Michigan State University had the highest number of alcohol arrests at 633. This represents the sixth consecutive year of increases, according to a survey conducted by the Chronicle of Higher Education . The increases are attributed to more aggressive enforcement policies rather than an increase in actual drug and alcohol use, according to law enforcement officials and university administrators. Robert Fey, assistant chief of police at Ball State, agrees. He says his department's ability to obtain grants from sources such as the Delaware County Coordinating Council and the Governor's Council help in the enforcement of drug and alcohol laws.
Many factors contribute to the rise and fall of drug and alcohol arrests, and money is a big factor.
In 1995, there were 385 minor consumption arrests at Ball State. The decline of five percent between 1990 and 1996 included degrees such as engineering, math, physics, and computer science. Preliminary figures from 1997 to 1998 show the trend is continuing. He notes that elementary and high schools must prepare students to tackle high-tech education. Ball State offers 33 undergraduate and 11 graduate technology-oriented degree programs, according to the office of academic assessment and institutional research.