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Residential Life

Alcohol and Drug Policy

Overall Focus

• Primary prevention – to prevent any drug or alcohol problem before it starts
• Educational process with behavior modification over punitive measures
• Responsibility and independence before parental involvement
• Students are considered adults who are responsible for conducting themselves in accordance with state/ local laws as well as with the college alcohol & drug policy

Drug Policy

The possession or use, without a physician’s prescription, of any drug defined as a controlled substance by federal, State, or local laws is strictly prohibited on the SUNYIT premises. Controlled substances are defined in broadest terms to cover narcotics, depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens. Drugs or drug related paraphernalia may be confiscated and used as evidence. (See also Student Code of Conduct (pdf).)

Alcohol Policy - 21 Years of Age and Over

Resident students who are 21 years of age or older and do not live in substance free housing, may possess limited quantities of alcoholic beverages. They may serve alcohol to resident and non resident guests provided the guests are at least 21 years of age. Resident student hosts will be responsible for ensuring that intoxicated guests are not served alcohol and for compliance with residence hall alcohol and guest policies.

In accordance with the established regulations, possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted in the private living areas of the residence apartments. Alcohol can be consumed by students of age within the residential enclosed quad areas only. Glass containers of any kind may not be used outdoors.

Alcohol games such as, but not limited to, beer pong, quarters and other games that promote drinking alcohol are prohibited from being played.

Quantity Limits

Each resident student of legal drinking age is limited to the possession of the following amounts of four kinds of alcoholic beverages:

• no more than one 12-pack of beer (16 ounce maximum) per resident living within that suite; or
• no more than one 12-pack of wine coolers (16 ounce maximum) per resident living within that suite; or
• no more than one liter of distilled alcohol per resident living within that suite; or
• no more than one liter of wine per resident living within that suite.

Alcohol Violations (State Laws Enforced)

Course of action is determined by the nature of the violation. Refer to Student Code of Conduct, Section B, for sanctions.

Prohibition of Bulk Dispensers

The possession or use of kegs, beer balls, beer taps, alcoholic punches, or any form of alcoholic bulk dispensers is prohibited in the residence halls. The possession or use of grain alcohol and drinking funnels is prohibited. University Police will confiscate these items for disposal, return and removal off campus.

Substance Free Housing (Space Limited)

A townhouse has been designated as a substance free building. Residents of this building are prohibited from using tobacco products, alcohol, or illegal drugs. Students agreeing to live in this environment will be required to sign an agreement and know that violations of this agreement may result in removal from substance free housing, and judicial action beginning with an educational component. All freshman housing is considered substance free.

Alcohol Policy - Under 21 Years of Age

Possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under the age of 21 is strictly prohibited on the SUNYIT campus and is a violation of Section 65c New York State Law.

All persons are prohibited from selling or serving alcohol as well as purchasing alcohol for those under the age of 21. This is a violation of Section 260.20, New York State Penal Laws.

Maximum Occupancy of Apartments

In accordance with the residence hall guest policy and applicable fire/safety regulations, the college has determined the maximum occupancy for each student apartment to be 20 persons (including those who are the resident students). Apartment residents are responsible for ensuring that this maximum occupancy is not exceeded. (See also Substance Free Housing.)

Bottles and Cans

Bottles and cans should be returned immediately and not stored in the residence hall apartments, for health and safety reasons.

Guest Alcohol Policy

Guest(s), in total, visiting a resident are allowed to bring the following:

• no more than one 6-pack of beer (16 ounce maximum); or

• no more than one 6-pack of wine coolers (16 ounce maximum); or

• no more than one 500 ml (1/2 liter) distilled alcohol; or• no more than one 750 ml (1/2 liter) of wine.

This means that regardless of the number of visitors a resident may have, they are permitted to bring no more than the above stated quantities.

Intoxication is not an excuse for violation of SUNYIT rules and expectations.