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In order to promote its fundamental mission, a student at the College agrees to follow the College’s Zero Tolerance Policy which prohibits the illegal sale, use, purchase, possession, distribution, manufacture, or dispensation of drugs, controlled substances, or drug paraphernalia and prohibits the sale, use, purchase, possession, distribution, manufacture, or dispensation of alcohol by any student, regardless of age. These prohibitions apply to actions both on and off College property or at any College sanctioned event.
Violation of the Zero Tolerance Policy will be considered a major violation of Disciplinary Procedures which may lead to dismissal. The display of any advertising for illegal drugs, illegal controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, or alcoholic beverages, including containers, is not allowed at the College. This includes, but is not limited to clothing, signs, lamps, posters, and vehicles on campus.
Local, state and federal laws prohibit the illegal sale, use, purchase, possession, distribution, manufacture, or dispensation of drugs, controlled substances, or alcohol. Criminal penalties for violating these laws range from fines to imprisonment for terms up to and including life in prison. In addition to any punishment imposed by the College, any student suspected of violating any federal, state, or local law proscribing the sale, use, purchase, possession, distribution, manufacture, or dispensation of drugs, controlled substances, or alcohol will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
The College’s campus is located in a state where the sale, use, purchase, possession, distribution, manufacture, or dispensation of cannabis (marijuana) has been decriminalized by state law when used for medical purposes with a valid physician’s certification. However, cannabis remains a controlled substance whose sale, use, purchase, possession, distribution, manufacture, or dispensation is prohibited by and illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act. Therefore, students at the College remain subject to Disciplinary Procedures under the Zero Tolerance Policy for the sale, use, purchase, possession, distribution, manufacture, or dispensation of cannabis, even with a physician’s certification.
The College reserves the right to require a drug or alcohol test from a student where there is a reasonable suspicion that the Zero Tolerance Policy has been violated. Failure to submit to a drug or alcohol test will result in dismissal from the College. (See Disciplinary Policies and Procedures.)
Health Risks
Specific serious health risks are associated with the use of illegal drugs and alcohol. Medical studies indicate that users of illegal drugs or alcohol can suffer from a wide range of medical and psychological problems. Those problems can be as mild as depression or as severe as permanent brain damage or death. At the very least, use may result in poor academic performance, as shown by poor study habits, lack of concentration, and loss of self-esteem. Additional information on the health risk associated with the use of illicit or illegal drugs or alcohol is available through the McDonald Health Center.
Students with personal drug or alcohol dependence problems are encouraged to request help through their personal physician. In addition, other resources are available. Several self-help groups hold meetings throughout the area, including Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Al-Anon. Individuals can contact the National Clearinghouse for Drug and Alcohol Information (800-729-6686), which is operated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; specialists provide information and referrals.
Smoke-Free Policy
Smoking is prohibited at all times and at all locations on the College of the Ozarks property, including all facilities, College-owned vehicles, and grounds. The use of electronic smoking substitutes, including e-cigarettes and vapor producing devices is also prohibited. This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, visitors, and contractors.
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