Alcohol and Drug Use
One of the goals of the University is to develop the full potential of creative intelligence of every student. A large number of scientific research studies on the Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi programs indicates an influence on brain physiology in the the direction of greater integration, coherence and refinement. Because alcohol consumption and drug abuse are counterproductive to the more evolved styles of neurophysiological functioning and behavior produced by the TM and TM-Sidhi programs, the University has a stringent policy on alcohol and non-prescribed drug use.
Alcohol policy
On campus
The possession, use, or distribution of alcohol is prohibited on campus. If a student of any age has alcohol in his or her possession (either carrying it or having already consumed it) on campus, this is regarded as a serious breach of conduct. Students are also not allowed to bring alcohol onto campus and distribute it, or be in the company of those who are using or distributing alcohol on campus. Violation of this policy will result in immediate University disciplinary procedures.
Iowa Laws
In the state of Iowa, the possession, use, or distribution of alcohol is illegal for anyone under age 21. Students in violation of any alcohol-related laws will be subject to University disciplinary procedures, and may also be prosecuted under state or federal law.
Off campus
The University strongly recommends that students of all ages abstain from the possession, use, or distribution of alcohol off campus.
Drug Use Policy
In the state of Iowa, the possession, use, or distribution of specific non-prescribed drugs is illegal. The University’s policy is that the possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs (such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, etc.) is prohibited. Being in the company of those who are using or distributing illegal drugs is also prohibited. This policy applies to all students, on and off campus, during the school year and during vacations, whether they are here or elsewhere. The University views this infraction of rules as a serious breach of conduct subject to disciplinary procedures and students may also be prosecuted under state or federal law.
Alcohol and Drug Use Disciplinary Procedures
A student who is in violation of the alcohol or drug use policies meets with a committee, which includes representatives from the Student Affairs Council, the Academic Standards Committee, and one member of the Global Student Council as voting members. The student’s department advisor may also attend as a voting member. The student may invite another student, faculty member, administrator, or parent to act on their behalf as a non-voting representative(s). Besides helping the student focus attention on the concern and finding a solution, action may include:
- Suspension: The student is asked to leave the University for a period of time specified by the committee, usually a minimum of one semester (5 blocks).
- Probation: Probation measures may include maintaining higher grades in instructional coursework and Research in Consciousness courses, community service, or other measures, for a period of time determined by the committee. Subsequent violation(s) of the alcohol/drug policies would likely result in immediate suspension.
The decision will be communicated to the student in writing, and will include the reasoning behind the decision and the period of time of suspension or probation. A copy of the letter will be given to the department advisor, and another copy will be placed on file in the Student Affairs Office. Suspension or probation information will not be placed on the student’s transcript. A memo regarding the outcome of the disciplinary action will be placed in the student’s file in the Enrollment Center. Students suspended from the University must arrange to vacate their rooms within 72 hours.