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B. Conduct, Alcohol & Other Drugs, Financial Aid Consequences

Click here to access the complete OCU Student Code of Conduct.

Standard of Conduct

Oklahoma City University prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution dispensation, possessions, or use of controlled substances and alcohol on Oklahoma City University’s property or at any Oklahoma City University sponsored function, whether on or off-campus, except as exempted. Oklahoma City University is intended to be a safe environment free from alcohol and other drugs. The university recognizes that the use of alcohol and illegal drugs diminishes the strength and vitality of human resources and the integrity of the institution. It is the intent of the University to educate students about the risks associated with drugs and alcohol along with skills to help maintain a safe student experience. Any student found using or distributing alcohol and/or other drugs on campus, in on-campus housing, or during campus-sponsored activities will face disciplinary action by the administration, including but not limited to a mandatory drug assessment, referral for counseling, and/or treatment as recommended by a University-approved counselor or counseling service, and/or suspension or expulsion.

Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy for Students

Oklahoma City University prohibits, the use, possession, or sale of alcoholic beverages (including under-age drinking), tobacco, illegal drugs, firearms, or other dangerous weapons on University-owned or controlled property is strictly prohibited. Any student found to be in violation of this policy is subject to University discipline, up to and including suspension or expulsion from the University. Criminal charges may also be filed with the Oklahoma County District Attorney if violations are applicable for prosecution.

Oklahoma City University provides drug and alcohol abuse education, awareness programs, and counseling through the University Counseling Center. Current campus drug and alcohol policies related to University students are available in the Oklahoma City University Student Handbook and Student Code of Conduct. Current campus drug and alcohol policies related to University employees are available in the Campus Drug and Alcohol Policy for University Employees document.

Drug and Alcohol Dependency Testing

The University may require any student who is reasonably suspected of drug use to undergo drug testing. Any drug tests required will be conducted by a state certified laboratory during or immediately following regular working or classroom hours. The tests will be paid for by the University. Any student who requests a retest of a sample in order to challenge the results of a positive test is required to pay all costs of additional tests.

The University may also require a drug and alcohol dependency evaluation with either an in-house or contracted program that provides substance abuse counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation. A “Release-Of-Information” form provided by the University must be signed by the student prior to any referral for testing or counseling.

Students receiving sanctions requiring treatment may use any other certified program. In any case, a student must provide proof of treatment before consideration is given to his or her reinstatement.

Disciplinary Action for Drug and Alcohol Use

Any student found using or distributing alcohol and other drugs on campus, in on-campus housing, or during campus- sponsored activities can face disciplinary action by the University. The disciplinary action may include a drug assessment, referral for counseling, and/or treatment as recommended by a University approved counselor or counseling service.

The University may take disciplinary action against a student who refuses to undergo drug and alcohol testing. The University will take no disciplinary action against a student, except for temporary suspension, until the first test result has been confirmed by an additional test. Any student has the right to an explanation, in confidence, of the test results and may obtain all information and records related to testing. Information related to drug and alcohol tests will be kept confidential and apart from other student records.

Notification to State and Federal Authorities

The University may refer individuals to applicable local, state, or federal law enforcement authorities for prosecution. Any student who is convicted under a criminal drug statute for a violation occurring in any campus owned or leased facility must notify the University within five working days of the conviction. Within ten working days, Oklahoma City University is required to notify the Department of Education of the disciplinary action. Within thirty days, the University will take appropriate disciplinary action. Any questions concerning this policy may be directed to the Vice President for Student Affairs.

Federal Financial Aid Penalties for Drug Violations (under 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 :

  • 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 (and subsequent) offenses – 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.

Effect of Drug Law Violations on Financial Aid

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.