Alcohol and Illegal Drugs

Mississippi State University prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on university property or as part of any university activity. Any student or employee failing to observe the drug and alcohol policy will be subject to sanctions by the University in accordance with established disciplinary procedures. For students, sanctions may include suspension or expulsion. For employees, sanctions may include disciplinary action up to termination of employment. In addition to university sanctions, any student or employee found in violation of the drug and alcohol policy may be referred to the appropriate authorities for prosecution. (See University Human Resources Management Policy and Procedure 60-120, January 19, 1991, "Policy and Procedure on Drug-Free Campus at Mississippi State University" and "University Policies Relating to Students") Legal sanctions under local, state, and federal laws may include fine, imprisonment, or both.

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the workplace at Mississippi State University. Any Mississippi State University employee determined to have violated this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. (See University Human Resources Management Policy and Procedure 60-118, April 1, 1994, "Policy and Procedure on Drug-Free Workplace at Mississippi State University.")

An employee who reports to work while under the influence of illegal drugs is in violation of this policy. If an employee's work performance or behavior indicates possible drug use or abuse, the employee's supervisor will refer the employee to the Employee Relations and Development section of the Department of Human Resources Management, for information and referral to counseling and treatment programs. Violation of this policy shall result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Employment at Mississippi State University is conditional upon full compliance with this policy. Each employee or the employee's administrator is responsible for notifying the University's Department of Human Resources Management of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace, within five days of such conviction. (See University Human Resources Management Policy and Procedure 60-118, April 1, 1994, "Policy and Procedure on Drug-Free Work Place at Mississippi State University".)

Employees who are required to possess a commercial driver's license (including student employees) are subject to alcohol and controlled substances testing. (See University Human Resources Management Policy and Procedure 60-121, January 1, 1995, "Alcohol and Controlled Substances Testing of Employees with a Commercial Driver's License".)

Health risks include such problems as behavioral changes, impaired judgment and coordination, damage to the liver and brain, respiratory difficulties, insomnia, loss or increase of appetite, illusions and hallucinations, relaxed inhibitions, convulsions, coma, and possible death.

A drug-free awareness program for university employees is conducted by the University's Department of Human Resources Management. The program is designed to inform each employee about the dangers of drug use and abuse, the policies of the University concerning a drug-free workplace, the availability of the drug counseling and referral programs, and the penalties that may be imposed upon employees for workplace drug violations.

An alcohol and drug program for university students is available through the Health Promotion & Wellness Department. The Collegiate Recovery Center (CRC) offers comprehensive support services for recovering students. These program offers a variety of programs designed to educate students on various drug and alcohol issues.

Educational Programs:

  • The Alcohol-Sex Connection: AIDS, Date Rape, STD's, Pregnancy, etc...
  • Caution or Consequences: Paying the Price of Alcohol Misuse (MSU Alcohol Policies, State Laws, Federal Regualtions, and DUI Information)
  • MSU and Marijuana
  • Special Topics: Upon Request
  • Alcohol 101
  • Alcohol and Other Drug Assessment
  • Referral Services
  • Resource Library and Information
  • Research Updates: Alcohol and Drug Use, Prevention, Intervention, Assessment

Center hours are 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Evening hours vary according to programs and services and by appointment.


Drug education program

Mississippi State University will establish and maintain a program of education designed to help all members of the university community avoid involvement with illegal drugs. Education programs will:

  1. Provide a system of accurate, current information exchange for students, faculty, and staff on the health risks and symptoms of drug use.
  2. Promote and support institutional activity programming that discourages substance abuse.
  3. Establish collaborative relationships between community groups and agencies and the institution for education, treatment and referral.
  4. Provide training programs for students, faculty, and staff to enable them to detect problems related to drug use and to refer persons with these problems to appropriate assistance.
  5. Include information about drugs for students and family members in the student orientation programs. The use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs will be addressed.
  6. Support and encourage faculty in incorporating education about drugs into the curriculum, where appropriate.
  7. Develop a coordinated effort across campus for drug-related education, treatment and referral.

Counseling and rehabilitation

Mississippi State University will provide information about drug counseling and rehabilitation services available to members of the university community. Persons who voluntarily avail themselves of university services shall be assured that applicable professional standards of confidentiality will be observed. Counseling and rehabilitation services include:

  1. Training for professional staff and student staff on drug abuse information, intervention and referral.
  2. Education programs for students who have demonstrated abusive behavior with drugs.
  3. Drug abuse assessments.
  4. Referral and follow-up in collaboration with the Employee Relations and Development section in the Department of Human Resources Management.
  5. Campus self-help groups.
  6. Consultation, information, and referral for students, staff, and faculty with drug problems.
  7. Referral opportunities for members of the university community who wish to seek professional assistance beyond the campus, in cooperation with the Employee Relations and Development section in the Department of Human Resources Management.

A listing of off-campus resources for assistance and referral is available from the Employee Relations and Development section of the Department of Human Resources Management. It is the intent of this program that faculty, students, administrators, and other employees be comfortable in the manner in which they are served and have a choice in the selection of appropriate assistance.


Federal trafficking penalties

Chart of Drugs, Quantity, and Penalties


Health risks

Alcohol Related Health Risk Drug Related Health Risks


For General Information

  1. Dean of Students Office, 662-325-3611
  2. MSU Chief of Police, 662-325-1810
  3. Director of Housing and Residence Life, 662-325-3557
  4. Counseling Center, 662-325-2091
  5. Center for Alcohol and Drug Education, 662-325-0075