OIO Program Policies

2025 PROGRAM POLICIES

Opera in the Ozarks has a community connection that is vital to its existence. Each person associated with OIO – faculty, staff and participants – must be aware of the importance of their actions while involved with the program. These policies should be read and followed carefully:

  1. Living areas are semi-private. For peaceful co-existence, sleeping and rest time must be respected. Television/sound equipment, etc. must be used with headsets. Between 11:00 pm and 9:00 am, all noisy activity must cease in and around sleeping quarters. You may not practice or warm up in the dorms at any time. Please use a practice cabin or a coaching room.  Also, the openness of the facility limits security. It is best not to bring valuables. OIO is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.
  2. Recreational DRUGS are NOT allowed on the premises and SMOKING is NOT allowed in any buildings. All faculty, staff and participants are expected to behave like mature adults and maintain decorum and collegiality.  Eureka Springs and surrounding communities are intolerant of lawbreakers.  Observe the speed limits.  OIO has a good reputation and those who cannot abide by these standards will be dismissed from the program.
  3. Sexual harassment in any form is strictly prohibited.  Sexual harassment occurs when submission or rejection of unwanted sexual conduct is used as a basis for a casting or employment decision or when submission to sexual harassment is a condition for receiving employment benefits, promotions, raises, etc.  Sexual harassment also occurs when unwelcome sexual conduct unreasonably interferes with job performance or creates an intimidating hostile, or offensive working environment, even it if does not lead to tangible or economic job consequences.  Sexual harassment can include harassment of women by men, men by women, or same sex gender-based harassment. If you believe you or someone else has been treated in a discriminatory manner, or has been harassed, you MUST report the alleged act IMMEDIATELY to the General Director.   A more detailed harassment policy is attached with this email. Please use the acknowledgement Google form to acknowledge your acceptance and adherence to these policies.
  4. Out-of-state checks may be accepted by local banks but may require an authorized co-signature from our office.   There are ATMs in town, but none on campus.
  5. All medical expenses are the responsibility of each individual faculty, staff or participant. Your medical information MUST be on file at the time of registration.  Please fill out this form before DATE. 
  6. Cell phones are highly recommended.  The office phone (479-253-8595) is available for emergencies or for calls from those leaving a message for you.  Please inform those who may need to contact you of this policy.  We cannot summon you for a phone call in the office.
  7. No unauthorized individuals (parents, teachers or friends) may use our facility for personal gain without express written permission of the General Director.
  8. You may not bring guests from outside the program onto the campus without prior consent of the General Director. No guests will be permitted in the dining hall.
  9. We do not assume any responsibility for your safety if you violate our rules about use of our facilities.  Climbing on top of buildings is strictly prohibited.