Alcohol & Drug Policy

• I. Policy Statement
• II. Coverage
• III. Definitions
• IV. Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Requirements
• V. Drug-Free Workplace Act Requirements
• VI. Washington State Law
• VII. Information, Education, and Counseling
• VIII. Prohibited Alcohol and Sources
• IX. Approved Locations for Alcohol Service/Consumption Without Further Application or Approval
• X. Other Locations for Alcohol Service/Consumption Requiring Application and Approval
• XI. Sanctions
• XII. Policy Review
• XIII. Effective Date
• XIV. Related Statutes, Regulations, and Policies
• Procedure & Expectations for Campus Alcohol Use 

I. Policy Statement

The University of Puget Sound prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs by students, faculty, and staff on university premises or as part of any of its activities. This Alcohol and Drug Policy (hereinafter, “Policy”) is intended to meet, at a minimum, the requirements of all applicable federal and state laws, including but not limited to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986, as amended, and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.

The conduct prohibited by this policy includes, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs by students, staff, or faculty on university premises or as part of its activities.

Back to Top

II. Coverage

In accordance with federal law, this policy applies to (1) any student enrolled at the university in one or more courses for academic credit, regardless of the length of the student’s program of study, (2) any regular or temporary faculty, staff, or student employee of the university, and to (3) any campus guest serving as an Event Sponsor.

The university has established a Procedure and Expectations for Campus Alcohol Use (hereinafter, “Procedure”) that will be applied in accordance with this Policy.

Back to Top

III. Definitions

Activity: Any event sponsored by the university, whether or not it takes place on university premises.

Alcohol: Hard liquor, wine, beer, champagne and any other alcoholic beverage.

Event Sponsor(s): Individual(s) or group(s) identified on the event application as taking responsibility for working with the relevant university offices to secure all necessary approvals for the proposed event. . The Event Sponsor is considered the host of the event and is responsible for upholding the Policy and all associated requirements of the Procedure.

Illicit Drug: Includes, but are not limited to, those categories of drugs often known as cannabis, acids, hallucinogens, barbiturates, amphetamines and narcotics. Cannabis is an illegal drug as defined by federal law, and prohibited on campus.

Private Event: Attendance is limited to invited guests. A Private Event may include, but is not limited to receptions, banquets, dinners, etc. and generally involves catering services.

Public Event: Attendance is open to the public either for free or ticketed admission. A Public Event may include, but is not limited to receptions, banquets, dinners, etc. and generally involves catering services.

Small Gatherings: An internal event where attendance is limited to invited guests without catering services. Event Sponsors of Small Gatherings are still required to complete an application through Dining and Event Services for use of Alcohol as described in the Procedure.

University Premises: University owned and controlled grounds, buildings, and/or vehicles.

Back to Top

IV. Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Requirements

In compliance with Section 22 of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, all students and employees of the University of Puget Sound are expected to observe the following minimum standards of conduct relating to the use of Alcohol and Illicit Drugs:

1. This policy strictly forbids the unlawful manufacture, possession, distribution, or use of drugs on university premises or in connection with a university activity.
2. Alcohol may not be furnished to anyone under age 21, and under-aged persons may not possess or consume alcohol on university premises or in connection with any university activity.
3. Unless while in attendance at an event approved pursuant to the Policy, opened containers of alcohol may not be possessed, and alcohol may not be consumed in any public place on university premises (including but not limited to campus facilities, grounds, and adjacent streets).
4. The use of alcohol on university premises or as part of its activities must otherwise conform to all applicable state laws and university requirements and procedures.

Any person who chooses to drink alcoholic beverages is expected to do so responsibly. Behavior that evidences irresponsible consumption of alcohol, including but not limited to obvious intoxication (e.g., staggering, passing out, being unable to care for oneself), excessive noise, vandalism, excessive messes (e.g., litter, spills on carpets or furniture, throwing garbage or liquids), sickness, or verbal, written, or physical harassment, will be addressed through procedures of the Student Integrity Code, Staff Policies and Procedures Manual, or Faculty Code, as appropriate.

Back to Top

V. Drug-Free Workplace Act Requirements

The university expects its faculty, staff, and student employees to report to any work assignment unimpaired by the effects of alcohol or substance abuse and in condition to perform their duties safely and effectively. Also, the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of Alcohol or Illicit Drugs is prohibited on university Premises or as part of any university Activity.

In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, a faculty, staff, or student employee who is convicted in a court of law for a violation of criminal drug laws in the workplace must provide notice of the conviction within five days to the Academic Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer, or Director of Career and Employment Services, respectively. As required by law, within 10 days of receiving such notice, the university will notify the U.S. Department of Education (and any other federal contracting or granting agency as required) that the faculty, staff, or student employee has had a criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace.

As required by law, each individual employed by the university is hereby notified that they must abide by these drug-free workplace requirements as a condition of their employment.

Back to Top

VI. Washington State Law

Following is a summary of certain Washington State laws relating to Alcohol and Illicit Drugs [RCW 66.44, 69.50].

1. Persons under age 21 may not acquire, possess, or consume alcohol. Nor may other persons furnish alcohol to anyone under 21 or permit underaged consumption on-premises within their control—penalty: Maximum $500 fine, 2 months imprisonment, or both.
2. Persons under 21 may not be in a public place or a vehicle in public while exhibiting the effects of having consumed alcohol. A public place includes city streets and any buildings and grounds used for University purposes. Penalty: Same as (1) above.
3. Persons under 21 may not purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol: penalty: maximum $1,000 fine, 90 days imprisonment, or both.
4. Alcohol may not be opened or consumed in a public place—penalty: Maximum $100 fine.
5. It is unlawful to manufacture, deliver, or possess an illicit drug—penalty: Maximum $10,000 fine, 5 years imprisonment, or both. The possession of 40 grams or less of marijuana is a misdemeanor (minimum $250 fine and not less than 24 hours in jail).
6. It is unlawful to possess or use drug paraphernalia for purposes relating to the manufacture, delivery, possession, or use of an illicit drug—penalty: Minimum $250 fine and not less than 24 hours in jail.

This summary is intended to apprise students, faculty, and staff of the conduct generally prohibited by state law. The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of Illicit Drugs may subject the offender to federal and state penalties, including imprisonment, fines, or both. Members of the campus community are expected to observe all applicable federal and state laws while on University Premises or in connection with any university Activity.

Back to Top

VII. Information, Education, and Counseling

The Policy emphasizes the importance of information and education in helping to prevent alcohol and drug abuse. In furtherance of this purpose, a copy of this policy will be distributed annually to students, faculty, and staff.

The University of Puget Sound is committed to helping students and employees to resolve alcohol and drug abuse problems. Substance use education information can be found on the Counseling, Health, and Wellness Services (“CHWS”) website. CHWS also provides confidential counseling and referral services, a chemical dependency education program, chemical dependency assessments, and a sobriety support group.

Through the Employee Assistance Program for faculty and staff, the university offers up to three sessions of confidential assessment and referral counseling. Also, the university’s health insurance plans provide coverage for the medical treatment of chemical dependencies.

For additional information about counseling, assessment, referral services, contact Counseling, Health, and Wellness Services (253.879.1555), or the Office of Human Resources (253.879.3369).

Back to Top

VIII. Prohibited Alcohol and Sources

The possession of kegs, other containers that allow for common/shared consumption of alcoholic beverages (e.g. punch bowls), and liquor/spirits are prohibited anywhere on university premises or in connection with any university-sponsored activity on or off-campus, with the exception of approved Public or Private Events. Special exceptions may be requested through the Catering Department of Dining and Event Services and, for events with students, approval will be granted on a case by case basis in consultation with the Dean of Students or the Dean’s designee.

Drinking games or activities (ex: beer pong) that promote high-risk drinking or rapid alcohol consumption are not allowed on campus.

Back to Top

IX. Approved Locations for Alcohol Service/Consumption Without Further Application or Approval

The service or use of alcohol by persons of legal drinking age (21 and older) in the University Premises designated within this Section are exempt from being considered a Private Event or Small Gathering as defined in this Policy, and do not require further applications or approvals, provided that all other conditions of this Policy and expectations established in the associated Procedure are met.

Except as authorized by the university, alcohol may not be possessed, consumed, sold or served in or adjacent to any public area of University Premises. Public areas include but are not limited to the interior lounges, dining areas, living rooms, hallways, study areas, and kitchens of any university building.

A. Residence Hall Rooms

Students, aged 21 or older, residing in a single, double, or triple room in a campus residence hall may use Alcohol when in their assigned residential space. Such use will be respected as a personal choice as long as it does not violate this Alcohol and Drug Policy or other university policies. Even in their assigned residential space, such student residents may not permit under-aged persons to be served or consume alcohol, including underage roommates but may provide alcohol to their guests who are also aged 21 years and older.

B. Faculty and Staff Residences

Faculty and staff members residing in university-owned houses, including the President’s Residence, may use alcohol in the privacy of their residences and adjoining yard or patio. This type of alcohol usage is exempt from being considered a Private Event or Small Gathering within this Policy.

C. Student Residential Spaces of Union Avenue, University-Owned Houses, Thomas and Trimble Hall

Alcohol may be served in approved student residential spaces of Union Avenue, university-owned houses, Thomas Hall, and Trimble Hall provided that: (a) space does not open onto any public access, such as an entrance, parking lot, or walkway, and is not directly visible or accessible to passersby; (b) space can safely accommodate the number of persons present, (c) only invited guests are present; (d) all other conditions of this Policy are met.

Back to Top

X. Other Locations for Alcohol Service/Consumption Requiring Application and Approval

In addition to the above locations, alcohol may be served only in approved University Premises following an application and approval. The most updated list of University Premises allowing alcohol service is published in the Procedure and Expectations for Campus Alcohol Use, and other University Premises may be approved for individual events if all other Policy conditions are met. Conditions not required by law may be waived for official university functions where alcohol is served as an incidental part of the event. The university does not generally permit alcohol to be served at all-campus events.

Back to Top

XI. Sanctions

Students, faculty, staff and campus guests who violate this Alcohol and Drug Policy may be subject to disciplinary or other sanctions. Sanctions for students, faculty, and staff will be imposed in accordance with the procedures of the Student Integrity Code, Faculty Code, or Staff Policies and Procedures Manual, as appropriate.

A. Student Sanctions

Sanctions that may be imposed by the university upon a student include but are not limited to (1) conduct reprimand, (2) conduct probation, (3) eviction from campus housing, (4) conduct suspension, (5) other corrective sanctions as appropriate, which may include participation in an approved chemical dependency education, assessment, counseling, or rehabilitation program, and (6) permanent expulsion. Student residence groups, such as fraternities and sororities, may impose sanctions for lesser infractions in accordance with established procedures.

Students under the age of 21 who violate the Student Integrity Code while under the influence of alcohol (whether consumed on or off campus) may be charged with violating this policy. In addition, as permitted by FERPA, the university reserves the right to notify parents/guardians and/or the emergency contact if their under 21-year-old university student has been determined to have violated this Policy.

When a student, student group or organization is under investigation for violation of this policy, the university will not approve any new applications for that group to sponsor any Public or Private Events with alcohol.

B. Employee Sanctions

Sanctions that may be imposed by the university upon an employee (faculty or staff) include but are not limited to (1) conduct reprimand, (2) restrictions on participation in campus activities, (3) transfer, demotion, or forfeiture of promotion or salary increase, (4) suspension or mandatory leave of absence, (5) other corrective sanctions as appropriate, which may include participation in an approved chemical dependency education, assessment, counseling, or rehabilitation program, and (6) termination of employment.

C. Campus Guest Sanctions

Sanctions that may be imposed by the university upon a Campus Guest include but are not limited to (1) a temporary or permanent bar on hosting events, (2) restrictions or prohibitions on participation in Activities, (3) temporary or permanent trespass from campus or certain University Premises, and (4) criminal prosecution.

D. Cooperation with Law Enforcement

As required by federal law, in addition to the above-listed sanctions, the university will also cooperate with law enforcement authorities in referring for prosecution the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of Alcohol and Illicit Drugs by students or employees on University Premises or as part of any of its Activities.

Back to Top

XII. Policy Review

As required by law, this Policy will be reviewed biennially to assess the university’s alcohol and drug abuse prevention program’s effectiveness and ensure that disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced.

Back to Top

XIII. Effective Date

This interim policy is effective as of September 3, 2024 and replaces the policy last updated on September 24, 2018.

Back to Top

XIV. Related Statutes

• Student Integrity Code
• Code of Conduct
• Staff Policies and Procedures Manual
• Faculty Code
• Parent/Guardian and/or Emergency Contact Notification Policy
• Procedure & Expectations for Campus Alcohol Use
• Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986, and Amendments
• Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988

Policy Owner: Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Date Adopted: September 24, 2018

Date Revised: September 3, 2024

Back to Top