Drug and Alcohol Policy
Pursuant to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, as a requirement of the Drug-Free Schools and Colleges Act of 1989, University of Missouri- Columbia must disseminate and ensure receipt of the below policies and information to all students, staff, and faculty on an annual basis. Questions concerning this policy and/or alcohol and other drug programs, interventions, and policies may be directed to the Wellness Resource Center at mizzouwellness@missouri.edu and 573-882-4634.
Polices – Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Weapons
Standards of Conduct
University of Missouri-Columbia regulations prohibit the unlawful possession, use, distribution, and sale of alcohol and illicit drugs by University students and their guests and for employees on University-owned or controlled property and at University-sponsored or supervised activities including school-related events or professional meetings requiring travel. The Standards of Conduct applies to all student organizations, fraternities, and sororities even though they are not on University-controlled property.
Good Samaritan Policy
At the University of Missouri, the health, safety, and welfare of our students and community are paramount concerns. As such, all MU students are expected to alert appropriate officials in the event of any health or safety emergency—specifically including those involving the misuse or abuse of alcohol—even if violations of the Standard of Conduct may have occurred in connection with such an emergency. The University understands that fear of possible legal actions may deter students from seeking certain requests for emergency assistance; therefore, the University has adopted the following Good Samaritan Policy to alleviate such concerns and promote responsible action on the part of students.
In a situation involving imminent threat or danger to the health or safety of any individual(s), students are generally expected (1) to contact emergency officials by calling 911 to report the incident, (2) to remain with the individual(s) needing emergency treatment and cooperate with emergency officials, so long as it is safe to do so, and (3) to meet with appropriate University officials after the incident and to cooperate with any University investigation.
The University will consider the positive impact of taking responsible action in an emergency situation when determining the appropriate response to alleged policy violations by the reporting student that may have occurred prior to or in conjunction with the emergency situation. In some such situations, this may mean that no University sanctions are imposed but the incident will be documented, and educational, community and health initiatives will be required. The protocol does not preclude or prevent action by police or other legal authorities. Failure of students to take responsible actions in an emergency situation may void all protections under this provision, may constitute an aggravating factor for purposes of sanctioning, and may lead to further disciplinary actions when such failure to act otherwise constitutes a violation of University rules and regulations.
Statewide Good Samaritan Law
The Missouri Good Samaritan Law went into effect August 2017. The law states that any person seeking emergency medical assistance for an alcohol or drug overdose will not be arrested, charged, prosecuted, or convicted for possession of alcohol or an illicit substance. Furthermore, if a person calls for emergency medical assistance for someone else experiencing an alcohol or other drug overdose, the caller will not be arrested, charged, prosecuted, or convicted for possession of alcohol or an illicit substance.
The act does not prevent a police officer from arresting a person for an outstanding warrant or prevent a person from being arrested, charged, or prosecuted based on an offense other than the specified offenses in the act, whether the offense arises from the same circumstances as the seeking of medical assistance. Additionally, the protection from prosecution under this act for possession offenses is not grounds for suppression of evidence or dismissal in charges unrelated to the act. Any police officer who is in contact with any person or persons in need of emergency medical assistance under this act shall provide appropriate information and resources for substance-related assistance.
The act also provides the Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services, or a licensed physician with the express written consent of the Director if the Director is not a licensed physician, the authority to issue a statewide standing order for an opioid antagonist. A physician issuing such an order will not be subject to any criminal or civil liability or professional disciplinary action associated with the order.
Medical Marijuana
Amendment 2 to the Missouri Constitution allows Missouri licensed physicians to certify that patients residing in Missouri have a qualifying medical condition that allows the patients to apply for medical marijuana identification cards that may be used to purchase and possess marijuana. The Amendment also allows certain licensed companies in the state to cultivate, manufacture, test and dispense marijuana products. However, it remains a violation of federal laws to use, possess, cultivate, or sell marijuana.
The University of Missouri System receives federal funding for financial aid, grants and contracts for research and is subject to compliance with the Drug Free Communities and Schools Act and the Drug Free Workplace Act. These federal laws prohibit universities receiving federal funding from allowing any form of marijuana use or possession on their premises. Therefore, the University will continue to enforce its policies which prohibit students, employees and members of the general public from possessing, using or distributing marijuana in any form on all University owned or controlled property and at University sponsored or supervised activities.
Parental Notification of Alcohol and Controlled Substances Violations
The purpose of this regulation is to set forth the guidelines for parental notification of alcohol and controlled substance violations of students under the age twenty-one as permitted by the Warner Amendment to the Higher Education Act of 1998, to the extent that such notification is permitted by federal and Missouri law. The University supports the theory that students, parent(s) or legal guardian(s), and the University are partners with responsibilities for the promotion of a healthy and positive educational experience for students. University disciplinary policies and procedures are designed to promote an environment conducive to student learning and growth while protecting the University community.
It is the belief of the University that students benefit from discussions with their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) about the effects of alcohol or use of controlled substances including the effect of the use of alcohol or controlled substances on their educational experience. Prior to the fall semester, materials concerning the consequences of high risk drinking and the use of controlled substances will be sent to parent(s) or legal guardian(s), and they will be encouraged to discuss the information with their son or daughter. This information will be sent to parent(s) or legal guardian(s), as indicated by students in their data file, of degree seeking students and students admitted to the University for which we have necessary information, including provisionally admitted students, under the age of 21. This information will also contain a description of the parental notification policy and the conditions of notification. Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) will be given the opportunity to decline participation in the parental notification program. This information will be sent to parent(s) or legal guardian(s) only once and it is the responsibility of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to contact the University regarding any change of intent or changes in address or telephone number.
The University may notify only parent(s) or legal guardian(s) who have not declined to participate in the parental notification program under the following conditions:
(a) if the student is under 21 years of age at the time of disclosure; and
(b) when the student has been determined under the Rules of Procedures in Student Conduct Matters, §200.020 of the Collected Rules and Regulations of the University of Missouri to have violated the student conduct code concerning alcohol or controlled substances on campus including operating a vehicle on University property, or on streets or roadways adjacent to and abutting a campus, under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance as prohibited by law of the state of Missouri as stated in §200.010 B.8; and
(c) the violation is an initial severe, second or a subsequent violation of the student conduct code concerning alcohol or controlled substances. An initial severe offense is one that, in the opinion and discretion of the individual designated under paragraph 3 below, endangers self, or others, or that may result in the potential loss of campus housing privileges, or have an impact on student status.
(d) the University reserves the right not to notify parent(s) or legal guardian(s) even though the above conditions are satisfied, upon the written recommendation of a health care provider who determines that such notification would not be in the best interest of the student and would be detrimental to the student's health, safety or welfare. Married students and students who demonstrate that they are financially independent of their parent(s) or legal guardian(s), are exempt from notification conditions above.
The student, in order to have the first opportunity to notify the student's parent(s) or legal guardian(s), will be granted a period of 48 hours after the determination to notify parent(s) or legal guardian(s) concerning the violation prior to the University issuing a notification to the parent(s) or legal guardian(s). While the University may notify parent(s) or legal guardian(s) that a violation has occurred, it will not discuss the violation with parent(s) or legal guardian(s) without the student's written consent. The Chancellor of each campus will designate an individual on the Chancellor's campus who is responsible for the notification of parent(s) or legal guardian(s) under the conditions described above. This individual will notify parent(s) or legal guardian(s) in writing after the determination concerning the violation has been made. The letter will include a statement indicating that the violation has occurred and that unless the student signs a release, any further information must be disclosed by the student. The letter will be sent by certified mail. Nothing in this rule precludes the University from notifying parent(s) or legal guardian(s) under the emergency provisions outlined in Section 180.020.
Legal Sanctions and Penalties
Legal Sanctions
Violation of these University regulations can result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion for students and discharge for employees. Conduct that can result in sanctions includes the manufacture, use, possession, sale, or distribution 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. Changes in state law regarding marijuana or other controlled substances do not negate applicable federal laws.
Federal Aid Eligibility and Drug Conviction
Under the Higher Education Act of 1998, students convicted under federal or state law for the sale or possession of drugs will have their federal financial aid eligibility suspended. This includes all federal grants, loans, federal work study programs, and more. Students convicted of drug possession will be ineligible for one (1) year from the date of the conviction of the first offense, two (2) years for the second offense, and indefinitely for the third offense. Students convicted of selling drugs will be ineligible for two (2) years from the date of the first conviction, and indefinitely for the second offense. Those who lose eligibility can regain eligibility by successfully completing an approved drug rehabilitation program.
If convicted of a drug-related offense after the student submitted their FAFSA form, the student may lose eligibility for federal student aid, and be liable for returning any financial aid received during the period of ineligibility.
Health Risks of Commonly Abused Substances
Alcohol and other drugs are associated with many health risks. The use and misuse of alcohol and other drugs may have negative effects on one’s school or work performance and personal relationships. Some common health risks are addiction; damage to liver, heart, and to a developing fetus; accidents as a result of impaired judgment; and unwanted sexual activity that could result in sexual assault or sexually transmitted infections.
For more information about the health risks associated with particular types of drugs and alcohol, please visit https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/commonly-used-drugs-charts.
Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention and Treatment Programs
Prevention and Education
Through the Department of Student Health &Well-Being’s Wellness Resource Center and other departments and offices, a variety of programs and resources exist for alcohol and other drug prevention education, counseling and referral
Department of Student Health & Well-Being
Wellness Resource Center The Wellness Resource Center hosts alcohol and other drug abuse prevention programs, speakers, peer educators, referral service, and research. It also provides educational books, brochures, videos and other materials on a variety of wellness issues including alcohol and other drugs. Programs offered within the center include Wellbeing PEERS, BASICS (Brief Alcohol Screening Intervention for College Students), BASICS for Cannabis (Cannabis Screening and Brief Intervention for College Students), Year 1 College Behavior Profile, eCheckup To Go Alcohol and Cannabis, STAR (Strategies Targeting Alcohol Responsibility), Alcohol Skills Training Program (ASTP), Training on Alcohol Skills for Tigers Events (TASTE), and Nicotine Cessation.
Counseling Center The Counseling Center provides consultation to assist a student in accessing an appropriate treatment for substance cessation. 24-Hour crisis services are also available by calling 573-882-6601
Student Health Center Physicians at the Student Health Center can provide consultation and medical evaluation to assist a student in accessing appropriate treatment for substance use cessation.
Mizzou Made Student Athlete Development
The Mizzou Made Student Athlete Development Program offers services for intercollegiate athletes which includes an Integrative Healthcare Team consisting of mental health counseling, athletic training support, and team physicians. In addition, the program offers drug and alcohol abuse education and other wellness related issues.
University Police Crime Prevention Unit
The University Police Crime Prevention Unit provides presentations on the legal aspects of alcohol and other drugs as well as other related issues. These presentations are done upon request of student groups. The information on alcohol risk management and associated consequences is also being incorporated in general safety presentations for campus organizations. In addition, University Police Officers actively patrol for Liquor Law, Cannabis/other drug related laws, and DWI violations.
For more information concerning current programs, interventions, and policies, contact Wellness Resource Center in G202 MU Student Center at mizzouwellness@missouri.edu and 573-882-4634.
Counseling and Treatment
Short term alcohol and other drug counseling is available on campus to students through the Counseling Center at 573-882-6601. Students may be referred through the Counseling Center to other treatment programs for more intensive treatment.
Through the institution’s Human Resources department, the Employee Assistance Program offers employees additional education and counseling, as well as appropriate referrals.
Within Columbia, the following substance abuse counseling agencies are available:
Phoenix Programs, Inc. Phoenix Programs, Inc. provides substance abuse rehabilitation services. The program is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. Phoenix Programs, Inc. contact information is as follows:
90 E. Leslie Lane
Columbia, MO 65202
Phone: 573-875-8880
McCambridge Center McCambridge Center provides substance abuse treatment for women and children. The center is a part of the Compass Health Network. McCambridge Center’s contact information is as follows:
201 N. Garth
Columbia, MO 65203
Phone: 844-853-8937
Website: https://compasshealthnetwork.org/
CenterPointe Hospital CenterPointe Hospital provides substance abuse and mental health treatment for children, adolescents, adults, and senior adults. The hospital has five locations in mid-Missouri and St. Louis Metro. CenterPointe Hospital’s contact information is as follows:
1201 International Drive
Columbia, MO 65202
Phone: 573-615-2001
Website: https://centerpointehospitalcolumbia.com/
The Crossroads Program The Crossroads Program provides substance abuse rehabilitation for teens and young adults. The program has 3 locations in Missouri including St. Louis, Kansas City, and Columbia. The Crossroads Program contact information is as follows:
3605 South Providence Road, Suite 6
Columbia, MO 65203
Phone: 573-256-8020
Website: https://www.thecrossroadsprogram.com/
This information is brought to you by the Wellness Resource Center in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Colleges Act Amendments of 1989.