Know the Law

Alcohol and controlled substances

Drake University believes that it cannot deny persons of legal age the right to use alcoholic beverages, but sees a responsibility to prevent the abuse of drinking privileges by expecting students to behave in a legal and responsible manner where the use of alcoholic beverages is concerned.

All federal, state and local laws regarding the unauthorized use, possession, distribution or sale of any alcoholic beverages and controlled substances are in effect on the Drake University campus. Drake University provides education and counseling regarding drug abuse.

A complete description of the University’s policies regarding alcohol and substance abuse may be found in the Student Handbook. Faculty and staff members should contact the Director of Human Resources for a complete description of the appropriate policies pertaining to them.

Sexual abuse

A complete description of the University’s policies regarding sexual abuse, including procedures for reporting sexual abuse and preserving evidence, can be found in the Student Handbook.

Drake University strongly encourages victims of sexual abuse (including date rape) to report the incident to the authorities and to file a campus disciplinary complaint. Upon the request of a victim of sexual abuse, DPS will help the student notify the Des Moines Police Department. Faculty and staff members should contact the Director of Human Resources for a complete description of the appropriate policies and procedures pertaining to them.

Counseling for sexual abuse victims is available through the University’s counseling center as well as through services such as First Call for Help and Victim Services, both of which are listed on the back of this brochure. Upon the request of a victim of sexual abuse, changes can be made to the victim’s academic, living and work situations to the extent such changes are reasonably available. In addition to possible civil and criminal procedures, Drake may initiate disciplinary procedures and possible sanctions. See the Code of Student Conduct section within the Student Handbook.

Sex offender registry

The Federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act requires that colleges and universities advise their campus communities where law enforcement agency information provided by a state concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained. The Act also requires sex offenders already required to register in a state to provide notice, as required under state law, of each institution of higher education in that state at which the person is employed, carries on a vocation, volunteers services or is a student.

A registry of sex offenders who have been determined to be of high or moderate likelihood to re-offend is maintained by the State of Iowa at: www.iowasexoffenders.com. For more specific information or to find out which offenders have indicated they attend or are employed by Drake, please contact Sgt. Barry Arnold of the Des Moines Police Department at (515) 283-4833 during regular business hours.

WARNING: The information on the Iowa Sex Offender Web site and the information available to the Des Moines Police Department may be inaccurate, out of date and/or incomplete. Reporting to the registry is voluntary on the part of sex offenders. In addition, budget constraints have prevented the sex offender registry from being kept up to date.

Weapons and dangerous substances

The use or possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, incendiary devices, BB guns, imitation guns or any dangerous weapons, substance or material on campus is prohibited except as expressly authorized by the University.

Damage or destruction to Drake property by use of fire or explosives

Pursuant to the Safe Explosives Act, 18 U.S.C. 844(f), persons who maliciously damage or destroy, or attempt to damage or destroy, by means of fire or explosive, any building, vehicle or other property owned by a college or university receiving Federal financial assistance (such as Drake University) may be imprisoned for not less than five years and not more than 20 years, plus receive a fine, or both. If personal injury occurs, then the sentence rises to seven to 40 years, plus a fine, or both. If the conduct causes the death of another, then the perpetrator can be subject to the death penalty, or imprisoned for not less than 20 years to life, fined, or both.

Off-campus organizations

DPS cooperates with the Des Moines Police Department in monitoring and recording any criminal activities at off-campus student organizations, such as fraternities and sororities, or by members of such organizations.