Alcohol and drugs

The possession, use, sale, manufacturing or distribution of any controlled substance, including alcohol, on the IU campus is governed by the university’s Substance Free Workplace Policy; Substance-free Workplace for Academic Appointees Policy; IU Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct; Code of Academic Ethics, Service of Alcohol, and the laws of the State of Indiana. The Indiana Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ABC) oversees state laws regarding the possession, use, sale, consumption, or furnishing of alcohol. However, the enforcement of alcohol laws on campus is primarily the responsibility of the IUPD. IU has been designated “drug free,” and the consumption of alcohol on campus is only permitted under certain circumstances as set forth by university policy. The service of alcoholic beverages at university events must be in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, including the legal age for drinking. Approval processes, and university procurement and insurance requirements must also be followed. There are bartending and service requirements for university facilities in accordance with licensing requirements of the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission.

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IU prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on IU property or as part of any IU-sponsored activities. The illegal possession, use, sale, manufacture, or distribution of any controlled substance is against IU policy and enforced under both state and federal laws. The IUPD proactively enforces these laws and university policies, including state underage drinking laws. Violators may be subject to university disciplinary action, criminal prosecution, fine, and/or imprisonment. Additional information and resources can be found on Protect IU.

Underage drinking

It is unlawful to sell, furnish, or provide alcohol to a person who is under the age of 21. The possession of alcohol by anyone under 21 years of age is illegal. Organizations or groups violating alcohol/substance policies or laws, Indiana Code (IC 7.1-5-7-8), may be subject to sanctions by the university. Please note that under Indiana's Lifeline Law, individuals are afforded immunity against certain charges for alcohol related crimes in connection with a report of a medical emergency, so long as they cooperate with law enforcement at the scene.

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Health risks

Fact sheets describing the health effects to your body and brain while using drugs and alcohol can be found on the Drug Enforcement Administration’s website at: https://www.dea.gov/factsheets.

Legal sanctions

A description of applicable legal sanctions under local, state (Indiana), or federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol are:

Laws governing the production, possession, storage, sale, delivery, transportation, or financing of alcohol and drugs are set forth in the Indiana Code, including Offenses Related to Controlled Substances (Indiana Code 35-48-4) and Alcohol and Tobacco-Crime and Infractions (Indiana Code 7.1-5).
Federal laws and sanctions concerning distribution and penalties can be found at: https://www.dea.gov/documents/2024/2024-12/2024-12-12/drugs-abuse-2024.

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University/campus policies and disciplinary sanctions

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IU will impose disciplinary sanctions on students and employees who violate IU policy, state law and/or federal laws, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution. Violators of IU policies are subject to the provisions of applicable laws as well as university disciplinary actions, which may include sanctions such as eviction from campus housing, revocation of other privileges, or suspension, expulsion, or termination from the university. Disciplinary action may also be taken to protect the interests of the university and the rights and safety of others. University and campus policies pertaining to the possession, use, and sale of alcohol and controlled substances are outlined below.

The IU policy on:

Substance-free Workplace

For all staff and hourly employees

Substance-free Workplace

For academic appointees.

Service of Alcohol

Academic Appointee Responsibilities and Conduct

Section F

IU Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Conduct

Part II

Alcohol and drug-free campus policy:

IU Bloomington

Alcohol and Drug-Free Campus

IU Columbus

IU Alcohol and other Drug program

IU Indianapolis Student-Athletes

Drug education, testing and treatment policy

IU Indianapolis general population

IU Alcohol and Other Drug program

IU East

IU Alcohol and Other Drug Program

IU Kokomo

IU Alcohol and Other Drug program

IU Northwest

IU Alcohol and Other Drug program

IU South Bend

IU Alcohol and Other Drug Program

IU Southeast

Alcohol and Drug Free Campus

Residential living policies and procedures:

IU Bloomington

IU Housing policies

IU Indianapolis

Residential policies

IU South Bend

Residence Hall policies