Community Policy on use of Alcohol & Controlled Substance
Alcohol:
The Alcohol Policy reflects current rules, regulations and guidelines to be followed by Manhattanville students. Any changes to this policy will be communicated in writing by the Dean of Students and will be distributed campus-wide as an updated policy. The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, enacted by the federal government, requires Colleges to adopt and implement a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees. The primary goal of the following policy is to promote an environment in which the misuse of alcohol is not tolerated. This goal can be achieved by community-wide involvement in comprehensive and ongoing alcohol education and awareness programs.
Alcohol Limits
Each resident of a wet room is allowed to have no more than one of the following at any point:
- No more than (6 cans/bottles) of beer/malt beverage
- 1 standard bottle of wine (4‐5 glasses)
- 1 standard bottle of hard liquor (a fifth)
The sale, purchase, possession, transportation, storage, and consumption of alcoholic beverages on Manhattanville College property and at off-campus Manhattanville College sponsored functions is permitted only in accordance with New York State law and only as outlined in the following sections:
- All residents of the room or suite whether present or not must be 21 or older in order for alcohol to be permitted in the room.
- In accordance with New York State law, it is a violation for anyone under 21 years of age to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol while on College premises. This includes, but is not limited to, any public or private function sponsored by the College or any members of its three constituencies (students, faculty and staff).
- It is a violation for anyone 21 years of age or older to provide alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age on College premises, including residence halls.
- It is a violation to be in a room where underage students are present and alcohol is being consumed.
- Kegs and other bulk containers of alcohol are not permitted in student residence halls. This includes items such as Heineken mini kegs and similar items. Whole, half, quarter kegs, beer balls, or any similar containers are not permitted in any area of the campus without special written permission of the Dean of Students or their designee.
- Drinking games in any form are not permitted on campus. Items, such as funnels, that encourage less than responsible approach to alcohol use will be confiscated regardless the age of the owner. (i.e. Students age 21 and over included)
- Spiked punch and Jell‐O shots containing alcohol, regardless of alcohol content are prohibited.
- Public intoxication, no matter the age, is prohibited on Manhattanville college campus.
- Pursuant to New York State law, open containers are illegal. Alcoholic beverages MUST be in a closed and concealed container and alcoholic beverage containers MUST be concealed when transported on campus grounds and in residence. There will be no open containers of alcohol or drinking of alcoholic beverages permitted in public areas. This includes hallways, bathrooms, public areas of residence halls and outside areas of the campus (e.g., Student Activities, The Pitt, Quad, etc.).
- All academic and athletic spaces on campus (e.g., classrooms, lounges in the Library or academic or athletic buildings, athletic fields, faculty and administrative offices) are considered “dry” and no alcohol is permitted under any circumstances.
- Visitors of Manhattanville College students must abide by the rules that apply to their host. For example, if a visitor of a student is of legal drinking age, but his/her host is not, then the visitor may not consume alcohol on Manhattanville College premises. Manhattanville students are fully responsible for their visitors’ actions on campus in regard to the Code of Conduct.
- Distribution of alcoholic beverages is generally prohibited at student organization‐sponsored events, unless necessary permission is obtained (See Student Activities section).
- Disorderly Conduct resulting from the use of alcohol is unacceptable and will be considered a serious and additional violation of the College Policy. Disorderly conduct includes, but is not limited to: abusive language, racial or sexual slurs, graffiti, fighting, destruction and removal of property. Excessive noise, overcrowding, property damage, disruption of community functions, public intoxication, persons congregating in adjacent hallways, abusive behavior toward others, and fighting shall warrant immediate action on the part of Campus Safety and/or the Director of Residence Life or designee. This policy governs students representing the College at any off campus event (e.g., student representatives at conferences and athletic teams at away games). Individuals will be held responsible for any activities taking place in their room. Empty alcohol containers will be considered evidence of consumption. All residents of any “dry” room/suite (regardless if they are 21 years old) where empty alcohol containers are found may be judicially charged. Parents/Guardians will be notified, of any student under the age of 21 years old, of any alcohol policy violations; regardless of the sanction.
Controlled Substance Policy:
Manhattanville College is deeply concerned about controlled substance use in our community. The College regards controlled substance use as a problem that has the potential to affect the entire community. Possession, use, distribution, manufacture or sale of illegally controlled substances, or use of legally controlled substances without explicit and current prescription from one’s own medical doctor or nurse practitioner, or from Manhattanville College’s Health Center, is prohibited. The possession of drug paraphernalia is prohibited. Any student found selling, admitting to selling currently or in the past, or distributing any form of illegal drugs, controlled substances, or drug paraphernalia may be expelled and may also face criminal liability. Distribution also includes the sharing in any way of legally controlled substances.
The College stands firm against the use of controlled substance and does not provide students with a haven from the law. Anyone found using or possessing controlled substance is subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. Law enforcement personnel may be involved at the invitation of the College. Room searches and Brownson Hall locker searches may be conducted by the College with the approval of the Director of Residence Life, the Dean of Students or designee.
Students who are identified as having an alcohol and/or a drug problem may be required to resolve their problems with a professional counselor on or off campus. The Dean of Students, Director of Residence Life or designee may notify the parents or guardian of a student’s alcohol and/or drug problem. In some cases, a student may be required to withdraw from the College and will not be permitted to return until successful resolution of the problem is documented to the satisfaction of the College.
Violation of this policy on Manhattanville College owned or controlled property will result in College sanction appropriate to the situation and will not protect students from arrest or prosecution for illegal involvement with alcohol or drugs by civil authorities.