St. Lawrence University: Student Handbook

The St. Lawrence University Aims and Objectives statement is the basis for understanding the goals and philosophy of the University policy for alcohol and other drugs. These objectives include “commitment to the students’ intellectual development, viewing students as whole persons, providing an environment that encourages the students’ physical and emotional well being, and providing opportunities for ethical, social and spiritual, and aesthetic growth.”

The St. Lawrence University alcohol policy is designed to maintain a residential environment that facilitates the achievement of educational goals. The policy considers the requirements of the law, the legal obligations of individuals and the University, the quality of residential life, and the aims and objectives of St. Lawrence University. The University provides an environment that supports student development and autonomy. However, autonomy and freedom of choice exist with the expectation that students will obey New York State law1 and Canton village ordinances2 , and will respect the intellectual, physical and emotional health of self and others. Accordingly, students of legal drinking age may consume alcoholic beverages, in a responsible manner and in concurrence with the policies in the St. Lawrence University Student Handbook.

These goals in conjunction with New York State law and Canton village ordinances provide the foundation from which the following polices are derived.
1. New York State Penal Law Guidelines
• Legal Minimum Age: No person shall sell, deliver or give away or cause or permit or procure to be sold, delivered or given away any alcoholic beverages to any person, actually or apparently, under the legal age of purchase. (21 years old) This is a Class B Misdemeanor. Anyone under 21 is prohibited from possessing alcohol if they intend to consume it.
• Selling or Giving Alcohol to an Intoxicated Person: No person shall sell, deliver, give away, permit, or procure to be sold, delivered or given away, any alcoholic beverages to any intoxicated person or any person under the influence of alcohol. Violators may be faced with a fine up to $50, up to five days in jail, or both.
• Dram Shop Liability: Any person who shall be injured in person, property, means of support, or otherwise by an intoxicated person, or by reason of the intoxication of any person, whether resulting in his death or not, shall have a right of action against any person who shall, by unlawfully selling to or unlawfully assisting in procuring liquor for such intoxicated person, have caused or contributed to such intoxication; and in any such action such person shall have a right to recover actual and exemplary damages.
• Social Host Liability: Creates civil liability for anyone who knowingly furnishes alcoholic beverages to any intoxicated person under the legal age of purchase if the intoxication results in injury or damages to a third party.
• Using False Identification (ID): Any person under the legal age of purchase who is found to have presented or offered false or fraudulent written identification of age for the purpose of purchasing or attempting to purchase alcoholic beverages may be assigned probation for a period of one year and assessed a substantial fine.
• New York State Alcoholic Beverage Control Board: In accordance with New York State law, it is illegal to sell alcoholic beverages or to accept donations at any event where alcoholic beverages are served without obtaining the appropriate license through the New York State Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.

2. Canton Village Ordinances
No person shall have in his possession any open bottle or container containing or which previously contained liquor, beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverage while such person is on any public highway, public street, public sidewalk, or public place except those premises duly licensed for sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises, within the village of Canton, St. Lawrence County, New York, with the intent of the possessor or another person to consume any such beverage in such vehicle or public place or to perform any independently unlawful act.
Such an open bottle or open container in any vehicle shall be presumptive evidence that the same is in possession of all occupants thereof and in violation thereof.
Possession by any person of an open bottle or container which contains or previously contained liquor, beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverage shall be presumptive evidence of the consumption of such beverage by such person and of the intent of such person to consume such beverage.
The public consumption or attempted public consumption of such beverage from such open container shall be presumptive evidence that the same was possessed with the intent to consume such beverage.

Health Risks

Alcohol is toxic and, if used and abused, can have serious consequences to health. Alcohol consumption has acute effects on the body and causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and the coordination required to drive a vehicle safely, increasing the likelihood that a driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including personal abuse, as well as dangerous risk-taking behaviors. Moderate to high doses of alcohol impair high mental functions, severely altering a person’s ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses can cause respiratory depression and death.

If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol can be fatal.

Alcohol-related automobile accidents are the number one cause of death among people ages 15 to 24.

Approximately 50 percent of all youthful deaths from drowning, fires, suicides, and homicides are alcohol-related.

Repeated intoxication, antisocial behavior or an inability to pursue one’s own education may result from problem drinking and may indicate chemical dependency. Students are encouraged and may be required to resolve their drug or alcohol problems with a professional counselor on or off campus. The vice president and dean of student life may notify the parents or guardian of a student’s alcohol or drug problem. In some instances, a student may be required to withdraw from school and will not be permitted to return until successful resolution of the substance problem is documented to the satisfaction of the University.

A student who is transported to the hospital for endangerment due to alcohol intake will be required to attend an alcohol intervention meeting with a member of the Student Life staff. A summary of the incident may be sent to the student’s parents or guardian.

A. General Regulations
1. Intoxication: Intoxication and/or alcohol misuse (including drinking contests, such as but not limited to Beirut, Beer Pong, Quarters, Funnels, which promote high risk drinking) is prohibited and does not constitute an excuse for irresponsible behavior or misconduct. Disorderly conduct, property destruction, intimidation or other infringements on the rights of others as a result of alcohol are prohibited.
2. Kegs, Bars, and Beer Balls: Kegs, bars, and beer balls are not permitted on or in University property or in the possession of recognized University organizations except when used by licensed caterers operating with proper University authorization.
3. Funding: No St. Lawrence University organization may use organizational funds to purchase alcoholic beverages.
4. Medical Attention (Good Samaritan): The health and safety of students is a top priority. No punitive or disciplinary action will be taken against students as a result of them seeking treatment or other medical attention for themselves or for another student who takes ill as a result of alcohol consumption.

B. Alcohol in Residential Areas
1. First-Year Colleges: The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited at all times in the public areas of first-year colleges (common areas, TV lounges, study areas, hallways).
2. Student Rooms: Individuals under 21 years of age are not permitted to possess or consume alcoholic beverages in rooms.
3. Excessive empty alcohol bottles and cans will be reviewed on a case by case situation following a first warning.
4. Upperclass Residence Halls, Theme Cottages, Greek Houses: Individuals who are 21 years or older are permitted to consume alcoholic beverages in a responsible manner in the public areas of residential buildings in accordance with the St. Lawrence Alcohol Policy. All parties in public spaces must be registered. (See Section C below—Procedures and Regulations for Organizational Events, Specific Guidelines, 1. Small Events, 2. Large Events.) When unauthorized alcohol and its paraphernalia are found, they will be confiscated and disposed of, and disciplinary consequences will follow.

C. Academic, Administrative Buildings, Athletic Facilities (on & off campus), Dining Facilities, Libraries, and Student Center
1. The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited at all times in any academic, administrative building, athletic facility (on & off campus), dining facilities, libraries, or student center (unless part of a University sanctioned event approved by the President of the University).

D. Procedures and Regulations for Organizational Events
General Guidelines
1. All gatherings of 10 or more persons where alcohol is consumed must be registered and approved in advance by the Office of Student Activities and Leadership.
2. Alcohol at registered events must be limited to beer and/or wine.
3. Times available to host an event are Friday 5 p.m. through Sunday 2 a.m.
4. An event is limited to a maximum of 4 hours.
5. Individuals 21 years and older must bring their own alcohol if they wish to consume alcohol. The University may regulate the amount of alcohol which will be permitted.
6. Persons at least 21 years old are eligible to consume alcoholic beverages and must be identified by a marking system, and only those individuals are permitted to consume and/or possess alcohol in accordance with New York State law.
7. No social event shall include any form of alcohol misuse such as drinking contests—includes, but is not limited to, Beirut, Beer Pong, Quarters, Funnels—which promote high risk drinking.
8. The responsibility for a party rests with the sponsoring organization and/or individual(s).

1. Events
a) Events must be registered in the Office of Student Activities and Leadership 3 days prior to the event, including those in which alcohol is served.
b) The maximum number of individuals permitted shall be guided by the applicable fire code regulations and under the advisement of the Director of Security.
c) An approved party must have trained individuals to supervise the events. These monitors must be TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) trained and certified by the Office of Student Activities and Leadership. The Office of Student Activities and Leadership will determine the number of outside monitors. Training will include knowledge of state, local and University alcohol regulations. Alcohol consumption by monitors prior to and during the event is prohibited.
d) Bartenders may not consume alcohol prior to and during the event.
e) Reasonable amounts of solid food and non-alcoholic beverages must be available. The Office of Student Activities and Leadership will determine reasonable amounts.
f) When unauthorized alcohol and its paraphernalia are found, they will be confiscated and disposed of, and disciplinary consequences will follow.
2. Special events
a) Definition – Outdoor event and/or guest list greater than a 3:1 guest/member ratio.
b) An outdoor party shall be so defined when the main area of entertainment is on the grounds, or in common outdoor spaces on campus; i.e. the Quad, behind Whitman, etc. It shall be the duty of the leader of each organization to notify the neighbors of any forthcoming outdoor parties. Sponsoring organizations are reminded that neighbors should be considered when music levels are established.
c) These events must be registered at least one week in advance.
d) The sponsoring individual and/or organization must work in conjunction with the Office of Student Activities and Leadership and the Director of Security to create a safe and secure environment for the event.

E. Enforcement
1. Administration: Primary responsibility for administration of the University Alcohol Policy rests with the Student Activities and Leadership staff, Residence Life staff, community assistants, Greek house officers, theme house coordinators, security, and the vice president and dean of student life and co-curricular education, although all students and members of the St. Lawrence University community have a responsibility to support New York State laws, Canton village ordinances and University policy.
2. Violations: A violation of the University’s alcohol policy may be handled in several ways. A first time, minor violation typically will be referred to the RL offices. A second or third violation will typically be referred to the Student Judiciary Board (if a matter is referred to the Student Judiciary Board, the Board will be given access to information regarding prior violations by the student). A fourth violation typically will result in removal from campus, suspension and/or expulsion imposed by the vice president and dean of student life and co-curricular education. However, in any given case, the vice president and dean of student life may decide that, based on the circumstances, a different course of action (e.g., referral to the Student Judiciary Board or suspension for a first offense, referral to the Joint Board of Inquiry, etc.) is warranted, and that course of action will be taken.

In cases of violations by student organizations or groups, both the student organization and the individual student leaders of the organization will be subject to disciplinary sanctions.

Return to Student Handbook	Alcohol Policy The St. Lawrence University Aims and Objectives statement is the basis for understanding the goals and philosophy of the University policy for alcohol and other drugs. These objectives include “commitment to the students’ intellectual development, viewing students as whole persons, providing an environment that encourages the students’ physical and emotional well being, and providing opportunities for ethical, social and spiritual, and aesthetic growth.” The St. Lawrence University alcohol policy is designed to maintain a residential environment that facilitates the achievement of educational goals. The policy considers the requirements of the law, the legal obligations of individuals and the University, the quality of residential life, and the aims and objectives of St. Lawrence University. The University provides an environment that supports student development and autonomy. However, autonomy and freedom of choice exist with the expectation that students will obey New York State law1 and Canton village ordinances2 , and will respect the intellectual, physical and emotional health of self and others. Accordingly, students of legal drinking age may consume alcoholic beverages, in a responsible manner and in concurrence with the policies in the St. Lawrence University Student Handbook. These goals in conjunction with New York State law and Canton village ordinances provide the foundation from which the following polices are derived. 1. New York State Penal Law Guidelines • Legal Minimum Age: No person shall sell, deliver or give away or cause or permit or procure to be sold, delivered or given away any alcoholic beverages to any person, actually or apparently, under the legal age of purchase. (21 years old) This is a Class B Misdemeanor. Anyone under 21 is prohibited from possessing alcohol if they intend to consume it. • Selling or Giving Alcohol to an Intoxicated Person: No person shall sell, deliver, give away, permit, or procure to be sold, delivered or given away, any alcoholic beverages to any intoxicated person or any person under the influence of alcohol. Violators may be faced with a fine up to $50, up to five days in jail, or both. • Dram Shop Liability: Any person who shall be injured in person, property, means of support, or otherwise by an intoxicated person, or by reason of the intoxication of any person, whether resulting in his death or not, shall have a right of action against any person who shall, by unlawfully selling to or unlawfully assisting in procuring liquor for such intoxicated person, have caused or contributed to such intoxication; and in any such action such person shall have a right to recover actual and exemplary damages. • Social Host Liability: Creates civil liability for anyone who knowingly furnishes alcoholic beverages to any intoxicated person under the legal age of purchase if the intoxication results in injury or damages to a third party. • Using False Identification (ID): Any person under the legal age of purchase who is found to have presented or offered false or fraudulent written identification of age for the purpose of purchasing or attempting to purchase alcoholic beverages may be assigned probation for a period of one year and assessed a substantial fine. • New York State Alcoholic Beverage Control Board: In accordance with New York State law, it is illegal to sell alcoholic beverages or to accept donations at any event where alcoholic beverages are served without obtaining the appropriate license through the New York State Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. 2. Canton Village Ordinances No person shall have in his possession any open bottle or container containing or which previously contained liquor, beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverage while such person is on any public highway, public street, public sidewalk, or public place except those premises duly licensed for sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises, within the village of Canton, St. Lawrence County, New York, with the intent of the possessor or another person to consume any such beverage in such vehicle or public place or to perform any independently unlawful act. Such an open bottle or open container in any vehicle shall be presumptive evidence that the same is in possession of all occupants thereof and in violation thereof. Possession by any person of an open bottle or container which contains or previously contained liquor, beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverage shall be presumptive evidence of the consumption of such beverage by such person and of the intent of such person to consume such beverage. The public consumption or attempted public consumption of such beverage from such open container shall be presumptive evidence that the same was possessed with the intent to consume such beverage. Health Risks Alcohol is toxic and, if used and abused, can have serious consequences to health. Alcohol consumption has acute effects on the body and causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and the coordination required to drive a vehicle safely, increasing the likelihood that a driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including personal abuse, as well as dangerous risk-taking behaviors. Moderate to high doses of alcohol impair high mental functions, severely altering a person’s ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses can cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol can be fatal. Alcohol-related automobile accidents are the number one cause of death among people ages 15 to 24. Approximately 50 percent of all youthful deaths from drowning, fires, suicides, and homicides are alcohol-related. Division for Student Life Notification Repeated intoxication, antisocial behavior or an inability to pursue one’s own education may result from problem drinking and may indicate chemical dependency. Students are encouraged and may be required to resolve their drug or alcohol problems with a professional counselor on or off campus. The vice president and dean of student life may notify the parents or guardian of a student’s alcohol or drug problem. In some instances, a student may be required to withdraw from school and will not be permitted to return until successful resolution of the substance problem is documented to the satisfaction of the University. A student who is transported to the hospital for endangerment due to alcohol intake will be required to attend an alcohol intervention meeting with a member of the Student Life staff. A summary of the incident may be sent to the student’s parents or guardian. St. Lawrence University Student Alcohol Policy A. General Regulations 1. Intoxication: Intoxication and/or alcohol misuse (including drinking contests, such as but not limited to Beirut, Beer Pong, Quarters, Funnels, which promote high risk drinking) is prohibited and does not constitute an excuse for irresponsible behavior or misconduct. Disorderly conduct, property destruction, intimidation or other infringements on the rights of others as a result of alcohol are prohibited. 2. Kegs, Bars, and Beer Balls: Kegs, bars, and beer balls are not permitted on or in University property or in the possession of recognized University organizations except when used by licensed caterers operating with proper University authorization. 3. Funding: No St. Lawrence University organization may use organizational funds to purchase alcoholic beverages. 4. Medical Attention (Good Samaritan): The health and safety of students is a top priority. No punitive or disciplinary action will be taken against students as a result of them seeking treatment or other medical attention for themselves or for another student who takes ill as a result of alcohol consumption. B. Alcohol in Residential Areas 1. First-Year Colleges: The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited at all times in the public areas of first-year colleges (common areas, TV lounges, study areas, hallways). 2. Student Rooms: Individuals under 21 years of age are not permitted to possess or consume alcoholic beverages in rooms. 3. Excessive empty alcohol bottles and cans will be reviewed on a case by case situation following a first warning. 4. Upperclass Residence Halls, Theme Cottages, Greek Houses: Individuals who are 21 years or older are permitted to consume alcoholic beverages in a responsible manner in the public areas of residential buildings in accordance with the St. Lawrence Alcohol Policy. All parties in public spaces must be registered. (See Section C below—Procedures and Regulations for Organizational Events, Specific Guidelines, 1. Small Events, 2. Large Events.) When unauthorized alcohol and its paraphernalia are found, they will be confiscated and disposed of, and disciplinary consequences will follow. C. Academic, Administrative Buildings, Athletic Facilities (on & off campus), Dining Facilities, Libraries, and Student Center 1. The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited at all times in any academic, administrative building, athletic facility (on & off campus), dining facilities, libraries, or student center (unless part of a University sanctioned event approved by the President of the University). D. Procedures and Regulations for Organizational Events General Guidelines 1. All gatherings of 10 or more persons where alcohol is consumed must be registered and approved in advance by the Office of Student Activities and Leadership. 2. Alcohol at registered events must be limited to beer and/or wine. 3. Times available to host an event are Friday 5 p.m. through Sunday 2 a.m. 4. An event is limited to a maximum of 4 hours. 5. Individuals 21 years and older must bring their own alcohol if they wish to consume alcohol. The University may regulate the amount of alcohol which will be permitted. 6. Persons at least 21 years old are eligible to consume alcoholic beverages and must be identified by a marking system, and only those individuals are permitted to consume and/or possess alcohol in accordance with New York State law. 7. No social event shall include any form of alcohol misuse such as drinking contests—includes, but is not limited to, Beirut, Beer Pong, Quarters, Funnels—which promote high risk drinking. 8. The responsibility for a party rests with the sponsoring organization and/or individual(s). Specific Guidelines 1. Events a) Events must be registered in the Office of Student Activities and Leadership 3 days prior to the event, including those in which alcohol is served. b) The maximum number of individuals permitted shall be guided by the applicable fire code regulations and under the advisement of the Director of Security. c) An approved party must have trained individuals to supervise the events. These monitors must be TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) trained and certified by the Office of Student Activities and Leadership. The Office of Student Activities and Leadership will determine the number of outside monitors. Training will include knowledge of state, local and University alcohol regulations. Alcohol consumption by monitors prior to and during the event is prohibited. d) Bartenders may not consume alcohol prior to and during the event. e) Reasonable amounts of solid food and non-alcoholic beverages must be available. The Office of Student Activities and Leadership will determine reasonable amounts. f) When unauthorized alcohol and its paraphernalia are found, they will be confiscated and disposed of, and disciplinary consequences will follow. 2. Special events a) *Definition* – Outdoor event and/or guest list greater than a 3:1 guest/member ratio. b) An outdoor party shall be so defined when the main area of entertainment is on the grounds, or in common outdoor spaces on campus; i.e. the Quad, behind Whitman, etc. It shall be the duty of the leader of each organization to notify the neighbors of any forthcoming outdoor parties. Sponsoring organizations are reminded that neighbors should be considered when music levels are established. c) These events must be registered at least one week in advance. d) The sponsoring individual and/or organization must work in conjunction with the Office of Student Activities and Leadership and the Director of Security to create a safe and secure environment for the event. E. Enforcement 1. Administration: Primary responsibility for administration of the University Alcohol Policy rests with the Student Activities and Leadership staff, Residence Life staff, community assistants, Greek house officers, theme house coordinators, security, and the vice president and dean of student life and co-curricular education, although all students and members of the St. Lawrence University community have a responsibility to support New York State laws, Canton village ordinances and University policy. 2. Violations: A violation of the University’s alcohol policy may be handled in several ways. A first time, minor violation typically will be referred to the RL offices. A second or third violation will typically be referred to the Student Judiciary Board (if a matter is referred to the Student Judiciary Board, the Board will be given access to information regarding prior violations by the student). A fourth violation typically will result in removal from campus, suspension and/or expulsion imposed by the vice president and dean of student life and co-curricular education. However, in any given case, the vice president and dean of student life may decide that, based on the circumstances, a different course of action (e.g., referral to the Student Judiciary Board or suspension for a first offense, referral to the Joint Board of Inquiry, etc.) is warranted, and that course of action will be taken. In cases of violations by student organizations or groups, both the student organization and the individual student leaders of the organization will be subject to disciplinary sanctions. 3. Penalties: Possible penalties for violations of the St. Lawrence Alcohol Policy include, but are not limited to: formal warnings, fines, social or disciplinary probation, required disciplinary service, and suspension or expulsion from St. Lawrence University, or any other penalty provided for under clause XIV of the Student Judiciary Board Constitution.