Alcohol And Illegal Drugs Policy
ArtCenter is committed to providing its students, faculty and staff with an environment that promotes safe and responsible social interaction, and is required by law to provide you with our written policies on these issues.
ArtCenter’s concern over the illicit use and the abuse of alcohol and drugs results from the serious health hazards caused by substance abuse; the potential legal penalties for those convicted of unlawful use, possession or distribution of these substances; and the ways in which alcohol and drugs adversely affect our campus environment. All members of the ArtCenter community should be familiar with and should adhere to ArtCenter’s Policy on Substance Abuse. Individuals are expected to take responsibility for their own conduct and to comply with state and federal laws, as well as with ArtCenter’s policies.
Federal and State Law
ArtCenter abides by federal and state laws regarding the use of illegal drugs and alcohol. It is a criminal offense:
- To use, possess, cultivate, manufacture, sell or transfer illegal drugs, or to illegally use other drugs or prescriptions.
- For any person under the age of 21 to consume, purchase or possess alcohol.
- To provide any alcoholic beverage to a person under the age of 21.
- To provide any alcoholic beverage to an obviously intoxicated person.
- To be under the influence of alcohol in a public place and unable to exercise care for one’s own safety or that of others.
- To operate equipment or vehicles after consuming alcohol or drugs.
- To use false evidence of age and identity to purchase alcohol, or to have such false evidence in one’s possession.
- A student’s eligibility for federal financial aid may be suspended if the student is convicted, under federal or state law, of an offense involving the possession or sale of illegal drugs.
Controlled Substances and Alcohol
ArtCenter maintains a drug-free workplace and campus. Members of the ArtCenter community are expected to act lawfully with respect to the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages. All members of the ArtCenter community, including students, are prohibited from working in a shop after having consumed alcohol. Consumption of alcoholic beverages on ArtCenter’s premises is not permitted, regardless of the drinker’s age, unless the event is registered.
Planning Student Events
ArtCenter recognizes that student parties and activities are an important part of campus life. The information provided here is intended to help you minimize the risks associated with sponsoring a party, and to help individuals and organizations plan and execute a safe, healthy, fun and problem-free event.
Event planners must consult with the Office of Student Life and the Director of Campus Safety prior to the event so that the respective office can work with planners in arranging their event.
Event Requirements
All student events at which alcohol will be served (including official College functions, registered events and private parties) must adhere to the following guidelines:
- In order to use ArtCenter funds (including student organization funding) for an event where alcohol is served, prior authorization must be received from the Center for the Student Experience.
- Events where alcohol is served may be open only to members of the ArtCenter community and their invited guests.
- Events should not promote underage drinking or the inappropriate or excessive use of alcohol.
- One student must fill out the Event Registration form as the event host on behalf of the sponsoring organization, and signify that the organization agrees to abide by ArtCenter procedures and applicable law.
- Professional bartenders are required at any event where alcohol is served and those under legal drinking age are present. Professional bartenders may also be required at the discretion of ArtCenter. A current driver’s license with a photo, a state-issued identification card or a passport are the acceptable means of legal drinking age identification.
- A bartender may not serve alcohol to any individual who is under 21 years of age or to anyone who is intoxicated. A bartender may not serve more than one drink to one person at any given time.
- An adequate supply of quality non-alcoholic beverages must be provided throughout the party. Alcohol may not be served if non-alcoholic beverages run out. Food must also be available throughout the event.
- Campus Security must be present at any registered event where alcohol is served unless the Dean of Students or the Associate Dean of Students and Director of Student Life grants an exception.
- All events must conclude by the time governed by ArtCenter policy, which is 2 a.m. The bar must be closed by 2 a.m. and security will be present to assist in this process. This may include the removal of remaining alcohol to a designated secure location.
- Accessible, shared supplies of alcohol are not allowed anywhere on campus. This includes, but is not limited to, kegs, trash-can punches and beer fridges.
- Drinking games or any other activity which promotes the rapid and/or excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Liability
While the law regarding civil liability is complex, it is important to know that under some circumstances event sponsors, bartenders or others might be held legally liable for the consequences of serving alcohol to underage drinkers or to obviously intoxicated persons. You could be sued and potentially found personally liable for damages to any injured party or parties.
Policy Violations
Violations of this policy constitute a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. ArtCenter will impose sanctions on individuals and organizations that violate this policy. These sanctions and penalties will depend on the severity of the offense. Penalties can include expulsion from ArtCenter and referral to civil authorities for prosecution for violations of the law. A student who is found to be selling or providing illegal drugs can be suspended or expelled from ArtCenter, even for a first offense.
In addition to suspension or expulsion, other sanctions may include the following:
- Verbal and written warnings
- Organizing an educational program for peers
- Community service
- The completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program, or
- Social probation for an individual or a group.
Student organizations that violate the policy will have restrictions placed on parties, events and/or other social activities. An event may be closed immediately or other measures may be taken to correct the violation. Disciplinary action may be invoked entirely apart from any civil or criminal penalties that the student might incur.
Students should understand that inebriation is never an excuse for misconduct. A student’s careless or willful reduction, through the use of alcohol or other intoxicants, of his or her own ability to think clearly, exercise good judgment and respond to rational intervention may invoke more stringent penalties than otherwise might be levied.
Recent legislation allows institutions of higher education to contact parents when their adult children violate a school’s alcohol or drug policy. If a student’s behavior with respect to alcohol and drugs presents a danger to themselves and/or others, ArtCenter may inform parents. This will be deemed necessary by the Dean of Students in consultation with other offices as necessary.