alcohol and substance abuse policies
Updated in Aug 2006, from the 2006 Student Handbook

Summary of Pratt Institute’s Alcohol and Substance Use Policy
Pratt Institute is committed to creating an environment for its students and employees free of drug and alcohol abuse. We provide a program of education about drug and alcohol use and counseling support or referral for those with drug- and alcohol-related issues. The Institute’s concern for the individual, however, must be balanced with its need to provide for the safety and well-being of the community as a whole.

Therefore, Pratt Institute has adopted standards of conduct concerning the use and abuse of illicit drugs and alcohol. These standards, as well as Institute and criminal sanctions, are included as a part of the Institute’s Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy. Also included in the policy are health risks associated with alcohol abuse and illicit drug use, and counseling and support programs available to students, faculty, and staff.

Consistent with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, enacted by the federal government, the policies and procedures detailed in Pratt’s Alcohol and Substance Use Policy apply to all members of the Institute and to all Institute-sponsored events and activities that occur on and off-campus. In addition, employees and students are reminded that the Institute considers it the responsibility of the members of this community, both individually and collectively, to comply with the applicable local, state, and federal laws controlling drug and alcohol possession, use, or distribution.

Pratt Institute has zero tolerance for illegal use of alcohol and other drugs.
As a result, students found in violation of the alcohol and other substances policy for the first time will face sanctions 1) no less than some form of social probation, 2) must participate in some form of community service or educational exercise, and 3) will have parents or guardians notified of judicial action.

Complete documents pertaining to the Institute’s policy on alcohol and substance use are distributed regularly and are available in several offices, including the Department of Student Activities, the Office of Residential Life and Housing and the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.

A. Policies and Procedures Regarding the Use of Alcohol and other substances
Pratt Institute supports the observance of all laws and regulations governing the use of alcoholic beverages and other substances by all members of the community. Included in these laws are those that govern driving under the influence of alcohol, the purchase and use of alcohol by and for persons under the legal drinking age, the serving of alcohol to persons who are either under age or intoxicated and the sale, possession and use of other drugs. Please note that research on the social norms at Pratt indicate that most students do not abuse alcohol or use illicit drugs. In addition, research indicates that a very small percentage of Pratt students “binge drink” on a regular basis.  Therefore, the following policies and procedures are intended to ensure that the Pratt Institute community is free of the consequences of the behavior of a small percentage of students and others who choose to misuse alcohol and other drugs.

1. The possession, sale or use of any controlled substance is strictly prohibited.  This includes the sale of prescription medications or the use of these medications without a prescription.
2. The availability of alcohol is prohibited at student art openings.
3. Whenever alcoholic beverages are sold or disbursed on campus (in a facility owned or leased by Pratt) the institute’s dining service must act as the distributor. This includes student sponsored events, faculty/staff events and community events.
   • The alcohol may be purchased from any vendor. If the alcohol is purchased by a vendor other than dining services, dining services will charge a reasonable fee for serving it.
   • Student Activities will advise student groups as to the necessary permits and procedures.
   • Dining services will advise non-student groups as to the necessary permits and procedures.
4. The use of alcohol on campus is only permitted at student events held in the Student Union, the Higgins Hall Room 131 and the second floor lobby /Rm. 213 on the Pratt Manhattan campus.
5. The use of alcohol at Pratt Institute events held off-campus will only be permitted when the alcohol is served by a licensed third party.
6. Alcohol use in the residence halls

Residents of Willoughby Residence Hall, Esther Lloyd Jones or Grand Avenue who are 21 years old or older can consume alcohol in the privacy of their residence hall room. Bulk alcohol (such as kegs and beer balls) is not permitted in residence hall student rooms.  Additional information about the use of alcohol in the Residence Halls can be found in the Resident Student Guide.

1. Off-campus use of alcohol and other drugs.

Students who violate local, state and other laws regarding the possession, use and distribution of alcohol and other drugs off-campus are subject to Pratt Institute sanctions in addition to any criminal penalties that may exist. This applies to students who are on campus and under the influence of alcohol and other drugs resulting from off campus use.

1. External Organizations (or individuals) using Pratt Institute facilities are also bound by these regulations.

B. Procedures for Serving Alcohol at Student Sponsored Events

1. Student groups wishing to serve/have alcohol at a campus event can only do so if the institute’s dining service acts as the distributor. Student groups can only sponsor events at which alcohol is served if those events are held in one of the following locations: the Student Union, Higgins Hall Room 131, and the second floor lobby /Rm. 213 on the Pratt Manhattan campus. The hosting group must file the appropriate Alcoholic Beverage Agreement Form with the Department of Student Activities, as well as any other necessary forms or permits. In addition they must adhere to the following procedures:
1. Whenever alcohol is served at a student sponsored campus event, the sponsoring individual/group must utilize an acceptable method of proofing for age for entry into the event.  The only acceptable forms of identification which can serve as positive proof of age are:
   • A driver’s license (if year of birth and picture are on license),
   • A New York State Photo Identification Card (obtained at the Department of Motor Vehicles), or
   • A passport
2. Alcohol can only be served and consumed in a designated area clearly separated from the area where alcohol cannot be served or consumed.
   • Groups must use wristbands to indicate proof of age for entry into the area where alcohol is served and consumed.
3. Additionally, a Pratt Institute identification card is required for admission to the event. If students from other colleges or other guests are invited, they will be required to present their ID. Two guests are admitted per Pratt student host.  Non-hosted guests may not gain entry to events.
4. Whenever alcohol is sold or in any way charged for (including an “entrance fee”) at a Pratt event a temporary New York State Liquor License is required. A Liquor License must be obtained fifteen (15) working days in advance of an event from the State of New York.  The license can be obtained online at http://www.abc.state.ny.us/JSP/content/faq.jsp
5. Whenever alcohol is served an appropriate amount of non-alcoholic beverages and snacks must be provided.
6. New York State law requires the posting and/or availability of appropriate signs stating the New York State legal drinking age of 21, at all events where alcohol is served. In addition, at events where alcohol is sold, the Temporary Beer and Wine Permit must be posted at the alcohol distribution site.
7. When alcohol is present at an event the Dining Service must identify designated servers ahead of time. Servers must be 21 years of age or older and may not consume alcohol while serving or any time prior to serving alcohol. Appropriate arrangements must be made in advance for the designation of individuals who will serve as security staff. Servers are trained in the lawful distribution of alcohol and must sign a contract not to serve under-aged students or anyone who is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
8. Student groups may arrange with Dining Services to serve beer and wine and beer may be served in kegs. The number of kegs permitted cannot exceed four. Bottled or canned beer and hard liquor of any kind are not permitted. The number of drinks per person is restricted to four. Wine is permitted if approval is given on the Alcoholic Beverage Agreement Form.
9. Individuals who appear to be intoxicated may not be served alcoholic beverages under any circumstances.
10. Persons under the age of 21 are not permitted to hold alcohol with intent to consume.
11. Alcohol is not permitted in common areas.  This includes outdoors, residence hall yards, front steps, and elevators.
12. Any exceptions to these procedures must be approved by the Vice President for Student Affairs.

C.   Applicable Local, State and Federal Sanctions for the Unlawful Possession or Distribution of Illicit Drugs and/or Alcohol

1. State and Federal laws and sanctions relative to the use of alcohol and illicit drugs. The Federal laws regarding illegal use or possession of alcohol and drugs generally mirror the state’s laws. However, the federal penalties are usually more severe. In addition to the criminal penalties regarding illegal alcohol and drug possession and use noted below, students should keep the following in mind:
1. Students who are convicted of any offense under Federal or state laws involving the possession or sale of a controlled substance are not eligible for any grants, loans, or work assistance for the period beginning with the date of such conviction and lasting for 1 to 2 years (for first time offenders) or for an indefinite period (for repeat offenders). (20 U.S.C. ~1070 and 42 U.S.C. ~2751).
2. Under the amendments made to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), colleges and universities are now encouraged to inform parents and legal guardians of students under 21 who have violated laws on the use or possession of alcohol and/or other drugs. In most cases, Pratt Institute does utilize this option, not as punishment but rather to involve the student’s family in harm reduction.

• It is illegal to sell, deliver, or give away alcoholic beverages to persons actually or apparently under the age of 21. The penalty for doing so consists of a Class B misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 3 months in jail or a $500 fine (NY Alc. Bev. Cont. Law ~65).
• It is illegal for persons under 21 years of age to possess an alcoholic beverage with intent to consume. Penalties for unlawful possession include confiscation of the beverage, fines up to $50, mandatory completion of an alcohol awareness program, and an appropriate amount of community service not to exceed 30 hours. (NY Alc. Bev. Cont. Law~65-c).
• It is illegal for underage persons to purchase or attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages through fraudulent means, such as the use of false identification. Penalties for doing so include fines of up to $750, up to 30 hours of community service, completion of an alcohol awareness program, and an evaluation to determine whether the individual suffers from alcoholism. (NY Alc. Bev. Cont. Law~65).
• It is illegal to misrepresent the age of a person under 21 for purposes of inducing the sale of alcoholic beverages. Penalties include a fine of up to $200 and/or imprisonment for up to 5 days. (NY Alc. Bev. Cont. Law ~65-a).
• It is unlawful to possess, manufacture, prescribe, distribute, control, transport or sell controlled substances. A lengthy list of controlled substances can be found in ~3306 of the New York public Health Law. Criminal penalties for unlawful possession of a controlled substance vary according to the amount possessed, and range from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class A-1 felony (prison sentences can range from 1 year for small amounts to life for possession of four ounces). (NY Penal Code ~220-200-31).
• The penalties for the unlawful sale of controlled substances range from a Class D to a Class A felony, depending on the substance sold and the location where it is sold. (NY Penal Code ~220.310220.44).
• It is a Class A misdemeanor (punishable by imprisonment for up to 1 year) to possess, use, or sell hypodermic needles and other drug paraphernalia. (NY Penal Code ~220.45-220.55).
• It is illegal to use, possess, or sell marijuana (not considered a controlled substance in New York State, but it is considered a controlled substance under the federal law). Penalties range from 3 montahs to 15 years of imprisonment (NY Penal Code ~221).