Pubdate: Wed, 09 Feb 2005
Source: Oklahoma Daily, The (U of Oklahoma, OK Edu)
Copyright: 2005 The Oklahoma Daily
Contact:  http://www.oudaily.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1371
Author: Scooby Axson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?228 (Paraphernalia)

OU DRUG POLICY STILL IN EFFECT

OU's approximately 3,800 on-campus residents are affected.

The new student alcohol policy has had mixed reactions, but many
students are unaware that OU's drug policy even exists.

Like the alcohol policy, students living in housing who violate OU's
drug policy can face termination of their housing contract and
possible expulsion from OU.

The three-strike rule employed by the alcohol policy is not part of
the drug policy, because drug policy violations are dealt with on a
case-by-case basis.

The policy concerns the approximately 3,800 residents of Adams, Couch,
Walker and Cate centers.

Students who do not live in university housing but are caught with
drugs on campus or involved in off-campus drug incidents are dealt
with on a different basis, said Susan Sasso, assistant vice president
for Student Affairs.

Punishment for violations off-campus depends on the severity of the
crime, Sasso said.

"If the crime constitutes a threat to the safety and welfare of the
university community, appropriate action will be taken under the
student code based on this determination," she said.

Disciplinary action can include probation, suspension and
expulsion.

Students caught with "paraphernalia, including bongs, clips, pipes"
and other items used for preparing or consuming drugs will also be
subject to disciplinary action, according to the Community Living Handbook.

There has been one such incident involving students possibly in
possession of drugs and paraphernalia this semester in which there was
probable cause to make a report to Student Affairs, according to OU
Department of Public Safety reports.

The students involved, whose names have not been released, did not let
officers search their room, according to the report.

OUDPS Sgt. Gary Robinson said that because of the refusal, the
incident immediately became a matter with OU.

Robinson also said that because police didn't have physical evidence
linking students to drug use or possession, the students involved
probably will not be charged through the criminal sector, and that OU
will probably take immediate disciplinary action.

Robinson said he could not comment on details of the case but said it
would be difficult to prosecute the students to the fullest extent of
the law.

"I am guessing that the university would not be as harsh as a
municipal court on finding the burden of proof," he said. "In other
words, the smelling of burnt marijuana would be more than enough to
find guilt."

The OU Student Code explains in detail what OU considers "Prohibited
Conduct" in titles 15 and 16 of the code.

Drugs are classified as narcotics, marijuana and controlled
substances, including illegal prescription drugs. Students accused of
breaking the code will have the chance to defend themselves through a
judicial process.

"Whenever possible, educational sanctions are put in place to allow
the student an opportunity to show that he or she can comply with
university policies, campus regulations and local law," Sasso said.

Students with drugs or paraphernalia are subject to discipline, said
Michael Heaton, assistant to the director of OU Housing and Food Services.

"As far as housing is concerned, if something is brought to the
resident adviser's attention or a student comes to us directly with
information about drug use, we will take the necessary steps to remedy
the situation," he said. "If we feel that there is any truth to drug
use or possession that is a direct violation of the student code, and
at the minimum the student's (housing) contract will be
terminated."

Heaton said the policy doesn't mean the students will necessarily be
kicked out of OU residence halls for violating the OU drug policy
because these cases are dealt with on an individual basis.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin