FROM THE CODE OF STUDENT BEHAVIOR
POLICIES RELATED TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND/OR DRUG/CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE USE 2.1.1
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ON USI PROPERTY
The manufacture, sale, transfer, purchase, transportation, possession, or consumption of an alcoholic beverage anywhere on University-owned or -controlled property (including University-owned or -leased vehicles, regardless of location), or as a part of any “University Activity” as that term is defined by the University; for alcoholic beverages, is prohibited by the University; exceptions are granted by the president or his/her designee.
2.1.2 Alcoholic Beverages at Student Organization Events
Recognized USI student organizations planning events where alcoholic beverages may be served must adhere to the guidelines established by the University. See Student Organizations and Activities Policies.
2.1.3 Behavior While Under the Influence of Alcoholic Beverages and/or Other Drugs/Controlled Substances
Being under the influence of alcoholic beverages is a violation of this code when a person is on University-owned or controlled property (including University-owned or leased vehicles, regardless of location), or as a part of any “University Activity” as that term is defined by the University, and the person: 1) endangers, or may endanger, the safety of others, property or themselves; or 2) causes a disturbance.
2.1.4 Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor
Contributing to the delinquency of a minor is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, purchasing alcoholic beverages for a minor, giving alcoholic beverages to a minor, encouraging a minor to drink alcoholic beverages, etc.
2.1.5 Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and/or Other Drugs/Controlled Substances
Driving while under the influence of alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs/controlled substances on University-owned or controlled property (including University-owned or leased vehicles, regardless of location), or as a part of any “University Activity” as that term is defined by the University is prohibited.
2.1.6 Drug/Controlled Substance Related Violations
Being under the influence, possessing, manufacturing, exchanging, distributing, purchasing, using, selling or emanating the scent of illegal drugs or any controlled substance, including marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids, abuse of over-the-counter drugs, inhalants, prescription drugs, etc., except pursuant to a physician’s/dentist’s prescription, or possessing paraphernalia for drug use on University-owned or controlled property (including University-owned or leased vehicles, regardless of location), or as a part of any “University Activity” as that term is defined by the University is prohibited.
- 2.1.6.A: Being in the presence of drugs/controlled substance(s)
- 2.1.6.B: Possession of drugs/controlled substance(s)
- 2.1.6.C: Possession of drug/controlled substance paraphernalia
- 2.1.6.D: Use of drugs/controlled substance(s)
- 2.1.6.E: Purchase of drugs/controlled substance(s)
- 2.1.6.F: Possession and or use of prescription drugs without document prescription
- 2.1.6.G: Manufacturing of drugs/controlled substance(s)
- 2.1.6.H: Distribution and/or sale and/or delivery of drugs/ controlled substance(s)
- 2.1.6.I: Emanating the scent of marijuana
LEGAL IMPLICATIONS (PROVIDED BY PUBLIC SAFETY)
If you are under 21 and…
Alcohol is in your hand
It is a class C Misdemeanor to possess or consume an alcohol beverage under the age of 21. As part of your sentence, the court may suspend your driving privileges suspended for up to one (1) year and if you are under eighteen (18) years of age, the court shall order your driving privileges suspended for at least sixty (60) days.
If you…
Try to buy alcohol at a store
It is a class C Misdemeanor.
Use a Fake ID
It is a class C Misdemeanor and your driver’s license could be suspended.
Visit a local bar or tavern
It is a class C Infraction.
If you…
Buy or provide alcohol to a minor
It is a class B Misdemeanor.
It is a level 6 felony if it ends up injuring someone and a level 5 felony if someone is killed.
Are drunk in public
It is a class B Misdemeanor to be intoxicated in a public place.
Drive a motor vehicle while drunk
It is a class C Misdemeanor if your blood alcohol content is at least .08 and less than .15 and a class A misdemeanor if your blood alcohol level is at least .15
If it causes someone injury, it is a level 6 felony and if a death is involved it is a level 5 felony.
Your driver’s license may be suspended.
Possible Penalties
- Class C Misdemeanor = Up to 60 days in jail and up to a $500 fine
- Class B Misdemeanor = Up to 180 days in jail and up to a $1000 fine
- Class A Misdemeanor = Up to one year in jail and up to a $5000 fine
- Level 5 Felony = one (1) year to six (6) years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine
- Level 6 Felony = six months to two and a half years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine
Felony convictions may affect the rest of your life. You may be unable to receive financial aid for school, you may be prohibited from some professions, and many employers are not willing to hire you.
2.0.2 MEDICAL AMNESTY FROM THE CODE OF STUDENT BEHAVIOR
The University recognizes the Senate Enrolled Act. No. 274 amendment to the Indiana Code, effective July 1, 2012, which outlines when a person who meets the criteria of the act, is immune from criminal prosecution. 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. Upon receiving a report that a student needs medical assistance, University personnel will respond, and officials will use standard procedures for documenting and collecting information for all parties involved. Conduct charges will be deferred and will be dismissed upon successful completion of an approved alcoholic beverage or drug/controlled substance intervention program, leaving the student with no reportable disciplinary record. Failure to successfully complete an approved alcoholic beverage or drug/controlled substance intervention program, as required, will result in the processing of charges, and may result in more severe sanctions. For more information on the Medical Amnesty policy and University procedures, visit www.usi.edu/rfw/aod.
PARENTAL/GUARDIAN DRUG AND ALCOHOL NOTIFICATION POLICY
Background
This policy action was made possible as a result of an amendment to the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) in 1998. Prior to this amendment, universities were prohibited by law from releasing disciplinary records of students 18 years of age or older without their written consent. The amendment provides the opportunity, should a university choose, to notify the parents of students under the age of 21.
Goal
It is the goal of the University of Southern Indiana to expand the partnership between parents/guardians and the University in encouraging students to make healthy, responsible decisions about alcohol and other drugs.
Details of Notification
If a student under the age of 21 is found responsible for a violation of the University code of conduct drug/controlled substance and/or alcoholic beverage policy, Housing and Residence Life or the Dean of Students will notify the student’s parents/guardians in writing. This notification will detail the fact that the student has been found responsible for an alcoholic beverage or drug/controlled substance violation. The notification is designed to inform parents/ guardians that the violation has occurred and to encourage discussion between parents/guardians and their student regarding acceptable behavior in the USI community setting. Written notice will not include specific details of the incident(s), circumstances surrounding the violation(s), or the specific disposition of the case. Parents/guardians interested in specific information are encouraged to discuss the case with their student. If questions remain, parents/ guardians are encouraged to contact the notifying office.
Direct Contact
When there is reason to believe that a student’s health and wellbeing are in jeopardy or that they have placed other members of the University community at risk, the dean of students or his/her designee may contact the parents/ guardians directly.
Consideration
An integral part of the conduct adjudication process will be the discussion concerning notification of the parents/ guardians. Consideration will be given to situations where notification may be detrimental to the student or family
IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES ACT, AND THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION’S SUPPORTING REGULATIONS.
HEALTH RISKS OF ALCOHOL / EFFECT OF ALCOHOL INTOXICATION
An over consumption of alcohol can have very serious and dangerous effects. We encourage students who are of drinking age to be responsible when drinking. All students regardless of age should become familiar with the effects that drinking can cause.
Below, we have outlined several alcohol related problems and causes. We will discuss the general, short-term and long-term effects alcohol can have on your life.
General Effect
Alcohol is a depressant drug that reduces activity in the central nervous system. The alcohol intoxicated person exhibits loose muscle tone, loss of fine motor coordination, and often has a staggering drunken gait. The eyes may appear somewhat glossy, and pupils may be slow to respond to stimulus. At high doses, pupils may become constricted. At high doses, alcohol can decrease heart rate, lower blood pressure and respiration rate, and result in decreased reflex responses and slower reaction time.
Short-Term Intoxication
Consumption of more than two average sized servings of alcohol within several hours will produce measurable impairment of motor coordination and reasoning. The more alcohol consumed the greater the impairment. Although many states (including Indiana) set a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% by volume as a presumptive level of intoxication for certain purposes, intoxication and impairment begin at a much lower level. It is safest to avoid all alcohol if operating a vehicle or engaging in risky recreational activities. Intoxication at levels of 0.20% BAC and above presents risks of loss of consciousness, nausea and vomiting, injuries, and even overdose and death.
Although the average lethal dose is about 0.40%, overdose deaths occur in some situations with BACs near 0.20%.
Long-Term Heavy Drinking
Drinking to the point of intoxication one or two times per week or more frequently over a period of several years can cause serious health consequences, including: liver disease and cirrhosis, circulatory problems and cardiomyopathy, nervous system damage and polyneuropathy, alcohol dependence, and psychosis. Alcohol abuse can increase the risks of certain types of cancers, including cancer of the tongue, mouth, pharynx, esophagus, larynx, and liver. The cancer-producing effects of alcohol abuse are increased by use of tobacco.
HEALTH RISKS OF OTHER DRUGS
Aside from alcohol, there are several drugs that can also cause severe damage to your body. We ask that you read and become familiar with these drugs so that you can make an informed decision. Again, the University of Southern Indiana does not tolerate drug use of any kind.
Health Risks of Commonly Abused Substances
Description of Health Risks Associated with Alcohol and Controlled Substances (Drugs)
All persons should be aware of the health risks caused by the use of alcohol, and by the illegal use of controlled substances (drugs).
- Consumption of more than two average servings of alcohol in several hours can impair coordination and reasoning to make driving unsafe.
- Consumption of alcohol by a pregnant woman can damage the unborn child. A pregnant woman should consult her physician about this risk.
- Regular and heavy alcohol consumption can cause serious damage to the liver, nervous and circulatory system, mental disorders, and other health problems.
- Drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short time may quickly produce unconsciousness, coma, and even death.
The use of controlled substances (drugs) can result in damage to health and impairment of physical condition, including:
- Impaired short-term memory or comprehension
- Anxiety, delusions, hallucinations
- Loss of appetite resulting in general damage to the user’s health, over a long term
- A drug-dependent newborn if the mother is a drug user during pregnancy.
- AIDS, because of “needle-sharing” among drug users
- Death from overdose
Pregnant women who use alcohol, drugs, or smoke should consult their physicians
The health risks associated with drugs or excessive use of alcohol are many and are different for different drugs, but all nonprescription use of drugs and excessive use of alcohol endangers your health. THERE ARE NO GOOD REASONS FOR USING A DRUG THAT IS NOT PRESCRIBED BY YOUR DOCTOR OR FOR DRINKING TO EXCESS.
Adopted from the Indiana University Southeast at https://www.ius.edu/dean-of-students/student-resources/alcohol-and-drug-free-campus.php
RESOURCES
We encourage anyone having difficulties with alcohol or other drugs seek help from the campus and community resources listed below.
USI Campus Resources
Counseling Center
Orr Center 1051
812-464-1867
The Counseling Center staff provide short-term individual counseling and intervention to students who are having difficulties or concerns with alcohol- or other substance-related issues. If the Counseling Center is unable to provide the type of service you need or request, we will refer you to an appropriate community agency and assist you in obtaining services there.
University Health Center
HP 0091
812-465-1250
The Health Center is a full-service clinic offering medical care and health information to students.
Office of Public Safety
812-492-7777 (emergencies) or 812-464-1845 (non-emergencies)
If you experience or witness an emergency on campus, including alcohol and drug emergencies (blackouts, overdoses, etc.), immediately contact Public Safety. If off campus, dial 911.
Community Resources in the Evansville Area
Southwestern Behavioral Health
812-423-7791
Deaconess Cross Pointe
812-476-7200
Counseling for Change
812-491-2615
Adapt Counseling
812-421-9900
New Visions Counseling
812-422-6812
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Evansville (AA)
http://www.southwesternindianaaa.org/
Narcotics Anonymous meetings in Evansville (NA)
http://www.atrana.org/
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