PNW Alcohol and Other Drugs Notification
September 19, 2025
Dear Purdue Northwest Student,
At a glance, this may look way too long to read and I get it, you’re busy. But there may be something in here you didn’t know. Give it a quick skim. It might help you.
Each year, the Federal Government requires college campuses across the country to notify students about their alcohol and other drug policies.
There are many campus resources and information you should be aware of as you make choices regarding alcohol and other drug use:
University Regulations
- The use, possession or distribution of narcotics or dangerous drugs is prohibited, except as permitted by state law.
- In addition, the use, possession, or distribution of “medical marijuana” in Purdue Northwest residence halls, on other areas of the Purdue Northwest campus, or otherwise is also prohibited even in the instance where the “medical marijuana” was legally prescribed in another state and/or country.
- Alcoholic beverages are generally prohibited on University property but are allowed in a few settings by those 21 and older.
- Students suspected of violating alcohol and other drug regulations may be subject to disciplinary proceedings conducted by representatives of the Office of the Dean of Students. Students who are found responsible for a violation of University Regulations may be subject to disciplinary outcomes/decisions.
State and Federal Laws
- All Purdue Northwest students are responsible for complying with local, state, and federal laws regarding alcohol. For a complete listing of the current alcoholic beverage laws, consult Indiana Alcoholic Beverage Laws. For more information about Indiana Alcoholic Beverage Laws, please contact our Purdue Northwest Police Department at 219.989.2220 PNWpolice@pnw.edu (Hammond) and (219) 785-5220 Campus_Police@pnw.edu (Westville).
- Drugs other than alcohol can also create legal risks for college students. The Controlled Substances Act regulates drugs that have been declared by the Attorney General to have abuse potential. Such drugs include: marijuana, hashish, or hash oil, cocaine, LSD, and other hallucinogens, barbiturates and other sedative-hypnotics, amphetamines and other prescription stimulants, MDMA (Molly or ecstasy), PCP, heroin, synthetic cannabinoids, and similar drugs.
- The Indiana Lifeline Law provides that a person is immune from arrest or prosecution for certain alcohol offenses if the arrest or prosecution is due to the person: (1) reporting a medical emergency; (2) being the victim of a sex offense, or (3) witnessing and reporting what the person believes to be a crime. It also establishes a mitigating circumstance for the sentencing of a person convicted of a controlled substance offense if the person’s arrest or prosecution was facilitated in part because the person requested emergency medical assistance for an individual in need of medical assistance due to the use of alcohol or a controlled substance.
Health Effects
- Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant.
- Alcohol is rapidly absorbed from the stomach and small intestine, passes into the bloodstream, and then travels throughout the body. The effects of alcohol on the body are directly related to the amount consumed.
- When consumed rapidly and in large amounts, alcohol can cause coma and death.
- Adverse effects of alcohol include impaired judgment, reduced reaction time, slurred speech, and difficulty walking.
- Alcohol can interact with a number of prescription and non-prescription medications in ways that can intensify the effect of the alcohol, or the medications themselves, or both. Alcohol use by those who are pregnant can cause serious damage to the developing fetus.
Impacts of Violations
- Arrest records are permanent, even if the student attends a diversion class.
- Even a minor alcohol violation may impact certification or licensure, or applications to graduate or other professional schools. Some employers conduct security checks on applicants.
Campus Resources
There are opportunities for students to receive assistance for alcohol and other drug use. Those offices are listed below.
Britt Hudson
Interim Dean of Students