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 Jesuit mission, the alcohol sanctioning process is guided by the care and concern for the individual person and the welfare of other students.
When determining the course of action following a violation of the alcohol policy, honesty, attitude, intent, severity of the violation, willingness to make amends, discipline history, and compliance with prior sanctions, are all taken into consideration. The goal is to create an academic environment that is healthy, safe and supportive of the student’s success and the success of others. For an underage student, being in the presence of alcohol (being possessed or consumed) also constitutes a violation of the alcohol policy.
The alcohol sanctioning process is based on the severity of the student’s involvement with alcohol, as follows:
- Underage possession, consumption, or in the presence of alcohol
- Being visibly intoxicated
- Hosting an alcohol event
- Other violations exacerbated by alcohol
- Hospitalization as a result of acute alcohol intoxication
A student who is found responsible for an alcohol violation shall receive a sanction, in accordance with the general guidelines outlined below; however, sanctions will be individualized based on the facts of the particular situation. If alcohol violations are compounded by other violations of the student code (i.e. assault, vandalism, etc), additional sanctions will be imposed. The list of sanctions is to be used as a guideline but is certainly not all-inclusive.
Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, warnings, attending and /or sponsoring a number of educational alcohol programs, fines or restitution, parental notification, writing research and/or reflective papers, community service projects, alcohol assessment and feedback with a substance abuse counselor and completing an internet alcohol program. Additionally, disciplinary probation, a change in housing location, or non-lottery placement in University housing for the subsequent year may be assigned in the case of repeated or more serious infractions.
For serious violations that threaten the health and safety or welfare of the University community, additional sanctions include suspension or dismissal from the residence hall, residence community and/or the University as either an individual or group. Repeated violations, volume, and type of alcohol and/or other serious violations exacerbated by alcohol will increase the severity of the sanctions.
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 disciplinary system for seeking help, as determined within the discretion of the University. If applicable, an investigation into the event may be deemed necessary.
Fine Money - Alcohol fine money is used for educational and nonalcoholic alternative programs. Students must submit alcohol fine money to the appropriate Student Life Administrator.
Incomplete Sanctions - Any student who fails to complete sanction(s) by the assigned due date, will have a hold placed on his / her University account and risk further disciplinary action.