Substance Abuse Policy

Missouri Southern State University prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of illegal drugs and alcohol by students and employees in the workplace, on College property, or as part of any College activity.

Violations of these prohibitions will be handled in the following manner:

1. For students, violations may result in warning, disciplinary prohibition, suspension or expulsion as provided in the Student Handbook.

2. For employees, violations will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Missouri Southern State University is committed to increasing employee and student awareness of the dangers of substance abuse. For example, marijuana can impair thinking, reading, comprehension and verbal skills; hallucinogens result in loss of control of normal thought processes; phencyclidine can produce violent and bizarre behavior; stimulants (amphetamines) may produce mood swings, panic and cardiac disturbances; cocaine is toxic, and overdoses result in death; narcotics cause dependency and severe symptoms upon withdrawal; inhalants have a high risk of sudden death; and alcohol can dull sensation and impair coordination, memory and judgement. In an effort to maintain a drug- and alcohol- free environment, the College will provide:

1. Awareness programs through our College Wellness Program,

2. Assistance through the College Nurse,

3. Assistance through the College Physician,

4. Individual counseling, and

5. Assistance with making referrals to outside agencies.

Everyone employed by Missouri Southern State University as a condition of employment will:

1. Abide by the terms of the University Substance Abuse Policy,

2. Notify the University of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five days after such conviction. Missouri Southern will notify the proper agency of any convictions reported to them within ten days of the receipt of said notice.

Any employee or student of Missouri Southern State University who violates the University's Substance Abuse Policy will be subject to discipline in accordance with this policy and reported to local, state or federal law enforcement authorities for criminal prosecution. Criminal prosecution for these acts could lead to a conviction, and such conviction could result in a sentence imposing a monetary fine, imprisonment in a state or federal penitentiary, or both.

*This policy is distributed annually to all students and employees in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1998 (P.L. 101-690) and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (P.L. 101-226).