Alcohol and intoxicants policy
March 18, 2019
— by Dan White, chancellor
In May 2017, UAF launched a universitywide effort to develop a policy on alcohol and
intoxicants for those studying and working in remote field locations. We formed a
campus committee consisting of faculty and staff from across UAF. The group was charged
with evaluating an array of issues that apply to alcohol and intoxicant use in the
field including, but not limited to, university regulations; unit protocols; local,
state and national laws; Title IX directives; and input from faculty, staff and students.
The committee was also encouraged to draw upon policies of similar organizations and
to solicit written and oral testimony.
Committee work launched in spring 2017 with members submitting a proposed policy framework
in late fall. The committee draft was reviewed by UA’s general counsel, and some legal
issues associated with the framework were identified. A new draft was formulated and
sent to UAF leadership for review. In May 2018, formal feedback was requested from
the campus community through Cornerstone and through vice chancellor dissemination
to their units. Many suggestions were submitted, reviewed and incorporated prior to
campus governance review in December 2018.
Before implementing the policy, UAF also submitted the final document to UA President
Johnsen and the UA Business Council for consideration in conjunction with Statewide
drug and alcohol regulations. The field policy on alcohol and intoxicants is now approved
for promulgation. The new policy is a departure from current practices. Although it
will be an adjustment, I seek your understanding as we strive for a safe work environment
for all.
The new policy can be found on my website under initiatives and policies.