Pursuant to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, the University of Missouri is required to establish a drug and alcohol prevention program for its students and employees. A biennial review of this program will be done to determine its effectiveness, to implement changes to the program if they are needed and to ensure that the university’s disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced.
Standards of Conduct
University of Missouri regulations prohibit the unlawful possession, use, distribution and sale of alcohol and illicit drugs by university students and employees on university-owned or controlled property and at university-sponsored or supervised activities.
Violation of these University of Missouri regulations can result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion for students and discharge for employees.
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 listed below.
Alcohol and Other Depressants
- 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
- 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
- psychosis
Similar risks are associated with other stimulants, such as speed and uppers.
Resources
A variety of resources exist for drug or alcohol counseling, treatment or rehabilitation programs. Contact university offices for detailed information concerning resources available from the university and community agencies.
Such referrals will respect individual confidentiality.
Substance Abuse Information, Education & Counseling
Counseling Center
573-882-6601
This center provides individual counseling, alcohol or drug evaluations, and group counseling for adult children of alcoholics.
Department of Residential Life
573-882-2834
This office assists in Alcohol Awareness Month, Wellness Month and other promotional campaigns, and provides educational programs for residence hall students. It has a library of books, brochures and videos.
Student Health Center
573-882-7481
This center offers medical services and individual consultation, presentations to campus groups, stop smoking groups, printed materials, and peer educators on alcohol and other drugs.
University Police Crime Prevention Unit
573-884-7809
This unit provides alcohol- and drug-awareness presentations as well as printed and video resources.
Total Person Program
573-882-0708
This program offers services for intercollegiate athletes including counseling, drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs, printed materials and wellness programming. Outreach prevention programs are also offered to area schools.
Policy Source: Staff Handbook