RPI is a campus where we place a high priority on the health and safety of all members of the campus community – students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The Institute strives to provide an environment where all students can pursue their dreams and aspirations. At the same time, we face stark realities regarding the harm often caused by the use and misuse of alcohol and other drugs in communities around us and on our campus. Considering the risks and dangers presented by the use and misuse of alcohol and other drugs by students, we develop, promulgate, and enforce policies, procedures, and accountabilities that reflect our institutional values.  

The Institute’s aim is to maintain an alcohol and other drugs policy that is clear in its expectations; applies in an appropriate manner across student residential and organizational affiliations; informs and educates individuals with regard to the policy and the risk factors associated with use or misuse; creates an environment that promotes safety and individual accountability; and maintains a healthy campus community where problems associated with alcohol and other drugs are minimal.  

The overall philosophy of the Institute is that individuals and organizations in the RPI community are responsible for their own actions. When making decisions to consume alcoholic beverages or to provide alcoholic beverages to others, individuals and organizations must be mindful of the inherent consequences and risks involved. In addition, they are responsible for understanding and complying with applicable laws. The Institute will not shield individuals or organizations from the legal consequences of their actions should they choose to violate these laws.  

This policy applies as stated, regardless of state, locality, or other jurisdiction in which the offense occurs. The regulations in this policy are designed to encourage consistent and reasonable standards in our campus community. It is expected that all members will contribute to maintaining a positive and healthy living and learning environment by adhering to this policy.  

The Institute Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy contains the following sections: 

I. Institute Regulations on Alcohol
II. Events with Alcohol Sponsored by Student Organizations, Including Fraternities and Sororities
III. Institute Regulations on Other Drugs
IV. Enforcement of Regulations on Other Drugs
V. Violations/Sanctions
VI. RPI Good Samaritan Policy
VII. Policy on Tobacco Use and Smoking  

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of alcohol is prohibited on Institute property or as part of any activity sanctioned or sponsored by the Institute. The administration at RPI will not authorize events where drinking under the legal age, as determined by applicable law, will be knowingly permitted. Individuals and organizations who sponsor approved events involving alcoholic beverages shall assume full responsibility and liability for the event and for the behavior of event participants and attendees.

In our continuing commitment to adhere to Institute policy and applicable laws, it is the established and regular practice to issue a minimum disciplinary suspension of two years (six consecutive semesters) to any RPI-recognized student organization found to have served alcohol to an underage individual at any Institute- or group-sanctioned or -sponsored activity (on or off campus). It is the hearing officer’s role to consider the unique details of each incident and apply appropriate sanction(s) with the agreement of the Dean of Students. In addition, all organization alcohol privileges are subject to revocation while a group is under investigation and for the duration of the disciplinary process. 

Note: Vaporizing, inhaling, and other methods of absorbing alcohol are prohibited.  

1. Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited:
   1. At all Institute-owned, -controlled, or -affiliated residential facilities that house undergraduate students;
   2. At the residential facilities of any recognized or affiliated student organizations or groups, including but not limited to fraternities and sororities;
   3. On campus, on Institute property, at Institute events, and at events or programs held or sponsored by the Institute or by RPI student organizations, except in accordance with this policy by persons 21 years of age or older as follows:
   4. At events held at approved locations for which required approvals have been obtained pursuant to Section I(F) of this policy;
   5. In areas licensed for regular beer and wine service.
2. Possession or consumption of alcohol by any person under age 21 on campus is a violation of this policy and the RPI Grounds for Disciplinary Action (GDA) for students. Such conduct on the part of an employee is a violation of Human Resources policies.   
3. Any person under age 21 who misrepresents their age to obtain alcohol has violated the GDA if that person is a student.  Such conduct on the part of an employee is a violation of Human Resources policies. 
4. Any person who supplies or makes alcohol available to someone under age 21 has violated this policy and the law. If that person is a student, they have violated the GDA. Such conduct on the part of an employee is a violation of Human Resources policies.   
5. In accordance with state law, no money may be charged for any event at which alcoholic beverages are present unless a license or permit is obtained from the state liquor authority.
6. An Institute alcohol permit must be obtained from the Student Health Center for any event occurring on Institute grounds at which alcohol is served or present. Exceptions are:
   1. Licensed designated area of RPI Union; or
   2. Buildings leased or rented to faculty, staff, or private non-student groups.
7. The consumption of alcohol or possession of an open container of alcohol is prohibited in all generally accessible or common areas on campus, including but not limited to, corridors, stairwells, athletic facilities, elevators, lounges, classrooms, labs, and outside campus areas (e.g., Quad), unless an alcohol permit has been obtained for a designated area. At no time may alcohol be consumed in potentially hazardous environments.   
8. Displays of any alcohol-related items or materials visible to the public, including, but not limited to, alcoholic beverage containers (empty or full), banners, or signs, are not allowed in any residential facility.
9. Events shall not include any activity which encourages the use and/or misuse of alcohol. 
10. The serving or availability of alcohol at events held in or around an undergraduate or student organization residential facility, as described in Section I(A) of this policy, is prohibited.   
11. The presence, possession, or use of large quantities of alcohol on campus including, but not limited to, kegs, beer balls, or any other bulk containers of alcohol, is prohibited on Institute grounds except for areas holding a New York State license for beer and wine service. 
12. Beverages containing hard alcohol (defined as 15% or more alcohol by volume (ABV)) are prohibited at events involving students.
13. Alcohol is not permitted at RPI athletic events.   
14. Off-Campus Events: It is expected that all members of the RPI community will comply with all governmental laws related to alcohol. Any RPI group planning an off-campus event involving alcohol must adhere to the RPI Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy for students. Faculty and staff must adhere to the applicable Human Resources Policy. 
15. Advertising of any event must not imply that the event is for the purpose of consuming alcohol and may not be displayed before the permit to serve alcohol is obtained. No specific mention of alcohol is allowed in the advertising. The words "beverages" and "refreshments" are acceptable.   
16. At any event where alcohol is available, a non-alcoholic beverage (in addition to water) must be equally and continuously accessible and available.   
17. Alcohol may not be served at any event unless food is also served. The food should include items high in protein and carbohydrates.   
18. The sponsor or host is responsible for implementing reasonable measures to ensure that alcohol is not served or made available to persons under age 21 or who are intoxicated. Sponsors must ensure that all alcoholic beverages are provided by a licensed third-party vendor who will certify that all servers are properly trained. Contact the RPI Union for training information.   
19. The server(s) of alcohol must be sober and may not consume alcoholic beverages before or during the event, or on the premises where the event is held.   
20. Guests will not be allowed to bring additional alcohol to an event. The only alcohol permitted for consumption is that specified on the Institute-approved alcohol permit.   
21. "BYO" (“Bring Your Own”) alcohol events are not permitted.   
22. Positive proof of age is required at any event at which alcohol is served and/or consumed. No licensee, agent, or employee of such licensee shall accept, as written evidence of age by any such person for the purchase or service of any alcoholic beverage, any documentation other than:
    1. a valid driver’s license or non-driver identification card issued by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, the federal government, any United States territory, commonwealth or possession, the District of Columbia, a state government within the United States, or a provincial government of the Dominion of Canada; or
    2. a valid passport issued by the United States Government or any other country; or
    3. an identification card issued by the Armed Forces of the United States. 
23. The serving or availability of alcohol must be limited to a single designated point of service. Consumption of alcohol is only permitted in the approved area designated for the event.   
24. Alcohol and Drug Policies for faculty and staff are contained in the Human Resources Policy Guidelines Manual (#800.4, Alcohol Use and Possession; and 800.5, Use and Possession of Illegal Drugs). 

An event, especially those including alcohol service, is deemed to be the responsibility of a student organization or organizations when the Institute judicial process has determined that the details of the event indicate such. Examples of qualifying details include but are not limited to: the number of members of a particular organization relative to the total organization membership and/or the number of attendees of the event; the funding of the event by an organization or its members; the location of the event; and the planning and/or promotion of the event by the organization or by members of the organization. The reference to student organizations includes, but is not limited to, recognized social fraternities and sororities, as well as intercollegiate, intramural, and club sports teams.  

Student organizations are subject to the following policies and guidelines established by the Institute and/or consistent with any regional or national umbrella affiliate or association (e.g., Interfraternity Council, Multicultural Sorority & Fraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, or North American Interfraternity Conference), whichever is most restrictive: 

1. All events must comply with the rules for events set forth in Section I of this policy.
2. No hard alcohol (beverages with 15% or more ABV) is allowed at any student-sponsored event.
3. Non-alcoholic beverages, in addition to water, must be made available by the host organization at any event where alcohol is available (Section I(P) of this policy). 
4. Alcoholic beverages may not be purchased or brought into the event, except by a licensed third-party vendor (Section I(E) and Section I(U) of the policy, respectively).   
5. All events are restricted to a designated number of invited guests and not to exceed the legal limit of persons allowed in a facility or its common areas, whichever is most restrictive.
6. Open social events are prohibited. An open social event is defined as any event for which no invitation is given and/or general advertising is used.   
7. Alcohol service at any event must be provided by a licensed third-party vendor.   
8. Any event sponsored, hosted, or organized by a group, club, organization, or its members must be registered with and approved by the Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life (for social fraternity and sorority events) or the Director of Student Activities (for events held by other student organizations). Event registration must meet the following criteria:
   • Hosting organization name;
   • Date, time, and location of event, including the length of the event;
   • Name/contact information of licensed third-party vendor who will serve at event;
   • Process used to notify neighbors, if event is in a residential area;
   • Designated contact person and their cell phone number;
   • Membership list;
   • Invitation list;
   • Confirmed attendance list differentiating attendees who are 21 and over from those under 21;
   • Hand stamp or wrist band for attendees who are 21 or over;
   • Personal identification required to verify date of birth (as described in Section I of this policy).
9. The event must be at an approved location other than the organization’s residential facility or chapter house. If the event is to be held on campus, an alcohol permit must also be obtained from the Student Health Center. 

RPI has implemented a zero-tolerance drug policy which strictly prohibits:  

Possession, use, or facilitation of the use of any “Prohibited Substances” or “Drug Paraphernalia,” as defined herein; and  Attempted or actual sale, manufacture, marketing, trafficking, or transfer of any Prohibited Substances or Drug Paraphernalia.  

“Prohibited Substances” include any of the following for which the individual does not have a legal license or valid prescription: any illegal drug, any controlled substance (as defined by state and federal law), or any substance or method of use that, while not necessarily illegal, is generally recognized as detrimental or dangerous to the health, welfare, or safety of individuals or the community (including, but not limited to, Molly, Spice, K-2, whippets, performance-enhancing drugs, prescription drugs, and research drugs).

“Drug Paraphernalia” is equipment, products, or materials primarily used for the purpose of manufacturing, using, concealing, or distributing Prohibited Substances.  

Students found responsible for any of the above behaviors are subject to the sanctions set forth herein.  

Notwithstanding state law that may de-criminalize use and possession of cannabis in certain circumstances (e.g., possession of a state-issued medical cannabis license, prescription, or equivalent), RPI strictly prohibits the use, facilitation of use, consumption, possession, sale, manufacture, marketing, trafficking, or transfer of cannabis or THC in any of its forms. Any student with a disability who believes they may require access to a Prohibited Substance is required to contact Disability Student Services (DSS) to discuss accommodations and support.  

RPI is an educational institution, not a law enforcement agency, and therefore does not enforce the law. However, RPI will not disregard the law and will not shield individuals from the legal consequences of their actions should they violate the law. In addition, individuals who have violated the law are also subject to disciplinary action. Students will be disciplined according to the procedures in this document and the RPI Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, the conviction of a student for any offense during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving Title IV, HEA program funds, under any federal or state law involving the possession or sale of illegal drugs, will result in the loss of eligibility for any Title IV, HEA grant, loan, or work-study assistance (HEA Sec.484(r)(1)); (20 U.S.C. 1091(r)(1)).  

These Regulations on Other Drugs apply to all admitted students, including enrolled and non-enrolled students, for conduct that occurs both on- and off-campus, and regardless of state, locality, or other legal jurisdiction. In addition, the potential loss of financial aid eligibility due to a drug-related conviction applies regardless of where the illegal conduct occurs.  

In addition to possible prosecution under state or federal laws, persons who violate the prohibitions of this policy will be subject to disciplinary sanctions that may include, but are not limited to, suspension, expulsion, and/or referral for possible prosecution by federal or state authorities. Any disciplinary sanction imposed may also include the completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program and other requirements as a condition of reinstatement.

1. Prohibited Substances Hearing Board  

Upon completion of the judicial inquiry, the Prohibited Substances Hearing Board has jurisdiction over appeals of findings and sanctions assigned concerning these Institute Regulations on Other Drugs. The Prohibited Substances Hearing Board shall be comprised of three Institute judicial hearing officers as designated by the Dean of Students. Appeals from decisions by the Prohibited Substances Hearing Board may be taken to the Review Board and Provost as described in the Handbook.  

When an appeal is filed concerning an incident or series of related incidents that involves both a violation of Institute Regulations on Other Drugs and other Institute policies, the Prohibited Substances Hearing Board will review the appeal of both the drug-related violation and other Institute policies, with the following exceptions: 

a) Any alleged violations of the Sexual Misconduct Policy will be handled in accordance with that policy; and

b) If a judicial inquiry determines that a student did not violate the Institute Regulations on Other Drugs but that the student did violate other Institute policies, an appeal of the findings will be referred to the Student Judicial Board.  

2. Mandatory Minimum Sanctions  

The following shall be considered mandatory minimum sanctions: 

1. For Trafficking Violations  

RPI has a zero-tolerance policy for any student found to have engaged in the sale, manufacture, marketing, trafficking, or transfer of any Prohibited Substances, including cannabis or THC, drug paraphernalia, or the intent and preparation to do so (hereinafter, “trafficking”). The penalty for students found to have engaged in such trafficking, including a first violation, will be expulsion from the Institute, without possibility of return.  

2. For Use or Possession of Prohibited Substances (excludes cannabis/THC use)

In conformance with RPI’s zero-tolerance drug use policy, any student found to have engaged in a violation of this policy related to the personal, non-trafficking use, consumption, or possession of a Prohibited Substance other than cannabis or THC use, or prescription drug/over-the-counter medication misuse shall be subject to the following minimum sanctions:  

• First Violation – if no finding of habitual use: Immediate suspension from the Institute for a term of not less than one (1) calendar year. After the expiration of such term of suspension, and provided the student has had no other suspensions, expulsions, or involuntary withdrawals for violation of RPI’s or any other institution’s drug policy, the student may be permitted to re-apply for admission to RPI. Reapplication for admission hereunder is subject to the terms for Disciplinary Suspension found in the RPI Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities under the section entitled, Types of Disciplinary Actions. Conditions for readmission may include, but are not limited to, mandatory educational programming and/or training, counseling, drug testing, supervision, restriction or loss of privileges, or other requirements. If such student is not granted permission to re-apply for admission, or where such re-application is denied, the student shall be deemed to have been expelled.
• Second Violation, or First Violation with a finding of habitual use: The student shall be immediately expelled from the Institute without the possibility of return.  

A determination that a student is a habitual user of Prohibited Substances may occur through external police, internal Public Safety, Student Life, or other information sources that make the condition known to the Administration of the Institute. Each allegation will be investigated and corroborated through whatever channels are available. RPI, in its sole and exclusive discretion, reserves the right to obtain medical advice and assistance to determine whether the subject of the inquiry is a habitual user of any Prohibited Substances. Parents or guardians of the subject may be notified immediately of a person identified as being a habitual user of a Prohibited Substance and subject to this policy.  

3. For Use or Possession of Cannabis/THC and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia  

Any student found to have engaged in a violation of this policy relating to the personal, non-trafficking use, consumption, or possession of cannabis/THC or possession of drug paraphernalia shall be subject to the following:  

• First Violation: Sanctions as determined by the RPI Judicial Process may include, but are not limited to, disciplinary probation, referral for required educational programming and training, substance use assessment, restriction or loss of privileges (including housing privileges), required treatment, drug testing, or other requirements as the severity of the offense dictates.  
• Second Violation: The student shall be suspended from the Institute for a term of not less than one (1) calendar year. After the expiration of such term of suspension, and provided the student has had no other suspensions, expulsions, or involuntary withdrawals for violation of RPI’s or any other institution’s drug policy, the student may be permitted to re-apply for admission to RPI. Reapplication for admission hereunder is subject to the terms for Disciplinary Suspension found in the RPI Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities under the section entitled, Types of Disciplinary Actions. Conditions for readmission may include, but are not limited to, mandatory educational programming and/or training, counseling, drug testing, supervision, restriction or loss of privileges, or other requirements. If such student is not granted permission to apply for re-admission, or where such re-application is denied, the student shall be deemed to have been expelled.  

1. Violations of the Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy by any student shall constitute a violation of the Grounds for Disciplinary Action. Person(s) shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the Institute.
2. Possible sanctions are outlined for students in this document and in the RPI Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities, and for employees in the Human Resources Policy Guidelines.   
3. Judicial Actions and sanctions for students under this Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy are subject to the Institute’s Good Samaritan Policy and the provisions for Alcohol and Drug Use Amnesty in the RPI Sexual Misconduct Policy. 
4. Violations by any faculty or staff members of the Human Resources Policy #800.4 (Alcohol Use and Possession) and/or Policy #800.5 (Use and Possession of Illegal Drugs) shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including the termination of employment. Violations by vendors, contractors, or visitors of this Policy may result in those individuals being prohibited from entering or remaining on campus facilities owned, leased, or controlled by the Institute. 

Student health and safety are primary concerns of the RPI community. It is imperative that someone call for medical assistance when an individual is a victim of and/or experiences alcohol intoxication, drug overdose, or serious injury after consuming alcohol or other drugs. In general, people may be reluctant to seek emergency or medical attention for fear of judicial consequences for themselves, the person in need of assistance, and/or the organization hosting the event where the situation occurs.

Since these situations are potentially life threatening, RPI seeks to reduce barriers to seeking assistance. The Good Samaritan Policy is part of RPI’s approach to reducing harmful consequences caused by the consumption of alcohol and other drugs. The Good Samaritan Policy is the institute’s commitment to increase the likelihood that community members will call for assistance when faced with an alcohol or drug-related emergency.

• An individual who receives emergency assistance and/or medical treatment due to alcohol or drug consumption and completes an alcohol and other drugs assessment, education activities, and/or treatment as assigned through the RPI Health Center will not be subject to judicial action for violating Institute Alcohol & Other Drugs Policy.
• A person who calls for emergency assistance and/or medical treatment due to alcohol or drug consumption on behalf of another person will not be subject to judicial action for violating Institute Alcohol & Other Drugs Policy but may be required to attend an alcohol and other drugs education program if deemed necessary by the RPI Health Center.
• A representative of an organization hosting an event is expected to promptly call for emergency assistance and/or medical attention due to evidence of a potential health or other emergency resulting from consumption of alcohol or other drugs by a guest at the event. This act of responsibility will mitigate the judicial consequences against the organization, resulting in non-punitive alternative sanctions against the organization for violations of the Institute’s Alcohol & Other Drug Policy at the time of the incident.

However, failure to call for emergency assistance and/or medical treatment will be considered an “intolerable circumstance” affecting judicial sanctions against the organization and persons found to be knowledgeable and/or responsible for the event if violations of Grounds for Disciplinary Action have occurred.

Requirement to Obtain Medical Assistance: RPI students, student organizations, and other members of the RPI Community are required to summon Emergency Medical Services (by calling 911 or RPI Public Safety at (518)276-6611 to obtain assistance and evaluation for any person who is in their room or immediate presence and is, or is suspected to be, under the influence of alcohol or other prohibited substances, when that person’s well-being and safety is known to be or reasonably should be known to be in jeopardy. When an individual knows or reasonably should know that another person is in jeopardy, failing to summon emergency medical services (e.g. taking the person back to their residence and dropping them off, driving the person to a hospital in a personal vehicle, asking another person to take responsibility for the intoxicated individual without seeking medical assistance for the ill person) shall be considered a violation of this policy.

Alcohol and Drug Use Amnesty under the Sexual Misconduct Policy

The health and safety of every student at RPI is of utmost importance. RPI 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. RPI strongly encourages students to report 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 RPI officials or law enforcement will not be subject to the RPI 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. However, the use of alcohol or other drugs will never function as a defense for any behavior that violates the RPI Sexual Misconduct Policy.

In keeping with RPI's desire to protect the health of its faculty, staff, students, visitors, other campus constituencies, and the public in general, it is RPI's policy to provide a tobacco-free, smoking-free environment in all Institute facilities and outdoor areas in full conformance with applicable statutes including the New York State Clean Indoor Air Act (Public Health Law Article 13-E) 

It is also the policy of RPI to prohibit the sale of tobacco and smoking products on campus. RPI prohibits the act of using any tobacco or smoking product in any Institute facility or outdoor area, including, but not limited to chewing tobacco, smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes (with or without nicotine, tobacco and/or tobacco products), electronic devices (i.e., vaping) and the act of smoking or carrying a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe or any other smoking material or device. The full policy can be found at https://hr.rpi.edu/policies-procedures.