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Alcohol and Drug Use Policy

Policy

PRATT INSTITUTE’S ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE POLICY
APPROVED 2006, REVISED 2011, 2013, 2015, 2018

Summary

This document clarifies the Institute’s expectations and approach related to the use of alcohol by faculty, staff and students and describes penalties for the possession, sale, distribution and/or use of illegal drugs or alcohol to persons under the age of 21.

Reason For This Policy

Pratt Institute is committed to creating an environment for its students and employees free of drug and alcohol abuse. Because of this commitment, the Institute has adopted standards of conduct concerning the use and abuse of illicit drugs and alcohol.

Target Population

This policy apply to all members of the Institute and to all Institute-sponsored events and activities that occur on and off-campus.

Policy Statement

Pratt Institute has zero tolerance for abuse or illegal use of alcohol or other drugs.  As a result, and in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, misconduct related to alcohol or other drug abuse will not be tolerated.  Violation of this Policy will result in appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with Pratt policies. Such disciplinary action may include progressive discipline, up to and including termination for employees, and appropriate sanctions for students, as well as referral for legal prosecution, depending on the nature of the vioaltion.  Students found in violation of the alcohol and drug policy for the first time will face sanctions 1) no less than some form of social probation, 2) must participate in some form of community service or educational exercise, and 3) will have parents or guardians notified of judicial action.

In addition, employees and students are reminded that the Institute considers it the responsibility of the members of this community, both individually and collectively, to comply with the applicable local, state, and federal laws controlling drug and alcohol possession, use, or distribution.

A. General Policies Regarding the Use of Alcohol and other substances
  1. The possession, distribution, or use of alcohol by anyone under the age of 21 is prohibited.  Additionally, the sale or distribution of alcohol by anyone over 21 years of age to anyone under 21 years of age is prohibited.
  2. The possession, sale, or use of any illegal substances are strictly prohibited.  This includes prescription medications sold or used by anyone other than the person who was originally prescribed the medication.
  3. Consumption of alcohol is prohibited at student art openings.
  4. Alcoholic beverages dispensed on campus (in a Pratt owned or leased facility) must be distributed by the Institute’s dining service. This includes authorized student-sponsored events, faculty/staff events, community events and external organizations (or individuals) using Pratt Institute facilities.
  5. The use of alcohol at Pratt Institute events held off-campus will only be permitted when the alcohol is served by a licensed and insured third party.
  6. Alcohol use in the residence halls: Willoughby, Esther Lloyd-Jones, Townhouse, or Grand Avenue residents who are 21 years old or older may consume alcohol in the privacy of their residence hall suite, apartment, or house. Alcohol is not permitted in yards or on roof decks or balconies of the residence halls. Bulk alcohol (such as kegs and beer balls) is not permitted in residence halls.
  7. Off-campus use of alcohol and other drugs: Students who violate federal, state or local laws regarding the possession, use, or distribution of alcohol or other drugs while off-campus are subject to Pratt Institute sanctions in addition to any criminal penalties that may exist. This applies to students who are on campus and under the influence of alcohol and other drugs resulting from off campus use. 
B. Counseling and Treatment Resources
  1. Information on counseling and treatment resources for students is available on the Student Affairs webpage (Counseling and Treatment Resources) or by contacting the Office of Counseling.   
  2. Counseling and treatment resources for employees include the Pratt Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Employees may utilize the services of an external EAP confidentially for professional counseling, legal referrals, financial advice, and other assistance related to personal life issues. EAP services are provided by an external company and there is no charge to employees. Employees can access EAP services by calling 800.311.4327 or downloading this PDF.  
C. Requirements for serving alcohol at on-campus faculty/staff-sponsored events (with or without students present).
  1. Alcohol may only be served in the following locations: 
    • Student Union,
    • First floor of Higgins Hall South, and
    • Second-floor lobby of Pratt Manhattan
    • Seventh floor student lounge of Pratt Manhattan

Any other location must be approved by the Vice President of the sponsoring division.  Alcohol is never permitted in common areas including outdoors, residence hall yards, front steps of any building, and elevators.

  1. All alcohol must be purchased and served by dining services or another licensed vendor. Advance notice must be provided to dining services who will advise about the process for obtaining a permit, if necessary.
  2. Dining services is responsible for identifying designated servers in advance of the event.  Servers must be at least 21 years of age and may not consume alcohol while serving or any time prior to serving alcohol.
  3. A sign must be posted at point of service indicating the NYS legal drinking age is 21 and minors will not be served.  At Dining Services’ (AVI) discretion, student attended events may include tyvek wristbands indicating guests are of legal age to drink.  Those guests who appear over the age of 30 will not be carded or wristbanded.  Alcohol consumption will be marked on wristbands at a rate of one beverage per hour. The only acceptable forms of identification which can serve as positive proof of age are:
    • A driver’s license (if year of birth and picture are on license),
    • A Government issued photo identification card, or
    • A passport
  4. The Office of Public Safety must be notified in advance of any event where alcohol will be served.  A Public Safety Officer must be present at any event where alcohol will be served.  The hosting group is responsible for the cost.

Any exceptions to these procedures must be approved by the Vice President of the sponsoring division.

D. Requirements for Serving Alcohol at Student-Sponsored Events
  1. Alcohol may only be served in the following locations: 
    • Student Union,
    • First floor of Higgins Hall South, and
    • Seventh floor student lounge of Pratt Manhattan
    • Alcohol is never permitted in common areas including outdoors, residence hall yards, front steps of any building, and elevators.
  2. The Office of Public Safety must be notified in advance of any event where alcohol will be served.  A Public Safety Officer must be present at any event where alcohol will be served.  The hosting group is responsible for cost.
  3. At on-campus events, all alcohol must be purchased and served by dining services. An appropriate amount of non-alcoholic beverages and snacks must be provided. 
  4. Dining services is responsible for identifying designated servers in advance of the event.  Servers must be at least 21 years of age and may not consume alcohol while serving or any time prior to serving alcohol.
  5. At off-campus events, alcohol must be served by a licensed third-party.  All of the following conditions and requirements apply to off-campus events.  It is the event sponsor’s responsibility to ensure the server’s abilty to comply with this policy in advance of the scheduled event. 
  6. Alcohol can only be served and consumed in a clearly designated area which is  separated from the area where alcohol cannot be served or consumed.
  7. A sign must be posted at point of service indicating the NYS legal drinking age is 21 and minors will not be served.  All students in attendance are required to provide identification to confirm proof of age prior to service.  Students confirmed as 21 years of age must be provided with an identifying wristband valid only for the event. (Provided free of charge by the Office of Student Involvement.)  The only acceptable forms of identification which can serve as positive proof of age are:
    • A driver’s license (if year of birth and picture are on license),
    • A Government issued photo identification card, or
    • A passport
  8. Valid Pratt identification is required for admission to the event.  If other guests are invited, they must present a valid form of identification.  A maximium of two guests per Pratt student host will be admitted, space permitting.  Non-hosted guests are not permitted. 
  9. Alcohol permitted/prohibited (Quantities to be approved by the Director of Student Involvement):
    • Student groups must serve beer in kegs.  Bottled or canned beer is not permitted.
    • Wine is permitted only with prior approval from the Director of Student Involvement. 
    • Hard liquor or any kind is not permitted.
  10. The number of drinks per person is restricted to one per hour and shall not exceed four per event.
  11. Individuals who appear to be intoxicated may not be served alcoholic beverages under any circumstances. 
  12. Persons under the age of 21 are not permitted to hold alcohol. 

Exceptions to these procedures must be approved by the Vice President of the sponsoring division. Use the Alcohol Location Exemption Form to obtain this approval.

E. Unlawful Possession or Distribution of Illegal Drugs and/or Alcohol
  1. Students who are convicted of any offense under Federal or state laws involving the possession or sale of a controlled substance are ineligible for Federal grants, loans, or work assistance for the period beginning with the date of conviction and lasting for 1 to 2 years (for first time offenders) or for an indefinite period (for repeat offenders). (20 U.S.C. ~1070 and 42 U.S.C. ~2751).
  2. Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines encourage colleges and universities to inform parents and legal guardians of students under the age of 21 who have violated laws on the use or possession of alcohol and/or drugs. Pratt Institute may elect to utilize this option.  Students are urged to notify their family prior to the Institute’s notification. 
  3. In addition to Institute disciplinary sanctions, students and employees who violate this policy may be subject to State and/or Federal Legal sanctions.

New York State Offenses & Penalties