Dear USI student:
We want the University of Southern Indiana to be a safe environment for our employees and students. A policy regarding the abuse of drugs and alcohol has been formulated and is being distributed to inform faculty, staff, and students of consequences of abuse of drugs and alcohol on the campus. Through your commitment to becoming a member of our campus community, you have agreed to abide by these policies.
To become acquainted with these policies, visit www.usi.edu/deanofstudents or www.usi.edu/rfw/aod. Your continued cooperation and commitment is essential in order to keep USI free of illicit drugs and illegal use of alcohol. This is your University, please keep it safe for yourself and your friends.
Linda L. M. Bennett
President
Campus Policy
The University of Southern Indiana prohibits the illegal manufacture, possession, use, and/or distribution of drugs and alcohol by students, employees, and visitors on University-owned or -leased property or as a part of any ”University activities” as that term is defined by the University.
The University expects the cooperation and commitment of all students and employees in maintaining an environment free of illicit drugs and illegal use of alcohol. Students and other campus constituents are deemed to be adults responsible for their own behavior and are expected to obey the law and University rules regarding drugs and alcohol.
The University is committed to supporting a safe and healthy environment for all students and in response to Indiana’s Life Line law, the University has adopted a “Medical Amnesty” policy. This policy states that if a friend is experiencing a medical emergency from drinking too much, consuming a drug, or any other reason, students should call for help.
On campus, call Public Safety (812-492-7777) and off campus, call 9-1-1.
Students should stay with their friend(s) and answer any questions that the responders have regarding the situation. By doing so, they will be acting as good friends to their peers, good members of the University community, and may have some protections from University and legal penalties. The complete policy is outlined in the Community Standards section of the Student Handbook.
Campus policies on drugs and alcohol abuse are monitored by the Dean of Students Office and the Substance Abuse Prevention Committee composed of administrators, faculty, staff, and students who will recommend policy changes as needed.
To learn more about the University’s most current alcohol and drug policies, please review the Community Standards section of the Student Handbook, available on the Dean of Students website: www.usi.edu/deanofstudents/code.
Assistance With Drug or Alcohol Concerns
Services are available to help students with issues concerning substance use. Interventions range from educational presentations, on-campus professional counseling, and referrals to community support groups and agencies, as appropriate.
The Counseling Center
The USI Counseling Center is available to discuss a potential problem or to help arrange for counseling. Except for limited circumstances, conversations with professional counselors are strictly confidential, and information is not released without a student’s consent.
Assistance is often provided within the Counseling Center. However, depending on a student’s particular needs, a referral to a community agency may be provided.
How Would I Pay?
All services are supported by tuition and student fees, and students do not need to pay extra to access counseling services. However, students found responsible for certain violations of the Code of Student Behavior may be charged an additional administrative fee for a Substance Use Assessment. Should a referral to an outside agency be provided, fees are determined by that agency.
Where Do I Start?
- If you think a friend or acquaintance has a problem with substance use/abuse, PLEASE don’t diagnose! Encourage this person to seek professional assistance.
- If you think you or a friend might have a problem with substance use/abuse, talk with your faculty advisor, instructors, student housing personnel, and/or the staff in the University Health Center (812-465-1250), USI Counseling Center (812-464-1867), or Dean of Students Office (812-464-1862). You can also file a report with the CARE team to have University personnel reach out to the student. http://www.usi.edu/deanofstudents/careteam
- Go to the Counseling Center’s web page and the University’s “Alcohol & Drug Prevention and Intervention” web page to get factual information, take a free screening, learn about USI’s policies and legal penalties, and to get information about USI’s medical amnesty and Safe Ride programs. If you need to report an infraction of the Code of Student Behavior, contact the Dean of Students Office at 812-464-1862 or USI Public Safety at 812-464-1845.
- In case of an on-campus emergency, contact Public Safety at 812-492-7777 (campus extension 7777). When a student is intoxicated or under the influence of drugs/controlled substances and seeks medical assistance, s/he may be granted amnesty from formal disciplinary action by the University for violating alcoholic beverage or drug/controlled substance policies.
State Penalties and Legal Sanctions for Drugs/Alcohol
Drug Use
Title 35, Article 48 of the Indiana Criminal Code provides the applicable legal sanctions under local and state law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs. A list of Indiana Penalties and Sanctions for Controlled Substances provides examples of these sanctions, but is not all-inclusive. A complete list of all statutes related to controlled substances can be found at http://iga.in.gov/legislative/laws/2014/ic/.
Alcohol Use
Title 7.1, Article 5 of the Indiana Code provides the applicable legal sanctions under local and state law for illegal possession and use of alcoholic beverages. A list of Indiana Penalties and Sanctions for Alcohol Violations provides examples of these sanctions, but is not all-inclusive. A complete list of all statutes related to alcohol and tobacco can be found at http://iga.in.gov/legislative/laws/2014/ic/.
Federal Penalties and Sanctions for Illegal Possession of a Controlled Substance
21 U.S.C. 844 (a): 1st conviction: Up to 1 year imprisonment and fined at least $1,000, or both. After 1 prior drug conviction: At least 15 days in prison, not to exceed 2 years and fined at least $2,500. After 2 or more prior drug convictions: At least 90 days in prison, not to exceed 3 years and fined at least $5,000. Special sentencing provisions for possession of a mixture or substance which contains cocaine base: Mandatory at least 5 years in prison, not to exceed 20 years and fined a minimum of $1,000, if: (a) 1st conviction and the amount possessed exceeds 5 grams, (b) 2nd conviction under this subsection and the amount possessed exceeds 3 grams, (c) 3rd or subsequent conviction under this subsection and the amount possessed exceeds 1 gram.
21 U.S.C. 853 (a) (2) and 881 (a) (7): Forfeiture of personal and real property used to possess or to facilitate possession of a controlled substance if that offense is punishable by more than 1 year imprisonment.
21 U.S.C. 881 (a) (4): Forfeiture of all conveyances, including aircraft, vehicles, or vessels, which are used, or are intended for use, to transport, or in any manner to facilitate the transportation, sale, receipt, possession, or concealment of a controlled substance.
21 U.S.C. 844a: Civil fine of up to $10,000 for each violation.
21 U.S.C. 862 (b): Denial of Federal benefits to drug possessors, up to 5 years for first offense, up to 10 years for second offense, for third or subsequent conviction be permanently ineligible for all federal benefits.
18 U.S.C. 922 (g): Ineligible to receive or purchase a firearm.
Miscellaneous: Students convicted of drug crimes are prohibited from receiving Federal Financial Aid for specified periods of time. Revocation of certain Federal licenses and benefits, e.g. pilot licenses, etc., are vested within the authorities of individual Federal agencies. NOTE: These are only Federal penalties and sanctions. Additional State penalties and sanctions may apply.
Federal Trafficking Penalties
Federal Trafficking Penalties for Schedules I, II, III, IV, and V (except Marijuana)
Federal Trafficking Penalties for Marijuana, Hashish and Hashish Oil, Schedule I Substances
Federal trafficking penalties are current as of February, 2015 (www.justice.gov/dea/druginfo/ftp3.shtml)
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