Housing & Residential Living

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Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy

1. Introduction

   The Carleton College policy on alcohol and other drugs exists within the context of local, state, and federal laws. The regulations contained in this policy are designed to comply with all applicable City of Northfield ordinances and the laws of Minnesota and the United States, including the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989.

   Philosophical Statement

   Carleton College is committed to promoting responsible and legal behavior regarding the use of alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs. As an educational institution, the College provides resources through which individuals are empowered to inform themselves about the physiological, psychological, and sociological effects of these substances upon the individual and the community.

   In a civil, safe, and healthy community, members take responsibility for their own actions, and consider the impact that their choices will have on others. All members have a duty to accept their obligations to the group, and to act for the common good. As members of such a community, Carleton students, faculty, and staff are responsible for upholding the standards set forth for appropriate behavior.

   Above all else, in all actions, both on and off campus, members of the Carleton community shall:

   • Demonstrate respect for others in their actions.
   • Acknowledge the impact of alcohol, cannabis, and other drug use on communal living, and work to limit its negative effects.
   • Understand that they will be held accountable for their choices and the outcomes of such choices.

   The policies which follow are based on this philosophy upon which they are based, are intended to foster the continued growth and development of a respectful and responsible community.

2. Regulations

   • The college prohibits the unlawful possession, use, production, and/or distribution of alcohol, cannabis, illicit drugs, and paraphernalia on its property or as part of any of its activities.
   • The college prohibits paraphernalia such as beer bongs, pipes, funnels, bongs, vapes, or other similar items for illicit drug use. The college will confiscate any unlawful or unauthorized items. Confiscated items will not be returned.
   • This policy applies: 
     • on campus, 
     • on college sponsored trips, 
     • and at college events. 
   • During Off-Campus Study experiences, students are subject to the laws of the country where they are located. Students who jeopardize their own health, the health and safety of others, or the integrity of the living and learning environment on the program may be required to leave the program. The program director, in consultation with the VP/Dean of Students (or designee), has the authority to remove a student from the program under these circumstances.
   • Students may also be held accountable when off campus situations are brought to our attention by the City of Northfield and other authorities (i.e. other colleges, law enforcement) or through a Community Concern Form (CCF). 
   • Coercing people through deception or force to consume alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs is prohibited. 
   • Providing any type of substance to people without their knowledge is prohibited. 
   • The college recognizes the particular danger of driving while under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs. Therefore, students are prohibited from driving when using substances and all college community members are prohibited from using such substances when driving in connection with any college business or activity.
   • Carleton community members shall follow all Federal, State, and local laws related to substance use.
     • Federal laws, including the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226) and the Federal Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S. 801 et al.
     • Minnesota State Laws
       • Minnesota controlled substances laws and sanctions
       • Minnesota law – underage alcohol offenses
       • Minnesota law – violations and penalties related to liquor laws
       • Minnesota law – driving while impaired, including underage drinking and driving
     • Northfield City Ordinances
       • This includes the Social Host Ordinance, which prohibits persons over the age of 21 from from hosting a gathering or an event at a residence or premises where alcohol and/or intoxicating substances are present and the person knows that a person under the age of 21 either consumes alcohol or an intoxicating substance or that they possess these substances with the intent of consuming them. See the Social Host Ordinance for more details, including the responsible steps hosts are required to take to prevent consumption of intoxicating substances by people under the age of 21.

   Alcohol

   • Persons under 21 years of age are prohibited from drinking alcoholic beverages.
   • Persons 21 years of age or older may drink alcoholic beverages only in their private residential rooms or at registered events if alcohol has been approved.
   • Persons 21 years of age or older are prohibited from providing alcohol to others under 21 years of age.
   • Possession of open containers of alcohol is prohibited at all times at all campus locations, except at approved registered event locations or in private residential rooms of persons of legal drinking age.
   • Shared containers (such as kegs or punch bowls) of alcohol are not allowed in student residential spaces (houses, townhouses, residence hall rooms, etc.). 
   • Alcohol is not permitted in any public area without prior approved registration. Public areas include but are not limited to: Sayles-Hill, Severance Great Hall, dining halls, common areas in residence halls and houses (ie. lounges/living rooms, kitchens, study rooms, corridors, hallways, etc.), all academic buildings and athletic areas, and all outdoor areas owned and operated by the College, including outdoor recreational areas.
   • High-risk alcohol-related activities, such as progressives, drinking-themed parties, drinking games, and similar behaviors are prohibited. 
   • Carleton community members are not to engage in the manufacture or production of any alcoholic beverage on the Carleton campus including, but not limited to, cereal malt beverage (beer), wine, moonshine, mead, and liquor.

   Cannabis

   • The College prohibits the possession, use, storage, delivery, cultivation, distribution, and sale of cannabis (in all forms, including marijuana) on all college property, including college owned and leased buildings, housing, and parking lots. Cannabis is also not permitted at college events or while conducting college business. In most cases, this prohibition will apply even if there is documentation for medically prescribed cannabis/marijuana.
   • Note: While certain recreational cannabis usage among persons aged 21 years or older is legal in Minnesota, cannabis (in all forms, including marijuana) still remains illegal under federal law. The federal Controlled Substances Act criminalizes possession and distribution of controlled substances, including cannabis. The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug-Free Workplace Act require that the College, as a recipient of federal funding, establish policies that prohibit cannabis use, possession, manufacture, and distribution on campus and in the workplace. 

   Other Drugs

   • The College prohibits the possession, use, storage, delivery, cultivation, distribution, and sale of illicit drugs by Carleton community members.
   • The College prohibits the misuse of prescription drugs, including but not limited to sharing, selling, buying, or using in a different manner than prescribed or by a person to whom it has not been prescribed,
   • The possession, use, or sale of drug paraphernalia is prohibited. For a definition of paraphernalia, see Northfield’s City Ordinances. 

   Alcohol at Registered Student Events

   In some cases, chartered student organizations are permitted to have alcohol at events registered with the Student Activities Office. Organizers of registered events where alcohol is permitted are expected to uphold the regulations outlined in the Alcohol & Other Drug Policy. Please contact the Student Activities Office for additional information. 

   Alcohol at Institutional Events on campus:

   Alcohol served at Institutional Events must be purchased and served by the licensed caterer for the Carleton campus. See the Alcohol Service at College Events policy for additional information.

   Cannabis and other drugs are never permitted at registered student events or institutional events at the College.

3. Responsive Action and Sanctions

   Responsive Actions: The College expects members of the Carleton community to obey the law, follow this policy, and take personal responsibility for their conduct. The College will generally respect the privacy of Carleton community member’s personal lives. The College will hold individuals accountable if and when the:

   Use of alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs threatens order, causes public disturbances, poses a danger to self/others, or results in property damage;

   Illegal use of alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs comes to the attention of College officials. Disorderly behavior when under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs is a violation of the Alcohol & Other Drugs policy. Persons under the influence of substances will be held responsible for their actions.

   Sanctions:  Any alleged violations will be reviewed. 

   Students found in violation of this policy will face disciplinary consequences. For a complete list of potential sanctions and definitions, see the conduct process website. 

   Employees found in violation of this policy may face discipline or other consequences in accordance with applicable College policies and procedures. 

   In all cases, the College reserves the right to take any appropriate action at its discretion.

4. Resources

   There are many resources on Carleton’s campus and within the Northfield community for people looking for support around alcohol, cannabis, or other drug concerns. Visit the Office of Health Promotion’s website to learn about the resources available. Employees may contact Human Resources or review the policy for Unlawful Use of Drugs & Alcohol.

5. Information About Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs

   Harmful and Underage College Drinking

   Health Effects of Cannabis

   Information about Specific Substances, Drug Use, and Addiction

   National Data on College Student Health Behaviors

   Endnote

   ¹ Summary of Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law No. 101-226)

   A. The new Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law No. 101-226) require colleges and universities to adopt a program to prevent the unlawful use of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees. A College’s failure to comply with the Act can result in the immediate loss of eligibility to receive federal funding and any other form of Federal financial assistance, including federally funded financial aid.

   B. All colleges must give notice to each student and employee that unlawful use of drugs and alcohol is prohibited, describe applicable legal sanctions and health risks, list counseling programs available, advise students and employees that violation of the policy could lead to penalties up to and including expulsion from the College, termination of employment and/or referral to civil authorities for prosecution, and review the policy biennially.

   C. Policy Requirements: A college’s drug prevention program must prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by employees and students on college property or as part of its activities.

   Presented to and adopted by the College Council on May 29, 2001. Approved by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees June 21, 2001.

For: Students, Staff, Faculty

Last Reviewed: October 3, 2022

Maintained by: Dean of Students Office

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