Statement of Philosophy and Expectations

Missouri State University-West Plains is committed to providing a healthy, safe, and learning environment for its students. Abuse of drugs and alcohol 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 drugs/alcohol 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-West Plains recognizes that university students are adults. The University's role is to assist students with every available resource to help them develop satisfying lifestyles 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 policy can be obtained from the Office of Student Life and Development, 128 Garfield, West Plains, MO 65775.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Policy

The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol is prohibited on University property and in conjunction with University activities. 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 drugs. "University activities" include those activities that are planned, promoted, or sponsored by a University department or other University subdivision or recognized student organization. "University property" includes University owned or leased land, facilities, vehicles, and equipment. Use of alcohol on University property or at University activities is permitted only if specifically authorized by the Board of Governors, or its delegates, in accord 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 delegates, 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 or a lesser sanction. Sanctions may also include referrals for appropriate rehabilitation.

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.

Tobacco Policy

The University recognizes that tobacco smoke and tobacco in the various smokeless forms are hazards to the health of the University community. To protect the health of the University community, the University designates all buildings as tobacco free. Use of tobacco in vehicles owned or leased by the University is prohibited.

Additional Drug/Alcohol Policies

In addition to the regular drug and alcohol policies there are additional drug testing policies for athletics (which can be procured through the Dean of Student Services) and nursing students (which can be procured through the Nursing Department).

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, tobacco 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 when used with other depressants, 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.

Stimulants: (Cocaine, Methamphetamines) Addiction, heart attack, seizures, lung damage, severe depression, paranoia, psychosis. Similar risks are associated with other stimulants such as speed and uppers. Amphetamines increase the heart and respiration rates, increase blood pressure, dilate the pupils of the eyes, and decrease appetite. Other side effects include anxiety, blurred vision, sleeplessness, and dizziness. Abuse of amphetamines can cause irregular heartbeat and even physical collapse.

Hallucinogens (acid, LSD, PCP, MDMA, etc.): Unpredictable behavior, emotional instability, violent behavior, organic brain damage in heavy users, convulsions, coma.

Narcotics (Heroin, Demerol, Morphine, Codeine, etc.): Addiction, accidental overdose, 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.

Tobacco: Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of death in the United States, causing more than 440,000 deaths each year and resulting in an annual cost of more than $75 billion in direct medical costs

Description of University Services

Student Life and Development

The Office of Student Life and Development provides literature and programs about the effects of alcohol and other drugs. It also offers health education programs on topics such as alcohol and other drugs, sexually transmitted diseases, date rape and smoking cessation. The Office of Student Life and Development will also host a training seminar each year to train faculty and staff to recognize the warning signs of chemical dependence and drug use.

Academic Services

Several classes contain course objectives and topics related to the subjects of wellness, including drug and alcohol abuse: UNL 110, PED 100, 258, CFS 130, and NUR.

Community Services

Alcoholic Anonymous – 1400 Washington, West Plains, MO 65775 – 417.256.8988
Family Counseling Center – 3411 Division Dr., West Plains, MO 65775 – 417.257.9152
Ozark Medical Center Behavioral Healthcare – 1100 Kentucky Ave., West Plains, MO 65775 – 417.256.9111
South Central Missouri Rehabilitation Center – 1015 Lanton, West Plains, MO 65775 – 417.256.2570

Program Review

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