30.1.0 Alcohol & Drug Policy
SUNY Canton seeks to create a campus environment that is supportive of the academic mission of the institution by promoting healthy and responsible living, affirming civility, supporting the well being of each of its members and being respectful of all the laws and institutional regulations governing alcohol usage.
In keeping with our educational mission, SUNY Canton has established this policy to promote an environment that encourages learning, fosters respect for people and property, and supports individual development and success, while recognizing the responsible consumption of alcohol for those of legal age. The policy applies to all members of the College community and their guests. The host is responsible for their guest’s conduct and the consequences of their behavior as well.
The College will provide information about acceptable standards of behavior, possible consequences of violating applicable laws and University regulations, promote educational programming and make resources available from the Counseling Center’s library for the prevention, intervention, and treatment of substance abuse.
30.1.1 Events on Campus
All campus events which include alcohol must be appropriately registered, supervised and conform to applicable laws and College regulations. It is the responsibility of the Director of the sponsoring office or the president and advisor of a campus student organization to make sure the event adheres to the laws and College policies, participants in the event act civilly and the event is registered with the chief administrator responsible for the facility and University Police. Registration forms may be obtained from University Police or the chief administrator in charge of the facility (i.e. Chaney Dining Center, Miller Campus Center, Residence Life, and Athletics).
30.1.2 Administrative Responsibility
The chief administrator (C.A.) of a building/facility or program which permits alcohol consumption must establish procedures for their area of responsibility to ensure applicable laws and College regulations are adhered to. It is left to the prerogative of the C.A. to determine if alcohol usage will be permitted in their facility on a case-by-case basis. It is also the C.A.’s responsibility to make the organization or group aware of any special rules or issues concerning their area of responsibility when they register the event with the C.A.
30.1.3 Legal Responsibilities
Students and employees are responsible for knowing local, state and federal laws that apply to individual possession, consumption, and distribution of alcohol. In keeping with the SUNY Canton philosophy, the primary control for responsible alcohol use lies with the individual consumer. The College will comply with governmental regulations such as the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989.
30.1.4 Sanction for Violations
When there is a failure to comply, the College may impose sanctions on individuals who have violated the policy and/or applicable laws. There is a need to send a strong message that illegal use of alcohol will not be tolerated. Education and various alcohol abuse interventions may be an integral part of the sanction. The College will not tolerate conduct which disrupts the educational mission or campus life. Employees who violate the law or campus regulations will be referred to their direct supervisor while students will be referred to Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students or designee.
30.1.5 On-Campus Advertising
All on-campus advertising that promotes events where alcohol will be consumed must obtain consent and approval stamp of the Student Activities, Involvement & Leadership office prior to display. Promotional materials need to promote the main activity, not the consumption of alcohol. Promotional materials advertising explicit use of alcohol that are not activity-oriented will not be approved.
30.1.6 Alcohol Awareness Programs
Educational programs that stress positive attitudes and behavior and emphasize the dangers of alcohol consumption are equally important. SUNY Canton is committed to fostering an environment that will offer alternative academic and social settings to eliminate alcohol abuse. The College recognizes that the abuse of alcohol is a very serious problem which is detrimental to the individual student, to the educational process and the learning environment. The College encourages students to attend educational awareness programs which address the issues concerning alcohol consumption.
30.1.7 Alcohol-Free Events
Encouraging and providing alcohol-free events and activities are an integral part of our healthy campus environment. Students are encouraged to participate in order to learn healthy ways to socialize that do not involve alcohol and other drugs.
30.1.8 Counseling
The Counseling Center consists of professional counselors who will provide personal counseling support, assessment and referrals for students regarding alcohol-related issues. The Counseling Center also trains peer educators who assist in delivering alcohol awareness/educational programs on campus. The Counseling Center will maintain an extensive resource library of books, pamphlets, videos and tapes.
30.1.9 Alcohol/Drug Violations – Sanctions
When an individual is found to have violated the campus Alcohol/Drug policy the following actions will be taken:
The First Alcohol/Drug policy violation will result in the following minimum sanction:
- Mandatory completion of an online Alcohol/Drug Awareness Class ($30.00 charge);
- Automatic Residence Hall Probation for one year;
- Letter sent home to parent(s)/guardian(s) of any student under the age of 21;
The Second Alcohol/Drug policy violation will result in the following minimum sanction:
- Disciplinary Probation for the balance of the student’s attendance at SUNY Canton;
- Residence Hall Probation for the balance of their attendance at SUNY Canton;
- Mandatory attendance and participation in an online Alcohol /Drug Education Class ($30.00 charge);
- Letter to the parent(s)/guardian(s) of any student under the age of 21;
In addition, a second alcohol/drug policy violation may also result in anyone, or combination of, the following sanctions:
- Immediate suspension and restriction from the residence halls for the balance of the semester with the requirement that the student return to the residence halls at the beginning of the next semester. Students suspended from the residence halls lose their preference in requesting their living location when they return to the residence halls.
- Relocation to another residence hall, per the assignment of the Director of Residence Life, with the restriction against entering the building from which they were moved.
- Assigned 50+ community service hours.
- Evaluation through Counseling.
The Third Alcohol/Drug policy violation will result in the individual meeting with the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students or their designee. For any questions or need for clarification of this policy, please contact the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students at studentaffairs@Canton.edu or 315-386-7120.
30.1.10 Alcohol and Controlled Substances
It is the policy of SUNY Canton that the unlawful use, possession, manufacture, dispensation or distribution of alcohol and controlled substances in all campus locations, including fraternity and sorority residences, is prohibited.
No student may attend class, and no employee will report for work or will work, impaired by any substance, drug or alcohol, lawful or unlawful. Individuals may possess and use a controlled substance that is properly prescribed for him or her by a physician, as long as its use causes no impairment. “Impaired” means under the influence of a substance such that the individual’s motor senses (i.e. sight, hearing, balance, reaction or reflex) or judgment either are or may be reasonably presumed to be affected. The term “controlled substance” is defined in Section 202 of the Controlled Substance Act (21 USC 812). Alcohol may be consumed or dispensed in public areas only as authorized by a permit issued by the College Alcohol Coordinator and in accordance with the Policies and Procedures Manual.
Any violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action consistent with applicable laws, rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements and the Code of Student Conduct. Student violations will be a matter of attention by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students. Individuals may also be required to participate in and satisfactorily complete an approved drug or alcohol abuse assistance or rehabilitation program as a condition of continued employment or enrollment.
As a condition of continuing enrollment, each student shall abide by this policy and notify the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students, in writing, of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring on campus or off campus, within five calendar days of such a conviction. The college is obligated to notify the appropriate federal contracting agency, if applicable, within ten calendar days of receipt of notice of a student conviction as noted above.
As a condition of employment, each employee shall abide by this policy and notify the Director of Human Resources, in writing, of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring off site or in the workplace or at the College worksite within five calendar days of such a conviction. The College is obligated to notify the appropriate federal contracting agency, if applicable, within ten calendar days of receipt of notice of an employee conviction as noted above. The College provides on-going drug and alcohol awareness educational programs, and dissemination of pertinent information will continue to occur for all members of the campus community.
Confidential counseling and referral for alcohol and drug maladies is available to students through the Counseling Center and Davis Health Services. Employees may seek services through the Employee Assistance Program.
30.1.11 Regulations for Alcohol use in Residence Halls
- Students under the age of 21 shall neither possess nor consume alcoholic beverages.
- Possession and consumption of alcohol in the residence halls is a privilege and may be revoked at any time. No alcohol is permitted in alcohol-free areas or on any floor noted as substance-free housing.
- Only those rooms or suites where all the residents are 21 years of age or older shall be permitted the use of alcoholic beverages and the privilege to possess and/or store any container which previously contained an alcoholic beverage. Those possessing alcohol are responsible for safeguarding their supply of alcohol to prevent it from being obtained by those under the age of 21.
- Any student violating existing rules and regulations governing alcoholic beverages set forth in the Code of Student Conduct or NYS laws will be subject to the legal process and/or the campus disciplinary process.
- No more than six persons, all of whom must be 21 years of age or older, may be in a room at the time alcohol is being consumed.
- There shall be no kegs of any size or beer balls1. The quantity shall not exceed one case of 12 oz. American beer per room or one gallon of wine or one quart of 80-proof liquor or any combination thereof allowed for personal use only.
- Each individual in a residence hall is responsible for his or her own actions. Students are responsible for the actions of their guests.
- All students, whether or not they are 21 years of age or older, who do not want alcohol in their room will be segregated by rooms, floors, and wings whenever possible. An alcohol-free wing is provided in Mohawk South or any floor noted as substance-free housing.
- Cans or bottles which previously contained alcohol (“empties”) are treated as full containers. Regardless what function(s) the containers serve (such as lamps or decorations), they are still prohibited in rooms unless all occupants of the room are age 21 or older.
30.1.12 Registered Events in the Residence Halls
- All requests for events shall be submitted to and approved by the Residence Hall Director at least two weeks before the event. The Residence Hall Director will forward qualified requests to the Alcohol Coordinator for action.
- All events must be registered with the master calendar in the Student Activities, Involvement & Leadership (SAIL) office and with the University Police at least two weeks prior to the event by means of the approved request form.
- No approved events shall take place on a day preceding an academic school day (one on which classes or exams are held) and not on designated all-college weekends.
1 Clarification of the keg, beer ball and large quantity of alcohol rule: Possession of kegs, beer balls and large quantities of alcohol in College housing will result in immediate disciplinary action including the possibility of suspension from College housing. Large quantity is defined as 15 oz. or more of total alcohol. This means more than a case of American beer or a quart of 80-proof liquor or one gallon of wine or any combination of alcoholic beverages which amass 15oz. or more total alcohol. An empty container which previously contained an alcoholic beverage may be considered the equivalent of a full container and dealt with as such.