Policies

Alcohol and Other Drugs

The college provides education, intervention and referral services for the prevention of alcohol and other drug abuse through the campus Wellness Center.

Residential Life, the Wellness Center and Student Activities offer at orientation and throughout the year educational programs to alert students to safety and security issues and concerns. Many of these programs are offered in conjunction with campus security and the local police department.

Under Missouri law, anyone under 21 years of age who buys, attempts to buy or is in possession of alcohol can be charged with a misdemeanor and may be subject to a fine, jail sentence or both. Further, any underage individual who consumes alcohol in or around a licensed dealer or establishment or uses falsified identification to obtain alcohol may be charged with a misdemeanor with the same penalties.

Columbia College policy prohibits the possession, use, distribution and sale of alcohol and illicit drugs by Columbia College students and employees on college-owned property and at college sponsored or supervised events. Empty alcohol containers are not allowed in the residence halls and students will be disciplined for behavior resulting from intoxication.

The president retains the authority to make exceptions to this policy as it pertains to the serving of wine and/or beer at college functions where meals are served. Requests for exceptions to this policy must be submitted to the president in writing prior to the event and will be considered on an individual basis. Notification of the president’s decision will be made in writing to the person(s) making the request.

The college regards possession, distribution or use of illegal drugs as a direct violation of college rules and the law. Representatives of the college will work with outside authorities to enforce existing federal, state and local laws regarding illegal drugs.

Additional information may be found in the Alcohol and Other Drugs, Policies and Resources pamphlet.

The possession, use or sale of firearms, ammunition, fireworks, major and minor explosives or any other lethal weapons not described herein is forbidden from college property and subject to disciplinary action.

Sexual Offense

The educational purpose of a college is to foster an open learning and working environment. Any form of intimidation or discrimination is antithetical to this purpose. Thus, Columbia College is committed to providing faculty, staff and students with an environment free from implicit and explicit coercive sexual behavior used to control, influence or affect the well being of any member of its community. No member of Columbia College may sexually harass another individual. Any form of sexual harassment is grounds for college disciplinary action. Sexual harassment also constitutes a violation of federal and state law. Alleged sexual offense cases are to be reported to designated Columbia College officials.

Sexual assault is a crime and should be reported to Campus Security as well as the local police. Such cases will be handled in a confidential and sensitive manner.