ALCOHOL, ILLEGAL DRUGS, AND OTHER CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

I. Introduction
The Policy on Alcohol, Illegal Drugs, and Other Controlled Substances is intended to further the
educational mission of Hofstra University. Hofstra is committed to fostering a campus community
whereby each member is responsible for their own actions and is expected to respect the rights of
others to participate in the academic and social life of the University. Consistent with its educational
mission, the University sponsors programs for students regarding the misperceptions about alcohol use
among college students, to promote open, honest dialogue about alcohol use and abuse, and to
increase awareness of the physical, psychological, social, and behavioral effects of alcohol consumption.
The policy emphasizes individual and shared responsibility, healthy and informed decision making, and a
caring University environment. All students are expected to be familiar with the Policy on Alcohol, Illegal
Drugs, and Other Controlled Substances as outlined below. Any violation of these policies by a student is
a violation of the Code of Community Standards.

II. Alcohol Policies

A. Standards of Conduct
Violating any federal, state, or local laws or University policies regarding alcohol, including
Hofstra University’s Policy on Alcohol, Illegal Drugs, and Other Controlled Substances.
Violations include but are not limited to:
• Knowingly remaining in the presence of alcohol in a residence hall room/suite while under
the legal drinking age.
• Possessing, consuming, and/or distributing any quantity of alcohol on property owned or
controlled by the University or as part of any University activity while under the legal drinking
age.
• Distributing any quantity of alcohol to an individual under the legal drinking age.
• Misrepresenting yourself or using another person’s identity with the intent to purchase,
possess, and/or consume alcohol.
• Acting in a disruptive/disorderly manner, regardless of age, while under the influence of
alcohol.

B. Campus Buildings and Spaces

Students who are of legal drinking age may consume alcohol on campus only in accordance
with all policies listed here, and only in a residence hall room assigned to them or to another
student who is also of legal drinking age, or at events held in accordance with section II. D.
The possession or consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited in all public campus
buildings and spaces, without prior written approval from a divisional vice president or vice
president’s designee. This includes:
• Buildings and hallways (other than in a residence hall room assigned to them or to
another student who is also of legal drinking age, or at events held in accordance with
section II. D.)
• Offices
• Student organization office and work spaces
• Lounges
• Outdoor spaces (e.g., intramural fields, quads, lawns, etc.)
• Parking lots (e.g., tailgating)
Students residing in or visiting any guests in a Hofstra residence hall must adhere to all
policies outlined, as well as the following:
• Possession or consumption of alcohol in student lounges, floor lounges, study lounges, or
 hallways is prohibited.
• Bulk alcohol is not permitted. Bulk alcohol is defined as any container other than a bottle
or a can, such as wine boxes, beer balls, and kegs.
• Glass beer bottles are not permitted in the residence halls.
• Drinking paraphernalia (e.g., funnels) and drinking games are not permitted in the residence
halls.

C. Use of University Funds for Purchases of Alcohol

No Hofstra University funds, including student organization fees, revenue from
organizational fundraisers, member contributions, or gifts, may be used for the procurement
of alcohol.

D. Events with Alcohol

Event sponsors are responsible for following this policy, as well as other relevant
University policies, at any authorized University event or activity sponsored by an authorized student or
University organization where alcohol is served. Policies include but are not limited to:
• Alcohol consumption must not be interpreted as the primary focus of any event.
• Authorized servers, such as University Dining Services, or an approved third party vendor,
must provide and distribute the alcohol.
• Alcohol sold must include a price that could not reasonably be interpreted as providing
unlimited drink specials (e.g., nickel drafts, specific persons drink free).
• Two forms of identification proving legal drinking age must be shown to the server in order
to consume alcoholic beverages on campus.
• An appropriate amount of food and nonalcoholic beverages must be offered at the event.
• No one visibly intoxicated may be given or allowed to consume alcoholic beverages.
• If the event is held at an approved off-campus venue (e.g., catering hall, restaurant, etc.),
enforcement of alcohol laws rests with the off-campus vendor.
• An approved organization/department advisor must be present for the entire duration of the
event at both on- and off-campus events where alcohol is served.

E. Promotional Activities/Event Marketing

Print, electronic, and broadcast media funded in whole or in part by University funds, or
bearing the University’s name, may not contain inappropriate references to alcohol, or
emphasize alcohol as the primary purpose of an event. Images of alcohol are strictly
prohibited in all advertising, including advertising for events where alcohol is served.

F. Responsible Drinking
It is the expectation of Hofstra University that individuals of the legal drinking age who
choose to consume alcohol will do so responsibly. The rapid consumption or excessive
drinking of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited. Indicators that individuals are not
drinking responsibly include but are not limited to the following:
• Drinking games
• Consuming shots of alcohol
• “Shot gunning” alcohol
• Instruments of abuse (e.g., beer bongs, funnels)
• Bulk alcohol (e.g., kegs, wine boxes, beer balls, etc.)
• Alcoholic punch, gelatin shots, or drinks containing grain alcohol
Students who drink alcohol to excess, whether on campus or off campus, and require medical
attention, will be required to meet with a member of the Dean of Students Office to
discuss/develop more responsible behaviors related to alcohol consumption.

G. Health Risks
Use of alcohol may result in mood changes, impulsive actions, loss of judgment, and loss of
coordination. Excessive use of alcohol may cause heart damage, liver damage, damage to the
digestive tract, cancer, brain damage, mental disorders, loss of sexual function, blood
disorders, and birth defects. In addition, long-term alcohol use may affect relationships,
employment, academic and athletic performance, and self-esteem. Consumption of alcohol
while using over-the-counter or prescription medications, where such use is contraindicated,
can lead to unintended health consequences. Acute alcohol poisoning, occurring when an
individual consumes a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time, may result in
changes in breathing and heart rate, the gag reflex, and can lead to coma and death. More
information regarding the use of alcohol at college and the health risks associated with the
consumption of alcohol can be found at www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov.

H. University Sanctions for Students

Students who violate any of the above alcohol regulations will be subject to a minimum
penalty of a disciplinary warning. Subsequent offenses will result in more serious action. For
a complete listing of possible sanctions, please refer to the “Sanctions” section in the Code of
Community Standards found here in the Guide to Pride and available at
hofstra.edu/guidetopride.

I. Violations of Law
In addition to sanctions imposed by the University, alcohol violations may be referred to the
appropriate external authorities. Under state and local laws, such as the New York State Penal
Law, Vehicle and Traffic Law, and Alcoholic Beverage Control Law, violations may result in
penalties ranging from fines through suspension of a driver’s license and possible
imprisonment.