Crossing the line
By Sarah Haefner | Feature Editor
Officially a dry campus, the University of Indianapolis cannot claim to be void of alcohol-related skirmishes, though it can assert a comprehensive disciplinary policy designed to provide educational and punitive penalties for students in violation.
The details concerning UIndy’s dry campus status can be found in the student handbook, which states that “[t]he use, possession, distribution and being under the influence of alcoholic beverages and illicit drugs are prohibited in the residence halls, campus apartments, and anywhere on campus (including parking lots, property, and vehicles).” Furthermore, “any empty alcohol containers or bottle collections” are not permitted on campus.
Sanctions for violations of the alcohol policy can be found under the Social Misconduct Policy in the student handbook as well. Offenses are classified as Category “B”, which may “result in disciplinary or residence hall probation or suspension.”
Student affairs officials may approach each isolated incident as a level one, two or three. A level one response is designed “to educate the students about their experiences” and includes the completion of a two-hour alcohol education program, a fine of $100 and social conduct probation. Level one offenses are commonly first-time violations of any and all UIndy policies.
A level two response is reserved for students who have also violated other UIndy policies or if the offense is of a more serious nature. Sanctions include the completion of an alcohol assessment and compliance with any recommendations, a fine of $200 and social conduct probation with restrictions. The Dean of Students may also remove the student from residence halls or campus.
Lastly, a level three response includes a fine of $300, immediate removal from residence halls and suspension or expulsion from the university.
The university can also hold accountable any student hosting off-campus events involving alcohol. Again, three response levels are utilized as a guide for punitive measures.
Although many at UIndy believe alcohol is not a huge problem on campus, realistically the issue is not obsolete.
“UIndy is no different than any other college. We have alcohol, but I believe the quantity is not nearly as high as other Indiana schools,” said Dean of Students Kory Vitangeli. “It’s hard to combat the media and students’ preconceived notions of college.”
This adopted preconceived notion led to 48 student affairs referrals in 2007 regarding violations of the liquor law, all of which occurred in residence halls. This statistic is down from 61 referrals in 2006. No arrests were made in 2007.
Vitangeli believes the punishment process is not the only way to combat alcohol consumption.
“The best thing for students affairs to do is to provide organizations as alternatives,” Vitangeli said. “There is no limit to how many student organizations we can have. Students need to come forward and work with the student program board to create new organizations.”
“[Alcohol] always identifies itself,” said Chief of Police and Director of Campus Safety Mick Reddick. “Students get loud and rowdy and someone always calls in. It’s our job to look for patterns and repeat offenders and keep things from leading to worse offenses.”
