Campus Safety and Transportation

Franklin Pierce of New Hampshire
Department of Campus Safety

POSSESSION, USE AND SALE OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

Possession and use of non-prescribed drugs is incompatible with the educational process and inconsistent with the purposes of the University community. The possession of drug paraphernalia is prohibited by law, and the sale of drugs will result in separation from the University and prosecution.

Use, possession, or distribution of narcotics or other controlled substances, except as expressly permitted by law (e.g., prescription drugs), is forbidden. Federal and state law regarding narcotics and controlled substances shall be strictly observed and enforced. Drug-related devices are forbidden on University premises, in accordance with federal and state law.

FPU prohibits alcoholic beverages in all public areas of the campus, including lounges and corridors of residence halls and outdoor areas, unless special permission is received for a particular function. First-year residence areas are designated as alcohol-free.

The University prohibits common sources of alcohol. A "common source" is defined as a large amount of alcohol that exceeds a reasonable quantity for the number of people present who are 21 years of age or older. Common sources include, but are not limited to, kegs, beer balls, and "Around the World" parties. This regulation is due to the irresponsible consumption and associated negative behavior. Further, social gatherings (parties) where money is collected or tickets are sold are prohibited. The use of funnels, taps, kegs, etc., will be confiscated. These items will not be returned to students.

As a member of the Franklin Pierce University community, students reside in the state of New Hampshire and are therefore responsible for knowing and abiding by all state laws. State law forbids the possession of alcoholic beverages by minors. No sales agent, nor any other person, shall sell, give away, or cause or permit or procure to be sold, delivered, or given away any liquor or beverages to a person under the age of 21 years or to a person under the influence of liquor (NH RSA 179:5). Students over 21 years of age are subject to prosecution if they sell or give alcoholic beverages to a minor. RSA 265:821 is amended to provide that a driver under the age of 21 years, with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.02 or more, may be charged with DWI. For an average person, a BAC of 0.02 would be roughly the equivalent of one beer or light drink. The Alcohol and Other Drugs Committee is assembled periodically to review these and other related regulations. The Alcohol and Other Drugs Committee recommends to the Vice President for Student Affairs the appropriate campus policies and programs.

The University has adopted the following guidelines:

  1. The University has the responsibility to exercise prudent control over the use of alcohol on and off campus at University-sponsored events.
  2. Food and non-alcoholic beverages of sufficient quantity must be available whenever alcoholic beverages are served at events on or off campus.
  3. Individuals and/or sponsors of activities, events, or parties where alcohol is served are responsible for cleanup and damage.
  4. No alcoholic beverages are permitted indoors or outdoors, except in the Raven's Nest and private residence hall rooms (that are not in designated alcohol-free residence halls). Special permission must be obtained for special functions in other locations (on or off campus) from the appropriate member of the Senior Staff.
  5. Incident reports from the Department of Campus Safety that indicate if the incident is alcohol-related will be reported to the Director of Residential Life and Judicial Affairs.
  6. In promoting University events, alcoholic beverages may not be mentioned in advertising materials.
  7. Specific alcohol policies, including the "Three Strikes Policy," can be found in the Student Code of Conduct and on the Franklin Pierce University website: www.franklinpierce.edu.