Policies

Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy

Policy Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure a safe, healthy, and productive environment for all members of the Farmingdale State College (FSC) community by establishing clear standards of conduct regarding alcohol and illicit drugs. This policy also provides procedures for consuming, possessing, and serving alcohol on campus and at college-sponsored activities.

Persons Affected

Faculty, Staff, Students, Third-Parties

Policy Statement

Farmingdale State College is committed to adhering to all federal, state, and local laws regarding alcohol and illicit drugs. The College prohibits the unlawful possession, use and distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs by students and employees on its property or during its activities. In compliance with the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 and the Federal Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, this policy sets forth the standard of conduct that the campus community is expected to follow, a description of health risks associated with using alcohol and illicit drugs, sanctions for violating alcohol and drug related laws, disciplinary sanctions for violating this policy, and a description of available treatment programs.

It is illegal in New York and prohibited by the College for any person under the age of 21 to possess or consume alcohol; or for alcoholic beverages to be made available, by sale or otherwise, to anyone under 21 years of age or to anyone who is visibly intoxicated. The consumption of alcohol on campus is only permissible at events approved according to the procedures outlined in this policy or in the residence halls according to Residence Hall Policies.

All Students and employees are advised that individuals who violate federal, state and/or local laws and college policy regarding illicit drugs are subject to College disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution. Note that under federal law, the use, possession, and distribution of Cannabis is illegal and therefore prohibited on campus, regardless of its legalization in New York State.

Health Risks

All College community members should be aware that there are significant psychological and physiological health risks associated with the abuse of alcoholic beverages and illicit drugs. These health risks can be found on the College's substance education, prevention, and outreach web page, under health risks. Physical addiction, loss of control and withdrawal symptoms as well as serious damage to vital organs of the body can result from abuse of alcoholic beverages and illicit drugs.

Student Amnesty Policy

In cases of alcohol and drug intoxication, the primary concern is the health and safety of the individual(s) involved. FSC strongly encourages individuals to call for medical assistance for themselves or for a friend/acquaintance who is displaying symptoms of alcohol or drug overdose or misuse. No student seeking medical treatment for an alcohol or illicit drug-related overdose, or other life-threatening medical emergency shall be subject to the FSC disciplinary process for the sole violation of using or possessing alcohol or illicit drugs. This policy shall extend to another student seeking help for the intoxicated student or the student who is facing a life-threatening medical emergency.

The health and safety of every student at FSC is of the utmost importance. FSC recognizes that students who have been drinking and/or using drugs (whether such use is voluntary or involuntary) at the time that violence, including but not limited to domestic violence, dating violence, stalking or sexual assault occurs may be hesitant to report such incidents due to fear of potential consequences for their own conduct. FSC strongly encourages students to report incidents of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking or sexual assault to institution officials. A bystander acting in good faith, or a reporting individual acting in good faith that discloses any incident of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking or sexual assault to FSC officials or law enforcement shall not be subject to FSC code of conduct action for violations of alcohol and/ or drug use policies occurring at or near the time of the commission of the domestic violence, dating violence, stalking or sexual assault.

Education, Prevention, Outreach, and Treatment Programs

The College provides a variety of prevention, educational, and community programs. Individual, group, and community educational programs designed to prevent and reduce alcohol and illicit drug use/abuse are offered to the Farmingdale State College community. Farmingdale ADAPT (alcohol and drug abuse prevention team) is a community coalition working to address current and emerging trends regarding alcohol and illicit drugs in the greater Farmingdale community. In addition, the Farmingdale ADAPT coalition meets monthly to discuss current substance abuse related issues and trends. As mandated by the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act, this policy is distributed to all students, staff and faculty on an annual basis. Substance abuse evaluations, interventions, and outpatient therapy are offered through Campus Mental Health Services, The Health and Wellness Center, and the Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counselor. Referrals to community inpatient or outpatient treatment facilities can be obtained through these same resources.

Short-term alcohol and drug counseling is available on campus to students through the Alcohol and Other Addictions Counselor (934) 420-2690 or through Campus Mental Health Services (934) 420-2006. Students may be referred through Campus Mental Health Services or the AOD Counselor to other treatment programs for more intensive treatment as needed.

Through Farmingdale State College’s Human Resource Department, the Employee Assistance Program offers employees resources and appropriate referrals.

Events Serving Alcohol

Student Organizations, funded by the Student Government Association, are prohibited from hosting events where alcohol is served. For all other organizations, departments, and third parties that wish to serve alcohol at a college sponsored event a request form must be submitted at least 6 weeks prior to the event in accordance with the procedures section below. The Risk and Compliance Office will review requests and determine if additional parameters need to be implemented. Parameters may include, but are not limited to;

• Limit on the amount of alcoholic beverages served per person
• The need for security at the event. Security may be provided by the University Police Department (UPD), or an outside security company vetted by UPD if UPD cannot adequately staff the event. The cost of providing this security shall be the responsibility of the event organizer.
• Additional controls for admitting or identifying attendees over and under the age of 21 (i.e. wristbands, requesting identification at entrances, etc.)
• The need for a designated drinking area at the event
• Limits on the duration that alcohol can be served during the event

The FSC approved food service management corporation is the only vendor permitted to provide alcoholic beverages for on campus events in accordance with New York State Law and applicable FSC Policies.

The FSC approved food service management corporation is responsible for obtaining the appropriate NYS approvals and liquor license and shall assume full responsibility to ensure that no one under the age of 21 is permitted to consume alcoholic beverages during the event and will deny service to persons who appear intoxicated. Staff serving the alcohol at events must be trained in responsible beverage trainings such as TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures).

Food and non-alcoholic beverages must be available at any event where alcohol is served. Any event in which alcohol is the primary focus shall not be approved. All recreational alcohol drinking activities which pose a clear or potential threat to students’ welfare, inclusive of but not limited to chugging, drinking games or hazing are prohibited. Alcohol shall not be awarded as a prize for any contest or game. Event organizers or guests shall not bring alcohol to the event and are not permitted to serve alcohol themselves.

Persons who appear to be intoxicated can be denied admittance to the event. University Police, FSC’s approved food service management corporation, hired security companies, and other College officials may ask for identification for proof of age at any point during the event. Failure to comply with such requests shall result in the revocation of the individuals drinking privileges and possible further disciplinary action.

Promotions for the event must not be solely focused on the availability of alcoholic beverages, must state the specific start and end times of the event, include a statement concerning the minimum drinking age law, and the organizers expressed intent to enforce all laws and regulations.

Alcohol in the Residence Halls

The College will not sponsor or approve any residence hall function where alcohol is served or consumed and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited in all common areas in the residence halls, including but not limited to; lounges, kitchens, recreation rooms, hall corridors, or laundry rooms. In rooms where all students residing in that room are under the age of 21, no alcohol shall be possessed or consumed including possession or consumption by guests who are of legal drinking age.

Resident students 21years of age and over who wish to consume alcohol in residence hall rooms, and/or wish to have their guests age 21 and over consume alcohol are required to complete Red Watch Band training. Red Watch Band is a bystander intervention program that aims to prevent toxic drinking deaths and it is highly recommended that all FSC students complete Red Watch Band training. Students 21 years of age and over in the residence halls who have completed Red Watch Band training can possess at any given time up to one of the following in their own room:

• Six twelve-ounce beers or,
• One liter of wine or,
• 500 ml of no greater than 80-proof distilled spirits

Proof of age and an FSC Identification card with a 21 and over sticker indicating completion of Red Watch Band training must be provided to staff members upon request. Failure to do so shall result in revocation of alcohol privileges and/or other student conduct violations.

If some of the residents of a student room or suite are not of legal drinking age, those residents 21 and over who are Red Watch Band trained may keep alcohol in the room; however, these students are prohibited from drinking with, serving, or in any way providing alcohol to those who are not of legal drinking age. Students who are 21 or older and who reside in a room or suite with students who are not yet 21, shall be held responsible for violating this policy if they do not take reasonable steps to ensure the underage residents do not gain access to alcohol they possess.

An underage student who is present in a student’s room or suite where residents of that room are of legal drinking age shall be in violation of this policy if there is reasonable suspicion deemed by the college that the underage student was also consuming alcohol.

Students living in the residence halls are responsible for informing guests of rules and regulations regarding the consumption of alcohol and shall be held responsible for any violations of these rules and regulations by their guests. The residential student is responsible for all alcohol found in their room or suite during room inspections regardless of who brought the materials into the room.

All empty alcoholic containers must be removed from the residence hall rooms by noon of the day following consumption. It is the responsibility of the residential student who consumed the alcohol or who had guests consume alcohol to dispose of the empty containers.

Student Sanctions for Policy Violations

Violations of this policy or of parameters put in place for events may result in disciplinary action and/or the inability to host future events where alcohol is intended to be served. Violations shall result in the following disciplinary actions for students:

• At a minimum the first Offense shall require completion of an online module relevant to the violation and a signed Disciplinary Probation Contract.
• At a minimum the second offense shall result in a referral to the FSC AOD Counselor for mandated screening/appointment(s). In addition, students shall be required to complete a written critical reflective paper which shall be submitted to the Dean of Students Office upon completion of the mandated meeting(s) with FSC AOD Counselor. Lastly, students shall be held accountable to a signed Disciplinary Probation Contract.
• At a minimum the third offense shall result in suspension from the residence halls (if applicable) as well as disciplinary probation and prohibition from participation in co-curricular activities. Lastly, students shall be held accountable to a signed Disciplinary Probation Contract.
• At a minimum the fourth offense shall result in an extended suspension and a signed Disciplinary Probation Contract.
• At any time, a student may be expelled or suspended due to violations of this policy.

Possession of drug-related paraphernalia or devices, or alcohol delivery devices anywhere on the campus of FSC or while officially representing FSC at events and activities including participation in athletic and intermural teams or activities shall be held to the following disciplinary actions:

• At a minimum the first Offense shall require completion of an online module relevant to the violation and a signed Disciplinary Probation Contract.
• At a minimum the second offense shall result in a referral to the FSC AOD Counselor for mandated screening/appointment(s). In addition, students shall be required to complete a written critical reflective paper which shall be submitted to the Dean of Students Office upon completion of the mandated meeting(s) with FSC AOD Counselor. Lastly, students shall be held accountable to a signed Disciplinary Probation Contract.
• At a minimum the third offense shall result in suspension from the residence halls (if applicable) as well as disciplinary probation and prohibition from participation in co-curricular activities. Lastly, students shall be held accountable to a signed Disciplinary Probation Contract.
• At a minimum the fourth offense shall result in an extended suspension and a signed Disciplinary Probation Contract.
• At any time a student may be expelled or suspended due to violations of this policy.

As members of the College community, students are also subject to local ordinances and to state and federal law. Arrest and prosecution for alleged violations of criminal law or city ordinances may result from the same incident for which the college imposes disciplinary sanctions.

Parent, Guardian, or Emergency Contact Notification

In accordance with the Notification of Parent, Guardian, or Emergency Contract for Alcohol and Controlled Substance Violations Policy, parents, guardians, or emergency contacts may be notified when students under the age of 21 have;

• Violated institutional rules or policies related to the use or possession of alcohol
• Violated federal, state, or local laws involving alcohol or controlled substances; and
• Been involved in alcohol-related medical emergencies, including:
  • Hospitalization;
  • Overdose; or
  • Other situations presenting a serious risk to the student’s health or safety.

Employee Sanctions for Policy Violations

The unlawful possession, use, and distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs by employees on college premises, or while conducting college business off college premises, is prohibited.

Violations of this prohibition by employees shall result in the application of sanctions, including possible required participation in an approved drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program, and disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment under applicable Policies of the Board of Trustees, college policies, statutes, employment contracts, and/or collective bargaining agreements.

Legal Sanctions

A list of applicable legal sanctions for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol can be found here.

Procedures

Resident Students

1. Resident students who are 21 years and older desiring to consume alcohol in their residence hall room must complete the Red Watch Band Sign Up Form to schedule their participation in the training. Students can complete their Red Watch Band training up to one semester prior to the semester in which they turn 21 years of age. Information on Red Watch Band Training can be found on the college’s Substance, Education, Prevention, and Outreach web page.
2. Once trained, students must present their certificate of completion and proof of identity and age to the College’s Prevention Specialist.
3. The Prevention Specialist will provide a sticker that must be affixed to the student’s college ID card if the student intends to drink in rooms in the residence halls. Students are prohibited from drinking in the residence halls prior to affixing the sticker.
4. Resident students 21 years of age and over are permitted to drink in their assigned residence hall rooms and rooms of other residents who are 21 years of age or older who have completed the Red Watch Band training.

Alcohol at Campus Events

1. All College organizations and departments must submit an Internal Request Form to Events Management at least 6 weeks prior to the event to request usage of campus facilities or a Request to Serve Alcohol at an Off Campus Event for college sponsored events being held off campus.
2. All third parties must submit an External Request Form to Events Management at least 6 weeks prior to the event to request the usage of campus facilities.
3. All College organizations and departments must comply with the Food and Beverage Policy and complete a Food and Beverage Justification Form when using state appropriated funds to purchase food and beverages.
4. All event organizers must request food, non-alcoholic, and alcoholic beverages through the College’s approved food service management corporation, using this link.
5. The Risk and Compliance Office will review all requests to serve alcohol at campus events and notify the event organizer of the approval status and any required parameters which must be implemented during the event.
6. The Events Management Office will notify the event organizer if their request to use campus facilities is approved. The use of campus facilities is prohibited without this approval, even if the event has been approved to serve alcohol.
7. The FSC approved food service management corporation is the only vendor permitted to provide alcoholic beverages for on campus events.
8. The FSC approved food service management corporation must obtain the necessary NYS approvals for serving alcohol.
9. The FSC approved food service management corporation staff will be trained on serving alcohol and ensure alcohol is not served to anyone under the age of 21 or to those individuals who are or appear to be intoxicated.

Definitions

Illicit Drugs - is a substance that is illegal to produce, possess, distribute, or use under the law, or a controlled substance that is used in an unlawful way. Examples of illicit drugs include: Marijuana, Cocaine, Heroin, and Methamphetamine. Illicit drugs can also include the non-medical use of drugs that are legally available, such as prescription pain medications, anti-anxiety medications, and sleeping pills. Illicit use includes taking these medications at a higher dosage than prescribed, in more frequent dosages than prescribed, taking someone else’s medication, or purchasing them illicitly on the streets.

Responsible Office

Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
Human Resources

Policy History

Approval Date: May, 28, 2026