The controversy surrounding the University of Oregon football team and marijuana usage in April of 2012 has introduced a new policy. In past years, the University of Oregon only required student-athletes to take a drug test with reasonable suspicion. As of September 1st, however, the athletic department has been granted permission to perform random drug testing on a temporary basis.
The new policy received final approval at a public hearing on October 3rd after talks began in July of a stronger drug policy within the athletic department. The University of Oregon is the seventh school in the Pac-12 to adopt a random drug testing policy for student-athletes. Oregon State University is in negotiations to adopt the rule as well.
Athletics will continue to test student-athletes for illicit substances and performance-enhancing drugs. The first two drug tests a student-athlete fails will result in counseling, substance abuse education, psychological evaluation and signing a behavioral modification contract. A third failed test results in suspension for half of the season, and a fourth failed test results in dismissal from the team and loss of scholarships.