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IUP Drug And Alcohol Policies (Policy Disclosure 7)

University policies, Indiana Borough ordinances, and state and federal laws regarding the possession, use, and sale of alcoholic beverages or drugs are vigorously enforced.  Persons responsible for incidents involving alcohol and drugs in residential facilities will be confronted and incidents documented by residence hall staff members and the IUP University Police.  Remember: Student use, sale, or possession of alcohol and illegal drugs is prohibited on campus.  Possession and /or consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all university-owned residential buildings except for two apartment-style halls, where residents of legal age (twenty-one or older) are allowed to consume alcohol in the privacy of their apartments.  No alcohol is permitted in public areas, including hallways.  The student handbook, The Source, and the University Health Service are available to provide additional information on drug and alcohol policies.  It is recommended that all students read The Source and ask all pertinent questions.

Standards of Conduct

Indiana University of Pennsylvania is committed to the maintenance of a learning and working environment free from the unlawful use of drugs and alcohol and in accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989.  It is the intent and obligation of the university to provide a drug-free, healthful, safe, and secure work environment free of drug and alcohol abuse.  As such, the university prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on its property or as part of any of its activities.

Legal Consequences of Drug Violations

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of a controlled substance or alcohol on university premises or while conducting university business off university premises is absolutely prohibited. 

All applicable legal sanctions under local, state, or federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol will be applied.  The legal consequences of alcohol and other drug violations are described below.

Alcohol

Alcohol is the most socially acceptable drug in our society.  Although it is considered legal for persons aged twenty-one and over, the use and distribution of alcohol is regulated by state and federal laws.

The IUP Student Behavior Code identifies the following actions concerning alcohol as expressly prohibited:

a. Possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus except as provided in the university Alcohol Policy.

b. Underage Drinking -possession, consumption, and/or sale or distribution of alcohol by or to persons under the age of twenty-one.

c. Excessive use of alcohol resulting in a state of intoxication that endangers oneself or other members of the community.

The Pennsylvania Liquor and Crimes Code has increased the penalties for the following alcohol violations:

If a person is under twenty-one and purchases, consumes, possesses, or transports alcoholic beverages, misrepresents his/her age to secure alcoholic beverages, and/or possesses a false identification card, that individual may be fined $300 and will lose his/her driver's license for ninety days.  For second and third offenses, the penalty increases substantially.

If an individual sells or furnishes alcoholic beverages to minors or manufactures or sells a false identification card, he/she may be fined $1,000 and lose his/her driver's license for ninety days.

Penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance include a fine of not less than $300 and jail for not less than forty-eight hours for first violation.  Subsequent violations include jail for not less than thirty days for second violation, not less than ninety days for third violation, and not less than one year for fourth violation.  Homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence is a felony and carries a penalty of not less than three years' imprisonment, a fine, and revocation of operating privileges.

Controlled Substances

Students and employees of Indiana University of Pennsylvania should be aware that law enforcement agencies have also taken a stricter stance concerning possession of illegal drugs.

State and federal statutes and court interpretations have given the police broader powers in determining and prosecuting drug offenses. For example, the simple possession of marijuana is punishable by up to $500 and/or thirty days in jail.  Simple possession of any amount of cocaine constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by up to three years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine.  However, law enforcement agencies can now apply a looser definition of what constitutes intent to sell, therefore making the penalties much stricter.

If an individual is charged with possession with intent to sell, he/she could face a sentence of no less than five years and no more than life and fines up to $2 million.  These penalties cover all illicit drugs and increase considerably for second offenses.

Health Risks

Alcohol

Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior.  Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident.  Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increases the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including spouse and child abuse.  Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person's ability to learn and remember information.  Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death.  If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described.

Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence.  Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions.  Alcohol withdrawal can be life threatening.  Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver.

Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome.  These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation.  In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other youngsters of becoming alcoholics.

Controlled Substances

Pechan Health Center – Health Education Program