Policy addresses marijuana use

Policy addresses continuation of marijuana ban on campus & university property

News contact: Laura Hancock | University Advancement
541-962-3585 | lhancock@eou.edu
Source contact: Colleen Dunne-Cascio | Student Services
541-962-3476 | ccascio@eou.edu

October 21, 2015

LA GRANDE, Ore. (EOU) – Eastern Oregon University has updated its alcohol and drug policy to address questions regarding the state’s legalization of recreational marijuana on July 1.

As a public university that receives federal funding, EOU still adheres to federal laws prohibiting marijuana use, possession or cultivation – be it for medical or recreational purposes – by its students, employees and visitors on campus.

“Like all public universities, we are required to follow the federal guidelines regarding marijuana use, regardless of the passage of Measure 91,” said Colleen Dunne-Cascio, director of Student Relations.

Campus regulations include university housing and extend to other properties owned by EOU, in addition to any university sponsored events or activities occurring off campus.

Dunne-Cascio noted that EOU is already a smoke and tobacco-free campus, so using weed could fall under that policy, too. New signage notifying people of the rules will be installed soon and procedures have also been defined for Campus Security to dispose of any pot found on premises.

“Students, employees and the public have always cooperated with our alcohol and drug policies, and I anticipate the same acceptance and understanding now,” said Bill Benson, Campus Security supervisor. “We haven’t experienced any major issues in the past and I don’t expect we will.”

“Education is an important part of our approach,” Dunne-Cascio added. “We want our community to know that confidential resources are available for students and employees who may be seeking treatment.”

Visit the Student Services website to read the full EOU alcohol and drug policy. Go to www.eou.edu/student-affairs and click “Departments and Programs.” Frequently asked questions related to the policy are also available from the links menu on the right of the page.