Alcohol and Other Drug Policy

Philosophy

A goal of Saint Michael’s College is to encourage preparation of our students for living, learning and working as responsible members of our community. Given this goal, the College pursues two fundamental goals:

To provide an atmosphere in which students are encouraged to make informed and responsible decisions.
To demonstrate reasonable care to keep our campus free from conditions that create or increase the risk of harm.

Information available through Student Health Services, the Personal Counseling Office, the Student Life Office, and the Student Association enhance education efforts regularly presented on campus, to help provide students with the information, resources and support necessary to make responsible decisions regarding alcohol use and abuse. A variety of services are available from these offices as well for students who seek assistance for substance abuse problems. Saint Michael’s College seeks to construct a learning and living environment in which students will behave responsibly. Activities that promote or encourage abusive drinking, such as drinking games, drinking paraphernalia, multi-liter containers or rotational parties are considered by the College to be irresponsible and in violation of College policy. Such activities hinder the College’s attempt to eliminate conditions that create or increase the risk of harm.

Alcohol Policy

Our policy is framed with the following consideration in mind: Vermont State Law dictates that in order to legally possess or consume alcohol and individual must be 21 years of age.

Vermont Law, and therefore, Saint Michael’s College:

Prohibits misrepresenting one’s age for purposes of purchase or consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Prohibits those of legal age from serving an individual who is visibly intoxicated.
Prohibits those of legal age from purchasing for and/or serving alcohol to minors.
Prohibits operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
Mandates that any individual who is dangerously intoxicated be taken into protective care.

In light of these considerations Saint Michael’s College has established the following goals:

To stress moderation, safety and individual accountability.
To provide an atmosphere free from social pressure to drink.
To maintain and encourage a sense of community where the effects of alcohol abuse are minimal and where problem behavior is reduced.
To provide information and education which encourages responsible decision making with regard to alcohol use.
To provide an atmosphere where we can further encourage programming that is not alcohol related.
To provide confidential and effective counseling services for those with special needs related to alcohol abuse and alcoholism.
To minimize the potential liability of both the individual and the institution.

Guidelines

Common sources of alcohol (kegs, beer balls, or their equivalent) are permitted at a college- approved event when catered by a licensed caterer. (See Approval of Events Involving Alcohol). Otherwise, kegs and beer balls, whether empty or full, tapped or untapped, will be confiscated by the College. Possession of a tap will be regarded as evidence of a violation of the keg policy.

Outdoor drinking on college grounds is permitted at an organized and catered event approved by the Dean of Students or appropriate designee.

Alcohol is not permitted on or near the athletic fields during intercollegiate, club or intramural athletic contests.

At events sponsored by the College, College organizations, or employees where underage students are in attendance no alcoholic beverages will be served with the exception of those approved events served by licensed caterers. Carrying open containers of alcoholic beverages or consuming them in any public area of campus is prohibited. Student groups, organizations or clubs which sponsor an event where alcohol is sold/served may not use Student Association monies to purchase or provide by any means alcoholic beverages for the event. It is a violation of these policies to be intoxicated to the point of significant impairment of mental or physical ability. Students who are intoxicated at that level may be mandated by the Dean of Students or designee to attend a college alcohol education program and may also be subject to disciplinary action. Students who procure alcoholic beverages for, or who serve underage individuals are not acting in a responsible manner and are violating this policy. A student who contributes in any way, however minor, to the intoxication of another person may be held personally liable for any injury or damage the intoxicated person causes or in which the student becomes involved.

Approval of Events Involving Alcohol

Events where alcohol is present may be approved depending on the nature of both the event and the facility and capacity of the facility, age distribution, and demonstration by the sponsoring organization of its ability to comply with State law and College regulations.

Only those of legal drinking age may have and consume alcohol in TOWNHOUSES AND GRADUATE (AND APARTMENT TYPE) HOUSING. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the remainder of campus housing.

The approval of the Student Life Office for events involving alcohol is required, and such events must be registered with the Student Life Office.

Methods for the accomplishment of these guidelines will be outlined by the Student Life Office during the event planning process. These methods include the following:

All events must end by 1:00 a.m.
All parties are prohibited Sunday through Thursday except with special permission.
Sponsors are responsible for supervision of the event.
Public Safety must be notified and hired when deemed necessary by Student Life. Access must be restricted and accommodation limits (in conformance with Vermont fire/safety laws and the Student Code of Conduct) must be adhered to.
Non-alcoholic beverages and food must be provided. A guest roster is required.
Sponsors are responsible for cleanup.

Approved campus-wide events involving alcohol must be catered for and licensed in accordance with Vermont State Law.

Alcoholic beverages may only be sold at catered events. To request money (donation, tickets) as a condition of admission to a non-catered event is comparable to selling alcohol without a license and is therefore a violation of Vermont State Law and College policy.

Alcoholic Beverage Advertising, Marketing, and Promotion

Policy

Events at which alcohol is served may be advertised on campus only when the service of alcohol is in full compliance with a valid liquor license or catering license and appropriate state regulations. Alcohol must not be the primary focus in any publicity. The sponsoring group is responsible for any advertising/publicity that is disseminated in conjunction with the event. The sponsoring group also bears the responsibility for the cleanup of any and all advertising materials related to the event. Alcohol must not be used as an inducement to participate in an activity.

Advertisements must avoid demeaning sexual or discriminatory portrayals of individuals or groups. Promotion of alcohol must not encourage misuse or place emphasis on quantity or frequency of use. Drinking must not be portrayed as contributing to the personal, academic or social success of students or individuals. Alcohol advertising must subscribe to the philosophy of responsible or legal use. Alcohol must not be associated with the performance of tasks that require skilled reactions, such as the operation of a motor vehicle or machinery.

Promotion / Sponsorship

Departments, programs or officially recognized organizations of Saint Michael’s College must not enter into any promotional agreements or advertising agreements with alcoholic beverage distributors/companies or their agents. Student organizations, and programs affiliated with the College should ensure that any alcohol advertising and promotional activity accepted by their organization adhere to the guidelines outlined above.

Drug Policy

Vermont State Law and Saint Michael’s College prohibits the use, possession or transfer of controlled drugs, and subjects the offender to fine and/or imprisonment (18 VSA 4205; 18 VSA 4224). Transfer under this section is defined as including both sale and gift. Any violation of these laws will be considered serious and dealt with accordingly. Any person possessing or transferring illegal drugs shall be subject to disciplinary action. Sale and distribution may result in immediate dismissal.

The College also prohibits the possession, use or distribution of all types of paraphernalia. Possession of such paraphernalia will be considered sufficient evidence that a violation of the College drug policy has occurred.

Marijuana is classified as a Schedule I drug according to the Controlled Substances Act. Thus, the use, possession, cultivation, or sale of marijuana violates federal policy. Federal grants are subject to college compliance with the Drug Free Communities and Schools Act, and the Drug Free Workplace Act. Campuses found in noncompliance of these laws risk loss of federal funding for financial aid. Any violation of the federal law governing Marijuana is a violation of campus policy and will be dealt with accordingly.

Medical Marijuana Policy

Saint Michael’s College students and employees should understand that possessing, using or selling marijuana in any form is prohibited on campus and during college activities.

Although students, staff, and faculty who legally obtain a medical marijuana “registration card” from the Vermont Dispensary are allowed to possess and consume certain quantities of marijuana, doing so is not permitted on the Saint Michael’s College campus or at SMC sponsored events.

If a student is registered as a medical marijuana user and intends to possess and use marijuana the student must confine that use to off campus locations. If that student is subject to the required residency policy, the student may present the student’s VERMONT medical marijuana registration to Student Life and request a waiver of the residency requirement so that the student may reside off campus. The card must be a Vermont medical marijuana registration card. No other state cards will be recognized.