Alcohol & Drug-Free Policy

Philosophy

The abuse of alcohol and other drugs severely limits the ability of individuals to succeed academically, professionally, and personally. Substance abuse has been linked to health problems, accidents, decreased academic and job performance, violence, vandalism, sexual misconduct, financial difficulties, legal problems and other negative consequences for individuals and the entire University community.

In keeping with its mission and in complying with federal regulations such as the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, Alfred University has established this policy to promote an environment that encourages learning, fosters respect for people and property, and supports individual development and success. The responsibility for preserving this environment extends to all members of the University community including faculty, staff, administrators, and students. Therefore, this substance use and abuse policy is intended to provide information about standards of conduct, the risks of use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol, applicable legal and University sanctions for employees and students, and resources available for the prevention, intervention, and treatment of substance abuse.



The following policies consider the rights people have to privacy, to be treated as equal members of the University community, and to participate in the responsible possession and consumption of legal substances as defined by federal, state, and local laws and the statements below.

Alcohol

  • No person (including students and employees) under the age of 21 may:
    • possess, purchase, consume, distribute, or knowingly being in the presence of alcohol while under the age of 21 (with the exception of being in the presence of alcohol while attending University sanctioned events).
      • No alcoholic beverages shall be permitted in rooms, apartments, or suite common areas of students under the age of 21. If an underage student resides in the same room, apartment, or suite as a student of legal drinking age, the over-21 student may not distribute, sell, possess or consume alcohol in their assigned residence hall room. Nor may alcohol be in the common area while the under 21 student(s) is present.
    • be in the presence of or in possession of empty alcoholic containers, paraphernalia, cans, bottles while being under the age of 21 while on University property
  • Participating in an activity that encourages mass consumption of alcohol (games such as beer or water pong, quarters, flip cup, etc.) is prohibited
  • Only quantities and containers appropriate to individual consumption are permitted for private use by students of legal age
  • No person (including students and employees) will be permitted to provide an individual under the age of 21 with alcohol
  • No open alcoholic container will be allowed on University premises except:
    • events in locations in which an approved University alcohol event form has been obtained
    • residence hall rooms, suites, or apartments assigned to students who are at least 21 years old and do not reside with a student under the age of 21
  • The alcohol event request form will identify who will be responsible for the acquisition, distribution, and monitoring of alcohol held on University property
  • The Office of Student Experience may recommend or mandate the presence of an advisor, a member of public safety, additional staff, and/or other controls at any event where alcohol will be served
  • If alcohol is being served, the sponsoring organization must provide food and non-alcoholic beverages in sufficient quantities as outlined by the University alcohol event form.
  • The duration of alcohol service during an “open bar” event is restricted to 4 hours.
  • Any organization or individual(s) wishing to advertise a function on University premises may not include any reference to providing or selling alcoholic beverages at that activity.
  • Alcoholic beverages shall not be provided as free awards to individual students or recognized organizations. This includes promotional activities such as raffles and contests.
  • Beer balls, kegs, or any other materials used to enable mass consumption of alcohol are not permitted on University premises unless approved by the Office of Student Experience
  • Alcoholic beverage consumption or possession at University athletic facilities and surrounding property, including but not limited to Merrill Field, Connor’s Pavilion, McLane Center, and the Walton & Joyce Center during scheduled athletic/non-athletic events is prohibited without explicit permission from the Office of Student Experience. Any containers of alcoholic beverages will be confiscated at the entrances.
  • Alcohol cannot be purchased using individual department credit cards or cash advances and cannot be reimbursed through a check request
  • All alcohol for University catered events must be purchased through University authorized vendors
  • The organizer/responsible person for all other events where alcohol is provided must:
    1. specify exact quantities being served on the alcohol event form.
    2. state how and who will be monitoring those individuals under the age of 21.
    3. take responsibility for ensuring the attendees do not consume excessive amounts of alcohol.
    4. ensure the amount of alcohol at the event is proportional to the number of attendees.

Drugs

  • No person shall possess, use, or distribute illicit drugs or drug paraphernalia on University property. Those persons found to possess or distribute will be subject to arrest and/or the University’s Student Conduct process.
  • Students: Possession, use, distribution, or knowingly being in the presence of illicit drugs or drug paraphernalia (bongs, pipes, hookahs, etc.) is prohibited.
  • Prescription Medications: Abuse, misuse, sale, and/or distribution of another person’s prescription medications or of the student’s/employee’s own prescription medications is prohibited.

Any organization or individual(s) planning to sponsor a function with alcohol present on University premises must submit the University’s alcohol event form for approval to the Office of Student Experience/Dean of Student Experience. Submission of the alcohol event form to the Dean of Student Experience must be submitted four weeks prior to an event.

  • For catered events being held on University property (excluding Susan Howell Hall or the Knight Club), a NYS Alcohol Beverage Control Board (ABC) permit is required and obtained through the VP of Business and Finance Office. A additional permit fee of $75 will be charged.

The University alcohol event form may be obtained from the Office of Student Experience/Dean of Student Experience or online.

The University alcohol event form should not be confused with facility reservations. All facility reservations will be made by the sponsoring club, organization, and/or University office. A list of contacts for facility reservations is available in the University directory.

In keeping with Alfred University’s philosophy, the primary control for responsible alcohol use lies with the individual. Additionally:

  • Sponsoring organizations or individuals will ensure that all University regulations, and specifically the substance use and abuse policy, are adhered to when organizing and conducting activities
  • The Office of Student Experience will respond immediately to reported incidents of inappropriate alcohol use or distribution and to any illegal drug use or distribution. This response will follow current procedures and may be referred to local, state, or federal police agencies.
  • Residence hall staff is authorized to monitor the use of alcohol or illicit drugs within the residence halls, confront inappropriate use, and report misuse according to the current internal procedures
  • University staff, including but not limited to, public safety and residence life staff, is authorized to report violations of Alfred University’s Alcohol & Drug-free Policy to the appropriate office

The following sanctions are intended to promote learning and personal development while preventing individuals and groups from compromising the learning environment or the health and safety of themselves and others.

  • If any organization or individual(s) are found to be in violation of the University alcohol event form agreement, the violator(s) will not be allowed to file for another alcohol event for a maximum of two years; length of time to be determined by the Dean of Student Experience/Office of Student Experience.
  • If a student is found to be in violation of the University Alcohol & Drug-free Policy, that person will be subject to the Student Conduct action up to and including expulsion from school. If a student is held responsible for a violation of this policy, the parent or legal guardian may receive a copy of the letter sent to the student documenting outcome of a related Student Conduct hearing. Federal regulations permit this notification without the student’s consent for those students who are under the age of 21. This notification will be mailed to the address of record of the parent or guardian.
  • If an employee is found to be in violation of the University Alcohol & Drug-free Policy, that person will be subject to the current disciplinary policies of the University up to and including termination of employment.
  • If a student or employee is assessed with a substance abuse problem, that person may be given the opportunity to seek assistance for the problem. However, if that person refuses or fails to follow through with the assistance program, sanctions will be imposed up to and including expulsion from the University or termination of employment.

This policy is reviewed on an annual basis. Comments or questions may be directed to the Office of Student Experience/Dean of Student Experience. Contact: 607-871-2132 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM.



As directed by the 1989 Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act annually in August, the Student Life Policies & Procedures Handbook is distributed via email to every student by the Dean of Student Experience. Annually each October, the Campus Safety & Fire Report is emailed to the entire campus community (students, faculty, staff). Annually each January, the handbook and the safety report are emailed to all new and transfer students by the Dean of Student Experience. Human Resources is responsible for all new employees receiving the Annual Campus Safety & Fire Report upon employment.

Alcohol is the drug most frequently abused in American society. The irresponsible use of alcohol may lead to consequences such as poor grades, violence, vandalism, sexual assault, sexually transmitted diseases, unplanned pregnancies, accidents, health problems, addiction, and death on college campuses. Alcohol is the number one health risk for college drinkers and nondrinkers who are often impacted by the behavior of intoxicated individuals. It is imperative to stay in control whenever in a situation where alcohol is being used.

There are numerous resources both on and off campus to confidentially assist individuals with alcohol or other drug related concerns including prevention, education, assessments, and treatment referrals. Early contact with a professional can often prevent a subsequent crisis or a tragedy.

On Campus

  • Alcohol and drug education - Wellness Center - Counseling Services 871-2300
  • Wellness Center – Health Services 871-2400
  • Office of Residence Life - Bartlett Hall 871-2186
  • Alcoholics Anonymous 716-372-4800

Off Campus

  • The Allegany Council on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse
    76 Park Ave, Wellsville, NY 14810 585-593-6738
  • The Steuben County Department of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse
    115 Liberty Street, Bath, NY 14895 607-664-2156
  • National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence 212-206-6770
  • NYS Drug Info Line 800-522-5353
  • MATCH Program, St. James Hospital
    Bethesda Drive, N. Hornell, NY 14843 607-324-6925
  • National Association for Children of Alcoholics
    11426 Rockville Pike Suite 100
    Rockville, MD 20852 301-468-0985
  • Drug Abuse and Addiction Hotline 585-593-5706
  • 24 Hour Crisis Hotline 585-593-5706

Employee Benefits

Alfred University’s employee benefits provide substance abuse treatment referrals through our employee assistance program and/or providers identified by the insurance company.

Students and employees are responsible for knowing local, state, and federal laws that apply to the possession, consumption, and distribution of alcohol and controlled substances. Listed below are some of these relevant laws. For more information or a complete listing, contact any law enforcement agency.

  1. Open containers - It is unlawful to possess an open container, resealed or partly open bottle, can, container, or similar article containing an alcoholic beverage in a public place within the Village of Alfred. Maximum fine, first offense: $500
  2. Providing alcohol to those under 21 - Giving or selling alcohol to persons under the age of 21 is a Class B misdemeanor. Maximum fine, first offense: $500
  3. Selling alcohol without a license - Selling alcohol without a license (i.e. charging admission to a party where alcohol is distributed) is a misdemeanor. Fines range from $250 - $1,000
  4. Fake identification - Creating, altering, or possessing an altered written instrument officially issued or created by a public office, public servant, or government instrumentality (i.e., a driver’s license) is a Class D felony. Maximum fine of $5,000 for the first offense.
  5. Social host liability (The Dram Shop Act) - It is illegal to give or sell alcohol to a person who is already intoxicated. Additionally, individuals and organizations that host parties can be held liable for damages and injuries that intoxicated guests inflict on themselves or others during or after these events.
  6. Possessing marijuana - It is illegal to possess marijuana.
    less than 25 grams – violation; maximum fine, first offense: $250
    more than 25 grams-Class B misdemeanor; maximum fine, first offense: $50
    more than 2 ounces-Class A misdemeanor; maximum fine, first offense: $1,000
    more than 16 ounces-Class D felony; maximum fine, first offense: $5,000
    more than 10 pounds-Class C felony; maximum fine, first offense: $15,000
  7. Selling marijuana - Selling marijuana in tiny quantities is a misdemeanor with fines between $250 and $1,000. However, selling more than 25 grams is a Class E felony and selling more than one pound is a Class C felony; maximum fine of $15,000 for first offenders.
  8. Other controlled substances - Penalties for the possession and sale of other controlled substances are much harsher than for marijuana and often include mandatory jail terms in addition to substantial fines.

A note about criminal penalties - For alcohol and other drug violations, each criminal case is evaluated separately and individual penalties can vary to include greater or lesser fines and other sanctions including community service, probation, and/or prison. The criminal justice process is separate from the Alfred University Student Conduct process and both may occur simultaneously.

Alfred University assumes no responsibility for changes to or errors in interpreting local, state, or federal laws.

The Alfred Amnesty Policy is designed to encourage students to call for assistance in an alcohol or other drug related medical emergency.

This process is not intended to address possible violations of criminal laws or their consequences outside the University.

Alfred University is committed to the health, security, and welfare of all its students. Students are encouraged to look out not only for their own health and welfare, but also for that of other community members. When a student’s health or safety is threatened or appears to be in jeopardy, we hope by-standers would take immediate action to prevent injury, illness, or danger.

The Division of Student Experience is concerned that, in a medical emergency involving alcohol or other drugs, students may be reluctant to call for assistance because of the fear that to do so, might result in disciplinary action. To address this concern, we have enacted the following policy for addressing possible disciplinary consequences when medical emergencies result from the use of alcohol or other drugs.

Under the Amnesty Policy, formal disciplinary action for mere possession or use of alcohol or drugs will not be taken against students for whom medical assistance is sought, or against those who seek medical assistance for themselves or for others, provided that the student/group has not violated other University policies that warrant formal disciplinary action. After the residence life or public safety staff has reviewed the incident report, a referral may be made to meet with the Dean of Student Experience. In addition, a student who receives medical assistance must then meet with the Health and Wellness Educator and comply with any recommendations prescribed by such office. Students or student organizations seeking medical assistance for another person during an alcohol or other drug-related emergency will not face formal disciplinary action for the mere possession or use of alcohol or drugs as long as such individuals or representatives from organizations meet with the health and wellness educator and comply with any recommendations prescribed by such office.

Parents of students under the legal drinking age may be notified of the incident and completion of the amnesty program in accordance with the University’s alcohol substance use & abuse policy.

Medical amnesty applies only to alcohol or drug-related medical emergencies, but does not apply to other prohibited conduct such as assault, property damage or distribution of illicit substances. In cases where an individual or organization fails to seek emergency medical assistance when it is clearly indicated, formal student conduct action will be taken against the individual(s) or organization.

The responsibility for determining applicability of this policy rests solely with the office of the Dean of Student Experience.