Standards of Conduct

Minnesota State University, Mankato will impose sanctions consistent with federal, state, and local laws. Violations of the policy may constitute just cause for discipline, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution for violations.

• Employees of Minnesota State University, Mankato are expected to perform their jobs efficiently, safely, and in a professional, businesslike manner. Accordingly, no employee shall report to work under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, controlled substances, or other drugs which affect his/her alertness, coordination, reaction, response, judgment, decision-making, or safety.
• No employee shall operate, use or drive any equipment, machinery, or vehicle of the state while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, controlled substances, or other mood-altering drugs. Such an employee is under an affirmative duty to immediately notify his/her supervisor that he/she is not in appropriate mental or physical condition to operate, use or drive state equipment.
• No student or employee shall unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, transfer, or use a controlled substance in the workplace or wherever the University's work is being performed. At any time while on state premises, no student or employee shall use, sell, possess, or transfer alcoholic beverages. Additionally, employees shall not participate in these activities during rest breaks or during overtime work.
• Engaging in the off-duty purchase, transfer, use, or possession of illegal drugs or controlled substances may negatively affect the individual’s ability to perform his/her work for the University. In such circumstances, the employee and student are subject to discipline.
• When an employee is taking medically authorized drugs or other substances which may alter job performance, he/she has a duty to notify the appropriate supervisor of that information.
• The University shall notify the appropriate law enforcement agency when there is reasonable suspicion to believe that an individual may have illegal drugs in his/her possession at work or on university premises. Where appropriate, the University shall also notify licensing boards.
• Employees are discouraged from drinking alcoholic beverages during lunch or dinner meals when returning immediately thereafter to perform work on behalf of the University. Employees are advised that in any situation subsequent to the intake of alcohol where the employee must continue conducting the University's business, any employee whose condition or behavior adversely affects his/her performance shall be subject to discipline, up to and including discharge.
• Employees engaged in the performance of work on federal grants or contracts are required to notify the University of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five (5) days after such conviction.