Introduction
ISU is committed to eradicating the abuse of alcohol and drugs in our campus community and has developed a Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program as required by federal law. The Vice President of Student Affairs, with support from the Office of Human Resources and University Police, is responsible for the overall implementation and assessment of ISU’s efforts. ISU provides annual notice of the components of the ISU Prevention Program to ensure that ISU Community members are aware of ISU standards of conduct, sanctions for violations of university policy, legal ramifications of drug and alcohol abuse, the health risks of alcohol and illicit drug use, and a summary of ISU prevention and education efforts.
ISU is committed to enforcement of ISU drug and alcohol-related policies and will ensure consistent enforcement of appropriate sanctions, including referral for prosecution.
ISU’s most recent biennial review of its 2021-22 Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program is located here. The 2023-24 biennial review will be published in fall 2024 and will be posted on this webpage
ISU Policies and Sanctions for Illegal Alcohol and Drug Use
As an academic community, Indiana State University is committed to providing an environment in which learning and scholarship can flourish. The possession or use of illegal drugs, or the abuse of those which may otherwise be legally possessed, seriously affects the ISU campus environment, as well as the individual potential of our students and staff. The University enforces state laws and related University policies, including those prohibiting the following activities on campus:
Providing alcoholic beverages to individuals under 21, or possession, or consumption of alcoholic beverages by individuals under 21.
Distribution, unlawful manufacturing, possession, or use of illegal drugs or controlled substances.
ISU strongly encourages students and staff members to voluntarily obtain assistance for dependency or abuse problem before such behavior results in an arrest and/or disciplinary referral, which might result in their separation from the institution.
Employees
ISU's Drug-Free Campus prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances or alcohol in any part of the University or at any University activity. Legal use of alcohol may be permitted on campus only if approved by the University President or designee. ISU has also developed procedures for evaluation and resolution of suspected violations of this policy, which include workplace inspections and controlled substance and alcohol testing. A determination that the employee violated ISU policies will result in sanctions or disciplinary outcomes that may include a) required participation in an approved drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program, b) reprimand, c) suspension, d) termination of employment.
Students
The use of alcohol and other drugs by students, regardless of age and of location (on-campus or off-campus), is prohibited by the Code of Student Conduct. The use of, or addiction to, alcohol, marijuana, or controlled substances is not considered an excuse for violations of the Student Conduct Code and will not be a mitigating factor in the application of appropriate disciplinary sanctions for such violations. Student organizations are also subject to ISU drug and alcohol policies.
In May of 204, the ISU Board of Trustees approved a revised Student Code of Conduct. One of the primary sections modified was that related to Drug- and Alcohol-Related Behaviors. The purpose of the change was to provide more clarity to students by giving specific definition to prohibited behaviors. In addition, the new policy provides additional reporting information that will assist in addressing particular behaviors. The 2014 policy language is listed below.
Relevant Excerpts from the Student Code of Conduct (modified in 2014)
3.3.3 Drug Related Behavior refers to drug violations, including, but is not limited to being in the presence of, under the influence of, possessing, manufacturing, exchanging, distributing, purchasing, using, or selling unlawful drugs or any controlled substance/narcotic, such as, but not limited to, marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids, inhalants and intoxicants, misuse of over-the-counter drugs and/or prescription drugs, or possessing paraphernalia for drug related use on University premises.
- 3.3.3a. In the Presence of/Failure to Report
- 3.3.3b. Possession of unlawful drug or controlled substance(s);
- 3.3.3c. Possession of drug paraphernalia
- 3.3.3d. Use of unlawful drug or controlled substance(s);
- 3.3.3e. Purchase of unlawful drug or controlled substance(s);
- 3.3.3f. Misuse of over-the-counter drugs or prescription drugs;
- 3.3.3g. Manufacture of unlawful drug or controlled substance(s);
- 3.3.3h. Distribution and/or sale and/or delivery of unlawful drug or controlled substance(s).
- 3.3.3i. Reasonable suspicion of unlawful drug use (odor); and/or
- 3.3.3j. Behavior while under the influence of any item covered under this section.
3.3.4 Alcohol Related Behavior refers to any violation of the University Alcoholic Beverage Policy:
- 3.3.4a. Sale, purchase, consumption, or possession of alcoholic beverages by persons who are younger than 21 years of age;
- 3.3.4b. Sale, purchase, consumption, or possession of alcoholic beverages by persons of legal age in a manner inconsistent with University policy;
- 3.3.4c. Furnishing alcoholic beverages to persons younger than 21 years of age; and/or
- 3.3.4d. Behavior while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage.
- Formative Outcomes: Conversations with University Partner, Meeting with University Administrator, Written Assignments, Letter of Apology, Hall/Floor Programs, and Workshops
- Referral Outcomes: Alcohol Education, Drug/Substance Education, Voluntary Counseling, and Psychological Assessment
- Administrative Outcomes: Conduct Discussion, Conduct Warning (No more than two), Housing Relocation, On-Campus Housing Probation, and Account Hold
- Loss of Privilege Outcomes: Loss of Extra-Curricular Privileges, Separation from Campus Housing, Ban from an Area of Campus, Trespass from University Property, and No Contact Order
Disciplinary actions applied to students are as follows:
Conduct Probation is defined as a specified period of observation and evaluation of a student’s conduct. Any violation of University or residence hall policy committed by a student on Conduct Probation is a serious violation and may result in separation from the University. Failure to complete discretionary sanctions while on Conduct Probation may result in separation from the University. No more than one Conduct Probation status shall be imposed on a student prior to the student being removed from the University community. While a student is serving a Conduct Probation, he/she is not in good conduct standing with the University, may not be permitted to hold elected office, nor represent the University in an official capacity.
Temporary Separation (Suspension) involves removal of the student from the University for a definite period of time (minimum of one semester), after which the student is eligible to return, and a permanent notation on one’s transcript. Conditions for readmission may be specified.
Permanent Separation (Expulsion) refers to the removal of the student from the University. If assigned permanent separation, a student at no time will be permitted to reenroll in classes at Indiana State University, and a permanent notation will be made on one’s transcript.
Emergency Action - the University has identified two types of Emergency Action: Emergency Housing Separation and Emergency University Separation.
Parents/guardians of students whose use of alcohol or drugs results in harm or the threat of harm to themselves or others, or to property, regardless of the location of the incident, will be notified. When there is reason to believe that a student’s health and well-being are at risk or they have placed other members of the community at risk, the Dean of Students or his/her designee may contact the parents/guardians directly.
As members of the University community, students are also subject to city ordinances and to state and federal law. Arrest and prosecution for alleged violations of criminal law or city ordinances may result from the same incident for which the University imposes disciplinary sanctions.
Drug- and Alcohol-Related Legal Sanctions
Indiana law provides a range of criminal penalties for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, public intoxication, possession of alcohol by a minor. In addition, Indiana law prohibits knowingly or intentionally possesses, manufactures, finances the manufacture of, delivers, or finances the delivery of certain drugs. Federal law prohibit drug trafficking. For more information, please see the attached information on the latest legal sanctions for alcohol and drug use.
Health Risks of Alcohol and Illicit Drug Use
Substance Other Names | Potential for Dependence | Risks and Effects | |||
Physical | Psychological | Short-Term | Long-term | Overdose | |
Alcohol | High | High |
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Cannabis | Low | Moderate |
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Depressants | High | High |
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Hallucinogenics | Low / Unknown | Unknown |
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Inhalants | High for chronic, long-term abuse | High for chronic, long-term abuse |
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Narcotics | High | High |
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Stimulants | Possible | High |
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Tobacco | High | High |
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Notes:
- Alcohol and other drug use during pregnancy increases risk of physical harm to fetus.
- Additional risks of harm may occur from toxic impurities present in street drugs.
- Additional risks of harm may occur from the use of prescription drugs in ways other than prescribed.
- Drugs taken by injection can increase the risk of infection (e.g., HIV, hepatitis, etc.) through needle contamination.
For more information, visit: www.drugabuse.gov
www.samhsa.gov
ISU Prevention Efforts and Campus/Community Resources
Counseling and Treatment
Short-term alcohol and drug counseling is available on campus to students through the ISU Student Counseling Center (812) 237-3939. Students may be referred through the Student Counseling Center to other treatment programs for more intensive treatment. Within the Terre Haute Community, the following substance abuse counseling agencies exist: Hamilton Center-(812) 231-8200, Indiana Association of Prevention Professionals- (812) 232-5190, and Club Soda (812) 232-2631. These agencies provide a variety of services, which may include: Intake/Evaluation, Social Setting Detoxification, Intensive Residential Program, Chemical Dependency Programs, Adolescent and Adult Outpatient Services. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact each agency for additional information regarding specific services and costs.
Prevention and Education
Through the ISU Student Counseling Center (SCC) at Phone: (812) 237-3939, and the Office of Student Health Promotion at Phone: (812) 237- 3258, and other departments and offices here at Indiana State University. The SCC provides assessment, education and treatment services for ISU students who are having difficulties with substance abuse issues, i.e., alcohol, drugs, prescription drugs, etc., affecting their college lives.
For students seeking services for alcohol or drug concerns, the SCC provides short-term individual counseling as well as brief groups for these concerns. All students must undergo an initial appointment with a counselor to determine the level of risk and current usage. Based on the outcome of the first appointment, students are referred to either the alcohol or marijuana psycho-education groups or to individual counseling. The groups are a total of 3 hours and take place over a 3-week period.
At times, students may be referred for more formal drug and alcohol evaluations to satisfy requirements for Student Judicial, the courts, or another referring entity. The SCC uses a structured assessment to determine the student’s current and future level of risk. Please note that there is an additional cost for these assessments as they do not fall under the normal counseling fee.
As with many other universities, drug use at ISU is an ever-growing concern. As with alcohol, the SCC provides both assessment and brief treatment to ISU students who are deemed appropriate for our services. Individuals needing more intensive treatment are referred to appropriate programs within the community.
In addition to assessment and brief treatment, the SCC and Student Health Promotion also offer consultations to the campus community regarding those with substance use concerns as well as a range of outreach programming focused on alcohol and drug use. Examples of outreach services provided include presentations, displays, informational tables, and other activities as requested. Individual, group and community educational programs and interventions designed to prevent and reduce alcohol and other drug use/abuse are offered to the ISU Community.
For employees seeking services for alcohol or drug abuse, programs will be available through the Employee Assistance Program to evaluate and inform employees about: University policies pertaining to a drug-free workplace. Services and assistance are provided confidentially by the Employee Assistance Program
Contact the Office of Human Resources by phone at 812-237-4117 or online.
On-campus Resources/Information - | |
ISU Student Counseling Center | Phone: (812) 237-3939 https://www.indstate.edu/student-counseling-center |
Student Health Promotion | Phone: (812) 237-3258 https://www.indstate.edu/student-affairs/student-health-promotion |
UAP Clinic-ISU Health Center | Phone: (812) 237-3883 http://www2.indstate.edu/shc/ |
Office of Student Conduct and Integrity | Phone: (812) 237-3800 http://www2.indstate.edu/sci/ |
Indiana State University Police Department | Phone: Emergency- 911 Non-Emergency (812) 237-5555 http://www2.indstate.edu/pubsafety/ |
Vice President of Student Affairs | Phone: (812) 237-3888 https://www.indstate.edu/student-affairs |
Employee Assistance Program | Phone: (812) 237-4117 https://www.indstate.edu/humanres/wellness/eap |
Off-campus Resources/Information | |
Hamilton Center, Inc. | Phone: (812) 231-8200 or 1-800-742-0787 http://www.hamiltoncenter.org |
Union Hospital | Phone: (812) 238-7000 http://www.myunionhospital.org/unionhospital/ |
Terre Haute Regional Hospital | Phone: (812) 232-0021 |
Terre Haute City Police Department - Emergency | Phone: 911 |
Terre Haute Police Department: Non - Emergency | Phone: (812) 238-1661 |
Vigo County Sheriff’s Office: Emergency | Phone: 911 |
Vigo County Sheriff’s Office - Non-Emergency | Phone: (812) 462-3226 http://sheriff.vigocounty.in.gov/ |
In accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no individual shall be discriminated against on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of the University. Further, no qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of the University or be subjected to discrimination by the University.