The use, abuse, possession, sale, distribution, manufacture, or transfer of narcotics, illegal drugs as defined by state or federal law, or any controlled substance is prohibited at all times, except as expressly permitted by law. Controlled substances include, but are not limited to, marijuana, hash oil, hashish, inhalants, and abuse of over-the-counter drugs and prescription drugs, and/or the use of over-the-counter drugs or prescription drugs, or any other immediate precursor to be used to manufacture any other illegal drug, including without limitation, methamphetamine, except as expressly permitted by law.

Possession or manufacture of drug paraphernalia which is to be used for any one of the following purposes:

  1. to introduce into a person's body a drug, marijuana or any controlled substance,
  2. to test the strength, effectiveness or purity of a drug, marijuana or any controlled substance, or
  3. enhances, or is perceived to enhance, the physiological effect of a drug, marijuana or any controlled substance, is also a violation of this policy.

Violation of this policy, on or off campus, will result in disciplinary action by the University. Those found responsible may face sanctions up to and including consideration of suspension or expulsion, depending on prior disciplinary record and severity of the violation.

Students who reside in University housing facilities, may be subject to immediate contract termination if found responsible for any violation of this policy.

Student need to be aware that any student convicted of a state or federal drug violation that occurred while enrolled and while receiving federal financial aid may be declared ineligible for future federal student aid for up to a year. Individuals convicted of both possession and selling may face a longer period of ineligibility.

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.

Good Neighbor Policy 

Student health and safety is one of Ball State’s highest priorities. Overconsumption of alcohol and substance abuse is a national problem, and the Ball State community is not immune to that. We also know that students are usually in the best position to call for emergency services for another student, they should be encouraged to do so, and barriers to seeking help for other persons in need of emergency medical assistance should be removed whenever possible. Ball State recognizes that students may be concerned about being found responsible for a policy violation if they seek help in a situation where violations of policy have or are occurring. Ball State’s Good Neighbor Policy addresses how alleged conduct violations are addressed when students, recognized student organizations, and student groups provide and/or receive emergency assistance.