Mississippi College Commitment to Drug-Free Environment
Mississippi College is dedicated to providing a safe and healthy environment for its students, faculty, and staff. The illegal use or distribution of drugs and alcohol can adversely affect the educational environment and may have devastating effects on the personal lives of those who consume these substances. It is also a violation of University policy for anyone to possess, use, or be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or illicit drug on the campus or at a University-sponsored activity off campus. Mississippi College is a drug and alcohol-free campus.
The federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 requires institutions of higher education to have a drug and alcohol abuse prevention program (DAAPP). This program must describe:
- Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees;
- II. A description of the legal sanctions under local, state, or federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol;
- A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol abuse;
- A description of any drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation or re-entry programs that are available to employees or students; and
- A clear statement that the institution will impose sanctions on students and employees and a description of those sanctions, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution, for violations of the standards of conduct or law.
Annual Notification to Students and Employees
Mississippi College is committed to providing drug and alcohol education, information and assistance to its students, faculty, and staff. This memorandum distributed annually to all faculty, staff and students, describes Mississippi College’s DAAPP. The DAAPP is sent following the conclusion of enrollment in the fall, spring and summer semesters or by October 1, February 1, and June 1 of each year. Since all students, faculty, and staff are provided an email address and the university email is the official notification on behalf of the institution, providing the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program through email is the most efficient and effective manner of dissemination. Any employee who does not regularly access email will be informed of this policy by their supervisor.
Click below to view Mississippi College's Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program.
Effects and Health Risks Associated with Illicit Drugs and Alcohol
To learn more about the effects and health risks associated with illicit drugs and alcohol, please look at the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s 2011 Commonly Abused Drugs Chart by clicking the link below:
http://www.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/cadchart_2.pdf
Alcohol and/or Drug Abuse Help
Student Counseling and Disability Services (SCDS) provides assessment and referrals for drug and alcohol abuse and misuse from requesting students. Mississippi College does not have a contractual relationship with any of the referral sources. Students should determine for themselves whether they feel the agency will meet their needs. Students may contact the director of SCDS to schedule an appointment for an assessment (mbryant@mc.edu or 601.925.7790).
It is the desire of Mississippi College to have a totally Drug Free environment, where the body, as the temple of God, is allowed to remain healthy and grow in stature and where the mind is allowed to grow in wisdom.
