Information About our Alcohol and Drug Policy

The University of Indianapolis is committed to maintaining a safe and inviting campus for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. As such, the University strictly prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, sale, or use of any illegal drugs or alcohol. In keeping with the goals of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, the University is working to educate our campus community on the health risks, resources, policies, and sanctions related to drugs and alcohol.

The University of Indianapolis Student Handbook, On-Campus Use of Alcohol Policy, Residence Hall Handbook & Policies, and the Apartment Handbook & Policies offers policies and statements related to alcoholic beverages, drug-related offenses and controlled substances.

Questions regarding this information? Contact Information: The Office of Student Affairs, Schwitzer Student Center, Office 210, studentaffairs@uindy.edu, 317-388-3530

What is the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act?

The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (“DFSCA”) is a federal law that requires institutions of higher education receiving federal funds to develop and implement a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by its students and employees.

One requirement of the DFSCA and its related regulations is for institutions to notify its students, faculty, and staff annually of standards of conduct, legal sanctions, health risks, drug and alcohol programs, and disciplinary sanctions related to the illicit use of drugs and alcohol.

The following sections provide the specific information required by the DFSCA.

The possession or use of illegal drugs, or the abuse of those which may otherwise be legally possessed, seriously affects the University environment, as well as the individual potential of our students, faculty, and staff. All University community members are required to comply with all local, state, and federal laws and related University policies, including those prohibiting providing alcoholic beverages to individuals under the age of 21, consumption of alcoholic beverages by individuals under the age of 21, and the distribution, possession, or use of illegal drugs or controlled substances. These rules apply on campus property and as party of any University activity.

Non-compliance with any applicable law or University policy may subject the individual to both disciplinary and legal sanctions.

A. Student Sanctions

Disciplinary actions may include, but are not limited to, a range of actions up to and including expulsion from the University. The following sanctions may be imposed upon University students who violate any applicable law or University policy. This is not an exhaustive list.

  • 1st Offense - Online Educational Course, Reflective Paper, Brief Consultation with Student Counseling Center
  • 2nd Offense - Disciplinary Probation, Community Service, Participation with Student Counseling Center, Loss of Privileges
  • 3rd Offense - Removal from University Housing, Suspension, Expulsion

Factors considered when determining any sanction(s)/responsive action(s) may include, but are not limited to:

  • The nature, severity of, and circumstances surrounding the violation;
  • An individual’s/student organization’s disciplinary history;
  • Previous allegations or allegations involving similar conduct;
  • The impact on the parties; and
  • Any other information deemed relevant by the Office of Student Affairs (or designee).

The sanction(s) will be implemented as soon as is feasible. The sanctions described are not exclusive of, and may be in addition to, other actions taken or sanctions imposed by outside authorities.

A full list of potential sanctions can be reviewed in the University Student Handbook, as amended from time to time.

Access the student handbook

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE UNIVERSITY PURSUES A POLICY OF AMNESTY FOR STUDENTS WHO OFFER TO HELP OTHERS IN NEED. MORE INFORMATION ON AMNESTY FROM STUDENT DISCIPLINE CAN BE FOUND IN THE STUDENT HANDBOOK.

B. Potential Faculty/Staff Sanctions

Employees who violate any applicable law or University policy may be subject to disciplinary actions, up to and including termination, as outlined in the Faculty and/or Staff Handbooks. Human Resources will review incidents involved alleged violations of the Faculty and/or Staff Handbooks.

Failure to comply with local, state, and federal laws related to the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, sale, or use of any illegal drugs or alcohol may result in civil or criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

A. State Law

 

Potential Sanctions
Sanction Fine Imprisonment Examples
Class C Infraction

Not more than $500

n/a

Aiding unlawful possession
Class C Misdemeanor

Not more than $500

Not more than 60 days

False statement of age; furnishing false evidence of identification; possession of false identity
Class B Misdemeanor

Not more than $1,000

Not more than 180 days

Public intoxication; furnishing property for the purpose of enabling minors to consume alcohol; possession of marijuana, hash oil, hashish, salvia, or a synthetic drug
Class A Misdemeanor

Not more than $5,000

Not more than 1 year

Dealing in marijuana, hash oil, hashish, salvia, or a synthetic cannabinoid
Level 6 Felony

Not more than $10,000

6 mo. to 2.5 years

Possession of ecstasy, cocaine, etc. depending on amount
Level 5 Felony

Not more than $10,000

1 to 6 years

Possession of ecstasy, cocaine, etc. depending on amount
Level 4 Felony

Not more than $10,000

2 to 12 years

Dealing of ecstasy, cocaine, etc. depending on amount
Level 3 Felony

Not more than $10,000

3 to 16 years

Dealing of ecstasy, cocaine, etc. depending on amount
Level 2 Felony

Not more than $10,000

10 to 30 years

Dealing of ecstasy, cocaine, etc. depending on amount

 

PLEASE NOTE THAT INDIANA’S LIFELINE LAW PROVIDES THAT A PERSON IS IMMUNE FROM ARREST OR PROSECUTION FOR CERTAIN ALCOHOL OFFENSES IF THE ARREST OR PROSECUTION IS DUE TO THE PERSON REPORTING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, SUFFERING FROM AN ALCOHOL-RELATED HEALTH EMERGENCY, BEING THE VICTIM OF A SEX OFFENSE, OR WITNESSING AND REPORTING WHAT THE PERSON BELIEVES TO BE A CRIME. MORE INFORMATION ON INDIANA’S LIFELINE LAW CAN BE FOUND IN THE STUDENT HANDBOOK AND AT INDIANALIFELINE.ORG.

B. Federal Law

 

Federal Drug Laws

Strict penalties are enforced for drug convictions, including fines and mandatory prison terms for many offenses. The examples below summarize key federal sanctions. Additional penalties may apply depending on the specific circumstances of an offense.

Federal Drug Trafficking Penalties (21 USC 841)

Penalties for federal drug trafficking convictions vary according to the quantity of the controlled substance involved in the transaction. Persons convicted on federal charges of drug trafficking within 1,000 feet of a University (21 USC 860) face penalties of prison terms and fines which are twice as high as the regular penalties for the offense, with a mandatory prison sentence of at least 1 year.

Federal Drug Possession Penalties (21 USC 844)

Persons convicted on Federal charges of possessing any controlled substance face penalties of up to 1 year in prison and a mandatory fine of no less than $1,000 up to a maximum of $100,000.

Second convictions are punishable by not less than 15 days but not more than 2 years in prison and a minimum fine of $2,500. Subsequent convictions are punishable by not less than 90 days but not more than 3 years in prison and a minimum fine of $5,000. Possession of drug paraphernalia is punishable by a minimum fine of $750 (typically prosecuted under state law).

Civil penalties of up to $10,000 may also be imposed for possession of small amounts of controlled substances, whether or not criminal prosecution is pursued.

The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol pose severe short- and long-term health risks, potentially resulting in acute, chronic, and fatal consequences for both the individual and others. Below is a summary of the potential health risks of drug and alcohol abuse:

Alcohol

  • Impaired judgment
  • Reduced coordination
  • Alcohol poisoning
  • Respiratory arrest
  • Increased aggression, violence
  • Organ damage
  • Fetal alcohol syndrome
  • Increased risk of cancer

Drugs

  • Addiction or physical dependence
  • Sensory distortion
  • Respiratory problems, slowed/stopped breathing
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure
  • Impaired cognitive functions, judgment, and motor coordination
  • Altered perceptions, memory loss, delusions

Using alcohol in combination with other drugs can increase the risk of severe health consequences, including overdose and death.

More information can be found at the following websites:

The University offers resources for students and employees seeking help.

A. Students

University students have free, 24/7 access to virtual care services with TimelyCare - the virtual health and well-being platform, designed for college students. Students have access to services in TimelyCare, including TalkNow, Self-Care Content, and Basic Needs Support. More information can be located on the TimelyCare page.

Students are also welcome to visit the Student Counseling Center. Our Counseling Center is happy to provide mental health services, consultation, and outreach to support the emotional well-being of our students.

B. Employees

The University provides the EAP program to all employees and their family members. Our EAP program is a confidential worksite-based program designed to assist both employees and employers. The EAP program provides assessments and referrals both in person and over the phone for personal matters. Each employee along with each eligible employee’s dependents, is entitled to three visits (or sessions) free-of-charge per calendar year. Also, telephone intakes and information calls regarding EAP services are free and unlimited.

More information and links to the vendor brochure and website can be located on the Health & Safety page on MyUIndy.

C. Resources

Additional on- and off-campus resources can be found below.

 

If you have questions about this notice, alcohol or drug policies, or available resources, please contact the below offices, as applicable:

Student Affairs – 317-788-3530, studentaffairs@uindy.edu 
Human Resources – hr@uindy.edu 

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