Alcohol and Drug Policy

Alcohol and Other Drug Policy

The University recognizes that students are adults and that the opportunity to assume and exercise responsibility for their own behavior is an important aspect of their education.

As William Paterson is an institution of learning, with the goal of the enrichment of an individual’s life, inappropriate use of alcohol is a primary concern. Therefore, the following policy is in effect:

I. Regulations

A. Alcohol

Persons under the legal drinking age shall neither consume nor be served alcohol. N.J.S.A.2C:33-15 and 17; New Jersey State Alcohol Beverage Act, N.J.S.A 33:1-1 et seq. The legal sanctions for violating these laws include incarceration, fines, participation in a state-sponsored alcohol education program and/or postponement or loss of driver’s license.

1. It shall be unlawful for a person under the legal drinking age to:

a. purchase alcohol, or

b. enter any premises licensed for the retail sale of alcohol for the purpose of purchasing, or having served or delivered to him or her, any alcohol, or

c. consume any alcohol on premises licensed for the retail sale of alcohol, or d. have another purchase for him/her any alcohol.

2. It shall be unlawful for any person to:

a. misrepresent or misstate his/her age, or the age of another person, for the purpose of inducing any licensee, or any employee of any licensee, to sell, serve, or deliver any alcoholic beverage to a person under the legal age for purchasing alcoholic beverages, or enter any premises licensed for the retail sale of alcoholic beverages for the purpose of purchasing or to purchase alcoholic beverages for another person who does not, because of his or her age, have the right to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. 

b. Under special considerations, students under the age of twenty one may be permitted to participate in an entertainment program. However, consumption of alcohol by those students is not permitted.

3. Personal consumption of alcohol for people 21 years of age or older is permitted in the Heritage and Pioneer apartments and White Hall. 

4. Kegs, Beer Balls, and multi-quart containers of alcohol are not permitted on campus at any time.

5. The Organization of, and/or participating in drinking games involved in consumption of alcohol (e.g., beer pong, flip cup, the use of funnels, etc.) is prohibited.

6. Binge drinking and/or otherwise encouraging, supporting or permitting the rapid or excessive consumption of alcohol is prohibited.

7. Coercing or encouraging another to consume alcoholic beverages against their will is prohibited.

8. The following locations are licensed for the serving of beer and wine at scheduled social functions only:

a. University Commons Cafeteria

b. University Commons Ballroom

c. University Commons Terraces

d. University Commons Restaurant

e. University Commons Restaurant Terrace

f. University Commons Second Floor Conference Rooms

g. Wayne Dining Hall

h. Any other defined licensed area

The sale, service and/or consumption of alcohol in locations not listed above, or not part of a scheduled social function with authorized alcohol service, is strictly prohibited. Persons under the legal drinking age shall neither consume nor be served alcohol at such events. 

9. No student activities fees may be used for the purchase of alcohol.  Any student group wishing to sponsor an event either on or off campus where alcohol is available must first be approved by the Associate Vice President for Campus Life or Designee.

10. Any marketing, advertising, and promotion of alcohol on campus is prohibited. No publicity distributed or posting about special events on or off campus shall indicate the availability of alcohol except to indicate legal age requirements for admission. Servers at such on-campus events shall have been trained in appropriate responsible hospitality practices (e.g.., TIPS, TAMS). 

11. Deliveries of alcohol to the campus may not be made by liquor stores or distributors unless specifically authorized. All deliveries to residence halls are prohibited.

12. Carrying or transporting open containers of alcohol is prohibited.

13. Disorderly conduct resulting from the misuse of alcohol is unacceptable and will be considered a serious violation of the Student Code of Conduct. 

B. Illegal or Controlled Drugs

In accordance with federal, state, and local laws, use of illegal or controlled drugs or other substances and misuse of prescription drugs are prohibited on the William Paterson University campus. Controlled substances include, but are not limited to, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, designer drugs, and other chemicals that alter the perceptions and motor abilities of an individual. Use of over the counter medications not in compliance with the directions accompanying the products is also prohibited. Legal sanctions for violating these laws include incarceration, fines and / or postponement or loss of driver’s license.

II. Discipline 

A. Infractions and violations of rules or regulations shall be adjudicated by the Office of the Vice President of Student Development and/or his/her designee and possibly as criminal offenses that warrant arrest. All students who are found to have violated the Alcohol and Other Drug Policy will be subject to appropriate judicial sanctions.

B.  The following are examples of violations:

1. the use of false identification

2. drunk and disorderly conduct

3. consumption of alcohol in unapproved locations

4. supplying alcohol to minors

5. consumption or possession of alcohol by minors

6. intoxication

7. open containers of alcohol in non-designated areas

8. driving on campus while intoxicated

9. distribution of material that promotes alcohol or alcohol consumption

C.   Students abusing over the counter medication shall be referred to the Counseling, Health & Wellness for evaluation and consultation as appropriate.

DThe 911 Prevention legislation (2009) and the Drug Overdose Prevention Act (2013) (both incorporated into William Paterson University’s Pioneer Lifeline) state that a student will not face any disciplinary action in the event of witnessing a potential alcohol or drug-related overdose emergency when she or he calls 911 or the Pioneer Lifeline for help.  New Jersey’s “Good Samaritan” laws provide immunity from punishment as long as the student reporting the incident remains with the peer who overdosed until authorities arrive, and cooperate with medical and law enforcement.  (The person who is obtaining medical attention is also granted immunity from punishment or prosecution.)  As long as students act in good faith by calling for help and staying with their friend, they will not be arrested, charged, prosecuted, or convicted for obtaining, possessing, using, or being under the influence of substances. The first person who calls and one or two other people who are also helping will be protected under this law.  This act will only provide immunity from low level criminal offenses such as possession or personal use of substances.

E. Students found using alcohol in violation of this policy, or illegal drugs, shall be addressed under the Student Code of Conduct.  This may include referral to Counseling, Health & Wellness for consultation, evaluation, and recommendation for further referral as appropriate.  The Alcohol and Other Drug evaluation will include a number of sessions with a Counselor and consist of a clinical interview, self-report measures, and follow-up feedback session(s) to provide students and the referral source with treatment recommendations.  Additionally, students may receive punitive sanctions up to and including loss of housing privileges.

III. Education and Awareness

The University encourages responsible behavior through the provision of Alcohol-Wise, an on-line alcohol education and training course required of all entering Freshmen. Intervention and treatment are also available for those who have problems with alcohol and drugs, as well as support for those students in recovery. All of these resources may be accessed through the Counseling, Health & Wellness web page.