Disciplinary Procedures for Behavioral Infractions in Short Term Trips
In the event a student fails to conduct himself or herself in a manner consistent with rules and regulations established by you and communicated in writing to program participants, you are encouraged to confront the student and to demand adherence to University rules and regulations. Where a student does not respond positively to such a confrontation, conducts himself or herself in a manner inconsistent with applicable rules and regulations, or conducts himself or herself in a manner that is or may become harmful or dangerous to the student or others, you are requested to initiate the commencement of Formal Disciplinary Procedures by completing and submitting to the Office of Study Abroad an “Incident Report Form” (see Appendix J, page 35 of the Handbook for Short Term Faculty-Led Programs). At this point, the student will be subject to the University’s formal disciplinary procedures and will be contacted by the University of Indianapolis Dean of Students (or her designees).
Alcohol Consumption
As you know, as soon as you leave the United States, you are subject to the laws of the country you are visiting. Most countries around the world have set their drinking age limit below 21, but some countries do not have drinking ages while others prohibit drinking entirely. We recommend all program participants become knowledgeable of the country’s laws and regulations with regard to alcohol and drug use. For more information, please go to the U.S. Department of State’s Travel website.
Faculty leaders are encouraged to establish policies regarding alcohol consumption that are, at a minimum, compliant with local laws and customs. If legal alcohol consumption is permitted, leaders are encouraged to establish clear policies, in writing, which convey expectations for “responsible” consumption. Leaders are also asked to follow the policies they have established for program participants. Below you will find a sample of guidelines on responsible drinking that are publically available and might help you in the development of your program expectations.
Tips on How to Drink Responsibly:
- Eat before and while you drink
- Keep track of how much you are drinking; know how much alcohol is poured into every glass, and be aware of the alcohol percentage in your drink (in some countries, drinks have a higher alcohol content and may be served in larger portions)
- Pace your Don’t drink any more than 1 alcoholic drink (One 12 oz. beer, One 5 oz. glass of wine, or One 1.5 oz. shot of 40% alcohol) per hour
- Don’t accept drinks from strangers and if you set your drink down, don’t finish it (you don’t know what’s in it)
- Avoid shots, hard alcohol, drinking games, funneling, keg stands,
- Go out in a group and go home as a group
- If you are going to drink at all, don’t drive
- Make sexual decisions when sober, not under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
- Don’t mix alcohol with any drug (illicit, prescribed or over-the-counter)
- Stay hydrated – for every alcoholic drink you have, drink a non-alcoholic one, preferably water
Zero Tolerance for Alcohol Abuse
Some leaders may decide that no alcohol consumption will be permitted for the duration of the program. In such a case, please be sure to indicate this policy in writing, and to express to students in clear terms the consequences they may face for violation.
While program leaders will use their own discretion in determining whether to permit responsible alcohol consumption or to prohibit it altogether, we request the cooperation of all leaders in establishing zero tolerance for alcohol or drug abuse. If you become aware that a program participant is exhibiting signs of inebriation or intoxication, in addition to the application of whatever consequences you have outlined in your behavioral expectations, we request that you complete an “Incident Report” and submit it to the Office of Study
Abroad. Such a letter will initiate formal disciplinary procedures for the Dean of Students of the University of Indianapolis.
Please note that disciplinary procedures do not automatically bring disciplinary sanctions. The Incident Report will open an investigation by the Dean of Students (or designee) following the normal disciplinary proceeding of the university. In the case that sanctions are applied, they may range from a letter of warning to a referral for counseling, social conduct probation, monetary fines and/or dismissal from the university.