Student Alcohol Policy

Butler University prioritizes the health, safety, and well-being of its community members above all else. Students and student organizations are expected to immediately seek emergency medical assistance for any individual in need of assessment. The University’s policy and student conduct practices recognize and adhere to the State of Indiana’s Lifeline Law (http://indianalifeline.org/): students who actively seek medical attention for themselves or others regarding alcohol consumption will not face University disciplinary charges for underage possession or consumption of alcohol.

The purpose of this policy is to foster a safe campus environment, minimize the risks associated with high-risk alcohol consumption, and remove barriers that might deter students from seeking life-saving medical help. This policy establishes the rules governing the possession, consumption, and distribution of alcohol on University property and at University-sponsored events, ensuring compliance with the Indiana Alcoholic Beverage Code (Indiana Code 7.1-5) and the Indiana Lifeline Law.

This policy applies to all Butler University students, recognized student organizations (including fraternities and sororities), and their guests.

Emergency Medical Activation & the Indiana Lifeline Law

When an alcohol-related medical emergency occurs, students are expected to take immediate action:

  • Call for Help: Immediately contact emergency medical services or the Butler University Police Department (BUPD).
  • Provide Information: Give full names and any requested, relevant information to law enforcement or medical personnel.
  • Remain on Scene: Stay with the individual in need of care until emergency responders arrive and dismiss you.
  • Cooperate: Fully cooperate with all responding authorities.

Students who fulfill these expectations will not be charged with University policy violations for underage use or possession of alcohol. The Office of the Dean of Students will conduct supportive outreach to the involved individuals.

The Lifeline Law does not preclude student conduct action for other concurrent violations (e.g., fake identification, physical harm, sexual misconduct, property damage, hazing, or providing drugs/alcohol to minors).

Misrepresenting one’s involvement during an investigation may result in conduct charges.

Use of Alcoholic Beverages

All Butler Students are responsible for complying with state and local laws. Attention is called to the Indiana alcoholic beverages law (Indiana Code 7.1-5 found here: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/7.1).

Rules associated with this policy include, but are not limited to:

a) No person under 21 years of age may possess or consume alcohol.

b) Persons 21 or older may not provide alcohol to minors.

c) Misrepresenting age to obtain alcohol is strictly prohibited.

d) Students who are 21 or older (and their guests who are 21 or older) may possess and consume alcohol strictly within the privacy of their own residence hall rooms or University apartments, provided the room door is closed. Individuals under the age of 21 are strictly prohibited from being in the presence of alcohol within University housing.

e) Students are responsible for ensuring minors do not consume alcohol in spaces they own, rent, or control (including, but not limited to, residence hall rooms, apartments, houses, or hotel rooms), regardless of who supplied the alcohol.

Alcohol on University Property and at University-Sponsored Events

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on campus and on the sidewalks adjacent to campus property, except as noted in (d) above or,

– With the expressed approval of the department head responsible for the administration of a designated facility/area.

– Student organizations wanting to sponsor an event on campus with alcohol must receive prior authorization from the Vice President for DEISA.

While the City of Indianapolis does permit open alcohol containers, Butler University policy does not. The exception to this rule, as noted above, is that alcohol may be served at approved events with the proper markings/area designated for alcohol consumption.

  1. No University funds or monies from student organization accounts may be used to purchase alcoholic beverages without the prior authorization of the Vice President for DEISA.
  2. Student organizations may provide alcoholic beverages at University-sponsored events on and off campus in accordance with guidelines set by the Office of Student Activities.
  3. University-recognized fraternities and sororities may provide alcoholic beverages at registered events in accordance with guidelines set by the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association.