It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free workplace and campus. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession and/or use of controlled substances or the unlawful possession, use or distribution of alcohol is prohibited on the Stanford campus, in the workplace or as part of any of the University's activities. The workplace and campus are presumed to include all Stanford premises where the activities of the University are conducted. Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary sanctions up to and including termination of employment or expulsion of students. Violations may also be referred to the appropriate authorities for prosecution. This policy will be reviewed at least bienially
The University will continue to comply with all applicable state and federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Student conduct is guided by the Fundamental Standard, which states the expectation that students will act in ways that demonstrate respect for order, morality, personal honor and the rights of others. Implicit in the Standard is the understanding that students are responsible for making their own decisions and accepting the consequences of those decisions.*
In order to make informed decisions about alcohol and other drug use, students should educate themselves about the health and safety risks associated with their use, as well as about state and local laws on possessing, serving and consuming alcohol. It is widely recognized that the misuse and abuse of drugs ("controlled substances") and the abuse of alcohol are major contributors to serious health problems, as well as to social and civic concerns. Among health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol are various deleterious physical and mental consequences including dependency, severe disability - even death.
The goal of this Policy is to reduce the abuse and illegal use of alcohol and other drugs, and the human and material costs associated with it. The University, as an educational institution, approaches student conduct issues from a perspective that places emphasis on individual responsibility and development. Education about and prevention of alcohol and other drug-related problems will continue to be the primary emphasis and goal. However, the University expects students, as individuals and as members of groups, to conduct themselves in accordance with this and all other University policies governing student conduct.
No University funds or funds collected by the University may be used in a way that violates the alcohol policy. In student residences, house funds (funds collected by the University Bursar or other University offices) may not be used to buy alcohol because the majority of undergraduates are under the legal drinking age of 21. The decision to use student-collected funds to buy alcohol should be made lawfully, thoughtfully, fairly and in a way that respects the views of all students. Students must not be required to contribute to a student-collected fund for the purpose of purchasing alcohol or controlled substances.
No alcoholic beverages may be served at all-freshman house events in common area spaces (e.g. lounges, hallways, patios/outdoor areas).
Party planners are responsible for planning and carrying out events in compliance with this Policy. At least one house or organization officer must assume responsibility for an event's compliance with the Policy, and their names must be made available to Stanford’s Department of Public Safety and the University upon request.
No alcoholic beverages may be served at all-freshman house events in common area spaces (e.g lounges, hallways patios/outdoor areas).
Educational and rehabilitative measure will be the preferres response to infractions of the Policy unaccompanied by more egregrious misconduct. Administrative actions will be calibrated according to the severity of the violation. Misbehavior associated with drug or alcohol use and abuse, poor party planning practices or deceit concerning party plan may constitute one or more of the following consequences:
Students should understand that inebriation is never an excuse for misconduct - that the careless or willful reduction, through the use of alcohol or other intoxicants, of their own ability to think clearly, exercise good judgement and respond to rational intervention may invoke more stingent penalties than otherwise might be levied. Administrative actions are imposed according to the facts and circumstances of each case. They can be imposed singularly or in combination by the Office of Residential Education, tthe Dean of Students Office, and the Office of Judicial Affairs.
*Adapted from “The University Policy on Controlled Substances and Alcohol,” Stanford Bulletin 2003-2004
