Student Life 

Saint Joseph’s policy on the use of alcohol combines observance of state law, protection of the overall community and reduction of high risk behavior by students. Consistent with our Catholic, Jesuit mission, the alcohol policy is guided by the care and concern for the individual person and the welfare of other students. It should be understood that the University in no way is a co-sponsor to off-campus alcoholic events unless it has specifically stated this prior to the event.

To reflect its commitment to alcohol awareness, the University calls upon key individuals and departments to educate the University community on the dangers of alcohol abuse and to enforce policies on alcohol use:

1) The Director of Alcohol and Drug Wellness Education coordinates alcohol education and programming as well as annual Alcohol Awareness events; and assists students with issues concerning alcohol usage.

2) Members of the Division of Student Life and The Office of Public Safety and Security assist in implementing and enforcing the policy.

3) The Alcohol and Other Drug Task Force assists the Vice President for Student Life by making recommendations concerning policy.

The following two paragraphs constitute the official Alcohol Policy as approved by University Council (May 12, 1987) and the President:

In compliance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, no person under twenty-one years of age shall attempt or carry out the purchase, possession, consumption or transport of alcoholic beverages on University property or at any event sponsored by the University. No student or employee of the University shall attempt or carry out the transfer of any form of identification for the purpose of falsifying age in order to secure alcohol. No student or employee of the University shall give permission or render assistance in the sale, furnishing, or providing of alcohol to any person under twenty-one years of age.

Only under the conditions clearly stipulated in the University guidelines is the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by students twenty-one years of age and older permitted. This conditioned permission should not be interpreted to mean that the University encourages the use of alcoholic beverages. Furthermore, the University considers intoxication, disorderliness or offensive behavior deriving from the use of alcoholic beverages, regardless of a person's age, to be unacceptable and subject to disciplinary action.

Examples of alcohol violations include, but are not limited to: underage possession and/or consumption of alcohol; knowingly furnishing, transporting, and/or allowing minors to consume alcohol; use of alcohol resulting in involuntary, erratic and/or abusive behavior; unauthorized possession of a keg/beer ball; involvement in the high risk use of alcohol; exceptional number of persons observed in a residence on-campus or off-campus when an open container of alcohol is present; open container of alcohol in public area.

Presence of Alcohol: When an underage student knowingly is in the presence of alcohol being consumed or possessed, the University expects him or her to do one or more of the following: notify University staff, ask the individual(s) with the alcohol to leave or dispose of the alcohol, or remove himself or herself from the situation immediately. All students should recognize that their presence during an alcohol violation can subject them to disciplinary action.

Help seeker: An individual person, not affiliated with the sponsoring organization, who actively seeks help for an intoxicated person will not be charged under the University Community Standards system for seeking help, as determined within the discretion of the University. If applicable, an investigation into the event may be deemed necessary.

*Resident students should reference the Residence Life Policies outlined in the Student Handbook for specific information regarding expectations of resident students with regard to the alcohol policy.

GUIDELINES FOR ALCOHOL BEVERAGE DISTRIBUTION AND CONSUMPTION

Students must secure approval for alcohol-related events. The President has appointed the Vice President for Student Life to approve requests of faculty, administration, staff, alumni and off campus groups for events where alcohol will be served. This arrangement is a systematic reminder to the whole community that the University is serious about promoting responsible alcohol awareness.

Guidelines pertaining to the distribution and consumption of alcohol can be found at http://www.sju.edu/resources/specialevents/. These guidelines apply to all constituents of the University including the administration, students, faculty, staff and alumni and their guests who attend events on campus that are sponsored by the University or divisions, departments, classes, teams or organizations of the University.

LINKS AND RESOURCES

In addition to violations of University Policies, there are state and local laws, including, but not limited to, Title 18 (Pennsylvania Crimes Code) and Title 75 (the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code) that impose significant criminal penalties if violated:

Title 18: Note, in particular, Sections 5505 (Public Drunkenness); 6307 (Misrepresentation of Age to Purchase Liquor or Malt Brewed Beverages (Beer)); 6308 (Purchase, Consumption, Possession or Transportation of Liquor or Malt or Brewed Beverage by A Minor); 6310.1 (Selling or Furnishing Liquor or Malt or Brewed Beverages to Minors); 6310.7 (Selling or Furnishing Non-Alcoholic Beverages to Persons Under 21); 6310.2 (Manufacture or Sale of False Identification Card); 6310.3 (Carrying a False ID); and, 3809 (Restriction on Alcoholic Beverages (Open Container).

Title 75: Note, in particular, Sections 3718 (Minor Prohibited from Operating with Any Alcohol in System); 3802 (Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Controlled Substance); 3802(a) (General Impairment); 3802(b) (High Rate of Alcohol); 3802(c) (Highest Rate of Alcohol); 3802(d) (Controlled Substances); 3802 (e) (Minors); 3802(f) (Commercial or School Vehicles); 3735 (Homicide by Vehicle While Driving under the Influence); and, 3735.1 (Aggravated Assault by Vehicle while Driving under the Influence).

Pennsylvania Liquor Laws: http://www.lcb.state.pa.us/