Annual Notice to Students and Employees, 2009-2010

 

The following information is provided annually to every employee and student of Missouri State University out of concern for their welfare and in compliance with federal laws.   Policies in this notice are available at the given web addresses and in hard copy at the Offices of the Dean of Students, Plaster Student Union 405, 836-5527; Human Resources, Carrington Hall 118, 836-6616; and Safety and Transportation, 636 E. Elm, 836-8870.

 

Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention Program

Statement of Philosophy and Expectations

Missouri State University is committed to providing a healthy, safe, and learning environment for its students, faculty, staff, and guests.  Abuse of alcohol and other drugs disrupts this environment and interferes with the academic and personal development of the student, and personal and professional development of University employees.  Standards regarding the use of alcohol and other drugs must support local and state laws.  Furthermore, policies should reflect and encourage abstinence and low risk consumption of alcohol as acceptable choices, and should actively discourage heavy and high-risk consumption of alcoholic beverages.  Policies can minimize the potential risks to the health and safety of members of the University community, but every member of the University community has a responsibility to prevent the illegal use of drugs or high-risk use of alcohol.

 

Missouri State University recognizes that university students are adults.  The University's role is to assist students with every available resource to help them develop satisfying life-styles and to equip them for a better quality of life; nonetheless, it cannot and should not stand in the place of a parent.  University students, as citizens of this community, of this state, and of the nation are, like any other adults, expected to be aware of and to abide by pertinent laws and University regulations.  On the presumption that these expectations will be carried out, the University will not provide staff or other resources to monitor social activities sponsored by student organizations.  This will be the responsibility of officers and advisors.

 

Concomitant with the expectations that the students will conduct themselves at all times as responsible adults is the understanding that, as adults, students may be subject to civil liability resulting from violation of the law.  Such liability may exist independently of any disciplinary action taken by the University for violation of its regulations (which includes violation of pertinent laws).  The University is required by the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 to adopt and implement a program to prevent the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees.  This program, described herein, is distributed annually to every student and employee of the University.  Additional copies of the prevention program can be obtained from the Human Resources Office, Carrington Hall 118, or the Dean of Students Office, Plaster Student Union 405.

 

Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Policy

The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol is prohibited on University property, in conjunction with University activities, and in conjunction with student organization events.  This includes violation of the Missouri law prohibiting possession or use of alcohol by persons under 21 years of age and violation of all other state and federal laws regulating use, possession, or distribution of alcohol and other drugs.  "University activities" include those activities that are planned, promoted, or sponsored by a University department or other University subdivision.  "University property" includes University owned or leased land, facilities, vehicles, and equipment.  Use of alcohol on University property, at University activities, or at the activities of University “sponsored” student organizations, which are recognized student organizations that are advised by a University employee as part of that employee’s job description and funded in some manner through University funds, is permitted only if specifically authorized by the Board of Governors, or its delegee, in accordance with state law. 

 

Also prohibited is 1) the unlawful or unauthorized use and/or possession of narcotics, drugs, drug paraphernalia, and/or other chemicals, 2) the distribution and/or sale of alcoholic beverages, except as officially authorized by the Board of Governors or its delegee, in accord with state law, and 3) the unlawful or unauthorized distribution and/or sale of narcotics, drugs, and/or chemicals.

 

Violations of this policy can result in disciplinary action up to and including discharge for employees and dismissal for students and referral for prosecution.  Violations of this policy by students will be considered violation of the University disciplinary code, which may result in dismissal, suspension, or imposition of a lesser sanction.  Sanctions may also include referrals for appropriate rehabilitation.

 

Beyond these legal requirements, the University has established policies to reduce the risks associated with the legal use of alcohol at “recognized” student organization activities.  Recognized student organizations are those that have completed annual registration with the Office of Student Engagement, are approved by the Student Government Association, are in good standing with the University, but do not meet the criteria to be considered a sponsored student organization.  When alcoholic beverages are present at off-campus activities, 1) non-alcoholic beverages and food must be available in adequate supply and in plain view, and 2) the organization must not permit, encourage, or sponsor participation in any drinking games or themes that might encourage the rapid/excessive consumption of alcohol.  The complete Social Event Risk Management Policy for Missouri State University Recognized Student Organizations is available at http://www.missouristate.edu/studentconduct/23805.htm,  in the Dean of Students Office, or the Office of Student Engagement. 

 

Those employees, students, or visitors who are under 21 years of age and who use, sell, or who are in the possession of alcoholic beverages are subject to the penalties of this State's underage drinking laws.  Those employees, students, and visitors found illegally possessing, using, or selling illegal drugs may be subject to the penalties of federal, state, and city drug laws.

 

 

Legal Sanctions

Local, state, and federal laws prohibit the unlawful possession, use, distribution, and sale of alcohol and illicit drugs.  Criminal penalties for violation of such laws range from fines up to $20,000 to imprisonment for terms up to and including life.

 

Health Risks

Specific serious health risks are associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol.  Some of the major risks are:

Alcohol and other depressants (barbiturates, sedatives, and tranquilizers): Addiction, accidents as a result of impaired ability and judgment, overdose which can result in death, damage to a developing fetus, heart and liver damage.  Marijuana: Addiction, panic reaction, impaired short-term memory, increased risk of lung cancer and emphysema (particularly in cigarette smokers), impairment of driving ability.  Cocaine: Addiction, heart attack, seizures, lung damage, severe depression, paranoia, and psychosis.  Similar risks are associated with other stimulants such as speed and uppers.

 

Hallucinogens (acid, LSD, PCP, MDMA, etc.): Unpredictable behavior, emotional instability, violent behavior, organic brain damage in heavy users, convulsions, and coma.  Narcotics (Heroin, Demerol, Morphine, Codeine, etc.): Addiction, accidental overdose, and risk of hepatitis and AIDS from contaminated needles.  Inhalants (harmful gases and aerosols, glue, nitrous oxide, etc.): Loss of consciousness, suffocation, damage to the brain and central nervous system, sudden death, nausea and vomiting, nosebleeds, impaired judgment.

 

Description of University Services

Campus-Related, Self-Help Groups

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) groups meet weekly throughout Springfield.  Questions regarding meeting days, times, locations, or type of meeting may be obtained from AA (823-7125) or http://springfieldmoaa.org/ and NA (866-7392).

 

Counseling and Testing Center, Carrington Hall 311, 836-5116.  The Center offers services to students who are currently enrolled in for-credit courses at Missouri State.  Students can be seen while the courses in which they are enrolled are in session, and are typically not seen while classes are not in session or during times when not enrolled in any ongoing classes.  Individual, couples, group and crisis counseling is available.  Faculty and staff members are eligible for consultation and referral services.  Non-student spouses, partners, and/or family members are not eligible for independent services, but may be assisted to locate an outside service provider.  Referrals for assessment and/or treatment of chemical dependency or other concerns requiring more specialized services may be made when such a need becomes apparent.

 

Student Conduct, Room 405 Plaster Student Union, 836-6937

The office has information about campus policies and educational consequences, annual data on campus violations of policy, and can recommend other campus and community resources.  Educational consequences for alcohol and other drug policy violations may include, but not be limited to, a four-hour education class, monetary fines, a collaborative program with the Career Center, and referral for an assessment for chemical dependency.  The office maintains a fund to support alcohol and other drug education programs for the University student community.  Student Conduct is an active participant in the Underage Drinking Task Force of the Community Partnership of the Ozarks and in Partners in Environmental Change (PIEC), the student judicial/law enforcement subsidiary of Partners in Prevention (PIP), a statewide coalition focused on preventing high-risk drinking among Missouri’s college students.

 

Partners in Prevention (PIP)/Partners in Environmental Change (PIEC) Campus/Community Coalition, Taylor Health and Wellness Center, Room 37, 836-4045

PIP/PIEC is a Missouri State University coalition representing segments of the University and Springfield community who are focused on preventing high-risk drinking among our students.  We belong to a statewide coalition of Missouri’s thirteen state colleges and universities that is underwritten by grants from the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse.  The Missouri State University PIP/PIEC Coalition has as its mission to create a campus and city environment that supports responsible decision making in regard to alcohol by Missouri State University students.  Missouri State University PIP/PIEC meets on a monthly basis to plan an annual survey of student alcohol and drug use and its consequences, events that highlight responsible decision making, and materials that educate University students about our community social norms, acute alcohol poisoning, blood alcohol content, safe transportation, and other relevant issues.

 

 

 

PED 100, Fitness for Living ((1-2)

This course is required of all students and it is highly suggested that it be taken the freshman year. PED 100 presents the values of health-related physical fitness as well as the ramifications of several lifestyle behaviors.  Among the many topics included within this course are presentations on alcohol, recreational drugs, smoking and tobacco use, and sexually transmitted diseases.  For further information, please contact the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Department in McDonald Arena room 103 (836-5370).

 

Springfield Police Department, Missouri State University Substation, 636 E. Elm St., 836-5327

Substation officers are available for presentations concerning laws related to alcohol and illegal drugs.

 

Student Engagement, Room 101 Plaster Student Union, 836-4386.

Student Engagement serves as a resource for student organizations and advisors on the legal requirements and liability for activities where alcohol may be present.  The office also sponsors numerous programs throughout the year, such as comedians, concerts, lectures, late night programming on Thursday and Friday nights through the After Hours program, homecoming events and festivals that are all alcohol free.  Staff also work with local restaurants and bars to promote the CHEERS program for designated drivers (www.missouristate.edu/cheers).  GAMMA (Greeks Advocating the Mature Management of Alcohol, http://studentorganizations.missouristate.edu/gamma/) also provides opportunities for alcohol education and alcohol-free programming. 

 

Taylor Health and Wellness Center, 836-4000.

Routine and preventive medical services are available through the Center’s outpatient clinic.  The Wellness Office offers programs on topics such as wellness, alcohol and other drugs, exercise and fitness, healthy eating and weight management, stress management, sexuality issues, and smoking cessation.

 

Program Review

The University will conduct a biennial review of this program to determine its effectiveness, make changes where necessary, and ensure that it is consistently enforced.

 

Revision of the Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention Program

Action on any of the above recommendations should be followed by a careful review of the Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention Program by the staff of the Dean of Students for any necessary revisions.  Proposed revisions should then be presented to the President and his Administrative Council for approval.

 

MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY

ALCOHOL POLICY

Policy Statement

 

The President of the University must approve the use of alcoholic beverages in University facilities on the Springfield campus.  Facility managers are responsible for the approval and supervision of the sale, distribution, and presence of alcohol within their facilities and the Athletic Development Office must maintain responsibility for the authorization and planning of tailgate functions within the following parameters:

 

 

Sporting Events

The sale of alcohol shall be by a state-licensed vendor that has a contractual relationship with the facility and/or the University.

1. JQH Arena: beer and wine (no spirits) may only be sold and consumed in the suites, loge seats, and the PRIME Overtime Club, subject to all applicable laws and regulations. 
2. Hammons Field: The sale and consumption of alcohol is exclusively controlled by the management of Hammons Field.
3. Plaster Sports Complex: beer and wine (no spirits) shall only be sold and consumed in the Sky Boxes, subject to all applicable laws and regulations.

 

Tailgate Functions

The possession and consumption of alcohol is currently associated with home football games under the auspices of the Athletics Development Office.  Expansion to other intercollegiate sports must be initiated by the Athletics Development Office and advance planning must include Safety and Transportation, Facilities Management, and the Office of Student Activities.  Tailgate functions are exclusively for the enjoyment of fans attending the home athletic event.  They may include community groups and student organizations registered according to established guidelines as well as individuals, individual families, or other small groups. 

 

The following policies remain in effect for current and future tailgate functions:

• Alcohol may only be consumed in designated lots, no more than four hours in advance of the start of the sporting event, and all consumption must end at the start of the event. 
• Only persons age 21 and older may possess or consume alcohol. 
• All participating community groups must register three days in advance with the Athletics Development Office and all participating student organizations must register three days in advance with the Office of Student Activities.  Any registered group that provides alcohol must also make available non-alcoholic beverages and food.
• No kegs or other large containers of alcoholic beverages are permitted in the tailgate area.
• No open containers of alcohol are permitted outside of the scheduled tailgate times and locations.

 

Conference Services and Special Events

There are a number of campus facilities that are frequently available for rental or the hosting of University special events, namely Plaster Student Union, the Kentwood Hall Crystal Room, and the Meyer Alumni Center Hospitality Room.  Groups and organizations that reserve University facilities for special events through Conference Services may request that the event catering include the service of beer and/or wine.  Such catering may only be performed by the University’s dining services provider.  Requests for alcoholic beverage service will only be considered when access to the event is limited and can be carefully monitored for compliance with alcohol beverage laws and ordinances. 

JQH Arena (non-sporting events)

The University’s contracted food and beverage vendor for JQH Arena shall have the opportunity to sell beer/wine in the private areas in the venue.  For the purposes of this policy, private areas are defined as suites and the Prime Overtime Club.  Further, the University’s contracted food and beverage vendor for JQH Arena may, with the permission of the venue’s management, engage in the sale of wine and beer to patrons attending specific events.  Consumption of beer and wine shall be restricted to the general lobby areas and inside the auditorium.  Containers (sealed or unsealed) shall not be allowed to leave the permitted spaces or removed from the premises.  The University shall not allow sales of beer and/or wine outside the private areas of the venue at University presented events featuring performances by University students.  Typically, beer/wine service outside the private areas of the venue will be available only at events where the venue is leased by an outside promoter.  In any case, the President of the institution shall be consulted regarding the appropriateness of beer/wine sales.

 

The University’s contracted food and beverage vendor shall be responsible for application and maintenance of appropriate sales certificates as required by the city, state, etc.  Only employees of the contracted vendor shall sell/serve beer and or wine and shall be responsible for evaluation and verification of age and sobriety status for any party consuming or purchasing said items.

 

Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts

Alcohol policies at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts are contained in the Juanita K. Hammons Manual. You may contact Executive Director Athletics and Entertainment at 836-6776 for a copy of the policy.

 

Residence Hall Staff Apartments

Residence hall directors and assistant directors are uniquely situated on the University campus.  The duties and responsibilities require that directors and assistant directors live in on campus apartments and these are their permanent residences.  The 1993 Alcohol Policy Task Force recommended that these staff members be authorized to possess and consume alcohol in their apartments.  The policy for the possession and consumption of alcohol by residence hall directors and assistant hall directors should be established by the Director of Residence Life and Services, who is responsible for the direction and supervision of the Residence Life and Services program.  At a minimum, policies should require that alcohol is never consumed in the presence of a residence hall student or by anyone under the age of 21.

 

Revision of the Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention Program

Action on any of the above recommendations should be followed by a careful review of the Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention Program by the staff of the Dean of Students for any necessary revisions.  Proposed revisions should then be presented to the President and his Administrative Council for approval.

 

 

Authority

September 15, 2006 Board of Governors Resolution which delegated the authority to approve the use of alcoholic beverages in designated University facilities to the President of the University and authorized the President to further delegate to the Chancellors of West Plains and The Mountain Groves campuses such authority for those campuses.

 

Responsible Administrator and Office:  Dean of Students

 

Contact Person in that Office:    Mike Jungers

 

Procedures for informing university community:  Annual Notice to Students and Employees

 

Web Address:  http://www.missouristate.edu/dos/72222.htm

 

Effective date:  September 15, 2006

 

Annual Security Report

Missouri State University’s annual security report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings owned or controlled by Missouri State University; and on public property with, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.  The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning alcohol and other drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters.  You can obtain a copy of this report by contacting the Offices of the Dean of Students, Plaster Student Union 405, 836-5527; Human Resources, Carrington Hall 118, 836-6616; or Safety and Transportation, 636 E. Elm, 836-8870 or by accessing the following web site: http://www.missouristate.edu/safetran/SafetyFolder/safety/annual-security.html.

 

Emergency Response and Evacuation Procedures

 

The Emergency Response and Evacuation Plan establishes policies and procedures that will be employed when there exists the potential for an emergency condition, such as severe weather; an emergency situation has or is occurring; or in any situation where it is necessary and beneficial for the operations of MSU to be conducted out of a single location.  In order to ensure the various plans at MSU will work in an emergency situation, MSU participates in drills and exercises that include campus personnel as well as local, county, and state public safety agencies. 

The University has several procedures in place to communicate with faculty, staff, students and media regarding any emergency on campus and has established an emergency mass notification system, known as “Missouri State Alert”, on the Springfield and West Plains campuses.  Complete details about the Emergency Response Plan and the Missouri State Alert System can be found at the following web address:  http://www.missouristate.edu/safetran/erp.htm.

 

 

 

 

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records.  Missouri State University’s Policy Regarding Personally Identifiable Student Records can be obtained at the following web address: http://www.missouristate.edu/registrar/ferpanotification.htm.

 

Graduation Rates

Under regulations developed by the United States Department of Education, colleges and universities are required to report graduation rates to current and prospective students.  The Missouri State University graduation rate report can be obtained at the following web address: http://www.missouristate.edu/enrollmentmanagement/gradrates.htm. 

 

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)

Missouri State University’s Board of Governors has designated the University and those components of the University, which transmit health information in electronic form, as a hybrid entity under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).  Before or during the first visit by a patient or client to a University Health Care Component (HCC), the HCC must require the person to sign an Acknowledgement that they have received the HCC’s Notice of Privacy Practices.  The University and its HCC must comply with HIPAA unless complying violates other federal or state laws, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  More information about the University’s HIPAA Policies, Procedures, Forms, Privacy Officers, and Security Officers can be viewed at http://www.privacy.missouristate.edu/hipaa.htm.

 

Missing Person Policy

In accordance with the Higher Education Act of 2008, all students who reside in on-campus housing may identify an individual who will be contacted by University or law enforcement personnel after it has been determined that the student is missing.  If campus security officials determine that a student for whom a missing person report has been filed has been missing for more than 24 hours, then within the next 24 hours, they must: notify the individual identified by the student to be contacted in this circumstance; notify a parent or guardian if the student is under 18 years old; and notify law enforcement. If at any time foul play is suspected or suspicious circumstances are uncovered, the Dean of Students, Safety and Transportation, and law enforcement officials will be contacted immediately. The complete policy is available from the Office of Residence Life and Services.

 

Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification

Under provisions of the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act (Wetterling Act), any person who is required to register under a state sex offender registration program must notify the state when he or she enrolls at an institution of higher education or is employed at such an institution, and must notify the state of any change in enrollment or employment at an institution of higher education.  Sex offender registration information is to be transmitted from each state to the law enforcement entities where the registered sex offenders reside.  In Missouri, the sex offender list is maintained at the county level. 

 

The Office of Safety and Transportation has a web page, http://www.missouristate.edu/safetran/13012.htm, that provides links to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Registry Sex Offenders List, the Greene County Sex Offender List, and the lists of the surrounding counties as they become available.  Members of the University Community who wish to be informed of the identities of registered sex offenders who reside in Greene County or a surrounding county are encouraged to access this information through the Safety and Transportation links.

 

Sexual Harassment and Amorous Relationships Policies

The Sexual Harassment and Amorous Relationships Policies can be obtained at the following web address: http://www.missouristate.edu/assets/equity/BOG_Resolution_-_Discrimination_and_Harassment_Policy_updated_91506.doc and guidance for students is available at http://www.missouristate.edu/judicial/13877.htm.

 

Voter Registration

As a Templeton Foundation Public Affairs Institution, Missouri State University strongly encourages students to vote.  If you wish to have a Greene County voter registration form mailed to you, you may call 836-5527.  You may also register at any of the following locations on campus.

 

Dean of Students Office, Plaster Student Union 405

Meyer Library, Reference and Government Information Desk

 

If you would like to register in another county or state, please contact the county court house in that county.  They can provide information on registration procedures.  You may also contact the Elections Office for the State of Missouri:

 

(573) 751-2301 (Voice)
(800) NOW-VOTE (669-8683)
(573) 526-3242 (Fax)
elections@sos.mo.gov

http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/s_default.asp?id=voter.

 

If you are registered in another county and wish to vote by absentee ballot, be sure to request a ballot from the county clerk in your county in advance of the deadline.  A number of notary publics are available on campus to notarize your ballot.