Title: Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy

Responsible Office: Student Development
Policy Administrator: VP for Student Development
Scope:
|Student

Approved By: VP/Provost

Approved Date: 7/1/2017

Effective Date: 7/1/2017

Category: Student


Description/Purpose:

Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy

Safe Harbor

HATP Alcohol Policy

Illegal Drug Policy

Driving under the Influence/Driving While Intoxicated

Mandated Evaluation and Counseling

Details:

To comply with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 and subsequent amendments, students and employees of University are informed that strictly enforced policies are in place, which prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of any illicit drugs, including alcohol, on University property or as part of any University-sponsored activity. Students and employees are also subject to all applicable legal sanctions under local, state, and federal law for any offenses involving illicit drugs on University property or at University-sponsored activities. The University affirms that illegal drug use is unlawful and harmful. The use of illegal drugs and alcohol abuse by students and employees could result in cognitive deficits, loss of productivity, and other health risks. These risks include an increased risk of accidents which may result in death or permanent injury. Free, confidential counseling for alcohol and other drug abuse issues is available to students and employees through the University Counseling Services and Health Services departments.

The University sponsors educational programming for alcohol and other drug abuse issues through the Alcohol and Drug Information Office, the Office of Residence Life, and the Office of Student Engagement. Other referral resources may include assessment, individual counseling, educational programs, materials, and referral and case management through community agencies, all which might include a fee.Students exhibiting signs of excessive alcohol consumption will, at a University Campus Police officers discretion, be transported via Emergency Medical Services (EMS) at the students expense for medical attention. Refusal to cooperate with EMS personnel may result in arrest for Emergency Detention in order to ensure the students health and safety and/or a conduct charge for failure to comply.

Safe Harbor

The University believes that students who have a drug and/or addiction problem deserve help. If any University student brings their own use, addiction or dependency to the attention of University officials outside the threat of drug tests or conduct sanctions and seeks assistance, a conduct complaint will not be pursued. A written action plan may be used to track cooperation with the Safe Harbor program by the student. Failure to follow the action plan will nullify the Safe Harbor protection and the campus conduct process will be initiated.

Alcohol Policy

The following sections describe the University's policy regarding the sale, service, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages on or off University property or at University-sponsored events in accordance with federal, state and local laws. Those under the minimum legal drinking age of 21 years are not permitted to possess or consume alcohol anywhere on University property or at University-sponsored events. Students who are over 21 years of age and are a part of the HAPT program are permitted to possess and consume alcohol in approved University housing units. Students who are of legal drinking age may not share or provide alcohol to any students, employees or guests who are under 21 years of age. Drinking games and simulated drinking games are prohibited on campus.

HATP Alcohol Policy

Students in HATP with all members of the housing unit 21 years of age or over are eligible to apply to have a limited amount of alcohol in their housing unit and small gatherings.
Students must apply through the Director of Residence Life for such a privilege. Units approved for alcohol must adhere to the following:  The quantity policy for each resident of age is 15 twelve oz beers/wine coolers OR 1.5 liters of wine OR 1 pint of hard alcohol (no higher than 80 proof ). This quantity may be multiplied by the number of legal aged residents, but may not exceed 60 twelve ounce beers/wine coolers OR 3.0 liters of wine OR 1 liter (2 pints) of hard alcohol in any unit at any time. Empty containers will be counted towards the quantity limits. Grain alcohol and handles (1.75L) of alcohol are prohibited.

  • Open containers and alcohol are not permitted outside of the housing unit.
  • Only a resident assigned to that housing unit may transport alcohol into the apartment, townhouse, or house
  • Drinking games are prohibited The campus prohibits anything designed for or manipulated to promote the rapid consumption of alcohol. This includes, but not limited to: shots, beer pong, beer pong tables/boards, funneling, quarters, or altered board games. Kegs, beer bags, ice luges, and jungle juice are also in this category. Such items and/or common sources will be confiscated and disposed of when discovered.
  • Empty containers count toward the allowed alcohol limit.
  • Any social gathering or party, which draws attention to itself in a negative manner within University Housing, will not be permitted These gatherings will be identified by University Officials based on a variety of factors, included but not limited to:
  • The number of guests over the maximum number allowed (number of residents present times 2).
  • Excessive quantities of alcohol and/or empty container
  • Games that promote the rapid consumption of alcohol (see above).
  • Disturbing the peace, noise, and/or people immediately outside the room/apartment.
  • Uncooperative residents/guests.

Residents found in violation of the HATP Alcohol Policy may result in loss of your housing privilege in the House & Apartment Transition Program.

The University has full discretion in determining what events will permit the possession, consumption, of alcohol by a person who is 21 years of age or older. 

Examples of violations of the University Alcohol Policy include, but are not limited to:

  • Purchasing alcohol by a person under the age of 21.
  • Selling or providing alcohol to a person under the age of 21.
  • Possessing either full or empty alcohol containers by a person under the age of 21
  • Consuming or appearing to have consumed alcohol by a person under the age of 21.
  • Being present where alcohol is present.
  • Showing physical or mental impairment following or resulting from alcohol use.
  • Possessing empty alcohol containers for any purposes including decorative.
  • Using or possessing common sources of alcohol including, but not limited to kegs, party balls, wine boxes etc.
  • Participating in or being present during the occurrence of any drinking game.
  • Possessing an open container of alcohol in a common area including, but not limited to bathrooms, hallways, lounges, elevators, lobbies, or outdoor spaces.
  • Misrepresenting ones age for the purposes of purchasing, possessing, or consuming alcohol.
  • Driving or operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
  • Possession or consuming alcohol in any residence hall room, regardless of age.

Illegal Drug Policy

The following sections describe University's policy regarding the sale, manufacture, distribution, possession, and use of illegal drugs on or off University property or at University-sponsored events in accordance with federal, state and local laws. In addition to University imposed sanctions, students and employees are subject to all legal sanctions under federal, state and local law for any offenses involving illegal drugs on University property or at University activities. Whether on or off campus, failure to comply with the directives of University officials or law enforcement officers during the performance of their duties and/or failure to identify oneself to these persons when requested to do so is considered unacceptable behavior for a University student. An example of such inappropriate behavior includes but is not limited to: a) refusing to submit to a field sobriety test when requested by a police officer, b) failure to leave the scene of an incident when instructed by staff, failure to comply with instructions given by staff.  Please be advised: intoxication will not be seen as a justifiable reason for a students failure to comply with staff directives.

Examples of violations include, but are not limited to:

  • Misusing over-the-counter drugs.
  • Misusing or sharing prescription drugs.
  • Possessing, using, being under the influence of, distributing, or manufacturing any form of illegal drug.
  • Possessing paraphernalia (i.e., rolling papers, pipes, bongs, etc.) for intended or implied use of any form of illegal drug.
  • Possessing paraphernalia that contains or appears to contain illegal drug residue.
  • Purchasing or passing illegal drugs from one person to another.
  • Using mail services to purchase, pass, or distribute illegal drugs.

Driving Under the Influence/Driving While Intoxicated

The University is concerned about students who violate state and local laws regarding the consumption of alcohol and the operation of motor vehicles. In accordance with state law, the University abides by the legal definition of intoxicated as not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties by reason of introduction of alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, a dangerous drug, a combination of two or more of those substances, or any other substance into the body or failure to pass a field sobriety test. In addition, students under the legal minimum drinking age of 21 years who are found to have any detectable amount of alcohol in their systems will be considered driving under the influence of alcohol and subject to penalties under that offense.

Mandated Evaluation and Counseling

Students who violate the Alcohol and Other Drug Policy may be mandated for evaluation and counseling with a Substance Abuse Counselor. In some cases, mandated evaluation and counseling with a Substance Abuse Counselor may affect future employment and/or admission to graduate/professional school. Students are advised to determine how this sanction will affect their current and future career goals.

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