script

Policies

Alcohol

The unlawful possession, use or distribution of alcohol by Drury University students, employees, or community members is prohibited on university-owned or –controlled property, in conjunction with university-sponsored or –supervised activities, or at any activity or event an observer would associate with Drury students, employees, or community members.

Individual Regulations

  1. Unapproved Alcohol- Any alcoholic beverage with an Alcohol content (ABV) above 15% (30 proof) is prohibited on campus. This prohibition extends to any alcoholic energy drink (i.e., Four Loco, Joose, Tilt, etc.) regardless of ABV. This policy applies to all students on campus, regardless of age.
  2. Bystander/Presence of Misuse- Students are expected to actively intervene, report, or remove themselves from situations in which alcohol is being misused. This misuse of alcohol is defined as any violation of university policy, and/or all local, state, or federal laws.
  3. Glass Bottles- Alcohol in glass bottles may only be consumed in a resident’s room or shared living space and done so in accordance with all other alcohol policies. Empty glass bottles must be disposed of immediately in an appropriate recycling receptacle.
  4. Intoxication- The consumption of alcohol shall not infringe upon the privacy or peace of other individuals. Any conduct occurring when a person is under the influence of alcohol that violates the rights of others or leads to disorderly and/or dangerous behavior is prohibited.
  5. Mass Consumption/Drinking Games- No student shall engage in, permit, or encourage the participation in any competition, game, or activity promoting the excessive consumption of alcohol, often as the result of a penalty or in response to a particular cue or prompt.
  6. Minor in Possession- Students (and/or guests) under the age of 21 shall not purchase, consume, or be in possession of alcoholic beverages. Under current Missouri law, “possession” has been expanded to include alcohol in one’s system or merely appearing intoxicated, otherwise referred to as “possession by consumption”.
  7. Paraphernalia- Items used for the mass consumption of alcohol are strictly prohibited. Examples include, but are not limited to beer bongs, kegs, pony kegs, beer pong tables, funnels, etc.
  8. Providing to a Minor- Students are expressly prohibited from purchasing, serving, selling, or otherwise acquiring alcohol with the intent to give to a minor (under 21 years of age). This includes making alcohol directly or indirectly available for consumption through failure to monitor or prevent any students or guests under the legal drinking age from consuming in an area where alcohol is normally allowed.
  9. Prohibited Locations- Possession of an open container in public or restricted areas, is prohibited. Consumption of alcohol while a student is in violation of the Unauthorized Use/Trespass policy 41 shall be considered a violation of this policy. In addition, the storage of alcohol in any public or common area such as lounges, grand rooms, classroom, or other spaces outside of assigned rooms/suites/apartments is prohibited. Students possessing or consuming alcohol must follow the below guidelines for consumption.
  10. Student Travel- Students of Drury University are expected to abide by alcohol policies of the universities, as well as the local laws and regulations governing alcohol of their destination.

Guidelines for Consumption

  • Wallace and Lydy Suites- In rooms occupied by an individual over the legal drinking age (21+), the resident and their guests of legal age may possess and consume alcoholic beverages ONLY in the privacy of their own room with the door closed. Consumption is allowed in the presences of a minor (under 21) roommate. All guests must be of the legal drinking age.
  • Sunderland Hall- Residents and their guests of legal age (21+) may possess and consume alcoholic beverages ONLY in the privacy of their own residential suite with the door closed. Consumption is allowed in the presences of a minor (under 21) roommate. All guests must be of the legal drinking age. •
  • Apartments and Houses- Residents and their guests of legal age (21+) may possess and consume alcoholic beverages ONLY in the privacy of their own apartment/house with all exterior doors closed. Consumption is allowed in the presences of a minor (under 21) roommate. All guests must be of the legal drinking age.
  • Fraternity Housing- Residents and their guests of legal age (21+) may possess and consume alcoholic beverages in their fraternity house, including first floor porches. Alcohol may not be present in empty or vacated residence rooms. All alcohol must be stored in private residential suites and not in common areas, including kitchen fridges. All guests must be over the age of 21 where alcohol is being consumed in the fraternity house. Exceptions for this policy may be granted for approved and registered social events.
  • Non-Residential Building- Possession or consumption of alcohol is non-residential buildings is prohibited. Exceptions can be made by obtaining the appropriate permissions in conjunction with Special Functions.

Drugs

The unlawful possession, use or distribution of drugs or abuse of controlled substances by Drury University students, employees, or community members is prohibited on university owned or controlled property, in conjunction with university sponsored or supervised activities, or at any activity or event an observer would associate with Drury students, employees, or community members.

  1. Possession/Consumption- The use of illegal drugs or misuse of controlled substances such as prescription medications is prohibited.
  2. Controlled Substance Misuse- Students shall not use prescription medication or other controlled substance in a way contrary to the primary medical purpose of the substance or use of these substances if they were not prescribed to the student by a licensed medical professional.
  3. Odor- Individuals having the odor or marijuana, or presence in a room, apartment, vehicle, or in the presence of the odor of marijuana will be in violation of the drug policy and will be subject to the applicable sanctions and outcomes.
  4. Bystander/Presence of Misuse- Students are expected to actively intervene, report, or remove themselves from situations in which any drug or controlled substance is being misused or abused. This misuse/abuse is defined as any violation of university policy, and/or all local, state, or federal laws.
  5. Paraphernalia- Possession or use of drug paraphernalia, including but not limited to pipes, bongs, rolling papers, and blow tubes is prohibited.
  6. Distribution- The manufacturing, sale, or distribution of any drug or controlled substance will constitute an offense resulting in the immediate dismissal of the student from the institution. This includes possessing amounts of any drug or controlled substance beyond reasonable amounts for personal use. Drury University cooperates with Springfield Policy department to prosecute individuals manufacturing, selling, or distributing drugs and/or controlled substances.

Statement on Marijuana

Amendment 3 was on the ballot in Missouri on November 8, 2022 and was approved by voters. Amendment 3 legalizes marijuana for any Missouri resident over the age of 21, beginning December 8, 2022. However, the distribution, possession and use of marijuana remains illegal under federal law. As a condition of receiving federal funding in the form of loans and grants, Drury University must comply with regulations set forth under the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act. Part of this Act requires schools to create a drug-free environment. Therefore, although the possession and consumption of Marijuana as allowed in the Missouri Constitution, federal law still prohibits Drury University from allowing any form of marijuana on university owned or controlled property for any reason.

Guest Policy

Drury University students and student organizations are permitted to have guests present on campus. All University policies and procedures are applicable to visitors and guests. Students hosting visitors and guests may also be held responsible for the actions of the individuals they are hosting. Drury defines someone as a guest of an individual if they are invited to visit the residence of or take part in a function or event sponsored by a Drury University community member, this includes Drury Residents visiting other campus housing not assigned to them. Students are responsible for the behavior of their guests and should always escort them.

  1. Age- Non-student guests under the age of 18 may not stay overnight on campus without the presence and supervision of their legal parent/guardian.
  2. Length of Stay- Guests are allowed to stay for a maximum of four nights in a row, and no more than eight nights per calendar month whether with the same or different hosts. Students requesting special exceptions should contact the Housing Office.
  3. Number- Students are allowed to host up to 2 guests at a time. Rooms/suites/apartments may only be occupied by the number of students equal to a 2:1 ratio for registered occupants at any given time.
  4. Registration- Overnight guests in the residence halls must sign-in with the Resident Assistant on duty before 12:30 A.M. on weeknights and 1:30 A.M. on weekend nights. Students in the apartments are encouraged to register guests with the Office of Residence Life prior to their arrival.

Noise/Quiet Hours

Noise must be maintained at appropriate levels so that it does not infringe on the study and/or sleep of others. Campus housing has mandatory quiet hours from 11:00 P.M. until 9:00 A.M. Commonly referred to as “Courtesy Hours”, students should be courteous and respectful of other’s rights to a peaceful environment. Excessive noise regardless of time of day, especially when asked to turn down noise levels repeatedly, constitutes a violation of this policy. In addition, individuals may be held responsible for registered animals violating this policy.

Prohibited Items

Out of concern for the safety of students and damage to university property, the following items are prohibited in university owned or controlled buildings:

  • Motorized vehicles (except those permitted as a disability accommodation), Scooters, and any combustion engines
  • Gasoline, propane, or combustible fuels or oils (ex. Lighter fluid, paint thinner, solvents, lamp oil)*
  • Fireworks*
  • Gas Grills
  • Empty Glass bottles
  • Appliances with open heating elements
  • Insta-pots, air fryers, crock pots and pressure cookers
  • Space heaters*
  • Refrigerators over 4.3 cubic feet (per electric code no personal refrigerators are allowed in Lydy Suites)
  • Furniture not approved by the Housing Office
  • Candles with wicks or incense (with or without indication of being burnt) *
  • Extension cords that are not UL-approved, have a grounding wire and circuit breaker. *

The items listed below are only allowed in designated kitchen/cooking areas in campus apartments. Residence halls and Greek housing suites do not have a designated cooking area.

  • Electric Griddles, including George Foreman Grills
  • Toaster Ovens/ Air Fryers
  • Hot Plates/ Crock Pot

*Candles, flammable objects and fuels, fireworks, space heaters, and non-UL approved extension cords are also considered to be a violation of the Fire Safety Policy and are sanctioned in accordance with that policy which can be found on Page 20 of the Handbook.

Unapproved Animals

With the exception Service Animals, approved Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), or animals residing in designated pet-friendly housing, pets are not permitted in the residential areas other than fish. This includes temporarily caring for or fostering unapproved animals. Individuals who have approved Emotional Support Animals must be able to care for and control their animal in conjunction with the agreement through Residence Life/Housing. Animals found in violation of this policy will have 72 Hours to be removed.

Unsanitary Housing Conditions

Students are expected to keep their campus housing spaces in good condition and clean order. Students should not have excess trash in bedrooms, common spaces, balconies, breezeways, or porches. General uncleanliness that could cause potential damage or unsafe conditions for residents is also prohibited.

Unauthorized Use/Access

Students are prohibited from accessing or gaining entry to certain areas on campus for safety, security, and privacy reasons. Drury University community members are expected to respect others’ right to privacy. Students found in restricted areas or attempting to gain access to these areas is prohibited.

  1. Door Propping- For the safety and security of students, any action preventing main doors or hallways from fully opening, closing or locking, even during moving in and out, is prohibited.
  2. Emergency Doors- Using an emergency door during any other time than an emergency is prohibited under Drury University policy, and Fire Code guidelines.
  3. ID and Keys- Students are expected to carry their keys and Drury ID. Giving or lending keys or Drury ID to other individuals is prohibited.
  4. Laundry- Laundry units provided in the residence halls and apartments may only be used by residential Drury University students. Individuals found allowing any unauthorized individuals to use campus laundry facilities may also be found in violation of this policy.
  5. Prohibited Individuals- For the safety and security of students, some individuals may be officially removed and prohibited from being on campus. Anyone found allowing or assisting individuals in gaining entrance or access to an area will be in violation of this policy.
  6. Trespassing/Unauthorized Entry- Students shall not enter or attempt to enter areas from which they have been prohibited including ledges, roofs, balconies, locked or unlocked rooms or residences to which the student is not assigned, or other prohibited areas without the approval of a University official. Trespassing may include staying in an area, building, room, or office after it is closed; as well as accessing areas through windows or other points of egress, which are not designated entries and exits. This includes moving into or occupying rooms other than the one assigned by campus housing in the residence halls, campus apartments, and fraternity houses.

Furniture Storage

Furniture Storage- All university furniture must remain in the unit unless authorized by the Housing Office. Items may not be placed outside of a unit except for lawn chairs and properly stored bicycles. Lawn furniture must be stored during winter months.

Weapons

Possession of any type of weapon on university property including parking lots and green space is strictly prohibited unless the individual has University approval through association with a public law enforcement agency or has registered the weapon with the Director of Security and has written permission from the Dean of Students or the President. In the case of firearms, the policy applies regardless of if the weapon is loaded and has the capability of being fired. Violations include, but are not limited to the following:

  • firearms or items resembling firearms such as paintball, bb, and pellet guns
  • knives with blades longer than five and one-half inches
  • switchblades or other hand instruments designed to cut or stab
  • throwing stars, bow-and-arrows, slingshots, or other self-propelled projectiles

For an extensive list of our policies please visit: https://www.drury.edu/academics/catalogs/community-standards-handbook/


The Conduct Process

Students are the driving force at Drury University. Through the Student Conduct Process, the goal is to help students realize how their decisions and behavior affects their community, personal health and reputation. Conduct Officers seek to assist them with future decision making to lead them to personal and professional success. The Student Affairs Division staff strive to encourage responsible conduct and implement disciplinary action when situations occur that violate the community standards of Drury University.

Conduct Guidelines

The Dean of Students shall have primary authority and responsibility for the administration of student conduct at Drury University and for investigating allegations that a student has violated University rules and regulations, or specific orders and instructions issued by an administrative official of the University.

  • Supportive Environment: The Student Conduct Process at Drury University is designed to be supportive and non-adversarial, distinct from civil or criminal court proceedings.
  • Individualized Sanctions: Sanctions and outcomes are tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, rather than being predetermined. Minimum sanctions are suggested in the Code of Student Conduct but may be adjusted as necessary.
  • Standard of Evidence: The university uses the “preponderance of evidence” standard, meaning that it is more likely than not that the alleged misbehavior occurred.
  • Evidence Handling: Legal rules of evidence, such as admissibility, do not apply in conduct cases. Conduct Officers consider all relevant information, including hearsay and third-party testimony.
  • Records and Privacy: Findings of “responsible” in the Student Conduct Process do not result in a criminal record but are recorded in the student’s Drury University behavioral file. Details of all conduct cases are confidential under FERPA regulations.
  • Support Person Role: Students are allowed to bring one support person (friend, parent/guardian, etc.) to their conduct meeting, but these individuals cannot represent the student. They are present solely for support, and any attempt to act as a representative will result in their removal from the meeting.
  • Privilege vs. Right: Attendance at Drury University is a privilege, not a right. In cases where a student poses a danger to the university community or repeatedly violates standards, sanctions such as suspension or dismissal may be imposed.
  • Jurisdiction: Off-campus violations of civil law fall under the jurisdiction of civil authorities. On-campus violations of civil law may lead to university sanctions, ensuring university authority does not duplicate civil law functions.

Process Overview

  • Information Submitted: The Student Conduct Process begins with the submission of information or documentation regarding alleged violations of university policies outlined in the Community Standards. This may include statements from faculty, staff, students, or community members, as well as various reports and citations.
  • Student Conduct Meeting: Students involved in incidents are assigned a Conduct Officer based on the nature of the incident. Meetings typically occur with the Director of Student Conduct or other designated administrators. Students are contacted within five business days to schedule a meeting via their Drury University email. Missing a scheduled meeting may lead to a determination based on available information. During the meeting, students discuss the incident and present their perspective. If a Conduct Officer finds no policy violation, the case may be dismissed. If a violation is upheld, students have two options:
    • Accept Responsibility: Admit to violating policies, allowing the Conduct Officer to determine sanctions without appeal.
    • Appeal Process: Request an appeal to contest the findings and/or sanctions. Sanctions remain in effect pending appeal completion.
  • Interim Measures: In severe cases affecting safety or well-being, interim measures like suspensions or campus bans may be imposed immediately by designated university staff until the conduct process concludes.
  • Sanctions and Outcomes: Sanctions aim to rectify damages, maintain educational excellence, and foster personal growth. Minimum sanctions are specified for policy violations, though Hearing Officers retain discretion to adjust outcomes based on circumstances.
  • Appeal Procedures: Students and student organizations can appeal findings and sanctions within a specified timeframe. Grounds for appeal include issues of due process, new evidence, or disproportionate sanctions. The Dean of Students or designee reviews appeals and may uphold, reverse, or modify initial findings based on the evidence presented.

For more detailed information on the Student Conduct Process, please refer to the Community Standards Handbook or contact the Dean of Students Office.


Title IX Sexual Misconduct Policy

Drury University (the “University”) strives to be a safe, education-oriented and community-minded campus that maintains an academic and social environment conducive to intellectual and personal development of students, promotes the safety and welfare of all members of the campus community, and is free of Sexual Harassment. Consistent with the U.S. Department of Education’s implementing regulations for Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) (see 34 C.F.R. § 106 et seq.), the University prohibits Sexual Harassment that occurs within its Education Programs or Activities.

For purposes of this policy, Sexual Harassment includes Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment, Hostile Environment Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking.

Sexual Harassment, whether verbal, physical, visual, or digital, is a form of prohibited conduct. The specific definitions of Sexual Harassment, including examples of such conduct, are set forth below.

 The University’s Sexual Harassment Policy defines the various forms of Sexual Harassment that violate the standards of our community, identifies resources, and outlines the University’s process.

Administrators, faculty members, staff, students, contractors, guests, and other members of the University community who commit Sexual Harassment are subject to the full range of University discipline including verbal reprimand; written reprimand; mandatory training, coaching, or counseling; mandatory monitoring; partial or full probation; partial or full suspension; permanent separation from the institution (that is, termination or dismissal); physical restriction from University property; cancellation of contracts; and any combination of the same.

The University will provide persons who have experienced Sexual Harassment ongoing remedies as reasonably necessary to restore or preserve access to the University’s Education Programs or Activities.

For more information about Title IX policies visit the website: https://www.drury.edu/hr/title-ix-policies-and-resources/.