Policy on Alcohol Use
In order to ensure the safety of students, to comply with New York state law, which prohibits access to, possession, and consumption of alcoholic beverages for persons under 21 years of age, the College does not allow alcohol use/possession for those individuals under the age of 21.
Individuals 21 years and older are permitted to possess and consume alcoholic beverages on College property subject to the following restrictions:
- The use of alcohol at Keuka College is at all times subject to New York State Alcoholic Beverage Control Laws and to certain provisions of New York state penal law, and as such, public drunkenness is prohibited.
- Under New York state law, it is not permissible to sell, deliver, or give alcohol to persons under the age of 21. Persons under the age of 21 are not permitted to consume, possess, or acquire alcoholic beverages on Keuka College property OR to be present in a residence hall room where alcohol is being consumed, or in the presence of alcohol on College property. Violations result in disciplinary sanctions against the user and the provider. Should a minor’s roommate be 21 years of age or older, however, the minor may be present in his/her room if his/her roommate is consuming alcohol.
- Common containers, including kegs, tap systems, wine boxes, etc. are not permitted in the residence halls (empty or full). Such items are confiscated.
- Alcohol is not allowed in public view on the Keuka College campus (to include all College buildings and grounds) except within designated locations at approved College events.
- Empty alcohol containers are prohibited from all residence hall rooms, regardless of the age of the occupants of the room. In addition, empty alcohol containers may not be used for decorative or any other purposes. If empty alcohol containers are found in a student's residence hall room, the student will be required to dispose of such items, which may be used as evidence of consumption.
- Drinking games and contests are not permitted. Paraphernalia associated with drinking games (funnels, hoses, beer pong tables, etc.) is also prohibited and will be confiscated.
- College officials may terminate events during which behavior is deemed inappropriate. College officials may also confiscate alcohol from student rooms and individuals if behavior is disruptive. Alcohol will also be confiscated from those individuals under the age of 21.
- The consumption and possession of alcohol on the Keuka College campus is a privilege which individuals are expected to respect. Those persons unable to comply with New York state law or Keuka College alcohol usage regulations will be asked to leave an event and sponsorship and/or party privileges will be revoked. Referrals also may be made to the College judicial system or to the appropriate city/state law enforcement agency.
Outcomes for violations to the alcohol policy include but are not limited to: a required alcohol education project, fines, campus/community service, parental notification, required assessment and/or treatment, suspension from activities, residence halls, and/or College.
Alcohol Policy Sanction Guidelines
The following outcomes for violations of the alcohol policy are guidelines; outcomes may vary on a case-by-case basis.
First Violation:
- Alcohol education requirement (e-Chug Survey & Substance Workshop) - (It is important for students to bring the e-Chug summary sheet to the workshop, if e-Chug has been assigned)
- $35 fine
- Two hours community service*
- Optional parental notification at discretion of hearing officer
Second Violation:
- Alcohol education requirement (e-Chug Survey & Substance Workshop) - (It is important for students to bring the e-Chug summary sheet to the workshop, if e-Chug has been assigned)
- $50 fine
- Five hours community service*
- Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counseling Assessment (one-hour session)
- Parental notification
- Weekend suspension
Third Violation:
- Referral to Finger Lakes Addictions Counseling and Referral Agency (FLACRA) for assessment/education and/or treatment at student's own expense. Student must comply with any recommendations made for further assessment or treatment
- $75 fine
- Parental notification
- Campus suspension
Fourth Violation:
- Parental notification
- Suspension from residence halls or the College, assessment and/or treatment
* Any student who does not complete the assigned community service hours by the required deadline will be fined for noncompliance at a rate of $20 per community service hour due. Fine(s) will be posted to the student’s account. Any exceptions regarding community service requirements will be at the discretion of the conduct officer hearing the incident.