In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, Oklahoma City University prohibits possession, use, and distribution of alcohol and drugs on university property.
The university is committed to upholding a campus environment devoid of alcohol and drugs, acknowledging the adverse impact they have on both individuals and the institution's integrity. The university frequently educates students on the risks associated with substance use and promotes skills for a safe student experience through the academic year. Violations may result in disciplinary actions.
Students suspected of drug use may be required to undergo drug testing at a state-certified lab, with costs covered by the university. Students disputing positive results must pay for retests. Additionally, the university may mandate drug and alcohol dependency evaluations through approved programs. A signed "Release-Of-Information" form is required for referrals. Proof of treatment is necessary for reinstatement consideration.
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.
Substance | Effect |
| Alcohol | Most 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. |
| Marijuana | Addictive 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 Crack | While 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 drugs | Often 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 drugs | PCP, 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. |
Students found to be in violation of this policy may be subject to university disciplinary procedures as described in the Student Code of Conduct (click here to visit the Code's webpage).
Criminal charges may also be filed with the Oklahoma County District Attorney if violations are applicable for prosecution.
- Under Oklahoma law (§37-241), any individual who intentionally provides alcohol to a minor will face misdemeanor charges for a first offense.
- According to Oklahoma Law (§37-246), a minor found in possession of alcohol may be convicted of a misdemeanor
- Social host laws, enacted in 2011 under HB 1211, prohibit any person from allowing individuals under 21 to possess or consume alcohol, low-point beer, controlled substances, or any combination thereof. HB 1211 imposes penalties ranging from a misdemeanor to a felony. A social host convicted of a felony may face maximum fines and jail time if the offense results in significant bodily injury or death.
According to 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 offense | For one year from the date of conviction for possession or for two years from the date of conviction for sale of illegal drugs |
| Second offense | For 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.
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.
Types of communication | Mode and Frequency |
| Application for admission to the university that links to the policy | Students provide their electronic signature acknowledging the policy, upon submitting an application for admission to the University |
| Email from Dean of Students | Electronic communication (student’s university email) at the beginning of each academic year |
| Housing Contract | Student using University Housing are required to sign this contract prior to move-in |
| Annual security and fire report | Includes policy and summary data of alcohol/drug violations on campus, published in October, according to federal regulations |
| Awareness campaigns | Scheduled through the academic year at OCU |
The State of Oklahoma passed the Oklahoma Marijuana Act allowing the use of medical marijuana. However, at Oklahoma City 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.
