5.18 Alcoholic Beverages or Controlled Substances on Campus

Purpose

To provide guidelines regarding the use of alcoholic beverages and/or controlled substances related to the campus community. This policy is in accordance with Minnesota State board and system guidance, including Minnesota State Board Policy 5.18: Alcoholic Beverages or Controlled Substances on Campus and Minnesota State System Procedure 5.18.2: Check List for Events Involving Alcoholic Beverages or 3.2% Malt Liquor.

Applicability

Part 1. Policy Statement

It is the policy of Riverland Community College that the use of alcohol and/or controlled substances will be only in accordance with this policy.

Part 2. Use or Possession of Alcohol and Controlled Substances at Riverland Community College

Subpart A. Compliance with Federal Law

In order to comply with federal law, including, but not limited to, the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (34 CFR Part 86), the Drug-Free Workplace Act (34 CFR Part 85), and the Campus Security Act, Riverland Community College will adopt and implement this policy which is designed to prevent abuse of alcohol and the use of controlled substances.

Subpart B. Compliance with State Law

Riverland Community College prohibits unlawful use, possession, production, manufacture, and distribution of alcohol and other drugs and controlled substances.

Subpart C. General Prohibition

Except as provided in this policy, the possession, use, sale, or distribution of alcoholic beverages and 3.2% malt liquor at Riverland Community College and college-sponsored events on or off campus is prohibited.

Subpart D. Exception for Instructional Purposes

Use of alcohol in laboratory and classroom instruction/experiments is not prohibited.

Part 3. Responsibilities

The Riverland Community College president is delegated authority to approve use of alcohol at specific special events on campus or college-sponsored events off campus. Approval shall be consistent with the office of the chancellor or campus drug and alcohol policy and with system procedures. The procedures shall address the following: compliance with local ordinances and state law relating to sale, possession, or consumption of alcohol; providing adequate dram shop/public liability insurance; and any other matters deemed necessary by the chancellor.

Part 4. Accountability/Sanctions

Riverland Community College will impose disciplinary sanctions on students and employees (consistent with local, state, and federal law), up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution for violations of the policy stated above. Student violations of this policy will be handled as violations of the Student Code of Conduct Policy.

Part 5. Reporting

Records regarding approval of the use of alcohol at specific events shall be maintained by the college in accordance with approved records retention schedules. Riverland Community College will conduct a biennial review of its program to determine its effectiveness and implement changes if necessary, and ensure that the sanctions developed are consistently enforced.

Scope

Campus community

Procedure Availability

Alcoholic Beverages or Controlled Substances on Campus Procedure and Checklist

Date Implemented: February 2013

Date Adopted: September 2019

Responsible Division / Author: Office of the President

Date & Subject of Revisions: June 2019 Reviewed; Updated logo and policy template; Oct 2024 reviewed; technical changes only.