Philosophy
The goal of The College of St. Scholastica is to create an environment in which both the responsible use and nonuse of alcoholic beverages are respected and in which the lines existing between responsible drinking, problematic drinking and abuse are recognized. Within the Benedictine tradition of hospitality, the College seeks to foster a healthy environment and one in which all people can pursue healthy, respectful relationships with oneself and others, and are able at all times to embrace and live the value of Love of Learning. The College supports those who choose a lifestyle free of chemicals and offers support to those in recovery through our counseling services and WELLU via groups on campus as well as ongoing programming.
Statement of Alcohol Use
Students who are 21 years of age are, by state law, allowed to drink alcoholic beverages; however, we grant that right on our campus only to those who also adhere to and uphold the Benedictine values of Community, Hospitality, Respect, Stewardship and Love of Learning.
As an independent educational institution, The College of St. Scholastica extends the same right to members of the campus community who are of legal drinking age under strict conditions. Minnesota statutes section 340A.101 (2) and Duluth City Code Division 2, subdivision 1, section 8-13 defines "alcoholic beverage" as any beverage containing more than one-half of 1 percent alcohol by volume.
Inappropriate behavior usually falls into a violation of one of the Benedictine values: a failure to live well in community, a violation of hospitality, respect, stewardship, or a hindrance on the ability to learn well. This includes actions both on and off campus that violate the rights or property of others as defined by the Jurisdiction statement in the Code of Conduct in this handbook. Behavior after consumption of alcoholic beverages that violates College policy and/or state law will be considered an offense subject to review by the Code of Conduct for Students.
The College is committed to providing resources, counseling, education and other opportunities for responsible use to all students. On-campus counseling, support and information regarding alcohol or other drug concerns for oneself or a friend are available through the Student Center for Health and Well-Being in Tower 2150, 218-723-6085.
Alcohol Policies
Use
- Alcoholic beverages may be used in private rooms of the student apartments by those of legal age. The College reserves the right to determine whether the use of alcoholic beverages in residential apartments by those of legal age is excessive or its use violates (by pattern or in a single incident) our Benedictine Values to the point where appropriate sanctions may be applied. Somers Residence Hall is an alcohol-free building fo residents and guests regardless of age.
- The College allows absolutely no public consumption of alcohol, except at approved College events. This includes walking with an alcoholic beverage open container in public areas.
Hosting and School Sanctioned Events
- Events involving students with alcohol must be approved in writing by Dean of Students or their designee. Alcohol is not allowed in any classroom setting, except with prior written approval by the Dean of Students or their designee.Bulk dispensing of alcohol is prohibited, except with prior written approval of the Dean of Students for school sanctioned events. This may include, but is not limited to kegs or large quantities of alcohol. Any container(s) along with any taps will be seized by school personnel and not returned to the residents.
- Distribution to minors is prohibited.
- Delivery of alcoholic beverages to students on campus is prohibited. Alcohol cannot be sold (e.g., selling cups, asking for donations, etc.) anywhere on campus except in cases of a College sanctioned event.
- For violations of the hosting policy in campus residences, anyone on a housing contract can be held responsible and therefore in violation of the hosting policy, regardless of age or presence.
Presence
- Breathalyzer/No Consumption under the age of 21: If a student has not consumed alcohol, as proven by a breathalyzer test from a College official, no alcohol consumption violation will be recorded, regardless of age Please note other Code of Conduct violations may apply. It is the student's responsibility to request the breathalyzer. Students who have not consumed alcohol or are over 21 will still be included on the incident documentation as witnesses, with the potential for follow-up.
- No breathalyzer under the age of 21: If a student is under the age of 21 and does not take the breathalyzer, the student(s) in presence of alcohol will be cited for underage consumption and any other applicable citations.
- Roommates over 21: When a person who is not of legal drinking age is in their own residence with a roommate who is of legal drinking age, the underage student may be present if alcohol is being consumed. The person under the age of 21 may not consume alcohol.
Consumption
- Underage Consumption: Students not of legal drinking age found consuming alcohol on campus at any time will be in violation of the alcohol consumption policy.
- Public Intoxication: Intoxication, defined as being under the influence of alcohol or any other psychoactive drug to any extent that requires the attention of college staff, causes a disturbance, or is a danger to persons (self or others) or property, is prohibited.
- Dangerous Consumption/Detox: Dangerous Consumption is defined as, but is not limited to, the excessive consumption of alcohol or the commingling of substances resulting in serious impairment, poisoning, risky behavior, etc. It will be at the discretion of staff to determine whether or not an individual is in violation of dangerous consumption; determining factors will include blood alcohol concentration, physical indicators, and behavior. Regardless of age, if dangerous consumption is determined, faculty or staff has the authority to request the student to be sent to the hospital or detox.
Possession
- Underage: Students who are under the legal drinking age in possession of alcohol (in a public or private space) will be found in violation of the possession policy.
- Container Policy: Open or broken-sealed containers of alcohol are not allowed in any public area on campus without prior permission of the Dean of Students or their designee. Permission is required to use alcoholic beverages in any public area of the College including but not limited to the following: dining halls, apartments/halls, picnic areas, athletic facilities, Science Center, Tower Hall, and other College grounds.
- College authorities reserve the right to request IDs from any person carrying unconcealed containers of alcohol on campus.
Common Related Violations
- See Noise Policy
- See Sexual Assault/ Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct Policies
- See Vandalism/ Damage to Community Property
- See Visitation Policy
- See Drug Policy