Campus Policy for Governing the Use of Alcohol in Residence Halls

All University at Albany students who live in residence, and their visitors/guests, are subject to New York State Law and the University at Albany’s policy regarding possession and consumption of alcohol, as well as specific policies governing the Residence Halls.

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Definition of Residence Hall/University Apartment Areas

Residence Halls are defined as the quadrangles and the University Apartment complexes, including outdoor areas. The boundaries of Indian, State, Colonial and Dutch Quadrangles are defined by the first paved roadway or sidewalk adjacent to the quadrangle. Indian and Dutch Quadrangles include the playing fields adjacent to the west and east respectively with regard to the application of this policy. The boundaries of Alumni Quadrangle are defined by the exterior city sidewalks surrounding the quad. The boundaries of Freedom Quad are defined by the entrance road to the complex from Tricentennial Drive. The boundaries of Empire Commons are defined by the University roadways surrounding the complex.

Alcohol Policy in Freshmen Designated Residence Halls

Alcoholic beverages are never permitted in freshman residence halls. This includes all residential buildings on Indian Quad and the designated freshman buildings on State Quad. Visitors or guests of students residing in these areas are not permitted to possess or consume alcohol in these areas regardless of whether they are of legal drinking age. These areas are designated as alcohol free.

Alcohol Policy for Students Under 21 Years of Age Living in Non-Freshmen Areas

A person under 21 years of age may not possess or consume alcoholic beverages at any time on the University at Albany campus.
No possession or consumption of alcohol is permitted by any student or guest in private residence rooms where all the assigned residents are under 21 years of age.

Visitors or guests of students under 21 years of age are not permitted to possess or consume alcohol in the suite or bedroom of an underage student regardless of whether they are of legal drinking age.

Alcohol containers, including empty liquor bottles, wine bottles and/or beer cans are prohibited.

Alcohol Policy for Students Over 21 Years of Age Living in Non-Freshmen Areas

The following regulations regarding alcohol use apply to students and visitors/guests in the non-freshmen areas who are 21 years of age or older:

No individual student may possess more than 12, 12 oz bottles/cans of beer (or the equivalent), or one liter of hard liquor or wine at one time.

Binge drinking is defined as consuming five or more drinks on one occasion for men or four or more drinks on one occasion for women.

Binge drinking is strictly prohibited.

Individuals of legal drinking age may not provide alcohol to underage roommates, suite mates, visitors or guests.

Drinking games (e.g. beer pong) and other activities that promote the irresponsible use of alcohol are prohibited. This includes the use of alcohol paraphernalia such as funnels and ice luges.

Kegs and beer balls, whether empty or full, tapped or untapped, are prohibited. Spiked punch and Jell-O shots containing alcohol, regardless of alcohol content are also prohibited.

Behavior that encourages or contributes to excessive alcohol consumption by another student is prohibited.

Carrying open containers of alcoholic beverages or consuming them in any public area of the campus is prohibited. This includes movement between residence hall rooms or apartments with an alcoholic beverage.

Compliance with all requests by University officials, including Residential Life staff or University Police, for proof of 21-year-old status is required. If there is reasonable suspicion to believe that alcohol might be in squeeze bottles, cups or other such containers, University staff reserve the right to approach students and hold individuals accountable under the provisions of this policy.

Possession, consumption, and storage of alcohol are prohibited in all public areas, e.g. lounges, hallways, stairwells, common bathrooms, or outdoor areas.

Driving on University property while under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited and will result in arrest, loss of driving privileges on campus, and possible suspension or expulsion from the University.

Alcohol and Other Drug Education and Prevention Services and Programs

Information regarding alcohol and drug prevention services and educational programs can be found by visiting The University Counseling Center

The Incident-Sanction Protocol for Alcohol & Other Drug Violations

The sanctions specified in the chart on the following page are the minimal expectations applied by staff in most student conduct cases involving alcohol and other drugs. The University’s response is not restricted to those sanctions listed in the protocol. Students are advised that illegal possession and/or use of alcohol and other drugs are strictly prohibited at the University.

Student Behavior	First Offense	Subsequent Offense
Under age possession/consumption of alcohol	Residence Hall Probation to Removal from Residence, Notification of Parents, Community Service, Counseling	Removal from Residence or Suspension from the University, Notification of Parents.
Damage to property while under the influence	Residence Hall Probation to Removal from Residence, Restitution, Notification of Parents, Community Service, Counseling	Suspension from the University, Notification of Parents.
Driving while intoxicated	Disciplinary Probation to Suspension from the University, Notification of Parents, Community Service, Counseling, Loss of Driving Privileges	Dismissal from the University, Notification of Parents.
Noise violation w/alcohol present	Residence Hall Probation to Removal from Residence, Notification of Parents, Community Service, Counseling	Removal from Residence to Suspension from the University, Notification of Parents.
Intoxicated student/Disruptive Conduct	Residence Hall Probation to Removal from Residence, Notification of Parents, Community Service, Counseling	Removal from Residence to Suspension from the University, Notification of Parents
Possessing or using marijuana	University Police notified, possible arrest, Residence Hall Probation to Removal from Residence, Notification of Parents, Community Service, Counseling	Removal from Residence to Suspension from the University, Notification of Parents
Violent behavior while under the influence of alcohol	University Police Notified, Removal from Residence to Suspension from the University, Notification of Parents	Suspension to Dismissal from the University, Notification of Parents
Possession of illegal drugs with intent to sell	University Police notified, possible arrest, Suspension or Dismissal from the University, Notification of Parents	Dismissal from the University, Notification of Parents
Hosting a party involving illegal use of alcohol	Residence Hall Probation to Removal from Residence, Notification of Parents, Community Service	Removal from Residence to Suspension from the University, Notification of Parents
Possessing kegs, beer balls or punch spiked with liquor	Removal from the Residence Halls, Notification of Parents	Suspension from the University, Notification of Parents

Drugs

The University at Albany is committed to promoting a drug free campus environment. Individuals who violate Federal, State or Local laws and campus policies are subject to University Disciplinary action and criminal prosecution.

Students should be aware there are significant psychological and physiological health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol. Physical addiction, loss of control and withdrawal syndrome as well as serious damage to vital organs of the body can result from drug and alcohol abuse.

The following resources are available for assisting those with possible problems of chemical abuse:

• The University Counseling Center
• Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program