Alcohol and Drugs at the University of Iowa

At The University of Iowa we are committed to the health and safety of our students. Part of this commitment involves constructing a policy towards alcohol and drugs that will reduce the harm that can result from unsafe consumption and harboring an environment where moderation is the guiding principle. As part of our policy, we support our students’ ability to make their own choices, and fully trust in their capacity to practice responsibility in those choices. Accordingly, we see it as our role to provide our students with the education and advocacy necessary to do that.

  • Drinking should not be the primary focus of any activity.
  • Do not mix different types of alcohol
  • Do not drink on an empty stomach
  • Space your drinks.  One drink per hour is a good rule of thumb. 
  • Use alcohol carefully in connection with other drugs. This includes over-the-counter drugs such as sleeping pills and cold or cough medicines. Alcohol should be avoided while taking certain antibiotics, arthritic, anti-depressant, and many other prescription medications. Check with your physician or pharmacy before you drink while on any prescription drug.
  • Don't party with strangers or by yourself, only drink with people that you know and trust.
  • Watch your drinks.
  • Party only in a familiar, safe, and comfortable environment.

 

UI Alcohol and Drug Policy

Because of the threat to the health and safety of our students, the University has established mandatory minimum sanctions for alcohol and drug violations.

Alcohol and drug violations, both on and off-campus, shall include, but not be limited to the following:

Alcohol

  • Possession of alcohol under the legal age (PAULA)
  • Public intoxication
  • Manufacture, use, or possession of false identification
  • Alcohol overdose
  • Operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (OWI)
  • Involvement in a crime while under the influence of alcohol
  • Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in University Residence Halls, fraternity houses, or sorority houses
  • Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages on University property outdoors or in other public areas of campus

Drug

  • Possession of a controlled substance
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia
  • Driving under the influence of drugs
  • Drug trafficking
  • Involvement in a crime while under the influence of drugs

University Sanctions for Alcohol or Drug Violations

Sanctions usually begin at the 1st step and are progressive in nature. However, the type of violation or circumstances may modify the sanctions. The modification may result in more severe or lenient sanctions.

Because of the serious and potentially life-threatening consequences, Operating under the influence (OWI) or a trip to the Emergency Room with a Blood Alcohol Content equal to or greater than .20 will automatically be considered to be 2nd step offenses. Possession of marijuana over 10 grams and other illegal drug offenses also normally result in 2nd step sanctions, except for drug trafficking offenses which are considered 3rd step offenses. If a student has been suspended after reaching the 3rd step and is readmitted to The University of Iowa, the student is readmitted at the

1st Step Sanctions

  • Parent/Guardian notification, if the student is under 21.
  • Satisfactory completion of a defined alcohol education program.
  • Assignment to meet with Critical MASS Mentor.
  • Disciplinary Warning.

2nd Step Sanctions

  • Parent/Guardian notification with a follow-up letter or telephone call, if the student is under 21.
  • Satisfactory completion of a recommended alcohol or drug counseling program.
  • Disciplinary Probation for remainder of current semester and the following two semesters (Fall or Spring) enrolled at the University. Probation extends through any intervening summer terms, inter-sessions, and/or any institutional breaks.
  • Ordinarily, cancellation of a student's Housing contract if the student lives in a residence hall.

3rd Step Sanctions

  • Suspension from the University for at least one complete Fall or Spring semester following the suspension's effective date, including any intervening summer terms or inter-sessions. The Dean of Students may elect for the suspension to take effect immediately or to take effect upon completion of the current semester or term.

*For further information on sanctions, please visit our Student Judicial Procedure page.

Questions? Call the Office of the Dean of Students 335-1162

Downloadable Brochures

Help Your Friends: Good Samaritan Policy

The health and safety of its students is of primary concern to the University of Iowa. The UI is aware that students are sometimes reluctant to seek medical attention in alcohol and drug related emergencies out of fear they may face University sanctions related to possessing or consuming alcohol or drugs. Because these emergencies are potentially life threatening, the University of Iowa wants to do what it can to reduce barriers that prevent students from seeking assistance.

University staff members are available to provide medical assistance to students whose health is at risk due to excessive consumption of alcohol and/or drug abuse. When someone is in danger, a student should not hesitate to contact a staff member or to call 9-1-1. In most situations, administrators will not impose disciplinary sanctions on the caller or on the impaired student if timely action is taken to alert emergency personnel.

Click here for more information on safety at The University of Iowa.

Click here for more information on first aid for the intoxicated.