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Responsibilities of Community Life: The Student Code

Appendix C: Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs

Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs

The harm caused by alcohol consumption among college students is severe, according to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (2005). The NIAAA estimates that 1,700 college students (age 18-24) die in our nation each year from alcohol related incidents. Students afflicted with negative consequences due to alcohol consumption include: an estimated 500,000 who have driven while intoxicated, approximately 2.8 million college students; 600,000 were assaulted by another student who had been drinking; and 500,000 students were unintentionally injured. In recognition of these statistics, the University has created and adopted this Alcohol and Other Drug Policy ("AOD Policy"), with an emphasis on individual and shared responsibility, healthy and informed decision-making, and maintaining a caring environment. The Alcohol and Other Drug Policy of the University of Connecticut has been established to support a safe and legal use of alcohol. The AOD Policy both (1) identifies actions the University does not support in an effort to prevent harmful situations resulting from the irresponsible and/or illegal use of alcohol and other drugs; and (2) provides guidelines to support safe and legal use of alcohol for all university.

The harm caused by alcohol consumption among college students is severe, according to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (2005). The NIAAA estimates that 1,700 college students (age 18-24) die in our nation each year from alcohol related incidents. Students afflicted with negative consequences due to alcohol consumption include: an estimated 500,000 who have driven while intoxicated, approximately 2.8 million college students; 600,000 were assaulted by another student who had been drinking; and 500,000 students were unintentionally injured.

II. Jurisdiction

Alcohol Policies Related to Alcohol Use and Sale:
The Alcohol and Other Drug Policy for the University of Connecticut applies to all students as defined by Responsibilities of Community Life: The Student Code (The Student Code).

Each member of the University of Connecticut community shall be involved in the implementation of and compliance with this policy. Unless otherwise stated by law, each individual retains responsibility for his or her actions at all times regardless of his or her mental or physical state, even if altered by alcoholic beverages or other drugs. Campus organizations may develop and enforce additional group/individual standards which are more restrictive than those established in this policy.

Persons who violate the laws of this state may be subject to arrest or citation. Students of the University may also be referred to the appropriate University authority for disciplinary sanctions for policy violations. Visitors who violate the laws or policies of the University may be required to leave the campus. The AOD Policy will be interpreted and adjudicated through The Student Code (This alcohol and other drug policy applies to students of the University of Connecticut. Professionals, faculty and staff are subject to separate University policy regarding alcohol and other drugs, specifically the General Rules of Conduct)

III. Philosophy of the Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs

Our community at the University of Connecticut is maintained by each individuals and organizations adhering to a code of conduct which emphasizes compassion, respect to self and others, honesty and integrity. The concern for these values and ethics are expressed in The Student Code and in other policies published throughout the university.

As an institution of higher education the University of Connecticut strives to support the scholastic, physical, and mental development of our students. The university's principle role is to engage in education that leads to high standards, respectful conduct and a healthy, productive environment. When those are compromised, the university will take disciplinary action against organizations and individuals violating The Student Code. The university offers reasonable assistance for students who are substance-dependent.

IV. Policy Statement

ALCOHOL

As members of the University community, students have an obligation to uphold The Student Code as well as obey all federal, state and local laws. The University of Connecticut has established the following policy requirements that define illegal alcohol use (including being under the influence), possession, sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages to violate university policy.

University standards regarding alcohol include but are not limited to the following:
  1. Illegal consumption, possession, proximity. Possession of alcohol on all of the University of Connecticut campuses is limited to persons 21 years of age or older. If an individual is under 21 years of age that person is not permitted to consume alcohol or carry alcohol on their person. Alcohol paraphernalia (which includes but is not limited to: empty beer cans or bottles, shot glasses, etc.) being owned displayed or in the possession of a person is considered a violation of this policy.
  2. Strength of alcohol. Any alcohol that is stronger than 80 proof is not permitted on campus except where approved for academic purposes of the University.
  3. Serving, distributing or obtaining alcohol. Serving, distributing to or obtaining alcohol for any individual who is under 21 years of age is prohibited. Allowing a person under the age of 21 to consume alcohol is prohibited. Providing alcohol to a person who is visibly intoxicated and or pressuring others to use alcohol is a violation of this policy.
  4. Public Consumption. Alcohol may not be consumed anywhere on campus except in designated locations such as a restaurant or bar where the permitee assumes all liability or properly monitored events. University officiated events require proper server training of all personnel providing alcohol (for further reference please see Procedure A: Social Event Procedures). No alcohol is to be consumed in public areas and open containers of alcohol are not permitted in public areas on campus except as defined by above criteria. ("Public areas" are defined as any area that could be used for general use including but not limited to stairways, hallways, lounges, bathrooms, dining halls, arenas, library, academic and administration buildings, and outside buildings on University property).
  5. Location for Consumption. Alcohol can only be consumed on campus where there is a liquor permit to serve alcohol. A consumer can only ingest alcohol at the event location.
  6. Alcohol Procurement. Alcohol may not be purchased with university funds, student organization fees or dues. The Department of Dining Services is the sole liquor permit holder on campus.
  7. Tap Systems. No tap systems to administer alcohol may be used on University property except by a licensed permitee.
  8. Drinking games and paraphernalia. Drinking games are prohibited. Paraphernalia used to administer drinking games or assist the user in ingesting alcohol at a fast rate are a violation of University policy. This includes, but is not limited to, funnels and beer pong. Such paraphernalia may not be maintained on University property and will be confiscated if discovered.
  9. Common Source Containers. Common source containers containing alcohol are prohibited. This includes but is not limited to, kegs, beer balls, and/or punch bowls being used to serve alcohol.
  10. Off-campus Functions. If a student organization hosts a social event at an off-campus venue at which alcohol is served and if the organization accepts monies for this event the contract needs to be written so that the vendor accepts responsibility for liability for the carding of patrons, serving and security of alcohol. (refer to Social Event Procedures -- Student Activities)
  11. Driving under the influence. Driving under the influence of alcohol on campus or off-campus is prohibited.

DRUGS

As members of the University community, students have an obligation to uphold The Student Code as well as obey all federal, state and local laws. The University of Connecticut has established the following policy requirements that define drug and medication use (including being under the influence), possession, sale, distribution or manufacturing of controlled substances and/or drugs, or drug paraphernalia, except as expressly permitted by law and University policy. University requirements regarding drug and medication use by students include but are not limited to the following (employees must abide by a separate policy regarding alcohol and other drugs identified in the General Rules of Conduct):

  1. Illegal Drugs - Illegal drugs are not permitted on University property.
  2. Medications - Prescription drugs are permitted on campus if accompanied by an authentic medical prescription. Use of legal medication outside the parameters of the medical authorization is prohibited.
  3. Contraband - Substance use paraphernalia, use, possession, sale, distribution and manufacturing except as permitted by law and the Alcohol and Other Drug University Policy is prohibited.
  4. Driving under the influence. Driving under the influence of drugs on campus or off-campus is prohibited (exception: the use of medication prescribed by a doctor to which physician recommendations are followed).

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