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- Rowan University is committed to the pursuit of a quality education by providing an environment which promotes respect, safety, and optimal health and well-being to all members of the campus community. This includes students, faculty, staff, administration, alumni, and Rowan University guests. Alcohol and illicit drug use can pose many safety and health risks. Such use may result in impaired judgment and coordination, physical and psychological dependence, damage to vital organs, inability to learn and retain information, psychosis and severe anxiety, unwanted or unprotected sex, injury, and death. In light of this, the Rowan University Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy prohibits all use of illegal drugs and only permits the consumption of alcoholic beverages in a manner that is responsible and adheres to restrictions imposed by law and University standards of conduct. Rowan University does not accept misuse of illicit drugs or alcoholic beverages as an excuse for violations of any University policies. Emphasis is placed on responsible and legal use of alcohol. Responsible drinking is the use of alcohol in ways that do not have negative effects on either the individual or the community and do not violate the law. The preparation, sale, service, and consumption of alcoholic beverages must comply with the limitations established by University policies, local ordinances, state laws, and federal laws. As an institution of higher education and an employer, Rowan University is obligated to abide by and enforce provisions in the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act.
- Behavior at off-campus events, which are not sponsored or funded by Rowan University or a University recognized organization, will be subject to the University discipline system if the conduct violates local, state, or federal law or when the University determines that the conduct has a direct impact on the educational mission and interests of the University and/or the safety and welfare of the University community.
- Violations may result in disciplinary sanctions as specified in sections entitled "Consequences for Non-Compliance" and "Parental Notification for Student Violations of the Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy."
- Rowan University Regulations
- In compliance with the Drug Free Schools and Campuses Act and the Drug-free Workplace Act, Rowan University prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs on campus or as part of any of its sponsored events. Medical marijuana, while legally permitted in New Jersey, is prohibited on Rowan campuses due to provisions in the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act.
- In addition to the legal requirements from the New Jersey Statute, Title 2C, the following University regulations must be observed whenever alcoholic beverages are served, sold, or consumed in approved facilities on campus, in University-owned or operated residential facilities, or at university sponsored events.
- The Office of the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students has been charged with overall responsibility to administer, support, and enforce the Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy. This office also reserves the right to suspend alcohol privileges temporarily when it is in the best interest of the University community. Additional personnel involved in the administration, support, and/or enforcement of the policy include, but are not limited to, Greek Affairs, Community Standards, Athletics, Student Affairs, Residential Learning and University Housing, Public Safety, Dining Services, Faculty, Staff, Human Resources, and Counseling and Psychological Services. The Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students may convene an ad hoc board to review policy details of process and educational approach.
- Illegal Drugs
- The intent of, actual distribution of, sale of or manufacturing of drugs, narcotics, barbiturates, hallucinogens, marijuana, steroids, amphetamines, or any other controlled substance is prohibited.
- The possession or use of controlled dangerous substances, marijuana, steroids, or narcotics, including, but not limited to: opium (morphine, codeine, heroin), prescription drugs in possession of someone other than the prescribed individual, misuse of prescribed drugs, and every other substance not chemically distinguishable from them (i.e. imitation products, such as bath salts and/or K2) as well as any drug paraphernalia, on campus or in any University-related premises is prohibited.
- Medical Marijuana
- Possessing or using medical marijuana on a Rowan University campus is prohibited.
- Sharing medical marijuana with individuals who do not have a medical marijuana prescription is prohibited.
- Alcohol at Campus Events
- Rowan University students, faculty, staff, guests, and facilities users, who are 21 years and older, may only possess, purchase, and consume alcoholic beverages at locations which are licensed to sell alcohol or where consuming it is legal and authorized.
- The University and/or management of the facility in use have the right to request identification and proof of age from all persons seeking admission to an event on campus at which alcohol will be served.
- Intoxication is prohibited, regardless of age. Behavioral symptoms frequently associated with intoxication will be considered in determining intoxication. These symptoms may include, but are not limited to, the following: impaired motor skill coordination, difficulty communicating, vomiting, glazed/red eyes, the smell of alcohol on one's breath, verbal and/or physical aggressiveness, destructive and/or disruptive behavior, and engaging in any behavior which may endanger oneself or others.
- Carrying open containers of alcohol is strictly forbidden in public areas of the University, i.e. academic buildings, the Chamberlain Student Center, parking lots, and common grounds, regardless of age.
- Any marketing, advertising, and promotion of alcoholic beverages on campus is prohibited. All advertisements for social events at which alcohol is served will not make reference to the amount of alcohol available. There will be no publicity distributed or posted indicating the availability of alcoholic beverages, except to indicate legal age requirements for admission.
- Non-alcoholic beverages must also be served whenever alcohol is served/sold, and must be displayed as openly as the alcohol. Food must be served in adequate amounts when alcoholic beverages are served or sold.
- Except in authorized designated areas, alcohol is strictly prohibited in athletic facilities, at athletic events and at any "tailgating."
- No event will include any kind of a "drinking contest" or "drinking game," or feature any inducements to consume excessive amounts of alcohol.
- For a listing of consequences for noncompliance, please refer to Sections I.E. – "Consequences for Non- Compliance" and I.F. –"Parental Notification for Student Violations of the Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy
- Alcohol in University Housing (Living Units)
- Designated "Dry" Living Units
- Alcohol is not permitted within undergraduate living units serving predominately underage students (Chestnut, Evergreen, Holly Pointe Commons, Magnolia, Mimosa, Mullica, or Willow halls- excluding graduate and professional staff living units). These areas are designated "dry" living units. No one, regardless of age, is permitted to possess, consume or be in the presence of alcohol in these areas.
- All other living areas (Laurel, Oak, Edgewood Park, International, Rowan Blvd., Triad, Townhouses, Whitney Center or any temporary University housing such as a hotel) in which any assigned resident is under the age of twenty-one is a designated "dry" living unit. No one, regardless of age, is permitted to possess, consume or be in the presence of alcohol in these areas. It is the responsibility of each resident to know if alcohol is permitted within their living unit.
- Wet" Living Units
- Designated "Dry" Living Units
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- Alcohol is permitted only in living units in which all assigned residents are of legal drinking age. These are considered "wet" living units. It is the responsibility of each resident to know if alcohol is permitted within their living unit.
- Presence in any living unit (room, apartment or townhouse) where an alcohol policy violation is taking place, even if not actually in possession of or consuming alcoholic beverages may result in disciplinary action.
- Residents holding a gathering in their living unit where an alcohol violation is taking place will be considered the hosts. Hosts may be held responsible for injury or damage occurring to any person or property in which the consumption of alcohol was a contributing factor. Hosts will be subject to disciplinary action and may receive harsher sanctions.
- At the time of an alcohol violation, all alcohol and containers will be confiscated and properly disposed of regardless of the age of the occupant(s) or the designation of the living unit as "wet" or "dry."
- Kegs and beer balls are prohibited in all living units at all times.
- Possession of grain alcohol is prohibited at all times.
- Students of legal drinking age may transport an alcoholic beverage as long as it is in its original closed container.
- Consumption of any form of alcohol in an open container, including but not limited to cups, cans, plastic containers, or bottles, is prohibited outside a student's living unit and/or any outside campus area.
- Games or activities that encourage excessive drinking of alcohol (e.g. beer pong, flip cup, beer funnels, etc.) or the serving of alcohol that leads to the endangerment of an individual's well-being or property damage will not be tolerated.
- Consumption of alcohol to the point of intoxication, regardless of age, is prohibited. Behavioral symptoms frequently associated with intoxication will be considered in determining intoxication. These symptoms may include, but are not limited to, the following: impaired motor skill coordination, difficulty communicating, vomiting, glazed/red eyes, the smell of alcohol on one's breath, verbal and/or physical aggressiveness, destructive and/or disruptive behavior, and engaging in any behavior which may endanger oneself or others. A person in this condition may be asked to leave the campus. If the person is a student, the student's family or emergency contact may be called to assist. Other guests may have a taxi called (at the intoxicated person's expense) to take them to their permanent residence.
- Alcoholic beverage containers and paraphernalia, including but not limited to empty cans and bottles, are not permitted as room decorations in any living unit.
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- Alcohol in University Housing Regulations state:
- Persons under the age of twenty-one MAY NOT:
- Be in possession of or in the presence of alcohol in any living unit.
- Permit persons to bring in or consume alcohol in their living unit.
- Carry opened or unopened alcoholic beverage containers any place on campus.
- Provide alcohol to any persons on campus.
- Possess alcohol displays made up of empty alcoholic beverage containers.
- Persons twenty-one and older MAY NOT:
- Consume alcohol outside of a living unit (lobby, hallways, stairwells, grounds, etc.).
- Possess/Consume alcohol in a "dry" living unit. Note: It is the responsibility of each student to know whether a living unit is "wet" or "dry."
- Permit underage persons to possess or be in the presence of alcohol in their living unit.
- Provide alcohol to others under the age of twenty-one.
- Charge in any way for alcohol consumption by others.
- Possess kegs, beer balls, or paraphernalia that promotes excessive consumption of alcohol.
- Possess alcohol displays made up of empty alcoholic beverage containers.
- Persons under the age of twenty-one MAY NOT:
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- Persons twenty-one and older MAY:
- Possess/Consume alcohol in their living unit if it is designated "wet" and all those present are of legal drinking age.
- Consume alcohol in another living unit if it is designated "wet" and all those present are of legal drinking age.
- Transport unopened alcoholic beverage containers within University housing areas that are packaged and out of plain view.
- Provide alcohol in their living unit to others of legal drinking age.
- Persons twenty-one and older MAY:
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- Persons who are present, within University housing, where alcohol is being consumed by those over or under the legal drinking age will be presumed to have been drinking or in possession of alcohol if Public Safety, RAs,
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- RDs, or other University officials are called to the scene. This is because it is not possible to distinguish who is actually consuming or possessing alcohol on an individual basis where a number of persons are present.
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- Off-Campus
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- Events
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- University-affiliated events are covered by this policy, even though they may take place off campus. A University affiliated event is defined as an off-campus gathering of members of the Rowan University community (and/or their guests) which is sponsored or funded in whole or in part by Rowan University. Private off-campus events which are not sponsored or funded by Rowan University will also be subject to the University discipline system if the conduct violates University regulations or local, state, or federal law, or when the University determines that the conduct has a direct impact on the educational mission and interests of the University and/or the safety and welfare of the University community. Please be aware that the University reserves the right to hold a student responsible for actions at their residence even if they were not present at the time of the incident. In such a case, the student would be required to produce confirming evidence that s/he was not involved.
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- Sponsors, coaches, and/or organization advisers are expected to ensure that their respective student organizations/groups take reasonable precautions in their activities in order that policies and laws governing alcohol/illegal drugs are not violated and that the welfare of their members is not endangered. The Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students in conjunction with the sponsors, advisers, or coaches may designate an event as non-alcoholic and/or determine the conditions under which the consumption of alcohol may be permitted by students of legal drinking age. Therefore, a sponsor, adviser, or coach may prohibit the service, possession, or consumption of alcohol by any person, regardless of age, at University-affiliated or University-funded activities (e.g., retreats, conferences, intercollegiate athletic events, etc.). Sponsors, advisers, or coaches will inform the student organizations of their decision(s) regarding the nature of the event prior to the scheduled date of the activity.
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- The University expects that the existing state, local, or premises regulations which prohibit illegal drugs or regulate the service, sale, possession, or consumption of alcohol will be supported and enforced at University-sponsored events.
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- Under New Jersey Statute, it is unlawful for any operator or passenger in a motor vehicle to possess an open container of an alcoholic beverage, regardless of age. In addition, the University prohibits the service, sale, or consumption of alcoholic beverages while in transit in any motor vehicle, to or from any University-affiliated event. This applies to all students, faculty, staff, alumni, and their guests, regardless of legal drinking age.
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- Alcoholic beverages will not be permitted at intercollegiate athletic events.
VI. CONSEQUENCES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE
- The University is concerned that individuals make responsible decisions regarding the use of legal and illegal substances. All members of the campus community found in violation of the Rowan University Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy will be subject to disciplinary action.
- A student found violating the Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy will be considered to have violated the Student Code of Conduct and be subject to sanctions commensurate with the offense consistent with local, State, and Federal law, up to and including expulsion from the university, as well as the possibility of revocation of the privilege to consume alcohol on campus and/or to attend University affiliated events at which alcohol will be served or consumed. Referrals to educational programs sponsored by the Wellness Center at Winans may be required.
- Organizational sanctions for violations of the Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy by campus groups may include written reprimand, restriction or loss of privileges, and loss of official recognition. In addition, the campus group may be mandated to participate in educational programs. Individual members of the group may also be individually sanctioned for their involvement in the violations pursuant to this section.
- Violations of the University Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy by a University employee will be referred to the individual's supervisor for the appropriate administrative action consistent with the state regulations and applicable agreements between the state and employee bargaining units. An employee may be disciplined for violation of this policy consistent with local, State, and Federal law up to and including termination of employment and referral for prosecution.
- Violations of the University Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy by persons who are not members of the University community may result in their being banned from the Rowan University campus or from specific facilities and/or subject to arrest for trespass. Contractors are subject to all University rules and regulations.
- Any violation which occurs while an event is in progress may subject the violator to immediate removal from the area.
- When violations or other circumstances occur at events which, in the judgment of University officials, constitute a threat to life or property or which create a substantial risk thereof, the event may be terminated. It is expected that such authority will be exercised only in extraordinary and/or emergency circumstances.
- This policy does not supplant or supersede statutory or administrative law at the federal, state, county, or municipal level. Strict compliance with such laws will be the responsibility of all organizations and individuals. Violators of the law may be subject to penalties imposed by a court or other empowered board, agency, or commission, in addition to any action taken by Rowan University.
VII. PARENTAL NOTIFICATION FOR STUDENT VIOLATIONS OF THE ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS POLICY
Rowan University's Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy outlines the University's position regarding the unauthorized possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and controlled substances on campus. A 1998 amendment to The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 authorizes higher education institutions to inform a parent or guardian of any student under age 21, who has been found in violation of any federal, state, or local law or any rule or policy of the institution governing the use or possession of alcohol or controlled substances. The Office of Community Standards may notify parents/guardians of students under 21 years of age when a student is found responsible for a violation of the Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy. Please note: Citations given by the law enforcement unit of a university are not covered by FERPA. Therefore, Rowan Public Safety may notify parents/legal guardians when citations have been issued by law enforcement officials, without waiting for a hearing or any other due process.
VIII. ATTACHMENTS
- Attachment 1 - Summary of Applicable State and Local Laws Regarding Alcohol Offenses and Penalties
- Attachment 2 - Summary of Applicable State and Federal Laws Regarding Drug Offenses and Penalties
- Attachment 3 – State of New Jersey Drug-Free Workplace Act - Executive Order No. 204
- Attachment 4 – Commonly Abused Drugs
- Attachment 5 - Education and Prevention - Important Telephone Numbers
- Attachment 6 - Biennial Review of Policy and the Alcohol and Drugs Education Program
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