Drug Policy

Drug-free Schools and Campuses Act Compliance

The illegal or abusive use of alcohol and other drugs by members of the campus community jeopardizes the safety of the individual and the community, and is contrary to the academic learning process. Butler University is committed to having a campus that is free of the illegal or abusive use of alcohol and other drugs. In keeping with this commitment it is the policy of the University that the illegal or abusive use of alcohol and other drugs is prohibited on University property or as part of University activities. In order to inform all University students of their responsibilities as set forth in the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, the following information is provided:


  1. The Butler University Rules of Conduct prohibit the unauthorized use, possession, or distribution of any controlled substance or illegal drug.

  2. Conduct sanctions the University may employ for violations of the University drug and alcohol policies include dismissal, suspension, probation, restitution, suspension from University housing and forfeiture of financial assistance, or such other sanctions as deemed appropriate by the University. Students may be accountable to both civil authorities and the University for acts that constitute violations of law and University policy. Student conduct action at the University will normally proceed during the pending of criminal proceedings and will not be subject to challenge on the ground that criminal charges involving the same incident have been dismissed or reduced.

  3. Applicable legal sanctions under federal, state, and local law state that it is unlawful to possess a controlled substance, including marijuana, cocaine, LSD, PCP, heroin, designer drugs, etc. (Federal Law Title 21 USC, Sections 841, 844, 845). The penalty for simple possession of such substances is a fine and/or imprisonment. The penalties increase if the possession includes intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense a controlled substance, especially if it is near a public or private elementary, vocational or secondary school, or a public or private college or University. Violators of this law may also be subject to civil penalties.

  4. It is a violation of Indiana state law for anyone under the age of 21 to use or possess alcoholic beverages or to misrepresent their age for the purpose of purchasing alcoholic beverages. It is also unlawful for someone over the age of 21 to make alcoholic beverages available to someone under 21. Sanctions for the violation of this law may include a fine and/or imprisonment. Additionally, see Butler University’s Alcohol Policy for Students.

  5. It is a violation of Indiana state law for anyone to use, possess, manufacture, distribute or dispense controlled substances (Ind. Code Sec. 35-48-4-1 et seq.). Penalties include fines and/or imprisonment. Again, penalties increase if such activities take place near public parks, housing projects, or schools.

  6. Students who receive federal financial aid must understand that the 1998 amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965, Section 484 (r) includes a student eligibility provision related to drug possession and selling.  A student who is convicted of a state or federal offense involving the possession or sale of an illegal drug that occurs during a period of enrollment in which federal student aid was received is not eligible for federal funds.  Federal aid is comprised of grants, student loans, and college work study. The timeframe for ineligibility begins on the date of conviction and lasts until the end of a specified period as outlined below:

    Possession of illegal drugs   Sale of illegal drugs
    1st offense 1 year from date of conviction2 years from date of conviction
    2nd offense2 years from date of convictionIndefinite period
    3+ offensesIndefinite period
    Provisions do exist for regaining eligibility sooner.


  7. Health risks associated with the use of illegal drugs and abuse of alcohol are staggering. The abuse of alcohol and other drugs is now recognized as the number one public health problem in the United States. Approximately 30 percent of all admissions to general hospitals and 50 percent to psychiatric hospitals have detectable substance abuse. Substance abuse accounts for approximately 150,000 deaths annually. This includes death from stroke, diseases of the heart, and liver and all drug and alcohol related suicides, homicides and accidents. The abuse of substances also increases risk of ulcers, birth defects, and a diminished immune system. Studies of college students have also found a correlation between the use of alcohol and other drugs and an increased risk of violent and irresponsible behavior and academic failure.

  8. The University encourages students who are experiencing substance abuse problems to seek assistance from resources available to them on campus, as well as from agencies and self-help groups available in the community. A list of these resources is available from Health Services and Counseling and Consultation Services located in the HRC, 317-940-9385.

  9. Review highlights of our education and policy enforcement efforts: Drug Free Schools and Campuses Act Biennial Review: Academic Years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022


(Reviewed and updated annually. Last reviewed July 2022)