This information regarding alcohol policies
has been taken from the 2002-03 version of Rights, Rules,
Responsibilities, Princeton's policy guide and reference booklet.
Alcoholic Beverages
Members of the Princeton University community are expected
to be acquainted with and to abide by both state and University
regulations regarding the consumption of alcohol. They are
also expected to be aware of the social, physiological, and
psychological consequences of excessive drinking in order
to make responsible and informed decisions about the serving
and consumption of alcohol. The University provides regular
educational programs on alcohol and drug abuse as well as
counseling services. The University alcoholic beverage policy
is designed to be consistent with the laws of the State of
New Jersey, which, in general, prohibit the consumption and
serving of alcoholic beverages by and to persons under 21
years of age. The policy also reflects the need for mutual
respect and personal responsibility within a diverse community.
Under no circumstances will the consumption of alcohol constitute
a mitigating circumstance when it contributes to the violation
of University regulations. Alcoholic beverages will not normally
be provided at University events where persons under the legal
drinking age for consumption of alcoholic beverages are present,
including those sponsored by the University, the residential
colleges, the University centers, the Undergraduate Student
Government, and the classes.
Alcohol Policy
Students at Princeton University are responsible for knowing
and are required to abide by both State and University regulations
regarding the consumption of alcohol. The University provides
educational programs and information on alcohol and drug abuse
as well as counseling services. Students are expected and
encouraged to be aware of the social, physiological, and psychological
consequences and personal risks of excessive drinking in order
to make responsible and informed decisions about the serving
and consumption of alcohol.
The University alcoholic beverage policy is consistent with
the laws of the State of New Jersey, which, in general, prohibit
the consumption and serving of alcoholic beverages by and
to persons under 21 years of age. Students are responsible
for their behavior, whether or not they are under the influence
of alcohol. The consumption of alcohol does not constitute
a mitigating circumstance when it contributes to the violation
of University regulations. The policy affirms the need for
mutual respect and personal responsibility within a diverse
community.
The University respects the right to privacy, and its representatives
will not enter dormitory rooms without substantive cause (i.e.,
without reasonable suspicion that University polices or regulations
have been violated). However, those whose behavior infringes
on the rights of others have, in essence, forfeited that privacy.
What are the responsibilities of Princeton University
students?
Alcoholic beverages will not normally be provided at events
where persons under the legal drinking age for consumption
of alcoholic beverages are present, including those sponsored
by the University, the residential colleges, the University
Centers, the Undergraduate Student Government, and the Classes.
Those who are of legal drinking age and who wish to sponsor
an event with alcohol must obtain approval from and comply
with the guidelines established by the Office of the Dean
of Undergraduate Students or the Office of the Dean of the
Graduate School.
Availability of alcoholic beverages shall not be the primary
focus of advertising for campus social events. Those given
approval to serve alcoholic beverages are responsible for
ensuring that only those of legal drinking age are served.
It is the immediate obligation of those in the presence of
a severely intoxicated person to contact appropriate University
or local medical or safety personnel (proctors, deans, McCosh
Health Center staff, Princeton Medical Center staff, or local
police or members of the rescue squad). Neither intoxication
nor admission to McCosh Health Center for intoxication will
be grounds for disciplinary action. Contacting the Department
of Public Safety for assistance in transporting a student
in need of medical attention will not, in itself, lead to
disciplinary action. Disciplinary action will occur only if
other circumstances indicating a violation of University policy
are observed. In such an instance, failure to call for assistance
will be considered an especially serious violation of policy.
When will the University intervene?
The following represent examples of the way in which different
kinds of incidents would be handled:
- If a proctor observes an individual leaving a party with
alcohol, he or she has substantive cause to enter that room
to investigate a possible serving violation.
- In the event of a noise complaint, a proctor will go to
the room and knock on the door. If no one answers, the proctor
may enter the room. The proctor will instruct the residents
of the room to control the noise; he or she will not have
cause to investigate possible alcohol violations unless
indicators of alcohol consumption or provision are observed
such as evidence of intoxicated behavior, kegs, bottles,
or cans. This procedure will be the same for any similar
complaint.
- The presence of individuals dancing or drinking out of
cups is not in itself substantive cause to enter a room.
When are Princeton University students in violation of
the alcohol policy?
Students are in violation of the University alcohol policy
under any or all of the following circumstances:
- When the serving of alcohol encourages excessive
drinking (e.g., drinking games, initiation activities, hazing)
as it can lead to the endangerment of the individual served.
When this is the case, those serving the alcohol are in
violation of policy. This is an especially serious violation.
- When the consumption of alcohol contributes to
behavior that (a) intimidates, threatens, or injures others;
or (b) leads to the destruction of property; or (c) infringes
on the peace and privacy of others, students are in violation
of policy.
- Students are in violation of policy (a) when carrying
or possessing an open container*of alcohol in or across
common spaces (lounges, game rooms, courtyards, dining areas,
hallways, etc.); (b) when in possession of a keg and/or
tap (unless permission is granted by the Office of the Dean
of Undergraduate Students); (c) when, under the age of 21,
in possession of any container of alcohol in common spaces
of the University; (d) when serving, providing, or making
available alcohol to persons under the age of 21 in
all locations; and (e) when procuring alcohol for persons
under the age of 21 or by falsifying identification.
- The preceding regulations apply to students both on and
off the University campus, particularly in the local vicinity.
Violations of local ordinances or State laws by students
may also be grounds for University disciplinary action,
regardless of where such violations occur, if they clearly
violate University standards of conduct.
*Open container is defined as any container not sealed by
the manufacturer.
Conduct at Prospect Street Clubs
Standards of behavior by University students in the independent
Prospect Street clubs are to conform with established standards
in the University as a whole. In particular, club members
are to act with considerate regard for the rights, privileges,
and sensibilities of others. It is expected that they will
show due consideration for the property of their fellow members
and guests, as well as for the property of the club itself.
Physical violence, intimidation of others, or offensive and
disorderly behavior will not be tolerated in any club or on
the walks and streets outside clubs. University policy in
cases in which misconduct is alleged to have taken place in
the clubs is governed by the provisions set forth concerning
off-campus activities.
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