Illegal Use or Abuse of Alcohol – University Policy Manual

1.Purpose

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro is committed to sustaining an environment that enables members of our community to acquire knowledge, develop intellectual skills, and become more thoughtful and responsible members of a global society. The University recognizes the improper and excessive use of alcohol may negatively affect the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and the Greensboro community.

The University is committed to fostering a safe and healthy environment in which the illegal or inappropriate use of alcohol does not interfere with retention, graduation, learning, performance, employment, residential living or development.

2.Scope

This policy applies to all employees (including faculty, senior academic and administrative officers, EHRA non-faculty, and SHRA), students, guests, and other authorized individuals who are present on property owned, leased, managed, or operated by The University of North Carolina at Greensboro or any component thereof, including departments, offices, centers, or similar entities.

3.Policy

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro recognizes the abuse of alcohol is disruptive to the University’s mission and will attempt to minimize such conduct through the use of educational and counseling activities, as well as student and employee disciplinary action.

The North Carolina General Statutes (Article 1,Chapter 18B) closely regulate all activities related to alcohol, from manufacture to consumption. As a general rule, consumption, transportation, manufacture, service, sale, or transfer of alcoholic beverages is prohibited except as expressly permitted by statute. In addition, Greensboro City ordinance makes it a crime to possess/consume an open container of alcoholic beverages on any city street or public park. Violations of the alcohol laws are punishable by criminal and civil penalties. Of particular importance in the University community are those statutory requirements on who may legally possess, consume, or provide alcohol to others. All state-law requirements related to alcohol are in effect on the University campus. All students, staff, faculty, and guests are expected to know and adhere to these regulations.

3.1Educational and Rehabilitation Programs

The University shall maintain a comprehensive alcohol education program available to all members of the University community.

This program shall emphasize these subjects:

The incompatibility of excessive alcohol consumption with the goals of the University
The legal consequences of underage drinking
The medical implications of excessive alcohol use
The ways in which alcohol can impact an individual’s present accomplishments and future opportunities

The University shall provide information about substance abuse counseling and rehabilitative services (campus-based or community-based) available to students and employees. Persons who voluntarily avail themselves of these University services or programs are assured applicable professional standards of confidentiality will be observed.

4.Enforcement

Any member of the University community who violates the law is subject both to criminal prosecution and punishment by the civil authorities, and to disciplinary proceedings by the University. It is not “double jeopardy” for civil and criminal authorities and the University to proceed against and punish a person for the same specified conduct. The University will initiate its own disciplinary proceeding against a student or employee when the alleged conduct is deemed to affect the interest of the University. This action will be in accordance with established procedures that safeguard the rights and interests of students and employees. Procedures will vary, depending on the classification of the person facing disciplinary action:

4.1Preliminary Determinations

When deemed necessary, the University will initiate disciplinary action against the alleged violator according to established procedures that safeguard the rights and interests of students and employees. Procedures will vary, depending on the classification of the person facing disciplinary action:

Students: Judicial policies related to student conduct for The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, approved by the Chancellor.
Faculty Members: The University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s Promotions, Tenure, Academic Freedom, and Due Process Regulations, adopted by the Board of Trustees.
Senior Academic and Administrative Officers: Policies Concerning senior academic and administrative officers of The University of North Carolina, adopted by the Board of Governors.
Non-Faculty EHRA Employees: The University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s policy on Employees Exempt from the Human Resources Act, adopted by the Board of Trustees.
SHRA Employees: Relevant regulations of the Office of State Personnel
Guests and Other Authorized Individuals: Relevant state and federal laws will be applied and enforced by the University Police.

Decisions reached by these processes are reviewable according to appeal mechanisms appropriate to the employee’s classification.

4.1.1Penalties for students, faculty, senior academic and administrative officers, and non-faculty EHRA employees

Students and employees are responsible for knowing and complying with relevant State and Local regulations regarding the sale, purchase, transportation, manufacture, consumption, and possession of alcoholic beverages. Chapter 18B of the North Carolina General Statutes provides that unless a different punishment is otherwise expressly stated, any person who violates any provision of the Chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine, imprisonment for not more than two years, or both.

Suspension Pending Final Disposition: When a student, faculty member, senior academic and administrative officer, or non-faculty EHRA employee has been charged by the University with a violation of policies concerning alcohol, he or she may be suspended from enrollment or employment before initiation or completion of regular disciplinary proceedings if, assuming the truth of the charges, the Chancellor or Chancellor’s designee concludes that the person’s continued presence within the University community would constitute a clear and immediate danger to the health or welfare of other members of the University community; provided, that if such a suspension is imposed, an appropriate hearing of the charges against the suspended person shall be held as promptly as thereafter possible.

4.2Penalties for SHRA employees

Discipline for SHRA employees is prescribed in regulations published by the State Personnel Commission. Violations of this policy and of Chapter 18B of the North Carolina General Statues shall be deemed “personal misconduct” actionable under these rules. Penalties for offenses described herein will be in accord with state policy.

Please refer to links to related University Policies and Resources below for appropriate information on specific penalties for faculty, staff, students, guests and other authorized individuals.”

5.Review

This policy is to be reviewed every five (5) years, or more frequently as needed based on changes to federal, state, local, system, or University changes.

6.Contact

This University policy is administered by the Dean of Students, the University Police, and the Office of General Counsel.