When students choose to consume alcoholic beverages, Ball State University encourages responsible practices and behavior in accordance with campus policies, the laws of the State of Indiana, and the City of Muncie. On and off campus violations of University policy and local and state laws related to alcohol will result in disciplinary action.

A. General Guidelines

  1. University Sponsored Events - Illegal purchase, service, consumption, or possession of alcoholic beverages at any University-sponsored event on or off campus is prohibited. Upholding applicable local, state, and federal laws in connection with this policy is the joint responsibility of the persons in attendance at the activity, the sponsoring organization, and the management of the establishment in which the activity is held.
  2. Illegal purchase, consumption, or possession of alcoholic beverages by any student under 21 years of age is prohibited wherever it may occur.
  3. Providing alcoholic beverages at any time to an individual who is under 21 years of age is strictly prohibited.
  4. Adverse behavior - as a result of alcohol consumption and regardless of age - including but not limited to, disruption, disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and sexual misconduct shall be a violation of the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities (Code).
  5. The sale of alcoholic beverages by any person, group, or organization without a license is strictly prohibited.
  6. Students, groups, or organizations found responsible for providing alcohol to minors and selling or distributing alcohol in violation of state law shall be in violation of the Code.
  7. Students hosting events (including but not limited to parties, "pre-gaming," "socials" etc.) where (a) minors consume alcohol (b) alcohol is provided to minors, or (c) alcohol is otherwise distributed in violation of local ordinances or state laws are subject to sanctions outlined in the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities up to and including suspension or expulsion from the University. Groups and organizations are subject to sanctions up to and including suspension of recognition or withdrawal of recognition.

B. On Campus

With respect to the service, possession, or consumption of alcoholic beverages on the Ball State University campus, state statutes, and city ordinances will be enforced in addition to the following regulations:

  1. Residents who are of legal age to possess or consume alcoholic beverages and who reside in University-operated employee apartments or University Apartment units may possess and consume such alcoholic beverages in the privacy of their residences.
  2. Consumption and possession of alcohol may be permitted on some residence hall floors where all residents are of legal age to possess or consume alcoholic beverages. Such use of alcoholic beverages will not be permitted in the public lounges, study lounges, recreation areas, dining rooms, or any area other than the student rooms.

C. Parental Notice

The University will notify parents/guardians of students under 21 years of age when a student is found responsible for (1) a violation of the drug policy, (2) a second violation of the alcohol policy, and (3) on the first violation of the alcohol policy when one or more of the following occurs:

  • the student demonstrates a reckless disregard for his or her personal safety or the safety of others;
  • medical attention to any person, including the student, is required as a result of the student's alcohol related behavior;
  • there is property damage;
  • the student operates a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol;
  • the incident involves another serious violation;
  • the student's alcohol-related behavior negatively impacts the learning environment.

D. Good Neighbor Exception

Students are always encouraged and expected to call for emergency assistance as needed, even at the risk of disciplinary action for their own conduct. When another person is in need of critical care or when a situation otherwise warrants emergency response, call 911 immediately. The Good Neighbor Exception provides University officials the opportunity to waive University conduct action regarding drug or alcohol policy violations if a student risked revealing their own violation in order to seek medical or other emergency assistance for another person. The Good Neighbor Exception typically applies only to students committing minor offenses. Whether to apply the Good Neighbor exception shall be the judgment of the designated University official. The University exercising this exception does not preclude criminal prosecution by a law enforcement agency.