ALCOHOL POLICY
In accordance with Unity College policy and the laws of the State of Maine, Unity College allows alcohol consumption only in a responsible and legal manner by community members and guests that is in accordance with the laws of the State of Maine and the policies of Unity College. The college will enforce all alcohol policies and verified violations will result in judicial action by the college and potential involvement with outside authorities. Any member of the college community, (faculty, staff, or students), may submit an incident report and/or referral to the college’s clinical counselor for any student suspected of violating the alcohol policy and/or practicing high risk alcohol-related behavior. The college is sympathetic to students with alcohol-related problems and will support these students in their efforts to obtain professional assistance. Students with abuse/dependence problems will still be held accountable for their behavior. Definition of Terms Parental notification means that students found responsible for alcohol violations will be advised by the dean for student affairs that their parent(s)/guardian(s) may be informed of the alcohol violations. Students who have a concern about this parental notification may request a consult with the college’s clinical counselor first. Students who are able to demonstrate that they are independent of their parent(s)/guardian(s) by successfully meeting criteria established by the federal financial aid programs will not be subject to this sanction. Imitation liquor means any product containing less than one-half of 1% alcohol by volume, which seeks to imitate by appearance, taste, and smell of liquor or which is designed to carry the impression to the purchaser that the beverage has alcohol content. Residence hall rooms are not considered a student’s home residence for the purposes of the Unity College Alcohol Policy. Public or dangerous intoxication is defined as a state of intoxication accompanied by a perceptible act (e.g., causing a disturbance; being perceived as a danger to self, others, or property; or requires the attention of college staff), a series of acts, or the appearance of an individual, which clearly demonstrates a state of intoxication. Legal On-Campus Consumption
The use of alcoholic beverages on the property of the college is allowed under certain circumstances. Individuals of legal drinking age in the State of Maine may:
• Possess and consume alcohol responsibly, in moderation, in the privacy of their residence room (other than designated alcohol-free area, i.e., Westview Hall), provided their actions do not disrupt or violate the rules of the residence hall and that no persons under the age of 21 are present unless the underage person in question is a resident of the room. The underage resident may not consume alcohol. In public areas, students of legal drinking age may possess and transport alcohol in closed containers.
• Consume alcohol purchased from the Student Center or at other events authorized by the college. In such events, students must provide a Maine ID for proof of age. The college does not accept other forms of ID as proof of age to consume alcohol.
• Students are not allowed to consume or possess alcohol nor have alcohol containers (unless containers are specifically authorized by the director of residence life) in Westview Hall, which is a designated alcohol-free building.
If college staff comes upon a student in a residential room who is obviously intoxicated to the extent that it is a danger to her/his health, the college staff will ensure the student’s safety and contact the Public Safety. Public Safety will request authorization to search the room in question to ensure that no more alcohol is present in the room and to confiscate any found alcohol pending further evaluation by the college.
Off-Campus, College-Sponsored Events
The college expects that all students abide by all alcohol policies while attending off-campus, college-sponsored events. Students are required to adhere to the alcohol laws that are in effect for the geographic area where the sponsored event is being held. This includes but is not limited to academic, athletic, club, residence life, and student activities off-campus events.
Off-Campus Consumption
If the college becomes aware of high-risk alcohol consumption that is very likely to result in injury, the college will take reasonable preventive/deterrent action.
Alcohol Use at the Student Center Malt beverages are normally served at the Student Center each day after 4:00 P.M. until 30 minutes before closing. Students of legal age, with proper Maine State ID, may consume alcohol purchased from the Student Center. The Student Center is accessible to the entire campus population. Students who are not of legal age may be present where alcohol is being consumed while at the Student Center or at functions operated by the college’s establishment holding a Maine State Liquor License.
The following guidelines have been established to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the campus community and to uphold the requirements of the alcohol license issued by the State of Maine to the Unity College Student Center:
• Alcohol may not be brought in or taken out of the Student Center.
• Public intoxication will not be tolerated. Individuals considered to be intoxicated will either be denied entry or asked to leave the Student Center. At some student center events, wrist bands may be required for those planning to purchase and consume alcohol.
• Students of legal age are prohibited from furnishing alcohol to people not of legal age. Students found in violation of these policies may have their access to the Student Center restricted and will be considered in violation of a level-two alcohol violation.
Good Samaritan Policy
If a student assists an intoxicated individual who is at risk for alcohol poisoning or has other urgent medical needs and procures the assistance of public safety staff, residence life staff, law enforcement, and/or medical professionals, neither the student who is at risk nor the individual who assisted will be subject to formal college judicial action either for being intoxicated or for having provided that person alcohol. This policy refers to isolated incidents where alcohol poisoning is a very likely risk and does not excuse or protect those who flagrantly or repeatedly violate Unity College’s alcohol or other policies during the incident in question. The student who was likely to be at risk of alcohol poisoning or had other medical needs will be required to meet with the college’s clinical counselor within three days of the incident. The dean for student affairs will notify the counselor which students to expect. Failure to comply with this directive to meet with the college counselor may result in judicial action and/or a contempt fine.
Alcohol Policy Violations and Sanctions
The following are possible consequences for those persons whose behavior is deemed to be in violation of the Unity College Alcohol Policy. Those violations, which constitute a violation of Maine law, may be referred to appropriate law enforcement officials. Level-One Alcohol Policy Violations. Defined as but not limited to:
1. The display of advertisements or signs, bottles, cans, lights, etc., that encourages the consumption of alcohol and is visible from outside of a campus building or a resident room.
2. Alcoholic beverages and alcohol beverage containers (unless containers are specifically authorized by the Director of Residence Life) are not permitted in a residential room where both residents are under the age of 21 years. This includes any alcohol brought to the room by a guest or visitor who may be of legal age.
3. Consumption of alcoholic beverages or possession of an open container of alcohol for legal-age students is prohibited in Westview Hall and in all public areas, which include but are not limited to hallways, lounges, stairways, laundry rooms, study rooms, and bathrooms.
4. Students not of legal age may not be present where alcohol is being consumed unless at the Student Center or at functions operated by the college’s establishment holding a Maine State Liquor License.
5. Alcohol consumption: Consumption of alcohol or imitation alcohol by someone of legal age (21 or older) in a premise under one’s control (i.e., residence room) when persons under the age of 21 are present unless the underage person in question is their roommate.
Alcohol Educational Exemption. Students may choose a one-time exemption for their first level-one violation from participating in the college judicial process by choosing to voluntarily participate in an educational/informative seminar covering Maine laws, and alcohol and other drug prevention information. This seminar must be completed within 10 days of the incident. This option does not count as a first offense.
Note: Students who elect not to utilize this option to complete this educational and informative seminar will be subject to college judicial action and/or a contempt fine. This exemption must be requested prior to the hearing. Minimum Sanctions for Level-One Alcohol Policy Violations. All level-one violations after the second offense will be considered level-two violations. The following are consequences for those persons whose behavior is deemed a level-one violation of the Unity College Alcohol Policy:
First offense
Official warning 2 hours of community service Fine of $50 (suspended)
Second offense
Educational program requirement 4 hours of community service Fine of $50 + any suspended fine
Third offense and any further offenses
Considered a Level-Two offense
Level-Two Alcohol Policy Violations. Defined as but not limited to:
1. Public or dangerous intoxication: defined as a state of intoxication accompanied by a perceptible act (e.g., causing a disturbance, being perceived as a danger to self, others, or property, or requires the attention of college staff), a series of acts, or the appearance of an individual, which clearly demonstrates a state of intoxication.
2. Underage use: Students not of legal age (under age 21) may not possess, consume, or transport alcoholic beverages at Unity College.
3. Large, open volumes of alcohol: Kegs of beer or beer balls are not allowed in the residence halls or cottages. Alcoholic beverages may not be stored or served from any container larger than one gallon in volume. Every occupant of a room or cottage containing a keg may be penalized. Kegs, punch bowls, beer balls, and other alcoholic beverage containers over four liters, including alcoholic beverage containers, taps, funnels, and any other equipment used to consume large quantities of alcoholic bev-erages, are prohibited and may be confiscated by college personnel.
4. Alcohol-related games: Participating in games, contests, and hazing involving alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited.
5. Unauthorized transportation of alcohol in the student center: Alcohol may not be brought into or taken out of the student center. Minimum Sanctions for Level-Two Alcohol Policy Violations. Level-two and level-three violations are cumulative with regard to the number of violations. Any combination of three violations at level two and/or level three will be sanctioned as a third offense. (E.g., a student who commits two violations at level two, then commits one violation at level three, will have committed three violations and should expect to be suspended from the college.)
First offense
Official reprimand 6 hours of community service Fine of $50 to $100 Completion of an alcohol education program
Second offense
Disciplinary probation for at least one academic year 10 hours of community service Fine of $100 to $200 Parental notification Referral to clinical counselor for assessment
Third offense
Suspension from the college
Level-Three
Alcohol Policy Violations. Defined as but not limited to:
1. Furnishing alcohol to a minor: Furnishing liquor or imitation liquor to a person under the age of 21, or allowing a person under the age of 21 to possess liquor or imitation liquor on a premise under one’s control, is not permitted.
2. Furnishing large volumes of alcohol: Furnishing kegs of beer or beer balls in the residence halls or cottages.
3. Organizing alcohol-related games: Organizing games, contests, and hazing involving alcohol.
4. Age misrepresentation: Misrepresenting one’s age for the purposes of purchasing, possessing, or consuming alcohol.
5. Furnishing false IDs: Providing or assisting an underage student with false ID.
6. Providing premises under one’s control (i.e., a residence hall room or an off-campus apartment in which persons under the age of 21 can consume or possess liquor or imitation liquor. Level-two and level-three violations are cumulative with regard to the number of violations. Any combination of three violations at level two or level three will be sanctioned as a third offense. (E.g., a student who commits two violations at level two, then commits one violation at level three, will have committed three violations and should expect to be suspended from the college.)
Minimum Sanctions for Level-Three Alcohol Policy Violations.
First offense
Official reprimand 8 hours of community service
Fine of $100 to $200 Completion of an alcohol education program Parental notification
Second offense
Disciplinary probation for at least two academic years 12 hours of community service Fine of $200 to $400 Parental notification Referral to counselor for assessment
Third offense
Suspension from the college
Maine State Alcohol Laws Unity College abides by the law of the State of Maine and has, therefore, developed the alcohol policy under the belief that the consumption of alcohol by students must not be in violation of Maine State Law. In particular, according to Maine law:
• It is unlawful for any person under the age of 2l to possess liquor or imitation liquor except if it is in the scope of their employment or in a home in the presence of his or her legal parent or guardian.
• No person under the age of 21 shall transport alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle except in the scope of his or her employment or at the request of his or her parent.
• It is unlawful to give a licensee false written or oral evidence of age to attempt to purchase liquor or to attempt to gain entrance into a licensed establishment where minors are not allowed
• It is unlawful to furnish liquor or imitation liquor to a minor, or to allow a minor to possess liquor or imitation liquor on a premise under one’s control.
Exceptions:
• A licensee, clerk, servant, or agent.
• Serving liquor to a minor in a home while the minor’s parent is present.
• It is unlawful to sell or aid in the sale of liquor without a license issued by the State of Maine.
• If an individual recklessly or negligently serves liquor to a minor or visibly intoxicated person and the service causes property damage, bodily injury, or death to a third party, damages up to $250,000 pus medical expenses can be awarded.
• Any person who drinks liquor or possesses an open container in any public place, after being forbidden to do so by a law enforcement officer or within 200 feet of a sign posted prohibiting public drinking, may be fined up to $1,000 or up to six months in jail.
DRUG POLICY
Unity College does not tolerate illegal use of drugs by its students or employees. Further, the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs by students and employees on all Unity College property or at any event in which Unity College is participating is prohibited. Off-Campus, College-Sponsored Events The college expects that all students abide by all drug policies while attending off-campus, college-sponsored events in the United States of America and in any country that prohibits the illegal use of substances commonly referred to as controlled substances. This includes but is not limited to academic, athletic, club, residence life, and student activities off-campus events. State of Maine Drug Laws It is unlawful for any person to possess, consume, distribute, transport, or sell illicit drugs in the State of Maine.
Definition of Terms
Illicit drugs: any drug that is illegal to use or possess under any existing federal or state or international law.
Drug paraphernalia: all equipment, products, and materials of any kind that are used or intended for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, concealing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing into the human body an illicit drug in violation of this policy.
Parental notification: means that any student(s) found responsible for drug violations will be advised by the dean for student affairs that their parent(s) or guardian(s) may be informed of the drug violation(s). Student(s) who have a concern about this parental notification may request a consult with the college clinical counselor first. Students who are able to demonstrate that they are independent of their parent(s)/guardian(s) by successfully meeting criteria established by the federal financial aid programs will not be subject to this sanction.
Trafficking: to make, create, or manufacture illicit drugs. To grow or cultivate illicit drugs. To sell, barter, trade, exchange, or otherwise furnish for consideration illicit drugs. Important Federal and State Laws Related to Illegal Drug Use Summary of Section 484. Section 484 Student Eligibility is amended to authorize the suspension of a student’s federal loan eligibility if he or she has been convicted in a court of law of drug-related offense. Specifically, Section 484, which became effective on enactment of the Higher Education Act, is amended by adding a new subsection ―(r), Suspension of Eligibility for Drug-Related Offenses.
‖ In the relevant part, the section states:
1. In General: A student who has been convicted in a court of law of any offense under any federal or state law involving the possession or sale of a controlled substance shall not be eligible to receive any grant, loan, or work assistance under this title during the period beginning on the date of such conviction and ending after the interval specified in the following table:
For possession of a controlled substance, ineligibility period is:
First Conviction 1 year
Second Conviction 2 years
Third Conviction Indefinite
For sale of a controlled substance, ineligibility period is:
First Conviction 1 year
Second Conviction Indefinite
Drug Policy Violations and Sanctions
The following are consequences for those persons whose behavior is deemed to be in violation of the Unity College Drug Policy. Those violations, which constitute a violation of Maine law, may be referred to appropriate law enforcement officials. Anyone involved in the possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and the college’s policies.
Level-One Drug Policy Violations.
Defined as but not limited to: 1. Display of illicit drugs: Students are not allowed to have displays of advertisements, bottles, cans, lights, etc., that encourage the use of illicit drugs and are visible from outside of a campus building or a resident room.
Minimum Sanctions for Level-One Drug Policy Violations
First offense: Official warning 2 hours of community service Fine of $50 (suspended)
Second offense: Official reprimand $50 to $100 in fines 6 hours of community service Completion of a drug education program
Third offense: Disciplinary probation for at least one academic year $100 to $200 in fines 10 hours of community service Parental notification Referral to clinical counselor for assessment Completion of a drug education program
Fourth offense:Suspension from the college
Level-Two Drug Policy Violations.
Defined as but not limited to:
1. Illicit drug paraphernalia: Students are prohibited from the possession and/or use of identifiable illicit drug paraphernalia (as defined in ―Definition of Terms‖ section above) that are commonly associated with illicit drug use.
2. Illicit use of marijuana: Students may not possess, consume, or transport marijuana.
Minimum Sanctions for Level-Two Drug Policy Violations
First offense: Official reprimand $50 to $100 in fines 6 hours of community service Completion of a drug education program
Second offense: Disciplinary probation for at least one academic year $100 to $200 in fines 10 hours of community service Parental notification Referral to counselor for assessment Completion of a drug education program
Third offense: Suspension from the college
Level-Three Drug Policy Violations.
Defined as but not limited to:
1. Use of illicit drugs other than marijuana: Students may not possess, consume, or transport illicit drugs.
2. Providing illicit drugs: Students may not provide or share illicit drugs with others or allow a person to possess illicit drugs on a premise under one’s control.
Minimum Sanctions for Level-Three Drug Policy Violations
First offense: Disciplinary probation for at least one academic year $100 to $200 in fines 10 hours of community services Parental notification Referral to a clinical counselor for assessment Completion of a drug education program
Second offense: Suspension from the college
Level-Four Drug Policy Violations. Defined as but not limited to: 1. Trafficking illicit drugs: Students may not traffic illicit drugs to a person. Minimum Sanctions for Level-Four Drug Policy Violations
First offense:Suspension from the college
Unity College
Substance Abuse Policy
Healthy Waldo County
Unity College Policy
HMP is a collaborative effort among 28 local coalitions, the Maine DHHS (Maine CDC and Office of Substance Abuse) and DOE, supported primarily by the Funds for Healthy Maine with federal grants from the US CDC, SAMHSA, and DOE.
