The University of Mississippi has updated its Alcohol and Other Drugs Sanction Policy to reflect an emphasis on education, rehabilitation, and the health and safety of students and the larger university community.
The purpose of this update is to set forth the sanctioning philosophy and range of possible outcomes for students and recognized student organizations found in violation of any university alcohol or drug policy. It mirrors the value the university places on maintaining a safe and welcoming learning environment.
The updated policy will allow university officials to consider each student as a unique individual. Administrators also hope the revised policy will encourage conversations regarding health and wellness and a collaborative educational process regarding alcohol and other drugs with a harm-reduction and early intervention focus.
“In implementing this update to the Alcohol and Other Drugs Sanction policy, we conducted a thorough review of current campus trends as well as best practices across higher education and decided upon an educational and restorative approach,” said Tracy Murry, director of the Office of Conduct Resolution and Student Conduct.
“This update aims to address individual behavior by the best means available to the institution, which includes conversations with the student, assessment and creative sanctioning that will help a student understand and benefit from the educational process.”
Additionally, UM officials will be able to make decisions about off-campus incidents in the same manner as on-campus incidents. Implementing this change will ensure all students receive timely resources and support and reduce the time between incident and adjudication.
The updated policy replaces the Minimum Sanctions Policy, also known as the “Two Strike Policy,” which was developed and implemented in 2006.
The updated policy states:
Any student or student group found in violation of a university policy regarding the use of alcohol or other drugs shall be subject to a range of possible outcomes that include but are not limited to: expulsion, suspension, probation, suspension of a student groups’ social activities, community service and/or participation in an alcohol/drug education program for which there could be fees or fines.
To determine the appropriate sanction for a particular student or student organization, the Office of Conflict Resolution and Student Conduct will consider the totality of the circumstances giving rise or related to the infraction, along with the following factors:
- the severity of the infraction,
- the likelihood that alcohol and drug education will minimize the risk of repeat violations,
- the scope of the damage or harm the infraction caused,
- the likelihood that substance abuse/misuse education will encourage responsible behavior,
- the benefits gained from restorative reconciliation where the student or student group: (i) accepts and acknowledges responsibility for the violation and (ii) works to rebuild trust with the university community through positive social behaviors, such as community service and other rehabilitative exercises, and
- whether the removal of the student or student group from the university community on a permanent or temporary basis is necessary to sustain a healthy and safe campus environment.
The above sanctions are appealable using the university’s published student conduct process. Students who are suspended or expelled from the university should be aware that this action may impact the following:
- tuition, residence hall costs and fees (suspension does not forgive financial obligations)
- student financial aid
- athletics participation and eligibility
- health insurance (students are encouraged to contact their personal health care provider)
- university housing
- meal plan
- use of university resources and access to university facilities
- immigration status for international students
- veterans and dependents of veterans
- internships, assistantships and study abroad
The above list is not a complete list and does not include all potential consequences for suspension or expulsion.
The university may bring a charge under this policy against any student or student group committing any alcohol or drug-related offense that is otherwise sanctionable under the university’s conduct policy describing the authority and jurisdiction of the university’s conduct system. For students, such offenses include but are not limited to any drug-related crime, public intoxication and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol when the university is made aware of such offenses.
If the university brings a charge against a student based upon the student’s criminal conviction by any trial court of competent jurisdiction or other court proceeding that includes an admission or finding of guilt, the admission or finding may be accepted as a final factual determination that the student has violated applicable university policy and the sole function of the university’s conduct process will be to determine the appropriate university sanction under this and other university policies.
For more information, contact Tracy Murry at temurry@olemiss.edu.