Alcohol

Alcohol: Responsible Alcohol Use

  • Residents and visitors must abide by Minnesota state and local laws referring to alcohol use and possession. It is unlawful for anyone under 21 to purchase, consume or possess any alcoholic beverage. The possession, consumption, or presence of alcohol is prohibited in residence hall rooms if all residents assigned to live in the room are under 21. This restriction does not apply if at least one of the room’s residents is of legal age; however, students under the age of 21 may not consume, possess, or be in the presence of the illegal use of alcohol in residence halls.
  • Loud or disruptive behavior or drinking habits that otherwise interfere with the rights of others or lead to other violations of university policies are reasons for disciplinary action, regardless of the student’s age. All residents and involved students may be subject to disciplinary follow-up, including fines and/or referral to the university conduct process. If no one claims responsibility for alcohol found in a student room, suite, or apartment, the residents of that unit will be held accountable for the alcohol.
  • Alcoholic beverages may not be consumed or carried in open containers in hallways, lounges, courtyards, kitchens, or other public areas. Kegs, distillation processes, and other large sources of alcohol such as punches and grain alcohol are not permitted within or near the residence halls, regardless of a student’s age.

Medical Amnesty

  • The University seeks to provide a safe, secure, and healthy environment for all students. Recognizing that the potential application of disciplinary sanctions could deter students from seeking medical attention for themselves or others, a  student is not subject to Student Conduct Code disciplinary sanctions for underage possession and consumption of alcohol if the student contacts a 911 operator to report that the student or another student needs medical assistance for an immediate health or safety concern. To be eligible for medical amnesty, the student who initiates contact must be the first person to make such a report, must provide a name and contact information, must remain on the scene until assistance arrives, and must cooperate with authorities at the scene. The student who receives medical assistance and up to two students acting in concert with the student initiating contact with a 911 operator shall also be immune from disciplinary sanctions. However, a student requiring emergency medical evaluation or treatment at a medical facility may be required to complete an alcohol assessment or education program. This is not considered a disciplinary response. Medical amnesty shall align with Minnesota Statutes § 340A.503, Subd. 8.
  • To be eligible for medical amnesty, the student who initiates contact must be the first person to make such a report, must provide a name and contact information, must remain on the scene until assistance arrives, and must cooperate with the  authorities at the scene. The student who receives medical assistance and up to two students acting in concert with the student initiating contact with a 911 operator shall also be immune from disciplinary outcomes.

Alcohol: Purpose of the Policy

  • This policy aims to support safe and responsible alcohol consumption. Underage possession or use of alcohol is prohibited by Minnesota law. Binge drinking, which is drinking that raises blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08 g/dl or higher, is particularly harmful. For instance, a 100-pound individual could reach this BAC level with three drinks in an hour. Be mindful of your drinking, use a designated driver, and avoid leaving your drink unattended or accepting drinks from strangers.

Alcohol: Support and Resources

  • The University offers resources to help students make informed decisions about alcohol use. For more information and assessment tools, visit our online resources.

Alcohol: Response to Alcohol Policy Violations

  • Community Advisors (CAs) will initially address any potential violations of the alcohol policy and report these to Residential Life professional full time staff members for conduct. Serious incidents or those with multiple violations may be escalated to the Dean of Student Engagement & Wellness for further review.
  • Residents are responsible for understanding and following state and local laws regarding alcohol. Violations may result in disciplinary actions, and the university does not protect students from legal consequences. Off-campus students involved in alcohol or controlled substance incidents may lose their campus visitation rights.