| POLICY NAME | POLICY NO. | APPROVING BODY | RESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing & Residence Alcohol Policy | SAEM503 | President/Cabinet | Student Affairs – Housing & Residence |
| EFFECTIVE DATE | VERSION NO. | REVISION/REVIEW DATE | DOWNLOAD PDF |
| 01-JUL-2024 | 01 | 12-SEP-2024 | SAEM503_Housing & Residence Alcohol Policy |
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this policy is to specifically address the possession and consumption of alcohol in campus housing, ensuring compliance with federal law and promoting responsible behavior among students.
POLICY:
ALCOHOL:
This alcohol directive falls in accordance with the Western New Mexico University (WNMU) Drug Free Workplace Policy. WNMU believes that reducing drug and alcohol abuse improves the safety, health and productivity of faculty, staff, and students. The purpose of this policy is to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for students and to comply with federal law, where applicable.
Students who are 21 years of age or older may possess and consume alcohol as permitted by law in all campus housing. No underage individual(s) may be present while alcohol is being consumed in the Residence Halls. If a resident who is 21 or older has a roommate under the legal drinking age, all alcohol must be stored in a separate area that can be clearly distinguished as the property of the of resident who is over the age of 21 and that is not readily accessible to the underage resident.
Students who are legally consuming alcohol may not have a total number of occupants in excess of 10 people within the residence while doing so. At no time shall any student over the age of 21 provide alcohol to students under the legal drinking age. Consumption of alcohol outside the residence hall is strictly prohibited. Other restricted areas include the parking lots of the residence halls and residential hall common areas, such as the laundry rooms and game rooms. It is prohibited to consume alcohol in any public area.
Alcohol Misconduct
Disruptive or disorderly conduct caused by the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs is prohibited within the residence halls. Students who cause disruption within the residence halls due to the consumption of alcohol and/or other drugs may be charged with violating the Student Code of Conduct.
Any Student in violation of the any aforementioned directive may be subject to the WNMU Student Code of Conduct and/ or criminal penalties. Please see the potential listed criminal penalties below:
- Section 60-7B-1. Selling or giving alcoholic beverages to minors; possession of alcoholic beverages by minors. (1) a fourth-degree felony for an offender, other than a server certified pursuant to Section 60-6E-7 NMSA 1978, who shall be sentenced pursuant to Section 31-18-15 NMSA 1978;
- It is a violation of the Liquor Control Act for a minor to buy, attempt to buy, receive, possess or permit the minor’s self to be served with alcoholic beverages.
- for a first violation, the offender shall be:
- fined an amount not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000); and
- ordered by the sentencing court to perform thirty hours of community service related to reducing the incidence of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor;
- for a first violation, the offender shall be:
Unauthorized Prohibited Drinking Devices
Prohibited drinking devices are items that contribute to excessive and fast paced drinking. This includes but is not limited to: Kegs, Beer Bongs, Drinking Games (e.g. Beer Pong, Flip Cup, Shot Roulette, etc.), or pony kegs.
WNMU Penalties
WNMU maintains the right to revoke any alcohol privileges of the entire suite if students violate any of the aforementioned directives. Any offenses may include fines implemented on the student’s account.
- FIRST OFFENSE: Revocation of the alcohol privilege for 1 full academic year and a $100 fine.
- SECOND OFFENSE: Indefinite revocation of alcohol privileges and fines up to $500.
- THIRD OFFENSE: Student will be referred to the Administrative Hearing Board to determine if further actions, including removal from campus housing, suspension, and/or expulsion are needed.