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STU-001: Use of Alcoholic Beverages and Prohibition of Other Drugs

Date: 06/01/2005 Status: Final
Last Revised: 11/29/2023
Policy Type: University
Oversight Executive: Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer
Applies To:

Academic Division and University-Associated Organizations.

Table of Contents:

Policy Statement

  1. Alcohol
  2. Alcohol at University Functions or on University Property
  3. Tobacco and Nicotine Vapor Products (E-cigarettes)
  4. Other Drugs
    1. Federal and State Penalties
    2. Intercollegiate Athletics Drug/Alcohol Policy
    3. Drug-free Workplace Policy
  5. Health and Behavioral Risks
  6. Support and Treatment for Substance Use, Misuse, Disorder, and Recovery
    1. Educational Programming
    2. Consultation and Treatment
  7. Compliance with Policy

Procedures

With recent changes to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s cannabis laws, students and employees should be aware of the impact of these laws both on and off University Grounds. The University’s alcohol and other drug policy has not changed and continues to prohibit possession and use of cannabis on Grounds. Federal law classifies cannabis/marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug. As such, possession, use, and distribution of cannabis remains prohibited on all University property and at all University functions under the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug Free Workplace Act. This prohibition includes dorms and other student residences on University property. For additional information regarding the Commonwealth’s new marijuana laws, please visit: Cannabis in Virginia | Cannabis.Virginia.gov

Reason for Policy:

The purpose of this policy is to regulate the sale and service of alcoholic beverages on University property and to inform the University community of state and federal laws and penalties concerning unlawful substance use and misuse; health and behavioral risks of alcohol misuse and other drug use; and resources for treatment and educational programming in accordance with federal law. [Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations; 20 U.S.C. 1011i and 34 C.F.R. Section 86.100 (a) (1).]

Definition of Terms in Statement:
  • Public Place:As defined in the Code of Virginia § 4.1-100, any place, building, or conveyance to which the public has, or is permitted to have, access, including restaurants, soda fountains, hotel dining areas, lobbies and corridors of hotels, and any park, place of public resort or amusement, highway, street, lane, or sidewalk adjoining any highway, street, or lane. The term shall not include (i) hotel or restaurant dining areas or ballrooms while in use for private meetings or private parties limited in attendance to members and guests of a particular group, association or organization; (ii) restaurants licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Board in office buildings or industrial or similar facilities while such restaurant is closed to the public and in use for private meetings or parties limited in attendance to employees and nonpaying guests of the owner or a lessee of all or part of such building or facility; (iii) offices, office buildings or industrial facilities while closed to the public and in use for private meetings or parties limited in attendance to employees and nonpaying guests of the owner or a lessee of all or part of such building or facility; or (iv) private recreational or chartered boats which are not licensed by the Board and on which alcoholic beverages are not sold.
  • Sale (Sell):As defined in the Code of Virginia § 4.1-100, includes soliciting or receiving an order for; keeping, offering or exposing for sale; peddling, exchanging or bartering; or delivering otherwise than gratuitously, by any means, alcoholic beverages.
  • University Function:Any activity that is conducted or sponsored by a University office, department, or by University personnel, and is done on behalf of the University, whether the activity is conducted on or off Grounds.
    • University Office or Department:Any office or department whose reporting line culminates with the Board of Visitors. A student organization with a Contracted Independent Organization Agreement or a Fraternal Organization Agreement, or a University-Associated Organization (UAO) is not considered a University office or department.
  • University Personnel:University employees who have a direct reporting relationship that culminates with the Board of Visitors or who are appointed through University Human Resources and paid through University payroll to perform services that are subject to the will and control of the University.
  • University Property:Land or buildings that the University owns or leases and that is under the control of the Board of Visitors. University property also includes premises the University uses for activities of its offices, departments, personnel, or students.
Policy Statement:

The University of Virginia prohibits the illegal or otherwise irresponsible use of alcohol and other drugs. It is the responsibility of every member of the University community to know the risks associated with substance use and misuse. This responsibility obligates students and employees to know relevant University policies and federal, state, and local laws, and to conduct themselves in accordance with these laws and policies. To these ends, the University publishes the following information regarding University policies and sanctions, laws, and penalties concerning substance use and misuse, health and behavioral risks of substance use, and resources for treatment and educational programming.

  1. Alcohol:
    Virginia laws concerning the purchase, possession, consumption, sale, and storage of alcoholic beverages include the following:
    • Any sale of an alcoholic beverage requires a license from the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board.
    • Alcoholic beverages are not to be given, sold, or served to persons under 21 years of age.
    • Alcoholic beverages are not to be given, sold, or served to persons who are intoxicated.
    • Virginia law prohibits: drinking in unlicensed public places; possession, consumption, or purchase of an alcoholic beverage by a person under 21 years of age; falsely representing one's age for the purpose of procuring alcohol; purchasing, giving, providing, or assisting in providing an alcoholic beverage for a person who is under 21 years of age; public intoxication; and providing alcohol to an intoxicated person.

    Members of the University community living in University property and their invited guests who are lawfully permitted to purchase, possess, and use alcohol may do so in the residence or on any immediately adjacent area devoted to residential use; they should not do so, however, in public places or in any area on University property devoted to common use. The presence of underage family members, employees, or guests does not preclude the serving of alcohol in a residence that is University property, provided an appropriate of-age family member and/or host is willing to assume the legal responsibility for complying with Virginia and federal law and University policy.

    The University of Virginia assumes no responsibility for any liability incurred at any event not sponsored by the University where alcohol is served and/or sold. Students and members of Contracted Independent Organizations or of organizations with a Fraternal Organization Agreement are obliged to conduct themselves in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and assume full responsibility for their activities and events.

  2. Alcohol at University Functions or on University Property:
    All University functions or events that occur on University property that include alcohol must adhere to these requirements (Note: University-Associated Organization (UAO) events that do not occur on University property are not subject to these requirements unless there is co-sponsorship with a University office or department):

    • Function sponsors are responsible for following all federal, state, and local laws and University policies that apply to the serving and/or selling of alcoholic beverages.

    • University functions with underage guests in attendance must have an Event Manager present at all times. The Event Manager(s) must successfully complete the University's free online Alcohol Risk Management class (see course details and registration) prior to the function. The Event Manager(s) must supervise all alcohol service and check for proper age identification of individuals attending the function. (Note that this does not apply to functions occurring at properly state licensed food and beverage establishments outside of University property as the establishment will bear this responsibility).

    • Non-alcoholic beverages and food items must be present in appropriate quantities.

    • Alcoholic beverages may not be mentioned in the advertising or publicizing of a University function or an event that occurs on University property (e.g., “happy hour” or “cocktail reception”) unless approved by the relevant alcohol approval authority as noted below.

    • Additional requirements for alcohol service on University property:
      • Functions, whether planned or spontaneous, involving the possession, distribution, and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited in and around the first-year residence halls.
      • Function sponsors must determine if an ABC license is required. Note that some venues on University property are covered under an existing ABC license and alcohol service must be provided through the licensee (e.g., University Dining Services).
      • Possession of kegs, pony kegs, or beer balls is prohibited on University property unless provided and managed by a licensed caterer and removed from plain view.
      • Event sponsors shall not permit the entry or exit of persons with beverage containers.

    Any use of alcohol at a University function or on University property must be approved by the appropriate alcohol approval authority a minimum of five business days in advance using the required University form. The approval authorities (or their designees) as listed below will review and approve all requests within their direct reporting lines (and as otherwise noted) and may prohibit, limit, or condition the service of alcohol in spaces they manage.

    • President’s Office (including the Office of Major Events).

    • Executive Vice President/Provost (EVP/Provost).

    • Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer (EVP/COO).

    • Executive Vice President for Health Affairs (EVP/HA). (For additional information, see Health System policy, BEH-004: Alcohol and Drug Free Environment.)

    • Vice President for Advancement. The VP for Advancement also reviews and approves all UAO events with alcohol that occur on University Property.

    • Vice President & Chief Student Affairs Officer (VPCSAO). The VPCSAO also reviews and approves all functions sponsored by student agency or special status organizations (acting within their delegated functions) on or off University property, and all events sponsored by special status organizations, Contracted Independent Organizations, or Fraternal Organizations occurring on University property.

    • Department of Athletics. Athletics also reviews and approves all functions occurring in University athletic facilities including Scott Stadium, John Paul Jones Arena, and Disharoon Park. Functions subject to review include non-athletic activities such as concerts and other artistic performances.

    University functions with alcohol that occur at state-licensed food and beverage establishments outside of University property do not require review by a University alcohol approval authority. Function sponsors are responsible for following all federal, state, and local laws, University policies, and establishment requirements.

    For University functions occurring outside of University property but not in a state-licensed food and beverage establishment, function sponsors must receive approval from the appropriate alcohol approval authority and adhere to the requirements in this section.

    For purposes of this section, University property that is the subject of a separate lease or management agreement which establishes the terms and conditions of use (including but not limited to the Forum Hotel (licensed), the Colonnade Club (non-licensed), and John Paul Jones Arena (licensed)) shall be subject to those terms and conditions of use and otherwise shall be treated as similar-type establishments outside University property for purposes of review and approval, as stated above.

  3. Tobacco and Nicotine Vapor Products (E-cigarettes):
    Virginia law prohibits the purchase and possession of tobacco products, nicotine vapor products (e-cigarettes), and alternative nicotine products by anyone under 21 years of age (with the exception of active duty military personnel). Such products may not be sold to anyone under 21 years of age. The University does not tolerate or condone the use of these products by students or employees under 21 years of age. Students and employees who violate this law may be referred by University authorities for civil prosecution and appropriate University conduct procedures. (For more information, see policy SEC-028: No Smoking or Vaping.)

  4. Other Drugs:
    Unauthorized manufacture, distribution, use, and possession of "controlled substances" (illegal drugs), including prescription drugs, cannabis, and cocaine, are prohibited by both Virginia and federal law and are punishable by severe penalties. The University does not tolerate or condone such conduct. Students and employees who violate Virginia or federal drug laws may be referred by University authorities for criminal prosecution.

    Whether or not criminal charges are brought, all students and employees are subject to University discipline for illegally manufacturing, distributing, possessing, or using any controlled substance (i) on University property, (ii) at University functions, or (iii) under other circumstances involving a direct and substantial connection to the University. Any student found to have engaged in such conduct is subject to the entire range of University Judiciary Committee sanctions described in the Statement of Students' Rights and Responsibilities, including suspension and expulsion. University personnel found in violation of this policy are subject to appropriate personnel sanctions.

    1. Federal and Commonwealth of Virginia (Virginia) Penalties. Federal and Virginia law penalizes the unlawful manufacturing, distribution, use, and possession of controlled substances, including prescription drugs. Synthetic designer drugs such as "bath salts," "plant food," and "carpet cleaner," contain mixtures of many different chemicals, including those that resemble cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA or "ecstasy." Federal law makes the distribution of "analogue" substances marketed for human consumption illegal if those substances are chemically similar to a scheduled illegal drug and have the same pharmacological effect on a user.

      The penalties vary based on many factors, including the type and amount of the drug involved, and whether there is intent to distribute. Federal law sets penalties for first offenses ranging from less than one year to life imprisonment and/or fines up to $10 million. Penalties may include forfeiture of property, including vehicles used to possess, transport, or conceal a controlled substance, and the denial of professional licenses or federal benefits, such as student loans. Convictions under Virginia law may be misdemeanor or felony crimes with sanctions ranging from probation to life imprisonment and/or fines of up to $1 million.

      Federal law holds that any person who distributes, possesses with intent to distribute, or manufactures a controlled substance on or within one thousand feet of an educational facility (defined as a public or private elementary, vocational, or secondary school or a public or private college, junior college, or university) is subject to a doubling of the applicable maximum punishments and fines. A similar Virginia law carries sanctions of between one- and five-years imprisonment and up to a $100,000 fine for similar first-time violations.

      A federal or state drug conviction can disqualify a student from federal student aid. Convictions only count against a student for aid eligibility purposes if they were for an offense that occurred during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving federal student aid. The period of ineligibility for FSA funds depends on whether the conviction was for sale or possession and whether the student had previous offenses. For more information about this topic and how it may affect your aid, go to “Students with Criminal Convictions.”

    2. Intercollegiate Athletics Department’s Alcohol and Other Drug Policy. The Intercollegiate Athletics Department of the University has additional written policies which are presented to each student-athlete annually prior to participation. These policies encompass mandatory drug testing, sanctions as a result of positive tests, specific programs of education relative to alcohol and other drug use and misuse, and counseling and rehabilitation programs.

    3. Drug-Free Workplace Policy. The use of alcohol or illegal drugs by all employees while on University property, including during meal periods and breaks, is absolutely prohibited. The use of alcohol may be authorized in advance by the University for approved University functions. No employee will report to work while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. Violations of these rules by an employee will be reason for evaluation/treatment for a substance use disorder or for disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. (For more information, please see policy HRM-014: Standards of Conduct for University Staff Employees.)

  5. Health and Behavioral Risks:
    The negative physical and mental effects of the use of alcohol and other drugs are well documented. Use of these drugs may cause blackouts, poisoning, overdose, and death; physical and psychological dependence; damage to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and liver; inability to learn and remember information; and psychological problems, including depression, psychosis, and severe anxiety. Risks associated with specific drugs are described later in this section.

    Impaired judgment and coordination resulting from the use of alcohol and other drugs are associated with DUI/DWI arrests; falls, drowning, and other injuries; contracting sexually transmitted infections, including HIV; and unwanted or unplanned sexual experiences and pregnancy.

    Substance misuse by family members and friends may also be of concern to individuals. Patterns of risk-taking behavior and dependency not only interfere in the lives of those with substance use disorders, but also can have a negative impact on the affected student's academic work, emotional well-being, and adjustment to college life.

    Individuals concerned about their own health or that of a friend should consult a physician or mental health professional. More information and assistance can be obtained by contacting one of the University's substance use disorder resources listed in the Resources on Alcohol and Other Drugs section of this policy.

    Under the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Safe Reporting of Overdoses law, someone who seeks emergency medical attention for a drug- or alcohol-related overdose may be protected from arrest and prosecution for certain possession or consumption crimes. The person reporting the overdose must remain on the scene and identify themselves to the responding law enforcement officers.

    Alcohol: Alcohol use disorders are progressive and can result in physical dependency. Even low doses of alcohol impair brain function, judgment, alertness, coordination, and reflexes. Very high doses can cause suppression of respiration and death. Chronic alcohol use can lead to dementia, sexual impotence, cirrhosis of the liver, and heart disease. Individuals who have developed a physical dependence on alcohol can experience severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and life-threatening convulsions if they stop use suddenly instead of gradually.

    Bath Salts (synthetic cathinones): Synthetic drugs, unlike plant-based drugs, are produced in a laboratory and resemble controlled substances in molecular structure and actual (or purported) physiological effect. These synthetic drugs contain mixtures of many different chemicals, including those that resemble cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA or "ecstasy." Ingestion of these substances can cause severe and unanticipated physical reactions such as nausea, heart failure, and stroke, as well as psychotic reactions including paranoia, delusions, suicidal ideation, and violent outbursts. Under federal law, they are considered Controlled Substance Analogues and subject to the same penalties as the drugs they mimic.

    Cannabis (Marijuana): Physical effects include elevated blood pressure, a dry mouth and throat, bloodshot and swollen eyes, decrease in body temperature, and increased appetite. Smoking cannabis can lead to chronic lung disease and damage to the pulmonary system.

    Use of cannabis is also associated with impairment of short-term memory and comprehension, an altered sense of time, and a reduction in the ability to perform motor skills such as driving a car. Cannabis misuse also can produce listlessness, inattention, withdrawal, and apathy. Misuse can intensify underlying emotional problems and is associated with chronic anxiety, depression, and paranoia. Regular, long-term cannabis users may develop Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: regular cycles of severe nausea, vomiting, and dehydration that may need emergency medical intervention.

    Cocaine: Cocaine stimulates the central nervous system. Immediate physical effects include dilated pupils and increased blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature. Occasional use can cause a stuffy or runny nose, while chronic use may destroy nasal tissues. Following the "high" of extreme happiness and a sense of unending energy is a cocaine "crash," which includes depression, dullness, intense anger, and paranoia. Injecting cocaine with contaminated equipment can lead to infection with HIV, hepatitis, and other diseases. Tolerance develops rapidly, and psychological and physical dependency can occur. The use of cocaine can cause kidney damage, heart attacks, seizures, and strokes due to high blood pressure. Death can occur by cardiac arrest or respiratory failure.

    Depressants: Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are two of the most commonly used groups of these drugs. Prescription barbiturates include Phenobarbital, Seconal, and Amytal; prescription benzodiazepines include Ativan, Dalmane, Librium, Xanax, Valium, Halcyon, and Restoril. These drugs are frequently used for medical purposes to relieve anxiety and to induce sleep. Physical and psychological dependence can occur if the drugs are used for longer periods of time at higher doses. Benzodiazepine use can cause slurred speech, disorientation, and lack of coordination. If taken with alcohol, use can lead to a coma and possible death.

    E-cigarettes, Nicotine, and Tobacco: E-cigarette, nicotine, and tobacco use poses significant health risks, including physical dependency. Even breathing cigarette smoke or e-cigarette aerosol that someone else has exhaled poses potential health risks. E-cigarette use is associated with the use of other tobacco products and increases the possibility of long-term harm to respiratory health. Smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema, and may complicate pregnancy (i.e., fetal injury, premature birth, and low birth weight). Smokeless tobacco may cause mouth cancer, gum disease, and tooth loss.

    Ecstasy/Molly: MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine), popularly known as ecstasy or "Molly" (short for molecular), is a synthetic, psychoactive drug that has stimulant and hallucinogenic effects. Ecstasy increases energy and produces feelings of euphoria, emotional warmth, and empathy toward others as well as distorting time perception. MDMA acts by increasing the activity of three neurotransmitters: serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Other effects include confusion, depression, sleep problems, drug craving, and anxiety, which may occur days or weeks after use.

    Hallucinogens: This category includes phencyclidine (PCP or "angel dust") and amphetamine variants, which have mind-altering effects. Perception and cognition are impaired, and muscular coordination decreases. Speech may be blocked and incoherent. Chronic users of PCP may have memory problems and speech difficulties lasting six months to a year after prolonged daily use. Depression, anxiety, and violent behavior also occur. Large doses produce convulsions, comas, and heart and lung failure.

    Lysergic Acid Diethylamine (LSD or "acid"), mescaline, and psilocybin (mushrooms) cause illusions, hallucinations, and altered perception of time and space. Physical effects include dilated pupils, elevated body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, decreased appetite, insomnia, and tremors. Psychological reactions include panic, confusion, paranoia, anxiety, and loss of control. Flashbacks, or delayed effects, can occur even after use has ceased.

    Narcotics: Narcotics include heroin, methadone, morphine, codeine, OxyContin, Vicodin, and opium. After an initial feeling of euphoria, usage causes drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting. Effects of overdose include slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma, and possible death. Physical and psychological dependence rates are high among users. Severe withdrawal symptoms include watery eyes, runny nose, loss of appetite, irritability, tremors, panic, cramps, nausea, chills, and sweating. Use of contaminated syringes may lead to infection with HIV, hepatitis, and other diseases.

    Stimulants: Amphetamines and other stimulants include "ecstasy" and "ice" as well as prescription drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin. The physical effects produced are elevated heart and respiratory rates, increased blood pressure, insomnia, and loss of appetite. Sweating, headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, and anxiety also may result from use. High dosage can cause rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors, loss of motor skills, and even physical collapse. Long-term use of higher doses can produce amphetamine psychosis, which includes hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.

    Synthetic Cannabinoids (Spice, K2): Spice, K2 and other "incense blends" are products that contain dried, shredded plant material along with synthetic forms of THC, the psychoactive component of the Cannabis sativa plant (marijuana). The exact chemical composition of the products is unknown, may vary across brands and batches, and may contain harmful heavy metal residues. Synthetic cannabinoids bind to the same brain receptors as natural cannabis, but several strains bind more strongly to the receptors, which could lead to much more powerful and unpredictable effects. Short-term effects may include rapid heart rate, vomiting, agitation, confusion, and hallucinations.

  6. Support and Treatment for Substance Use, Misuse, Disorder, and Recovery:
    1. Educational Programming:
      Office of Health Promotion, Student Health and Wellness — The coordinating body for substance misuse prevention, early intervention, and recovery support at the University. (Alcohol, Tobacco, & Other Drugs or 434-924-1509).

      WahooWell — A positive, free, and confidential resource sponsored by the Office of Health Promotion that helps empower students to enhance their well-being by exploring strengths and self-selected goals. WahooWell visits are a good way to check in on a variety of areas including stress, sleep, connection, substance use, and general well-being.

      University Police Department — Officers provide information and seminars in the legal aspects of areas related to substance misuse (434-924-7166).

      Peer Health Educators (PHEs) — A peer education group sponsored by Student Health and Wellness' Office of Health Promotion that provides informal educational sessions on alcohol, drugs, and other health issues (434-924-1509).

      Student Athlete Mentors (SAMs) — Student Health and Wellness’ Gordie Center and the Intercollegiate Athletics Department recruit and train members of each athletic team to coordinate alcohol education programs for their teams and to serve as internal resources on University services (434-982-1814).

      UVA Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) — A vibrant, unified community that supports, values, and celebrates recovery journeys. Direct services to students include, but are not limited to, weekly meetings, a seminar class, recovery coaching, and social events. Recovery ally trainings are offered across Grounds to students, faculty, and staff (434-924-1509, crp.virginia.edu).

      Gordie Center, Student Health and Wellness — A national non-profit at UVA that works to end hazing and alcohol misuse among high school and college students nationally and at UVA. Programs include the HAZE documentary/discussion and educational materials on the PUBS signs of alcohol overdose and emergency response (434-924-5276, Gordie Center, or [email protected]).

    2. Consultation and Treatment:
      Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Student Health and Wellness — CAPS provides assessment, counseling, medication management and referral assistance for students seeking help with substance misuse and recovery concerns. CAPS is also available to consult with staff, faculty, family members and friends who may be concerned about a student’s substance use (434-243-5150).

      Faculty and Employee Assistance Program (FEAP) — The University through FEAP offers employees and their families assessment, brief counseling, referral, and follow-up at no cost to the employee. FEAP will also provide consultation to supervisors and managers to assist in addressing employee/team challenges. Please call FEAP at 434-243-2643 to speak with a counselor or visit their website.

      UVA Center for Leading Edge Addiction Research (CLEAR) — A research-based treatment clinic that combines medications, which target different brain pathways known to be involved in the rewarding effects of drugs, with behavior-changing techniques in an effort to reduce craving associated with substance misuse (434-243-0563, [email protected], website).

  7. Compliance with Policy:
    Failure to comply with the requirements of this policy (including but not limited to prohibitions surrounding tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and illegal drugs/controlled substances as specified above) and the requirements as an event sponsor may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination or expulsion in accordance with relevant University policies. Certain violations may be referred by University authorities for criminal prosecution. In addition, there may be consequences imposed under local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

    UVA Support for Reporting Alcohol and Other Drug Emergencies: The University community encourages calling Emergency Medical Services (911) for an alcohol or other drug emergency. Parties or witnesses may be hesitant to call 911 because they fear that they themselves may be in violation of certain policies, such as underage drinking, drunk in public, or illicit drug use at the time of the incident. To encourage calling Emergency Medical Services under this policy, the University will not pursue disciplinary action for personal consumption of alcohol or other drugs against the person who called 911 or the person for whom 911 was called provided such disclosures are made in connection with a good faith call to Emergency Medical Services for an alcohol or other drug emergency, and the parties remain on scene and cooperate with first responders. This policy also covers reaching out for assistance to other University officials for an alcohol or other drug emergency (including Resident Advisors, Senior Residents, and University police/Ambassadors). While there will be no formal disciplinary actions or imposed sanctions from the University, individuals may be provided with resources on drug and alcohol education, as appropriate. This provision does not apply to more serious allegations such as physical assault or abuse of another, driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, damage to property, or sales/distribution of drugs. Students may continue to be held responsible for these additional policy violations.

    If the individual who calls for help is doing so on behalf of a student organization that hosted the precipitating event, this act of seeking medical help may serve as a mitigating factor in determining outcomes for the organization. Organizations that have a pattern of behavior related to alcohol and drug incidents may be subject to disciplinary action.

    Questions about this policy should be directed to the Office of the Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer.

Procedures:

Please submit the Approval Request for Use of Alcohol Beverages to request approval. This form must be submitted at least five (5) business days prior to the proposed event. A registered account is required to submit the online form.

Major Category:
Students and Student Programs
Category Cross Reference:
Next Scheduled Review:
07/10/2026
Approved By, Date:
Policy Review Committee, 04/04/2005
Revision History:

Edited Section 2 11/29/23; Updated 7/10/23; Added language to Section 7 10/21/22; Revised 4/21/22; Added clarifying statement (legislative change) 7/1/21; 11/6/19 (Updated Section 6); 7/30/19; 8/30/17, 6/4/14, 11/6/12, 9/14/10, 10/8/08, 10/1/07.

Supersedes (previous policy):

VII.F.3: Sale of Alcoholic Beverages and the 2004-05 Drug and Alcohol Policy.