Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Tobacco Policies

Scope

Faculty, staff, and students

Policy Statement

I. Preamble

Syracuse University adopts this policy with the support of its students, faculty, and staff to further our mission. This policy is an extension of our commitment to make every effort to provide a safe and healthy environment for all members of our community. This policy is intended to articulate, affirm, and maintain community-wide norms that support abstinence and encourage low-risk choices regarding alcohol, other drugs and tobacco; choices that will not compromise positive living, learning, and working experiences for each member of our community.

This policy provides an umbrella framework for the University’s approach to prevention and intervention, and defines acceptable and unacceptable behaviors with regard to alcohol, other drugs and tobacco. In addition, the policy complies with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, which requires the University to adopt a program to prevent and prohibit unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs and alcohol by students and employees; and, New York State Public Health Law, which prohibits smoking in all indoor areas of the University.

Abuse is a matter of concern for the entire community. Abusing alcohol, other drugs and tobacco, regardless of the user’s age, poses a threat to health and interferes with one’s ability to fully participate in the academic community. Abusing alcohol, other drugs and tobacco creates serious problems for other members of the community. Secondhand effects of abuse include incidents of impaired sleep, study, and work time; injuries and other health complications, and criminal victimization including sexual and physical assault, theft, and vandalism. Abusing alcohol, other drugs and tobacco takes a costly toll on the University community in the form of vandalism/property damage, lost productivity, and health service resources.

II. Guiding Principles

1. University as a Community Syracuse University is an educational institution dedicated to pursuing excellence, promoting academic achievement, and advancing knowledge. The University takes a demonstrable interest in the intellectual, physical, and psychological well-being of its members. Likewise, as stated in the University Compact, students, faculty, staff, and administrators are expected to maintain a safe and healthy environment for each member of our community. Ultimately, the University seeks a proper balance between individual freedom to learn from experience, and the need to accept and live within the standards of conduct set by the community. The University seeks for all its members and guests to share in the responsibility of adhering to and enforcing this policy.
2. Proactive Approach Federal, state, and local laws, and other mandates require the University to promulgate policies and procedures that stipulate sanctions for violating standards for misusing alcohol, and other drugs and tobacco; however, the University’s efforts go beyond rules and sanctions. All University students, faculty and staff receive written notification of this policy each year. In addition, the University aims to institute policies and procedures that develop and sustain healthy community-wide norms to facilitate the prevention of problems while providing resources for intervention and assistance.
3. Prevention, Education, and Intervention Syracuse University seeks to provide an environment in which drug and alcohol abuse and tobacco use are not tolerated and do not interfere with the goals of the University as an educational institution and workplace. To provide an environment that does not tolerate the illegal and harmful use of alcohol, other drugs, and tobacco, and helps to prevent problems related to those substances, the University engages in proactive efforts, including the following:
   1. Educating members of the community about policies related to alcohol, other drugs, and tobacco, and sanctions used to enforce these policies;
   2. Intervening and providing assistance to those with problems while creating an atmosphere in which those with problems are encouraged to seek help;
   3. Offering low-risk social options that support institutional initiatives fostering health and wellness; and
   4. Upon students’ request and to the extent reasonably practicable, making living options available where no alcohol is permitted and where roommates also elect this option. Smoking is prohibited in all indoor areas of the University.

   In cases of intoxication and/or alcohol poisoning, the primary concern is the health and safety of individuals involved. Individuals are strongly encouraged to seek medical assistance for themselves or for friends or acquaintances who are dangerously intoxicated. Students or employees who seek assistance and medical treatment from the sources identified as confidential in Appendix B will not be subject to disciplinary action provided the only reason that any University official is aware of the problem is because the student or employee sought help.

4. Values Regarding Substances and Education Taking into account the public health and safety concerns expressed above, Syracuse University supports the following values with regard to substances and education:

Illegal Drugs

• Manufacturing, distributing, selling, purchasing, possessing, and using illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia is prohibited.

Other Drugs

• Unlawfully distributing, possessing, or using prescription medications, controlled substances, or other legal drugs is prohibited.
• Improperly using prescription medications, controlled substances, or other legal drugs is discouraged.
• Possessing drug paraphernalia is prohibited.

Alcohol

• Abstinence, as an option, is supported and never discouraged.
• Drinking alcoholic beverages legally and in moderation is accepted.
• Drinking alcohol excessively is discouraged.
• Unlawful behaviors involving alcohol including, but not limited to: underage drinking, public intoxication, drinking and driving, manufacturing, distributing, and using false identification are prohibited.
• Disruptive behavior that creates potential for harm or infringes on the rights of others is prohibited.

Tobacco

• The right to a healthy smoke-free environment in accordance with applicable law is recognized and supported.
• Using tobacco where it is offensive to others is discouraged.
• Using tobacco is not tolerated where its use is prohibited by law or University policy.
• The right to smoke where smoking is legally permitted and does not unlawfully affect others is recognized.

Education

• Proactive participation in prevention education is expected.
• Self-referral to drug and alcohol education and early intervention programs is encouraged.
• Self-referral participation in these programs is strictly confidential.
• Community members should make themselves aware of the risks associated with abuse of alcohol, other drugs, and tobacco and the education and early intervention programs available to the community.

III. Policy on Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Tobacco

1. Jurisdiction The University policy on alcohol, other drugs and tobacco governs the activities of all Syracuse University students, recognized student organizations, staff, faculty, guests, and visitors as follows: this policy applies to all activities occurring on University-owned, operated, or controlled property; to all University-sponsored events occurring at any location; to all individuals while officially representing the University at any location; to all individuals in any situation or location where the individual’s actions reasonably relate to his or her status at or relationship with the University; and to all students and student organizations consistent with the Code of Student Conduct, the Standards for Student Organizations, and the Statement of Relationship between Syracuse University and Greek-letter fraternities and sororities.
2. Comprehensiveness All departmental alcohol, other drug and tobacco policies shall conform at a minimum to this umbrella policy and all federal, state, and local laws.
3. Definitions Definitions applicable to this policy are included at Appendix A
4. Drugs
   1. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, sale, purchase, possession, or use of any drugs or controlled substances, or any attempt thereof, is prohibited. Violations of this subsection will be determined from all the circumstances. Individuals found in the presence of illegal drugs or controlled substances, but who are not determined to have engaged in actual or attempted unlawful manufacture, distribution, sale, purchase, possession, or use of any drugs or controlled substances, may be required to meet with a staff member to discuss their choices concerning peer interactions, social activities, and use of illegal drugs or controlled substances.
   2. Possession of drug paraphernalia is prohibited.
5. Alcohol
   1. The unlawful service, distribution, sale, possession, consumption, or other unlawful use of alcoholic beverages, or attempt thereof, is prohibited.
   2. Unlawful behaviors involving alcohol including, but not limited to: underage drinking, public intoxication, drinking and driving, and manufacturing, distributing, and using false identification are prohibited.
   3. Alcoholic beverages may be served on University owned, operated, or controlled property or at University-sponsored events only in:
      • Specifically licensed locations (see Registration and Facilities Requirements), and
      • Private University residential units of persons of legal drinking age provided that the host and all guests present are also of legal drinking age. Alcoholic beverages dispensed via a central source container, such as kegs and beer balls, are prohibited in all University residential facilities.
   4. Students under the legal drinking age may not distribute, sell, purchase, possess, or consume alcohol. Violations of this subsection will be determined from all the circumstances. Underage students found in the presence of alcohol, but who are not determined to have engaged in actual attempted distribution, sale, purchase, possession, or consumption of alcohol, may be required to meet with a staff member to discuss their choices concerning peer interactions, social activities, and use of alcohol.
   5. Upon student request and to the extent reasonably practicable, the University will make living options available where no alcohol is permitted and where roommate(s) also elect this option.
   6. All events occurring on University-owned, operated, or controlled property and all University-sponsored events where alcohol is present must conform to the guidelines identified under Service Control Procedures and Registration and Facilities Requirements below.
   7. University funds may be used to purchase alcoholic beverages where lawful and in accordance with the values and principles of this policy.
   8. There shall be no expenditure of undergraduate student activity fees to purchase alcoholic beverages.
6. Smoking
   1. Smoking is prohibited in all indoor locations on University owned, operated, or controlled property, including, but not limited to, housing and dining facilities, classrooms; private faculty, staff, student; and administrative offices; computing facilities; laboratories; seminar rooms; libraries; stores; health facilities; restrooms; stairwells; elevators; lobbies; and reception areas.
7. Marketing Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Products Advertising and Promotions
   1. Advertising for events where alcohol is served must be consistent with the Code of Student Conduct, the University solicitation policy, and this policy. Publicity shall indicate prominently the availability of non-alcoholic beverages and food. Alcoholic beverages should not be the primary focus of any event nor its promotion.
   2. No promotional activities involving alcoholic beverages and tobacco products shall be associated with campus events or programs without the prior knowledge and written consent of the department head who has oversight responsibility for that particular event or program.
   3. No advertising, promotional signage, or other sponsorship of any tobacco product shall be permitted at any University-sponsored athletic event.
   4. At University-sponsored events, and in University-sponsored publications (including fee-funded publications) where tobacco products are advertised, there shall be an equal number of educational messages that parallel the content of the advertisement.
   5. Advertising, promotional signage, or other sponsorship of any alcoholic beverage shall be limited to the name and/or logo of the product and/or a message communicating responsible consumption of the beverage.

   Sponsorship The sponsorship of events by alcoholic beverage and tobacco companies is prohibited, except with the prior approval of the appropriate dean, department head, or an Office of Student Centers and Programming Services administrator. Approval shall be granted only in circumstances that conform to the guiding principles of this policy.

8. Guidelines for Selling and Serving Alcoholic Beverages on University Property and at University-Sponsored Events. Service Control Procedures
   1. Individual(s) and/or group(s) operating a licensed facility or sponsoring an event at which any alcoholic beverage is to be sold or served shall be responsible for ensuring that all all applicable laws together with regulations listed in this section are observed.
   2. It is the responsibility of the sponsor to ensure that procedures are in place to prevent the service or sale of alcoholic beverages to, or consumption by, individuals below the legal drinking age and to those who are visibly intoxicated.
   3. The service or sale of alcoholic beverages is permitted only at events where 75 percent or more of the persons anticipated to be in attendance are of legal drinking age.
   4. At events and/or facilities where alcoholic beverages are served, proof of legal drinking age is required to purchase or consume alcohol.
   5. All servers of alcoholic beverages must be appropriately trained according to standards set by a reputable server training organization, such as I’M Smart of Central New York Inc.
   6. Selling or serving alcoholic beverages must be discontinued for one hour prior to the end of the event.
   7. Sufficient quantities of non-alcoholic beverages (other than water) and food must be available and prominently displayed at all times during an event at which alcohol is served. An alcoholic punch or alcoholic beverage must be clearly labeled as such.
   8. All current NCAA bylaws that pertain to selling, serving/distributing, possessing, and consuming alcoholic beverages in athletic facilities and at intercollegiate events will be followed (see Appendix C).

   Registration and Facilities Requirements

   1. All events occurring on University-owned, operated, or controlled property or at University-sponsored events involving selling or serving alcohol, must be held at locations registered and approved by the Student Centers and Programming Services or the appropriate dean or administrative department head in the respective area when held in a University-owned facility. A temporary permit must be obtained first before any event is held in a place not listed in the first sentence of number 2 below. University-sponsored events held at off-campus locations not owned, operated, or controlled by the University require alcoholic beverages be provided and served by a licensed distributor with which the University has entered into a contract for services. Student Centers and Programming Services refers events that require catering to Schine Dining Center, Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center, or Campus Catering.
   2. On-campus events at which alcohol is sold must be held at the following licensed locations: the Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center, the Schine Student Center, the Carrier Dome, Syracuse Stage, Drumlins, and the Inn Complete. For other approved locations, Campus Catering will need to obtain a temporary permit. Temporary permits require a letter of authorization from the appropriate dean, director, or department head in charge of the location where the event is held. The letter of authorization must state that this official will take full responsibility for adherence to the procedures listed in this policy.
   3. With the exception of events held at the Carrier Dome, Syracuse Stage, Drumlins, and the Inn Complete, all on-campus events held on University-owned, operated or controlled property where alcoholic beverages are sold or served must be catered by Campus Catering or another licensed University service provider. Campus Catering will provide the necessary staff to supervise, service, and monitor selling and serving beverages. Student Centers and Programming Services will notify the Syracuse University Department of Public Safety of such events and Public Safety will determine appropriate staffing.

   Catering Procedures Campus Catering is recognized as having primary responsibility for serving and selling alcohol for campus events. In addition to the procedures described in Service Control Procedures and Registration and Facilities Requirements the following catering procedures apply to events where alcoholic beverages are to be served:

   • All orders must be placed through Campus Catering for alcohol purchases totaling $25 or more.
   • All persons who appear to be under the age of 35 will be proofed. One form of photo I.D. acceptable to the University will be required for all in attendance.
   • Temporary liquor licenses are required for all bars at non-licensed facilities.
   • Student organizations must provide a letter from the organization’s advisor confirming that 75 percent of the attendees are over 21 years of age.
   • Public safety and/or catering personnel must be present at all events serving alcohol.

IV. Sanctions for Policy Violations

1. Alcohol and Other Drugs
   1. Employees and students who violate this policy are subject to University disciplinary actions and public law enforcement actions. University sanctions imposed under this policy do not diminish or replace the penalties available under generally applicable federal, state, and local laws.
   2. Any University administrator, dean, director, department head, or Department of Public Safety officer shall have the authority to stop any violation of this policy occurring on University-owned, operated, or controlled property or at any University-sponsored event. Any member of the University community may file a complaint pursuant to established University disciplinary procedures against any individual, student organization, or department he/she knows or believes to have violated this policy. Complaints may be filed through established University process, and, if a violation is found to have been committed by the accused individual or student organizations, appropriate sanctions will be determined in accordance with the relevant disciplinary policies and procedures as well as those below.

   Students and Recognized Student Organizations Allegations that one or more students or recognized student organizations have committed a violation of this policy are handled by the University Judicial System.

   1. Sanctions for policy violations by students or recognized student organizations in which alcohol or other drug use was a contributing factor must include an educational component and may include other elements as described in the Syracuse University Student Handbook and the published policies of the University Judicial System. Student-athletes are subject to further sanctions and regulations as set forth by the NCAA and the Athletics Department. Sanctions for policy violations by recognized student organizations may further include: loss of funding or other privileges; denial of access to University facilities and services; and withdrawal of recognition by the University. Social Greek letter organizations are also subject to additional sanctions as set forth by their international organizations and Greek Council Social Policy.
   2. Sanctions for violating this policy will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
   3. Self-referrals to campus drug and alcohol education and early intervention programs are encouraged and are available without risk of further sanctioning.

   Employees All University employees are governed by this policy. Allegations that an employee has violated the policy are handled by the Office of Human Resources. Employees found to have violated this policy are subject to appropriate disciplinary action, pursuant to state, local, and federal law, and policies of the Office of Human Resources, published in the University Policies web site. Such disciplinary action may include, but is not limited to: referral for appropriate assessment, education, counseling, and rehabilitation. In cases where impaired performance is due to illegal drugs, immediate suspension or dismissal may result.

2. Smoking A complaint, concern, or dispute regarding this policy should be promptly referred for resolution to an immediate supervisor or administrator responsible for the area. The New York Public Health Law provides for a civil penalty of up to $2,000 for any violation of its non-smoking provisions (Appendix D).
3. External Sanctions Sanctions imposed under this policy do not diminish or replace the penalties available under generally applicable federal, state, and local laws (Appendix D).

Policy Administration

• Office of the Senior Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs
• Human Resources

Links to Procedures and Related Information

• Appendix A – Definitions
• Appendix B – Campus and Community Resources
• Appendix C – National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Bylaws
• Appendix D – Legal Penalties
• Appendix E – Health Risks of Substance Abuse
• Employee Anti-drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy
• Smoke-Free Workplace Policy

Date: 1989
Amended: 7/1/05
Amended: 9/11/07
Amended: 5/16/08
Amended: 8/20/10
Amended: 10/8/13