Safety-Related Policies

Illegal Drugs and Alcoholic Beverage on Campus

OUPD enforces drug and alcohol laws on the main campus in cooperation with other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction for the other campuses and centers enforce drug and alcohol laws in those locations. Violations of drug and alcohol laws may result in criminal prosecution.

Violations involving students will be referred to the Ohio University Office of Community Standards and Student Responsibility. Sanctions under the Student Code of Conduct range from short-term probation to expulsion. Additional information about drug and alcohol policies and the student disciplinary process may be found in the Ohio University Student Code of Conduct. Ohio University strictly enforces drug and alcohol laws.

Health Promotion, located at Baker Student Center in Athens, is responsible for substance abuse education and prevention for students. Ohio University also has an alcohol and drug abuse awareness program for employees, which includes the Employee Assistance Program coordinated by the Human Resources Department. OUPD works cooperatively with local law enforcement agencies and other organizations to prevent drug and alcohol violations around the Athens community.

Alcohol and Other Drug Policies

Ohio University is unequivocally opposed to the misuse of legal drugs and the possession and use of illegal drugs. Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (PL 101-226), Ohio University has adopted and implemented drug and alcohol policies and programs designed to prevent drug and alcohol problems within the university setting. The policies and programs are designed to identify problems at the earliest stage, motivate the affected individuals to seek help, and direct the individual toward the best assistance available.

All Ohio University students and employees are expected to abide by the terms of Ohio University policies. A student and/or employee illegally possessing or using drugs and/or alcohol may be subject to appropriate sanctions. Such sanctions may include:

  • Referral for prosecution,
  • Termination of employment, and/or
  • Referral to the Office of Community Standards and Student Responsibility for violations of the Student Code of Conduct which may result in reprimand, probation, suspension, or expulsion.

A disciplinary sanction may include the completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program. Students and employees are guaranteed due process.

Standards of Conduct

Ohio University is committed to maintaining a campus free of illegal drugs and the unlawful use of alcohol and otherwise legal drugs. It is the policy of Ohio University to permit the possession, consumption, and sale of alcoholic beverages on campus in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio, the regulations of the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Liquor Control (DOLC) and the policies of Ohio University.

Resident students who are of legal age may possess or consume alcoholic beverages in private rooms only. The sale or use of alcoholic beverages on university property requires approval of the Director of Baker University Center as well as compliance with University Policy 24.001 “Use/Sale of Alcoholic Beverages on Ohio University Property and in Fraternity/Sorority Housing Units”. Ohio University has the responsibility of upholding federal, state, and local laws regarding the use of drugs and alcohol. Students who choose to possess or use unlawful drugs or misuse lawful drugs or alcohol subject themselves to both arrest and prosecution and action under the Ohio University Student Code of Conduct.

Student Sanctions

In cases of civil or criminal action against an Ohio University student, the University does reserve the right to review any action taken by authorities. The University may, at its discretion, introduce further sanctions if the student’s conduct has interfered with the University’s exercise of its educational objectives or responsibilities to its members.

The Ohio University Student Code of Conduct addresses prohibited conduct as it relates to academic misconduct, cheating, possessing/providing false and misleading information, alcoholic beverage violations, controlled substance and/or drug violations, disruptive conduct, harmful behavior, sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct, hazing, theft, damage to property, use or possession of weapons and/or dangerous materials, misuse of keys and/or access device, misuse of the University disciplinary processes, trespass or misuse of facilities, violation of housing policies, violation of University policy, violation of law, and complicity. Students found to be in violation of this standard will be subject to the full range of sanctions available under the Student Code of Conduct, including potential suspension or expulsion from the University.

A student admitted to Ohio University accepts the responsibility to conform to all Ohio University rules and regulations. Proven failure to meet this obligation will justify appropriate disciplinary sanctions, including expulsion, suspension, disciplinary probation or reprimand.

Local, State, & Federal Laws & Sanctions

Applicable legal sanctions under local, state or federal law for the unlawful use, possession or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol are set forth in the laws listed below. These sanctions can include probation, fines, driver’s license suspension, and/or incarceration.

Local

  • Athens Municipal Code

State

Ohio Revised Code Chapters

  • 2925 - Drug Offenses
  • 3719 - Controlled Substances
  • 4301 - Liquor Control Laws

Federal

  • Controlled Substance Act
  • Import and Export Act
  • Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act
  • Federal Alcohol Administration

Health Risks

Physical or psychological damage may occur when the following substances are abused. Here are some of the health risks related to each substance.

Alcohol

Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses impair judgment and coordination and increase the incidence of aggressive behavior. Very high doses can cause respiratory depression and death. Alcohol intoxication is equivalent to a drug overdose. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, the effects of alcohol are multiplied. Repeated use of alcohol can lead to change in tolerance and dependence. Cessation of alcohol intake can produce withdrawal symptoms including tremors, hallucinations, convulsions, and death. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol can lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver. Women who drink even small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. Children of alcoholic parents have a 40 percent greater risk of developing alcoholism than those whose parents do not have alcoholism.

Depressants

The use of depressants can result in a change in tolerance and physical and psychological dependency. The combining of several depressants (e.g. valium and alcohol) will potentiate the depressant effects, multiplying the health hazards. Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, vomiting, acute psychotic episodes, seizures, and death.

Hallucinogens

Large doses of phencyclidine (PCP) may result in a convulsive seizure, coma, and death. Mood disorders occur and the user may become violent, irrational, and potentially harmful to self and others. Lysergic acid (LSD), mescaline, and psilocybin cause sensations and feelings to change rapidly. The user may experience panic, confusion, anxiety, depersonalization, and loss of control. While relatively rare, flashbacks are the spontaneous reappearance of the drug experience after use has ceased may occur.

Narcotics

Tolerance, especially at the euphoric effect of narcotics, and physical dependence develop rapidly. In order to avoid the abstinence syndrome, the addicted person becomes preoccupied with acquiring the drug. Withdrawal symptoms are extremely uncomfortable; however, they are seldom life-threatening.

Stimulants

High doses of stimulants result in intense personality disturbances including visual and auditory hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. Tolerance develops rapidly. Cross tolerance does develop among stimulant drugs (e.g. methamphetamine and cocaine). The use of cocaine can cause death by cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. Stimulants are addictive, and while withdrawal from stimulants is less dangerous than withdrawal from depressants, depression can make a person vulnerable to suicide.

Cannabis

The mood-altering effects of marijuana are the result of the chemical delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is fat soluble and can remain in the body up to three weeks after smoking one marijuana cigarette. Consequently, even the occasional user can be detected through urinalysis. Research indicates that regular use may have long term effects on the user’s brain, heart and reproductive organs. The numerous carcinogenic chemicals found in marijuana make it particularly harmful to the lungs. Loss of memory, lack of motivation, and diminished attention span are some of the effects of regular marijuana use. Long-term use may result in psychological dependence and change in tolerance

Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids

Steroid users can experience serious cardiovascular, liver, central nervous system, gastrointestinal, and reproductive disorders. In males, use can result in testicular atrophy, sterility, impotence, and arrested growth. Irreversible masculinization and sterility can result when women use steroids. Psychological impairment includes mood swings, depression, and very aggressive behavior.

Substance Abuse Resources

Resource information (booklets, brochures, pamphlets, etc.) regarding health and safety concerns stemming from substance abuse and information regarding the availability of, and/or referral to community-based substance abuse counseling and rehabilitation services are available through a variety of University and community-based services including:

Contact any of the resources listed above for referral.