Health and Safety Policies
Maintaining a Drugfree Work Place
In compliance with the DrugFree Work Place Act of 1988 (Title VD of Pub.L 100690), all Western employees
are advised that "the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited" on campus. All employees are required to abide by this policy and any violation of this
policy will result in one of the two following actions:
- Personnel action against such an employee, up to and including termination; or
- Require the employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program
approved for such purposes by a Federal, State, or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency. Any decision made by the employer is subject to appeal.
It is understood that any employee under this agreement is to notify the College President of and criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the work place no later than five days after such conviction. The institution will notify the agency within ten days after receiving notice from an employee or otherwise receiving actual notice of such conviction.
Vaccination Policies
Certification of Meningococcal Compliance
Oklahoma Statutes, Title 70 §3243, requires that all students who are first-time enrollees in any public or private postsecondary educational institution in this state and who reside in on-campus student housing shall be vaccinated against meningococcal disease. Institutions of higher education must provide the student or the student’s parents and other legal representative detailed information on the risks associated with meningococcal disease and on the availability and effectiveness of any vaccine.
The statute permits the student or, if the student is a minor, the student’s parent or other legal representative, to sign a written waiver stating that the student has received and reviewed the information provided on the risks associated with meningococcal disease and on the availability and effectiveness of any vaccine, and has chosen not to be or not to have the student vaccinated.
Certification of Compliance – Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
Oklahoma Statutes, Title 70 §3244, requires that all students who enroll as a full-time or part-time student in an Oklahoma public or private postsecondary institution provide documentation of vaccinations against hepatitis B, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
The statute requires that institutions notify students of the vaccination requirements and provide students with educational information concerning hepatitis B, measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), including the risks and benefits of the vaccination.
The statute permits that when the vaccine is medically contraindicated and a licensed physician has signed a written statement to that effect, such student shall be exempt from the vaccination. Further, the statute permits a student, or if the student is a minor, the student’s parent or other legal representative, to sign a written waiver stating that the administration of the vaccine conflicts with the student’s moral or religious tenets.
The statute requires the adoption of certain policies for implementation of this section of the law – including exceptions within the framework of the law for certain categories of students at the institution’s discretion.
MMR Information
Hepatitis B Vaccine Information