Dean of the College Office

1. Introduction
   1. The Carleton College policy on alcohol and other drugs exists within the context of local, state, and federal laws. The regulations contained in this policy are designed to comply with all applicable Northfield city ordinances and the laws of Minnesota and the United States, including the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989.
   2. Philosophical Statement: Carleton College is committed to promoting responsible behavior regarding the use of alcoholic beverages. As an educational institution, the College provides resources through which students are empowered to inform themselves about the physiological, psychological, and sociological effects of alcohol and other drugs upon the individual and the community.
      
      In a civil, safe, and healthy community, members take responsibility for their own actions, and consider the impact that their choices will have on others. All members have a duty to accept their obligations to the group, and to act for the common good. As members of such a community, Carleton students, faculty members, and staff members will be held accountable for upholding the standards set forth for appropriate behavior.
      
      Above all else, in all actions, both on and off campus, members of the Carleton community shall:
      1. Demonstrate respect for others in their actions.
      2. Acknowledge the impact of alcohol on communal living, and work to limit its negative effects.
      3. Retain autonomy, and thereby accountability for their choices and the outcomes of such choices.
         
         The policies that follow, and the philosophy upon which they are based, are intended to foster the continued growth and development of a respectful and responsible community.
2. Regulations
   The provisions regulating student conduct in the Community Standards Policy apply. The following regulations apply to alcohol and
   other drugs:
   1. Notwithstanding this or any other College regulation or policy, the provisions of Northfield city ordinances and laws of Minnesota and the United States including the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226) shall govern.
      
      The College prohibits the unlawful possession, use, and/or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs by students and employees on College property or as part of any College activities.
   2. Persons under 21 years of age are prohibited from drinking alcoholic beverages. Persons 21 years of age or older may drink alcoholic beverages only in private residential rooms or at registered events.
   3. Alcohol is not permitted in any public area without prior registration. Public areas include but are not limited to: Sayles-Hill, Severance Great Hall, dining halls, residential floor lounges, study rooms and corridors, all academic buildings and athletic areas, and all outdoor areas owned and operated by the College, including outdoor recreational areas. Possession of open containers of alcohol is prohibited at all times and at all campus locations, except at and during registered events or in private residential rooms.
   4. Public areas may be registered for an event at which alcohol will be available by submitting the appropriate event registration form to the Office of Residential Life (for events in residences) or the Campus Activities Office (for all other events). A full description of the regulations and responsibilities to which event sponsors are subject is found on the reverse side of the event registration form.
   5. The College recognizes the disruptive effects that alcohol and other drugs can have on the Carleton community. Therefore, all registered events are subject to (but not limited to) the following regulation principles:
      1. Event sponsors may be held responsible for the actions of both individuals and the group. Behavior that violates the living and study rights of other residents is unacceptable.
      2. Damages: if individuals responsible for the damage cannot be identified, the event sponsors shall be liable for damage and clean-up charges. The event area must be cleaned and returned to its pre-event condition.
   6. Small gatherings in private residential rooms need not be registered with the College. Such gatherings are, however, subject to all other regulations regarding alcohol use described in this policy.
   7. The sale of alcohol is permitted in the Cave as determined by the management, within the context of local and state laws.
   8. Students participating in off-campus study programs are subject to state and local laws, as applicable. Students who jeopardize their own health, the health and safety of others, or the integrity of the living and learning environment on the program may be required to leave the program. The program director, in consultation with the dean of students, has the authority to remove a student from the program under these circumstances.
   9. High-risk alcohol-related activities, such as progressives and theme parties, are prohibited.
   10. The College recognizes the particular danger of driving while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Therefore, students are expected never to use such substances and drive.
3. Sanctions and Responsive Actions
   1. SANCTIONS
      A violation of this policy is a "violation" within the meaning of the Community Standards Policy, III.C.5. All sanctions listed there (restitution, service, counseling, chemical dependency evaluation, revocation of privileges, warning, censure, disciplinary probation, suspension, and expulsion) are applicable. In addition, for violations of this Policy, sanctions may include mandatory education, counseling, fines, community service, and/or evaluation, conducted on or off-campus.
   2. RESPONSIVE ACTIONS
      1. The College recognizes that students are expected to obey the law and take personal responsibility for their conduct. The College will respect the privacy of students' personal lives. The College will hold students accountable if and when:
         1. students' use of alcohol or other drugs threatens order, causes public disturbances, poses danger to the students and/or others, or results in property damage;
         2. illegal use of alcohol or other drugs comes to the attention of College officials.
      2. Drunk and disorderly behavior when under the influence of alcohol is a violation of the alcohol policy. Persons under the influence of alcohol will be held responsible for their actions.
      3. Any violations of this policy by students, including violations of the "Social Event Registration Guidelines," will be brought o the attention of a member of the dean of students staff. Violations by faculty or staff members will be brought to the attention of the dean of the college or the vice president and treasurer, respectively.
      4. Violations will be reviewed and sanctions imposed by the dean of students, the dean of the college, the vice president and treasurer of the college, or the Judicial Hearing Board.
4. Resources
   Alcohol and drug counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation/re-entry programs for students, staff members, and faculty embers are available from a variety of sources. Anyone who recognizes a personal alcohol or drug problem, is concerned bout another student or co-worker, or who may wish to know more about alcohol and drug abuse may contact:

Internal Sources

Students
Dean of Students Office, ext. 4248 or 4075
Residential Life, ext. 5465
Wellness Center, ext. 4080 800-554-6931

Faculty and Staff
Dean of the College, ext. 4304
Human Resources Office, ext. 7471
Employee Assistance Program, 888-371-1125

External Sources

Alcoholics Anonymous: 645-6282
Fairview Ridges Hospital: 612-892-2510
Hazelden: 612-257-4010 or 800-257-7800
Minneapolis Psychiatric Institute: 612-863-5327
Northfield Family Focus: 663-8882
WomanSafe Center: 800-607-2330

Adopted by the College Council May 29, 2001.