Policies

Farmingdale State College Student Alcohol Policy

Persons Affected

Students

Policy Statement

1. Summary

Farmingdale State College (FSC) is committed to the cognitive and social development of all students, therefore it is the policy of FSC to maintain an alcohol and drug free workplace. FSC offers various primary prevention and alcohol and drug education programs focused on reducing the harmful effects of alcohol and drug use. It is the goal of FSC to help students who are struggling with substance abuse issues by means of education and counseling before disciplinary action.

FSC prohibits the unlawful possession, use and distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on its property or as any parts of its activities. In compliance with the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 and the Federal Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, this policy sets forth the standard of conduct that students are expected to follow, sanctions for this violation of this policy, and the responsibility of faculty, staff and students for enforcement of this policy. FSC recognizes all Federal, State, Local laws, or ordinances, and expects all faculty, staff and students to adhere to them.

In cases of alcohol and drug intoxication, the primary concern is the health and safety of the individual(s) involved. FSC strongly encourages individuals to call for medical assistance for themselves or for a friend/acquaintance who is displaying symptoms of alcohol or drug overdose. No student seeking medical treatment for an alcohol or other drug-related overdose, or other life-threatening medical emergency shall be subject to the FSC disciplinary process for the sole violation of using or possessing alcohol or drugs. This policy shall apply to any student seeking help for the intoxicated student and the student who is facing a life-threatening medical emergency.

The health and safety of every student at FSC is of the utmost importance. FSC recognizes that students who have been drinking and/or using drugs may be hesitant to report witnessed acts of violence for fear of potential consequences for their own conduct. FSC strongly encourages students to report incidents of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking or sexual assault to institution officials. A bystander acting in good faith, or a reporting individual acting in good faith who discloses any incident of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking or sexual assault to FSC officials or law enforcement shall not be subject to FSC code of conduct action for violations of alcohol and/or drug use policies.

2. Requirements for students to obtain alcohol consumption privileges

2.1 All students age 21 and over who live in the residence halls and wish to consume alcohol in FSC residence halls, or wish to have their guests age 21 and over consume alcohol are required to complete a Red Watch Band training. Red Watch Band is a bystander intervention program that aims to prevent toxic drinking deaths. It is highly recommended that all FSC students complete Red Watch Band training, not just those mandated by living in the residence halls.

2.2 Red Watch Band trainings shall be offered several times over the academic year. Students can complete their Red Watch Band training up to one semester prior to the semester in which they turn 21 years of age. These requirements will go into effect Spring 2020.

2.2.1 Consult the FSC website for the schedule of Red Watch Band trainings.

https://www.farmingdale.edu/red-watch-band

2.3 Upon completion of the Red Watch Band training, students shall be provided with a completion certification that they can present to the University Police Department (UPD), Red Watch Band trainers, or residential life staff in order to obtain a 21 and over sticker for their ID. Commuter students can receive a 21 and over sticker without completion of Red Watch Band training by going to UPD.

2.4 An Over 21 sticker is required for all students who wish to consume alcohol on campus, whether in a residence hall or during an approved event. FSC can revoke the right to drink on campus at any time for violations of the drug or alcohol policy.

3. Quantity of alcohol allowed per student during approved public events

3.1 A Standard Drink is defined as:

3.1.1 One 12-ounce beer or wine cooler or,

3.1.2 One 5-ounce glass of wine or,

3.1.3 1.5 ounces of no greater than 80-proof distilled spirits

3.2 During approved events of more than two hours duration when alcohol is served, the FSC approved food service management corporation/Auxiliary Services Corporation (ASC) shall limit alcohol consumption to two Standard Drinks per person.

3.3 This Farmingdale State College Alcohol Policy shall govern the consumption and/or service of alcohol on FSC property. To the extent there is anything contrary contained in the policies of the FSC approved food service management corporation or in the policies of the ASC, the provisions of this policy shall govern.

4. Restricted Locations for Alcohol Consumption

4.1 Persons under the age of 21 shall not possess or consume alcohol anywhere on campus including the residence halls.

4.2 Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited in all common areas in the residence halls including but not limited to; lounges, kitchens, recreation rooms, hall corridors, or laundry rooms.

4.3 FSC shall not sponsor or approve any residence hall function where alcohol is served or consumed.

4.4 The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by participants or spectators at any intercollegiate or intramural sporting event both on and off campus is strictly prohibited.

5. Permitting for Events Requesting to Serve Alcohol

5.1 All organizations that wish to serve alcohol on FSC premises or at an off college event must comply with the process and/or procedure set forth in this policy. A “Request to Serve Alcohol at Campus Event Form” must be submitted to the Alcohol Permit Committee (APC) at least 5 weeks prior to the event. Once approved the campus-issued alcohol permit must be prominently displayed throughout the event. The “Request to Serve Alcohol at Campus Event Form” is located on the Farmingdale State College website at https://www.farmingdale.edu/red-watch-band Approval of a given event by the APC does not guarantee the required subsequent NYS approval and/or issuance of the required liquor license. The APC approval does not replace the required approval from the Use of Facilities Office to ensure resource and space availability prior to the proposed event.

5.2 The APC shall consist of a representative from the FSC approved food service management corporation, UPD, Student Activities, as well as the Prevention Coordinator, the Chief Diversity Officer, and the Director of Residence Life or their designees.

5.3. Any group that does not comply with FSC Alcohol Policy shall not be permitted to host another event where alcohol is intended to be served.

5.4 The “Request to Serve Alcohol at Campus Event Form” must be fully completed and must include the following:

5.4.1 Date of event with specific beginning and end times.

5.4.2 Location of the event.

5.4.3 Food must be available at any event where alcohol is served. Any event in which alcohol is the primary focus shall not be approved.

5.4.4 All events that serve alcoholic beverages must have security provided by UPD and/or an outside security company vetted by UPD (the vetted security company), if UPD determines that it cannot adequately staff the event. Prior to submitting the “Request to serve Alcohol at Campus Event Form”, the event organizer should contact UPD in order to determine if UPD can adequately staff the event. If necessary UPD shall provide the event organizer with vetted security companies to use in conjunction with UPD for event security. The cost of providing this security shall be the responsibility of the event organizer.

5.4.5 An estimated number of attendees. The number of guests should be limited according to fire code regulations of the venue being utilized.

5.4.6 The FSC approved food service management corporation/ASC is the only vendor permitted to provide alcoholic beverages for campus events in accordance with New York State Law and applicable FSC Policies.

5.4.7 The FSC approved food service management corporation/ASC shall assume full responsibility to ensure that no one under the age of 21 is permitted to consume alcoholic beverages during the event. Staff serving the alcohol at events must be trained in responsible beverage trainings such as TIPS.

5.5 An incomplete “Request to Serve Alcohol at Campus Event Form” will be denied approval.

6. Planning an Event that Includes Alcohol

6.1 Pre-Event:

6.1.2 Promotions for the event are to include a statement concerning the minimum drinking age law, and the organizers expressed intent to enforce all laws and regulations. All promotions must be approved by the APC prior to distribution.

6.1.3 Promotions for the event must state the specific start and end times of the event.

6.1.4 Promotions for the event must not be solely focused on the availability of alcoholic beverages.

6.1.5 UPD and/or the vetted security company may refuse admittance to an event based on their own discretion. UPD and/or the vetted security company may ask for identification for proof of age at any point. Failure to comply with UPD or the vetted security company shall result in the revocation of the individuals drinking privileges and possible further disciplinary action.

6.1.6 The vetted security company and/or the FSC approved food service management corporation/ASC shall check identification and hand out wristbands with two non-transferrable drink tabs for alcohol consumption. The event sponsor shall buy two tab wristbands for the maximum anticipated attendance and ship them directly to the FSC approved food service management corporation/ASC for distribution on the day of the event. The wristband vendor shall be chosen by the APC.

6.1.7 Any counterfeit wristbands shall be confiscated and shall result in disciplinary action. Any student attempting to transfer drink tabs to another student shall be subject to disciplinary action.

6.1.8 The wristbands must be displayed and worn for the duration of the event. Failure to do so shall result in the revocation of drinking privileges.

6.2 Day of Event:

6.2.1 Entrance to event:

6.2.1.2 The organizer must have UPD and/or the vetted security companies monitor each entrance/exit to event grounds.

6.2.1.3 Persons who appear to be intoxicated as determined by UPD and/or the vetted security company shall not be admitted to the event. Event hosts or guests shall not bring alcohol to the event.

6.3 Alcohol Access:

6.3.1 Guests are not permitted to serve themselves alcohol.

6.3.2 Alcohol shall not be awarded as a prize for any contest or game.

6.3.3 Bartenders are not to drink or be under the influence of alcohol while serving. Bartenders must also stop serving anyone who appears to be intoxicated.

6.3.4 The content of alcoholic drinks is to be standardized in order to contain a consistent amount of alcohol that aligns with the standard drink definition.

6.3.5 Nonalcoholic beverages must also be served and available.

6.3.6 Wristband tabs shall only be pulled off by the bartenders serving at the event.

6.3.7 Guests 21 and older may be served maximum one drink at a time, with a maximum of two Standard Drinks per person over the course of the event. If the event is less than two hours in total, a maximum of one standard drink will be served at the event.

6.3.8 Distribution of alcohol shall end 60 minutes prior to the events’ end time.

6.4 Personal Conduct:

6.4.1 All recreational alcohol drinking activities which pose a clear or potential threat to students’ welfare, inclusive of but not limited chugging, drinking games or hazing are prohibited.

7. Residence Life

7.1 Alcohol consumption is permitted for persons 21 years of age and older in their assigned residence hall rooms, provided they have completed the Red Watch Band training. Additionally they are permitted to consume alcohol in the rooms of other residents who are 21 years of age or older who have completed the red watch band training.

7.2 Proof of age and an Identification card with a 21 and over sticker indicating completion of Red Watch Band training must be provided to staff members upon request. Failure to do so shall result in revocation of alcohol privileges and/or other student conduct violations.

7.3 Students 21 years of age and over in the residence halls who have completed Red Watch Band training can possess at any given time up to one of the following in their own room:

7.3.1 Six twelve ounce beers or,

7.3.2 One liter of wine or,

7.3.3 500 ml of no greater than 80-proof distilled spirits

7.4 In rooms where all students residing in that room are under the age of 21, no alcohol shall be possessed or consumed including possession or consumption by guests who are of legal drinking age.

7.4.1 If some of the residents of a student room or suite are not of legal drinking age, those residents 21 and over who are Red Watch Band trained may keep alcohol in the room; however, these students are prohibited from drinking with, serving, or in any way providing alcohol to those residents who are not of legal drinking age.

7.4.2 Students who are 21 or older and who reside in a room or suite with students who are not yet 21, shall be held responsible for violating this policy if they do not take reasonable steps to ensure the underage residents do not gain access to alcohol they possess.

7.4.3 An underage student who is present in a student’s room or suite where residents of that room are of legal drinking age shall be in violation of this section if there is reasonable suspicion deemed by the college that the underage student was also consuming alcohol.

7.5 Students living in the residence halls are responsible for informing guests of rules and regulations regarding the consumption of alcohol and shall be held responsible for any violations of these rules and regulations by their guests. The residential student is responsible for all alcohol found in their room or suite during room inspections regardless of who brought the materials into the room.

7.6 All empty alcoholic containers must be removed from the residence hall rooms by noon of the day following consumption. It is the responsibility of the residential student who consumed the alcohol or who had guests consume alcohol to dispose of the empty containers.

8. Marketing Guidelines for Alcohol

8.1 All requests for promotion or sponsorship of campus activities by agencies involved with the sale, marketing, production or distribution of alcohol must go through the APC for review and shall require final approval by the President or his/her designee.

9. Education Programs

9.1 FSC’s goal is to prohibit at a minimum the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on its property or as a part of its activities. FSC recognizes that alcohol and drug use are a major public health concern that have the potential to be harmful to the students and community, along with interfering with the goals and objectives of an academic institution. It is the goal of FSC to focus on providing students with the proper skills and resources in regards to substance abuse issues. FSC promotes and encourages an educational culture inclusive of substance abuse education and primary prevention programs. Members of FSC community are educated by the institution on responsible legal consumption along with the dangers of drug use. Substance abuse evaluations, interventions, and outpatient therapy are offered through Campus Mental Health Services, The Health and Wellness Center, and the Alcohol and other Drug Counselor. Referrals to community inpatient or outpatient treatment facilities can be obtained through these same resources. For further information, please contact the following offices.

9.1.2 Campus Mental Health 934-420-2006

9.1.3 Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor 934-420-3576

9.1.4 Health and Wellness 934-420-2009

9.2 The following students may be required to undergo an evaluation as deemed by the college with a medical or mental health professional and follow the recommendations of the provider:

9.2.2 Students who are arrested or violate the campus alcohol or drug policy.

9.2.3 Students who are hospitalized for an alcohol or drug overdose.

10. Disciplinary Actions.

10.1 Violation of the Campus Alcohol Policy shall result in the following disciplinary actions:

10.1.2At a minimum the first Offense shall requirecompletion of3^rd Millennium Classrooms’ “Under the Influence” Educational Intervention with a one week completion deadline and a signed Disciplinary Probation Contract.

10.1.3 At a minimum the second offense shall result in a referral to the FSC Alcohol and other Drug Counselor for mandated screening/appointment(s). In addition, students shall be required to complete a written critical reflective paper which shall be submitted to the Dean of Students Office upon completion of the mandated meeting(s) with FSC Alcohol and other Drug Counselor. Lastly, students shall be held accountable to a signed Disciplinary Probation Contract.

10.1.4 At a minimum the third offense shall result in suspension from the residence halls (if applicable) as well as social probation and prohibition from participation in co-curricular activities. Lastly, students shall be held accountable to a signed Disciplinary Probation Contract.

10.1.5 At a minimum the fourth offense shall result in an extended suspension and a signed Disciplinary Probation Contract.

10.1.6 At any time a student may be expelled or suspended due to violations of this policy.

Responsible Office

Deans Office

Policy History

Approved July 31, 2019