Publications and Policies
In accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) and the Drug-Free Workplace Act, the University conducts a biennial review of its Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Prevention Program. This review is completed every two years to evaluate the effectiveness of the University's prevention and education efforts and to ensure that disciplinary sanctions for violations of alcohol and drug policies are administered consistently.
The biennial review enables the University to:
- Assess the effectiveness of its Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Program.
- Ensure the consistent enforcement of disciplinary sanctions for alcohol- and drug-related violations.
- Evaluate campus data related to alcohol and other drug use, policy violations, and prevention initiatives.
- Identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities to enhance prevention, education, intervention, and recovery support.
- Demonstrate compliance with federal requirements under the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act.
The review includes an assessment of:
- Alcohol and other drug prevention and education programs.
- University policies and standards of conduct.
- Disciplinary procedures and sanctions.
- Campus crime and conduct statistics related to alcohol and drug violations.
- Available counseling, treatment, and recovery resources.
- Recommendations for continuous improvement.
The University of Southern Mississippi’s Biennial Review is available to students, employees, and members of the public. The report summarizes the University's Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Program, evaluates its effectiveness, reviews the consistency of disciplinary sanctions, and outlines recommendations for program enhancements and ongoing compliance with federal regulations.
The most recent Biennial Review may be viewed or downloaded below:
2024-2026 Biennial Review (link to report)
2022-2024 Biennial Review (link to report)
Other annual information can be found below:
Moffitt Health Center: https://www.usm.edu/student-health-services/alcohol-and-other-drugs.php
The University of Southern Mississippi strives to maintain campus communities, activities and worksites free from the illegal use, possession, or distribution of alcohol, illegal drugs, or controlled substances as defined by state law and in Schedules I through V of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 United States Code section 812, as amended and by regulation at 21 Code of Federal Regulations section 1308.
The Full policy can be found here: USM Alcohol and Drug Policy