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, 836-3013.

 

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, other members, 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 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.  Prohibited unlawful use includes violation of the Missouri law prohibiting possession or use of alcohol by persons under 21 years of age and 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.  The Board of Governors, in a May 14, 1993 resolution, authorized the President of Missouri State University to use his/her discretion in determining when the legal use of alcohol may be permitted in the President's residence.  At their June 18, 1993 meeting, the Board of Governors approved a resolution permitting the possession and consumption of alcohol by people 21 years or older on designated parking lots before home football games.  A December 16, 1994 resolution approved the distribution of wine and champagne in the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts under specific guidelines and a February 16, 2001 resolution extended the distribution of alcohol in the Robert W. Plaster Student Union for the Founders Club and Alumni Homecoming dinner events.  A February 20, 2004 resolution permits the possession and consumption of beer by individuals of legal age at Missouri State University baseball team home games when it is sold by the management of the off-campus baseball facility.  At their September 15, 2006 meeting, the Board of Governors approved a resolution that delegates to the President of Missouri State University the authority to approve the use of alcohol for single or recurring events on University property.  The President is authorized to further delegate to the Chancellors of the West Plains and Mountain Grove campuses such authority for those campuses.

 

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 Activities, 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/judicial/23805.htm, in the Dean of Students Office, or the Office of Student Activities. 

 

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 also 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.

 

Judicial Programs, Room 405 Plaster Student Union, 836-6937

The office has information about campus policies and judicial sanctions, annual data on campus violations of policy, and can recommend other campus and community resources.  Disciplinary sanctions for violations of alcohol and other drug policies include a four-hour education class, monetary fines, and referral for an assessment for chemical dependency.  The office maintains a fund to support alcohol and other drug education programs for the University community.  Judicial Programs 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 twelve 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 is housed in the Dean of Students Office and its mission is 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 to talk to individuals and organizations concerning laws related to alcohol and illegal drugs.

 

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

Student Activities 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, 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.

 

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, 836-3013 or by accessing the following web site: http://www.missouristate.edu/safetran/SafetyFolder/safety/annual-security.html.

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.

 

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.

 

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

or on the web at 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.