Student Behavior
Alcohol and Drug Use
Because the University is committed to supporting maximum growth of our students, we have a stringent policy regarding alcohol and non-prescribed drug use.
Note: Students taking any prescribed medications should continue until their health care provider recommends otherwise.
Students seeking assistance with substance abuse issues are strongly encourage to visit privately with the Director of our Student Support Services, Campus Nurse, or any other member of our Student Life team. For a listing of local resources, please go to mum.edu/supportgroup.
- Iowa laws
- Alcohol policy: on campus
- Alcohol policy: off campus
- Health risks of alcohol consumption
- Drug Policy
- Alcohol and drug use corrective procedures
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 remedial action, and may also be prosecuted under state or federal law.
The possession, use, or distribution of alcohol is prohibited on campus. If a student of any age has alcohol in his or her possession on campus (either carrying it or having already consumed it), this is regarded as a serious breach of conduct. Students are also not allowed to be in the company of those who are using or distributing alcohol on campus. Violation of this policy will result in immediate remedial action.
The University strongly recommends that students of all ages abstain from the possession, use, or distribution of alcohol off campus as well as on campus. The underage possession or use of alcohol off campus, distribution to students under the age of 21 off campus, and driving while under the influence of alcohol anywhere are prohibited and subject to immediate remedial action. Note: the policy of no alcohol or drug consumption is in effect during all field trips, Rotating University classes, other University-sponsored events, and internships.
Alcohol slows down brain functioning leading to poor decision making and slower reaction times. This can lead to serious accidents when drunk. In addition, alcohol kills brain cells. By drinking you are damaging the very means of gaining new knowledge and being most successful in your life.
According to the National Institute of Chemical Dependency, “Even low doses of alcohol 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 increase 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 a greater risk than other youngsters of becoming alcoholics.”
In the state of Iowa, the possession, use, or distribution of certain non-prescribed drugs (such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, etc.) is illegal. The University’s policy is that the possession, use, distribution, manufacturing and/or growth of illegal drugs and the possession of drug paraphernalia are prohibited. Being in the company of those who are using or distributing illegal drugs or misusing prescriptions 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 remedial action. Students may also be prosecuted under state or federal law. Schedule of federal penalties for drug possession and distribution.
Note regarding federal law: if you are convicted for illegal drug use and the offense occurred while you were receiving Federal Student Aid, you may become ineligible for Federal Student Aid for one to three years.
The University wishes to promote early intervention for students who seem to be using alcohol or drugs in violation of university policy, but have not been caught violating university policy. Therefore, faculty, Resident Advisors, fellow students, and others who suspect alcohol or drug usage by a student, including improper use of prescription drugs, are strongly encouraged to call the Director of Student Support Services, the Director of the Student Success Center, or any other member of the Department of Student Life team to share the concern.
If warranted, a member of the Student Life team will meet with the student privately, and consider with the student how best to address the concern. As long as the student has not been caught in violation of university policy, this meeting will not result in any disciplinary sanctions for the student.
See the Student Handbook for general procedures and policies related to alcohol and drug policy infractions, including consequences for infractions.
The content of this page was reviewed in January 2011.
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