Alcohol & Drugs

Students, faculty, and staff at the University of Michigan must abide by the Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Policy. State laws also govern all campus community members, the city of Ann Arbor Code, and the Regents’ Ordinance.

DPSS and the city of Ann Arbor officers cite students for alcohol and other drug-related offenses both on and off campus. Police may boost enforcement on dates associated with increased harmful activity, such as before, during, and after major athletic events and during some holidays.

Still have questions? See the alcohol and marijuana policies sections of our FAQ page.

• If you are under 21, do not drink. It is illegal and can result in a Minor in Possession (MIP) violation. Please note that it is also illegal to purchase, provide, or serve alcohol to those who are under 21.
• Do not drink and drive. No matter how old you are or what you think your “tolerance” is, know that it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content that is higher than .08. However, it is recommended that you don’t drive after drinking any alcohol.
• Do not urinate in public. Police may file criminal charges against anyone they catch urinating in an area not designated for that purpose.
• Avoid sexual activity if you or your partner has been drinking. A person who is incapacitated is unable to give consent. As such, mixing alcohol and drugs with sexual activity could lead to criminal sexual misconduct charges.
• Open containers of alcohol are illegal on public property, including sidewalks, streets, and public buildings. Please note that it violates the University Ordinance for anyone to consume or possess alcohol on the Diag and inside university athletic facilities, including Michigan Stadium.
• Fake IDs are illegal. Possessing, using, or making them can get you in serious trouble.
• Possessing and using marijuana on university premises is prohibited. On November 6, 2018, Michigan voters approved Proposal 18-1, which legalized the possession and use of limited amounts of marijuana in non-public places for individuals 21 years and older. Despite the 2018 passage of Proposal 18-1, U-M prohibits possessing and using marijuana on university premises or during off-campus university business or events. Because the university receives federal funding, federal law requires it to maintain drug-free campuses and workplaces.. The possession, use, and distribution of marijuana are still illegal and subject to prosecution under federal law. Therefore, the use, possession, or cultivation of marijuana in any form and for any purpose by university faculty, staff, students, or visitors on U-M property or during off-campus U-M business continues to violate the U-M Alcohol and Other Drug Policy and SPG 601.29. Violating the university's policies may be grounds for discipline or corrective action.
• Possessing narcotics is a felony. As a result, the consequences of being caught with drugs like heroin or cocaine are severe. You can expect hefty fines or even years in jail. Your sentence will depend on the type and amount of narcotics you possess.
• Misusing prescription drugs can also result in jail time. Using prescription drugs without a prescription or contrary to the prescription is illegal, and so is giving or selling your prescription drugs to another person.

Michigan legalized Marijuana at the state level with the passing of Proposal 18-1 on November 6, 2018. What does this mean for U-M students, faculty and staff? Read the marijuana policies section of our FAQs page to learn more.

A person may have alcohol poisoning if they:

• Won't wake up
• Are vomiting
• Have skin with a pale, bluish hue
• Have irregular breathing
• Have cold skin
• Are experiencing convulsions

To better ensure that minors (under 21 years of age) at medical risk as a result of alcohol intoxication will receive prompt, appropriate medical attention, the medical amnesty law removes perceived barriers to seeking help.

A minor will be exempt from prosecution if, after consuming alcohol, they voluntarily present themselves or initiate contact with law enforcement or medical services to obtain medical assistance for a legitimate health care concern.

Who qualifies for medical amnesty?

• A minor who, after consuming alcohol, voluntarily presents themselves to a health facility or agency for treatment or observation, including medical examination and treatment for any condition as a result of sexual assault (as defined in Michigan law).
• Any minor who accompanies another minor who, after consuming alcohol, voluntarily presents themselves to a health facility or agency for treatment or observation, including medical examination and treatment for any condition as a result of sexual assault (as defined in Michigan law).
• Any minor who initiates contact with law enforcement or emergency medical services personnel to obtain medical assistance in connection with a legitimate health care concern.
• A minor who voluntarily seeks medical assistance for themselves because of a drug overdose or use of a prescription drug that is a controlled substance.
• Any minor who accompanies or procures medical assistance for another minor as a result of a drug overdose or use of a prescription drug that is a controlled substance.

Hosting parties is risky business. Hosts can be held responsible for injuries that an intoxicated person causes or incurs at or after leaving a party. Follow these tips to have fun while also staying safe:

• Do not serve alcohol to anyone under 21
• Provide non-alcoholic drinks and food
• Discourage excessive drinking
• Avoid competitive drinking games
• Intervene if you see guests hurting themselves or others
• Stop serving alcohol to guests who appear drunk or are losing control
• Encourage the use of designated drivers
• If necessary, stop intoxicated guests from driving and take away their keys. Offer an alternative form of transportation (taxi, bus, ride-share service, etc.)

If you know someone who suffers from alcohol or other drug addiction, please refer them to one of the many programs on campus that can help. For more information about these programs, visit the UHS website on Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention.