OCU University | Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy for Students

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Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy for Students

In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, OCU University prohibits possession, use, and distribution of alcohol and drugs on university-owned, or controlled property, or at university sponsored events. Any student found to be in violation of this policy is subject to university discipline, up to and including suspension or expulsion from the University. Criminal charges may also be filed with the Oklahoma County District Attorney if violations are applicable for prosecution.

OCU University distributes the Alcohol and other Drugs policy to students through the following means and with the following frequency: 

Types of Communication

Frequency and Mode

Application for EnrollmentUpon submitting application for admission to the University, students provide an electronic signature acknowledging reading and understanding of policy
Email from Dean of Students The Dean shares a message via Ƶ email at the beginning of each semester with these policies
Housing ContractUpon arriving to University Housing, all student residents are required to sign this contract
Annual Security and Fire Report Published every October, according to federal regulations. Includes Policy and summary data of alcohol and drug violations on campus

OCU University is intended to be a safe environment free from alcohol and other drugs. 

  • The university recognizes that the use of alcohol and illegal drugs diminishes the strength and vitality of human resources and the integrity of the institution. It is the intent of the University to educate students about the risks associated with drugs and alcohol along with skills to help maintain a safe student experience. 
  • For these reasons, and in compliance with the Drug-free Schools and Communities Act, OCU University strictly forbids the use and/or distribution of alcohol and/or other drugs on campus. Any student found using or distributing alcohol and/or other drugs on campus, in on-campus housing, or during campus-sponsored activities will face disciplinary action by the administration, including but not limited to a mandatory drug assessment, referral for counseling, and/or treatment as recommended by a University- approved counselor or counseling service, and/or suspension or expulsion.

Medical Marijuana in the State of Oklahoma

  • The State of Oklahoma passed the Oklahoma Marijuana Act allowing the use of medical marijuana. However, at OCU University, no person may possess or use marijuana, in any form, or be under the influence of marijuana on any university property or at any off-campus university event, even with a valid medical marijuana patient license. 
  • A positive test result for marijuana will not be used as the sole reason to refuse admission into the university if the applicant possesses a valid medical marijuana license issued by the Oklahoma State Department of Health

Drug and Alcohol Dependency Testing

  • The University may require any student who is reasonably suspected of drug use to undergo drug testing. Any drug tests required will be conducted by a state certified laboratory during or immediately following regular working or classroom hours. The tests will be paid for by the University. Any student who requests a retest of a sample in order to challenge the results of a positive test is required to pay all costs of additional tests.  
  • The University may also require a drug and alcohol dependency evaluation with either an in-house or contracted program that provides substance abuse counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation. A “Release-Of-Information” form provided by the University must be signed by the student prior to any referral for testing or counseling. Students receiving Conduct Outcomes requiring treatment may use any other certified program. In any case, a student must provide proof of treatment before consideration is given to his or her reinstatement.

University Conduct Outcomes (Sanctions)

Students found responsible for drug and alcohol related offenses are subject to campus disciplinary action that provides for Outcomes of varying severity. Santions, or Conduct Outcomes, are to fit the violation and increase according to severity. OCU University will impose Conduct Outcomes on students (consistent with local, State, and Federal law) to those found in violation of this Alcohol and other Drugs Policy. The following is a non-exhaustive list of possible Conduct Outcomes for students as described in the Ƶ Student Code of Conduct 

  • Warning: A notice in writing to the student that the student is violating or has violated institutional regulations; a copy of the notice shall be placed in the student’s discipline file.   
  • Probation: A written reprimand for violation of specified regulations. Probation is for a designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe Conduct Outcomes if the student is found to be violating any institutional regulation(s) during the probationary period.
  • Loss of Privileges: Denial of specified privileges for a designated period of time.
  • Fines: Previously established and published fines may be imposed.
  • Alcohol & Other Drug Fee: Administrative fees associated with alcohol and/or drug violations. 
  • Alcohol and/or Drug Assessment: In-person assessment conducted by Licensed Counselors in the University Counseling Center.
  • Restitution: Compensation for loss, damage or injury.  This may take the form of appropriate service and/or monetary or material replacement.
  • Discretionary Outcomes: Community service, educational assignments, service to the University, or other related discretionary assignments/outcomes.
  • University Housing Suspension: Separation of the student from University Housing for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to return.  Conditions for readmission may be specified.
  • University Housing Expulsion: Permanent separation of the student from University Housing.
  • University Suspension: Separation of the student from OCU University for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission will be specified.
  • Expulsion: Permanent separation of the student from OCU University.
  • Revocation of Admission and/or Degree: Admission to or a degree awarded from the University may be revoked for fraud, misrepresentation, or other violation of University standards in obtaining a degree, or for other serious violations committed by a student prior to graduation.
  • Withholding Degree: The University may withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the completion of the process set forth in the Student Code, including the completion of all Conduct Outcomes imposed, if any.

In assigning Conduct Outcomes, the Student Conduct Officer will consider: 

  • The facts of the case, as presented 
  • The type and severity of the misconduct
  • Mitigating factors
  • Impact of the misconduct
  • Respondent’s conduct history including probation status
  • Demeanor towards involved University employees; if applicable
  • The respondent’s willingness and/or ability to accept responsibility 
  • Precedent, if applicable

With those considerations, the following sanction charts may serve as a guide for sanctioning policy violations: 

Alcohol Violations and Corresponding Conduct Outcomes

 

Alcohol contact and 

no behavior issues

Alcohol contact and/or public intoxication and/or behavior issues

First Violation

  • OCU University Police (Ƶ PD) ticket & $100 fine
  • AoD $100 fee (may be deferred)
  • Warning letter
  • Online alcohol module
  • Educational essay (if needed)
  • Online Ƶ alcohol assessment (if needed)
  • Ƶ PD ticket & $100 fine
  • AoD $100 fee (may be deferred)
  • Parental notification if under 21 (if needed)
  • Online Ƶ alcohol assessment
  • Educational essay (should reflect the violation and behavior of student)
  • Conduct probation

Second Violation

  • Ƶ PD ticket & $100 fine
  • AoD fee
  • Parental notification (if needed)
  • Referral for alcohol/drug assessment via Ƶ Counseling Center at own cost (if needed)
  • Community service
  • Conduct probation
  • Ƶ PD ticket & $100 fine
  • AoD fee
  • Parental notification (if needed)
  • Referral for alcohol/drug assessment via Ƶ Counseling Center at own cost
  • Community service
  • Conduct probation

Third Violation

  • Ƶ PD ticket & $100 fine
  • AoD $300 fee
  • Completion of outside substance use assessment and any recommended treatment program, at own cost
  • Parental notification
  • Removal from Ƶ Housing (if needed)
  • Suspension/removal from Ƶ (if needed)

 

  • Ƶ PD ticket & $100 fine
  • AoD $300 fee
  • Completion of outside substance use assessment and any recommended treatment program, at own cost
  • Parental notification
  • Removal from University Housing (if needed)
  • Suspension/removal from   Ƶ (if needed)

 

Drug Violations and Corresponding Conduct Outcomes

 

Drug contact and no behavior issues 

(less than 2 ounces/56.7 grams)

Drug contact (more than 2 ounces/56.7 grams) and/or behavior issues

First Violation

  • ƵPD ticket & $100 fine
  • AOD $100 fee (may be deferred)
  • Maximum of 25 hours of community service 
  • Online marijuana education module (if applicable)
  • Conduct probation (if applicable)
  • Online Ƶ substance assessment
  • Referral for drug assessment via Ƶ Counseling Center at own cost 
  • ƵPD ticket & $100 fine
  • AOD $100 fee
  • Parental notification (if needed)
  • 25 hours of community service
  • Online marijuana education module (if applicable)
  • Conduct probation
  • Referral for drug assessment via Ƶ Counseling Center at own cost
  • Suspension from Ƶ housing

Second Violation

  • ƵPD ticket & $100 fine
  • AOD fee
  • Parental notification 
  • Referral for drug assessment via Ƶ Counseling Center at own cost
  • Community service
  • Conduct probation
  • A Chance to Change Workshops (if applicable)
  • Drug Court attendance & reflection essay (if applicable)
  • Removal from Ƶ housing
  • ƵPD ticket & $100 fine
  • AOD fee
  • Parental notification 
  • Referral for drug assessment via Ƶ Counseling Center at own cost
  • Conduct probation
  • Removal from Ƶ housing
  • A Chance to Change Workshops or Drug Court attendance & reflection essay (if applicable)
  • Suspension/Expulsion

Third Violation

  • ƵPD ticket & $100 fine
  • AOD fee
  • Completion of outside substance use assessment and any recommended treatment program, at own cost
  • Parental notification
  • Removal from Ƶ Housing
  • Suspension/Expulsion from Ƶ
  • ƵPD ticket & $100 fine
  • AOD fee
  • Suspension/Expulsion from Ƶ

 

Other Considerations:

  • Conduct Outcomes, for subsequent violations up to and including expulsion are at the discretion of the Dean of Students and his/her designee. 
  • Severe violations of the substance abuse policy, such as possession with intent to distribute, purchasing for a minor, destruction of property, or assault and battery while under the influence of substance use may subject the student to interim restriction, University suspension, expulsion and/or arrest.
  • Any student who self-refers and is found to be addicted to any substance may not be suspended or expelled unless the behavior becomes a threat to the personal safety of themselves, or those around them. The University upholds a Medical Amnesty Policy which applies to any Students needing and seeking medical assistance during an alcohol or other drug-related emergency will not face formal conduct action by the Dean of Students Office for the mere possession or use of alcohol or drugs.
  • If a student is determined to be under the influence and exhibits aggressive behavior or is deemed to be harmful to themselves or others, they may be transported to an inebriation alternative center as an alternative to county jail. If at any time during their visit they are uncompliant, they will automatically be transported to county jail.
  • Students who violate the University’s Student Code of Conduct and present symptoms of drug and/or alcohol use/abuse can be referred to the Counseling Center for screening, as part of their Conduct Outcomes.
  • The University may take disciplinary action against a student who refuses to undergo drug and alcohol testing. The University will take no disciplinary action against a student, except for temporary suspension, until the first test result has been confirmed by an additional test. Any student has the right to an explanation, in confidence, of the test results and may obtain all information and records related to testing. Information related to drug and alcohol tests will be kept confidential and apart from other student records.
  • The University reserves the right to notify parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of students under the age of 21 about incidents related to alcohol and other drugs, as it is permitted by The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

OCU University School of Law’s Exceptions to Alcohol Policy

The OCU University School of Law does allow alcohol for limited purposes and events on its downtown Ƶ campus, administratively regulated and at the discretion of the Law School Dean.

 

 

State of Oklahoma

Oklahoma law (§37-241.): Any person who willfully furnishes alcohol to a minor will be guilty of a misdemeanor for a first violation and shall be punished by a fine of not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or imprisoned in the county jail for not more than one (1) year, or by both such fine and imprisonment.  Oklahoma Law (§37-246): Any minor in possession shall be guilty, upon conviction, of a misdemeanor and punished by a fine not to exceed Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) or ordered to perform community service not to exceed thirty (30) hours, or both such fine and community service.  In addition, if the person has an Oklahoma driver license issued by the Department of Public Safety, that license shall be revoked for the period of time provided in Section 6-107.1 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes.  If the person does not have an Oklahoma driver license, the person shall be ineligible to obtain an Oklahoma driver license for the period of time provided in Section 6-107.1 of Title 47 of the Oklahoma Statutes. Social host laws were passed and implemented in 2011. HB 1211 states that No person shall knowingly and willfully permit any individual under twenty-one (21) years of age …to possess or consume any alcoholic beverage… any low-point beer… any controlled dangerous substance… or any combination thereof. HB 1211 has a sliding scale from a misdemeanor conviction and fines for first-time offenders of $500 or less to a felony conviction, fines up to $2,500 and jail time of up to five years for repeat offenders. Also, any convicted Social Host can be convicted of a felony; pay the top fines and serve jail time in addition to those already assessed if “great bodily injury or the death of a person” occurs.

Federal Laws

The Federal Uniform Drinking Age Act of 1984 sets the minimum legal drinking age to 21 and every State abides by that standard. For more details about Federal Trafficking Penalties please visit: US department of Education, Federal Student Aid https://ifap.ed.gov/regcomps/attachments/86a.pdf . 

  • Further information on Oklahoma State laws regarding Alcohol is found at the Oklahoma State Legislature web page:
  • The US Drug Enforcement Administration provides detailed information on the many laws governing controlled dangerous substances. More information available on at web page:

Notification to State and Federal Authorities

The University may refer individuals to applicable local, state, or federal law enforcement authorities for prosecution. Any student who is convicted under a criminal drug statute for a violation occurring in any campus owned or leased facility must notify the University within five working days of the conviction. Within ten working days, OCU University is required to notify the Department of Education of the disciplinary action. Within thirty days, the University will take appropriate disciplinary action. Any questions concerning this policy may be directed to the Vice President for Student Affairs.

Federal Financial Aid Penalties for Drug Violations - Section 484(r) of the Higher Education Act):

Conviction for an offense under any federal or state law involving the possession or sale of illegal drugs that occurred during a period of enrollment when a student was receiving federal financial aid (grant, loan, or work assistance under Title IV), can affect the student’s eligibility for federal student aid for a period of time:

Occurrence

Sanction

First offenseFor one year from the date of conviction for possession or for two years from the date of conviction for sale of illegal drugs
Second offenseFor two years from the date of conviction for possession of illegal drugs or for an indefinite period for sale of illegal drugs
Third offense (and subsequent)For an indefinite period for the possession and/or sale of illegal drugs

Students convicted of both possession and sale will be ineligible for the longer of the two periods. A student whose eligibility is suspended as a result of penalties under section 484(r) of the Higher Education Act will be provided written notice of the loss of eligibility and advised of the ways in which eligibility can be regained. The student may resume eligibility prior to the end of the ineligibility period by completing a qualified drug rehabilitation program that includes two unannounced drug tests.

Effect of Drug Law Violations on Financial Aid

A student who is convicted of a state or federal offense involving the possession or sale of an illegal drug that occurred while the student is enrolled in school and receiving Title IV aid is not eligible for Title IV funds. A borrower’s eligibility is based on the student’s self-certification on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students with eligibility issues as determined by the Department of Education are notified via their Student Aid Report and are directed to contact the Department of Education for a year-specific Worksheet to determine eligibility for federal student aid. Convictions that are reversed, set aside, or removed from the student’s record, or a determination arising from a juvenile court proceeding do not affect eligibility and do not need to be reported by the student.

Whether the drug of choice is alcohol, marijuana, a prescription drug or cocaine, the habit can lead to a change in habits. Some people may believe that drugs are harmless or even helpful. The truth is that drugs can have very serious, long-term physical and emotional health effects. If drugs are mixed, the impact is even more detrimental. The following is a partial list of drugs and some of the consequences of their use. 

The use of alcohol or drugs may lead to abuse or addiction, causing psychological and/or physical dependence. They also can present a danger to the campus community when someone is performing a task under the influence or distributing to others. Further information about these and other substances is available at the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism website and at the US Drug Enforcement Administration website.

Only some of the known health risks are covered, and not all legal or illegal drugs are included:

Substance

Effect

AlcoholMost commonly abused substance among college students. It produces short-term effects that include behavioral changes, impairment of judgment and coordination, greater likelihood of aggressive acts, respiratory depression, irreversible physical and mental abnormalities in newborns (fetal alcohol syndrome) and death. Long-term effects include damage to the liver, heart and brain; ulcers; gastritis; malnutrition; delirium tremens; and cancer.
MarijuanaAddictive drug, although many still believe that it is harmless. It impairs short-term memory comprehension, concentration, reaction time, and motivation. It may also cause paranoia and psychosis. Marijuana smoke contains more cancer-causing agents than tobacco smoke. The way marijuana is smoked enhances the risk of contracting lung disease and cancer.
Cocaine and CrackWhile cocaine and crack can speed up performance, their effect is short-lived. Some lasting risks are short attention span, irritability and depression, seizure and heart attack.
Prescription drugsOften used to reduce stress. However, these are not safe, unless taken as directed. If abused, they can lead to sluggishness or hyperactivity, impaired reflexes, addiction, and brain damage.
Other drugsPCP, LSD, heroin, mescaline, and morphine, have a wide variety of negative health effects from hallucinations and mental confusion to convulsions and death.
Tobacco (nicotine)Oklahoma’s leading cause of preventable death killing 5,800 Oklahomans each year; more than alcohol, auto accidents, AIDS, suicides, murders, and illegal drugs combined. Secondhand smoke exposure kills an estimated 700 Oklahomans each year.
Lasting consequences

The use of alcohol or drugs may lead to abuse or addiction, causing psychological and/or physical dependence. They also can present a danger to the campus community when someone is performing a task under the influence or distributing to others. 

OCU University provides drug and alcohol abuse education, awareness programs, and counseling through the University Counseling Center. Current campus drug and alcohol policies related to University students are available in the OCU University Student Handbook and Student Code of Conduct. Current campus drug and alcohol policies related to University employees are available in the Campus Drug and Alcohol Policy for University Employees document.

Office of the Dean of Students

The Office of the Dean of Students address issues surrounding the use and misuse of alcohol by students. This office holds social and educational events each semester in an attempt to raise students’ awareness of the consequences and dangers of alcohol consumption.

On Campus Resources 

OCU University recognizes its responsibility to help educate students concerning alcohol and other drug use, abuse, and addiction. The University offers lectures, courses, workshops, and prevention programs. The University Counseling Center, Campus Health Clinic and the Dean of Students Office provide education on resources, including research around use, abuse and addiction. Mandatory online training modules are required for all new students. The Office of Student Development will conduct programs and institutional surveys pertaining to the use/abuse/perceptions of drugs and alcohol. University Counseling will also offer referrals to outside agencies and alternate treatment options.

Off-Campus Resources

While OCU University strives to help members of the campus community learn about alcohol and other drugs, we realize that sometimes students may wish to seek off-campus help.  Following is a sample list of resources:

Resource

Phone

Location

Reach out Hotline - Mental Health and Substance Abuse

1-800-522-9054 

Oklahoma Alcoholics Anonymous

405-524-1100 

Oklahoma Narcotics Anonymous

405-524-7068 

Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline

800-QUITNOW 

Oklahoma County Crisis 

405-522-81001200 N.E. 13th, OKC, OK. 73152

 Intervention Center - You Are Not Alone Network

1-800-522-9054 

A Chance to Change - Help with addiction and behavioral disorders

405-840-90005228 Classen Circle, OKC 

Catalyst Behavioral Services - Inpatient and Outpatient

405-232-98043033 N. Walnut Ave., OKC 

Jordan’s Crossing, Inc. - Rehabilitation, Inpatient & Outpatient; Inpatient females only

405-604-9644301 SW 74th, OKC

North Care Center - Mental Health Center

405-858-27004436 NW 50th, OKC

Quapaw Counseling Services

405-672-30331301 SE 59th Street, OKC 

The Resource Center - Medical Detox

405-525-25251215 NW 25th Street, OKC 

Specialized Outpatient Services, Inc.

405-810-17665208 N. Classen Circle, OKC 

Total Life Counseling

405-840-70403000 United Founders Bvd. Suite 239, OKC 

Valley Hope - Outpatient

405-946-73376110 NW 63rd Street, OKC 

Norman Alcohol and Drug Treatment Center

405-573-6624 

Additional Resources available at /current/campus-resources/counseling-services/resources

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