Alcohol and Controlled Substance Policy
Alcohol: The Alcohol Policy reflects current rules, regulations and guidelines to be followed by Manhattanville students. Any changes to this policy will be communicated in writing by the Dean of Students and will be distributed campus-wide as an updated policy. The Drug-Free Communities and Schools Act Amendments of 1989, enacted by the federal government, requires Colleges to adopt and implement a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees. The primary goal of the following policy is to promote an environment in which the misuse of alcohol is not tolerated. This goal can be achieved by community-wide involvement in comprehensive and ongoing alcohol education and awareness programs.
Controlled Substances: Manhattanville College is deeply concerned about controlled substance use by all students in our community. The College regards controlled substance use as a problem that has the potential to affect the entire community. Possession, use, distribution, manufacture or sale of illegally controlled substances, or use of legally controlled substances without explicit and current prescription from one’s own medical doctor or nurse practitioner, or from Manhattanville College’s Health Center, is prohibited. The possession of drug paraphernalia is prohibited. Such items may include: rolling papers, scales, grinders, bongs, as well as any item used in conjunction with an illegal substance. Any student found selling, admitting to selling currently or in the past, or distributing any form of illegal drugs, controlled substances, or drug paraphernalia, on or off campus, may be expelled and may also face criminal liability. Distribution also includes the sharing in any way of legally controlled substances.
The College stands firm against the use of controlled substance and does not provide students with a haven from the law. Anyone found using or possessing a controlled substance is subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. Law enforcement personnel may be involved at the invitation of the College. Room searches and Brownson Hall locker searches may be conducted by the College with the approval of the Director of Residence Life and Conference Services, the Dean of Students, Campus Safety, or designee.
Although New York State legislation permits the use of medical marijuana, Manhattanville College must comply with the Drug-Free Communities and Schools Act (DFSCA) (20 U.S.C.1011i; 34 C.F.R part 86) as well as the Drug Free Workplace Act which requires a drug free campus environment. Institutions of higher education such as Manhattanville must comply with the Drug-Free Communities and Schools Act regulations or risk losing federal funding such as financial aid and work study. Any student, staff or faculty member who violates Manhattanville College policy prohibiting the use and/or possession of illicit drugs (including medical marijuana) on campus may be subject to disciplinary action.
Students who are identified as having an alcohol and/or a drug problem may be required to resolve their problems with a professional counselor on or off campus. The Dean of Students, Director of Residence Life and Conference Services or designee may notify the parents or guardian of an undergraduate student’s alcohol and/or drug problem. In some cases, a student may be required to withdraw from the College and will not be permitted to return until successful resolution of the problem is documented to the satisfaction of the College.
Violation of this policy during educational activities off-campus, including but not limited to student or supervised teaching, internships, practica, and course meetings, and violations including actions that negatively impact the health and safety of minors will result in College sanctions appropriate to the situation and will not protect students from arrest or prosecution for illegal involvement with alcohol or drugs by civil authorities.
Alcohol Limits
The sale, purchase, possession, transportation, storage, and consumption of alcoholic beverages on Manhattanville College property and at off-campus Manhattanville College sponsored functions is permitted only in accordance with New York State law and only as outlined in the following sections
- In accordance with New York State law, it is a violation for anyone under 21 years of age to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol while on College premises. This includes, but is not limited to, any public or private function sponsored by the College or any members of its three constituencies (students, faculty and staff
- It is a violation for anyone 21 years of age or older to provide alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age on College premises, including residence halls.
- The presence, possession or use of common source containers of alcoholic beverages (including but not limited to kegs, bear balls, other bulk containers requiring a tapping device or spigot, punch bowls, trash cans, or other containers used as punch bowls are prohibited without special written permission of the Dean of Students or their designee
- Drinking games in any form are and possession of any paraphernalia related to such games are prohibited and will be confiscated if found.
- Spiked punch and Jell-O shots containing alcohol, regardless of alcohol content are prohibited.
- Public intoxication, no matter the age, is prohibited on Manhattanville college campus.
- Pursuant to New York State law, open containers are illegal. Alcoholic beverages MUST be in a closed and concealed container and alcoholic beverage containers MUST be concealed when transported on campus grounds and in residence. There will be no open containers of alcohol or drinking of alcoholic beverages permitted in public areas. This includes hallways, bathrooms, public areas of residence halls and outside areas of the campus.
- Alcohol is prohibited in any academic and athletic spaces on campus (e.g., classrooms, lounges in the Library or academic or athletic buildings, athletic fields, faculty and administrative offices).
- Distribution of alcoholic beverages is generally prohibited at student organization-sponsored events, unless necessary permission is obtained (See Student Activities section (p. )).
- Disorderly Conduct resulting from the use of alcohol is unacceptable and will be considered a serious and additional violation of the College Policy. Disorderly conduct includes, but is not limited to: abusive language, racial or sexual slurs, graffiti, fighting, destruction and removal of property. Excessive noise, overcrowding, property damage, disruption of community functions, public intoxication, persons congregating in adjacent hallways, abusive behavior toward others, and fighting shall warrant immediate action on the part of Campus Safety and/or the Director of Residence Life or designee.
- This policy governs students representing the College at any off campus event (e.g., student representatives at conferences and athletic teams at away games).
- Individuals will be held responsible for any activities taking place in their room. Empty alcohol containers will be considered evidence of consumption. This includes containers designed to store alcohol as decorative containers.
- Parents/Guardians will be notified, of any student under the age of 21 years old, of any alcohol policy violations; regardless of the sanction.
- Visitors of Manhattanville College students must abide by the rules that apply to their host. For example, if a visitor of a student is of legal drinking age, but his/her host is not, then the visitor may not consume alcohol on Manhattanville College premises. Manhattanville students are fully responsible for their visitors’ actions on campus in regard to the Code of Conduct.
Alcohol and Controlled Substances Health Risks
The illegal use of alcohol and the abuse of alcohol and controlled substances may lead to permanent health conditions including, but not limited to, disorders of the central nervous system, reproductive functioning, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, and endocrine functioning. In addition, there may be both short-term and long-term effects on cognition, memory, retention, information processing, coordination, athletic performance, academic performance, and the exercise of judgment.
Alcohol: Inappropriate use and abuse of alcohol is often associated with lower academic performance and failures, sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies, vandalism, aggressive behaviors including sexual assault and rape, injuries, death, and prosecution for crimes related to the consumption of alcohol. Even small amounts of alcohol may impair the ability to concentrate, as well as the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely thus increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Small to moderate amounts of alcohol may also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including spousal and child abuse, vandalism, physical altercations, or dating violence. Moderate to high doses of alcohol can cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person's ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses may result in respiratory depression and even death. When used in conjunction with other depressants of the nervous system, even a small amount of alcohol can result in these effects.
Repeated use of alcohol may lead to dependence or addiction. The sudden cessation of alcohol consumption produces withdrawal symptoms such as severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations and convulsions, and can be life threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, may also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and liver.
Women who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. Infants with fetal alcohol syndrome have irreversible physical abnormalities and intellectual disability. Further, research shows that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other children of becoming alcoholics themselves.
Controlled Substances: All drugs, whether illegal or prescribed, alter the chemical balance of the body. The misuse of drugs may lead to addiction and even death. Drug addiction and abuse can cause serious damage to the brain, stomach, lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, and the immune and reproductive systems.
Alcohol and Controlled Substances Educational Programs
Manhattanville College has developed a program to prevent the illicit use of the abuse of alcohol and drugs by students. The program provides services related to alcohol and drug abuse including dissemination of informational materials, educational programs, counseling services, referrals and college disciplinary actions.
AlcoholEdu for College
AlcoholEdu for College is an online comprehensive course designed to educate students about alcohol and its effects. AlcoholEdu for College creates a learning experience that clarifies unrealistic expectations about the effects of alcohol, links choices about drinking to academic and personal success, and helps students practice healthier and safer decision-making. The course aims not to preach but rather to teach the facts about alcohol and its effects on the mind and body. Whether or not you drink, AlcoholEdu for College empowers students to make well-informed decisions and provides some simple strategies to help keep you and your friends safe.
AlcoholEdu for Sanctions
Any violation of the College's Drug and Alcohol Policy may be disciplined in accordance with the College's disciplinary procedures for students. Further, the College may refer the student for criminal prosecution. Any sanction imposed by the College is independent of, and is in addition to, any penalty imposed in connection with a criminal conviction.
The sanctions that may be imposed on a student include, but are not limited to, warning, educational, disciplinary probation, mandated counseling/alcohol or drug use prevention program, deferred suspension, suspension, dismissal and expulsion from College housing and/or the College. In determining a sanction, the College will consider the nature and severity of the violation, the impact of the transaction on the campus community, and the student's disciplinary history.
AlcoholEdu for Sanctions helps students who have violated alcohol policies make safer and healthier choices – and avoid getting in trouble again. The course provides a strong educational foundation to support campus judicial programs and is an essential component of a comprehensive alcohol prevention initiative.
Alcohol and Controlled Substances Resources
Manhattanville College encourages students to seek assistance related to alcohol and drug use and misuse. Below are a list of on-campus and off-campus resources that can provide support and additional information:
On-campus:
| Student Health & Counseling: Counseling and Wellness Center |
(914) 323-5155 |
| Student Health & Counseling: Health Center |
(914) 323-5245 |
| Campus Safety |
(914) 323-5244 |
| Office of Residence Life & Conference Services |
(914) 323-5217 |
| Dean of Students |
(914) 323-3134 |
Off-campus:
Alcohol and Controlled Substances Sanctions
Any violation of the College's Drug and Alcohol Policy may be disciplined in accordance with the College's disciplinary procedures for students. Further, the College may refer the student for criminal prosecution. Any sanction imposed by the College is independent of, and is in addition to, any penalty imposed in connection with a criminal conviction.
The sanctions that may be imposed on a student include, but are not limited to, warning, educational, disciplinary probation, mandated counseling/alcohol or drug use prevention program, deferred suspension, suspension, dismissal and expulsion from College housing and/or the College. In determining a sanction, the College will consider the nature and severity of the violation, the impact of the transaction on the campus community, and the student's disciplinary history.