SUNY Maritime has a reasonable suspicion that an employee is unable to perform job duties due to the misuse of alcohol, controlled substances, or prescription drugs. The Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991 (OTETA) also requires SUNY Maritime to conduct pre-employment, pre-assignment (promotion), reasonable suspicion, post-accident, random, follow-up and return to duty alcohol and drug testing on all employees whose positions require the possession of a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Legal Sanctions

Descriptions of the applicable legal sanctions under local, state, or federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol (for students and employees) may be accessed in the appendices.

Health Risks

Health Risks of Alcohol and/or Substance Use and Abuse:
SUNY Maritime is committed to supporting an environment which fosters academic success and continual learning as well as the health and well-being of the members of its community. The use and/or abuse of illegal drugs, tobacco, and alcohol carries possible health risks to the individual user as well as the campus community and community at large. Health risks associated with use and abuse may include damage to major organs such as the brain, heart, lungs and liver as well as medical problems such as high blood pressure, cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, unwanted sexual activity, poor academic performance or failure, and physical and mental dependence are also possible health risks associated with use and abuse. The use of alcohol during pregnancy may cause injury to the fetus or Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Users of needles for the use of drugs such as heroin or crack carry the risk of spreading HIV and Hepatitis from the sharing of those needles. Additional health risks exist for driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances (including those prescribed by a provider) and may result in criminal charges, driving related injuries, and fatalities. Addiction is another very serious health risk associated with the use of alcohol or other substances. Addiction is a primary, progressive, chronic and potentially fatal disease.

Signs and symptoms of addiction may include:
- Drinking or using substances for the relief of withdrawal symptoms
- Increased tolerance or reverse tolerance (drug sensitization)
- Feeling guilt, shame or remorse (as a result of behavior while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs)
- Anxiety, depression, or other mental health diagnosis
- Concern from family and/or friends about drinking or drug use
- Decline in work performance or loss of interest in hobbies and daily activities
- Inability to remember what happened when drinking (blackouts)
- Financial difficulties including making sacrifices for the purchase of drugs
- Having problems with the law through increasingly risky behaviors and impaired judgment
- Denial or not being aware that a problem exists
- Much time dedicated to the use of a substance (obsession)
- Use that continues despite known health problems that have developed from use

Drug and Alcohol Programs

Students 

Christine D'Amico, LMSW
Assistant Director of Counseling
Riesenberg Gymnasium
cdamico@sunymaritime.edu
718-409-3916

DOT Substance Abuse Professionals Listings 

Search by location:

https://www.naadac.org/sap-directory

University Police, Front Gate
Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency: 718-409-7311

NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services
http://www.oasas.ny.gov
Need help? Looking for a treatment provider or treatment facility? If you or someone you care about needs help contact 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369)

Employees

Ms. Deborah Fountain-Toomer
Employee Assistance Program
B Company Room 123
dtoomer@sunymaritime.edu
https://www.worklife.ny.gov/eap/
718-319-1007

NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services
http://www.oasas.ny.gov
Need help? Looking for a treatment provider or treatment facility? If you or someone you care about needs help contact 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369)

University Police, Front Gate
Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency: 718-409-7311

Additional Resources & Hotlines

APPENDICIES

A description of the applicable legal sanctions under local, State or Federal law for the unlawful possession of distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol are provided:

 

Appendix A: A description of the applicable legal sanctions under New York State law for the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol

 

Appendix B: NYS Penal Law: Controlled Substances Offenses, Offenses Involving Marijuana and Criminal Diversion of Prescription Medications and Prescriptions

 

Appendix C: Federal Trafficking Penalties

 

Appendix D: Alcohol Use and Your Health CDC publication
https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/about-alcohol-use/index.html
RELATED INFORMATION
SUNY Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act/Drug-Free Work Place Act Compliance
SUNY Policy for Alcohol and/or Drug Use Amnesty in Sexual Violence Cases
SUNY Policies on Sexual Violence Prevention and Response