Table of Contents
The University of New Haven works with students to maintain an environment where students can develop holistically. Our goal is to create a living and learning environment that supports healthy choices and lifestyles which enable students to lead purposeful and fulfilling lives. Students are supported in making informed, responsible decisions in accordance with CT State Law and University policies.
The University provides opportunities for students to:
- Become responsible citizens who make intentional decisions related to substance use.
- Reduce the effects of substance use that impact student success both in and out of the classroom.
- Empower individuals who can serve as advocates for reducing high-risk substance abuse on campus.
- Encourage social responsibility.
- Sponsor alternative substance free social events and programs.
- Teach intervention skills which focus on the responsibility to intervene when others are engaging in high-risk behaviors.
- Promote and publicize substance abuse intervention policies and education programs.
- Build relationships with student organizations and their leadership relative to their engagement of substance abuse issues on campus.
- Provide resources that will assist students who have substance abuse issues in developing a recovery plan.
- Find it acceptable to choose not to use substances.
- Refuse to condone excessive drinking or intoxication.
- Understand that intoxication or substance abuse is not an excuse for misconduct or infringing on the rights of others.
Students will work with the University community to:
- Encourage fellow students to make safe and healthy choices regarding alcohol use.
- Discourage substance use which negatively impacts the University community.
- Plan and implement substance free events on and off-campus.
- Respect and appreciate the decisions of peers not to use substances.
- Promote and advocate for a safe and caring environment where an individual can live and learn.
- Assume responsibility for their well-being and the well-being of their peers.
- Communicate that actions and inaction in regards to substance use will have a direct effect on their relationship with others and the University.
- Demonstrate responsible behavior.
Effective June 1, 2015, the West Haven and Orange Campuses are tobacco free, smoke free, and vape free.
The University supports the idea that students, parent(s) or legal guardian(s), and the University are partners with responsibilities for the promotion of a healthy and positive educational experience for students. University disciplinary policies and procedures are designed to promote an environment conducive to student learning and growth while protecting the University community. It is the belief of the University that students benefit from discussions with their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) about the effects of alcohol or use of controlled substances on their educational experience.
The University may notify parents/guardians of students under the age of 21, who have been found in violation of the Substance Use Policy. Notification of parents/guardians will occur when, in the opinion of the Dean of Students or his/ her designee, violation is significant enough to indicate a greater level of care may be necessary to support the student.
It is our general practice to encourage a student to contact his or her parent(s) or legal guardian(s) prior to the University's notification, however, there may be circumstances when contact will be initiated more rapidly.
University policies and procedures provide both a guideline and system of accountability to aid in establishing and maintaining personal and community standards.
In compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, the University of New Haven prohibits the possession, manufacture, sale, distribution, and unlawful use/abuse of any and all controlled substances and drugs. The University also abides by and enforces Connecticut State laws regarding alcohol (sec. 30-89, 30-89a) which state that only persons 21 years of age or older may buy, deliver, consume, possess, or transport alcoholic beverages, and outlines legal obligations for persons exercising dominion over dwelling units. The possession, sale, or use of powdered alcohol is a violation of Connecticut state law regardless of age effective October 1, 2015.
- No person under the age of 21 can possess, use, or be in the presence, of alcoholic beverages. The sale, delivery, or service to individuals under the age of 21 is prohibited by the University and Connecticut state law.
- Students who reside in a residential space with suitemates/roommates who are 21 years of age or older may be in the presence of alcohol. See #5 below.
- Any public or private use of alcohol by students that leads to intoxication, intrusive, destructive, disruptive, or violent behavior is unacceptable to the University community and will be treated as a conduct matter. Intoxication is defined as the point where the quantity of alcohol a person consumes exceeds the individual's tolerance for alcohol and impairs behavioral or physical abilities.
- All students are responsible for discouraging alcohol-related behavior that is abusive to themselves or to others. Any effort to induce or force a student to drink against their expressed desire is prohibited. Students will be held accountable for their behavior at all times to include:
- a. Instances when they themselves are under the influence of alcohol.
- b. Instances when they are involved with an individual who is under the influence of alcohol.
- Alcohol is not permitted in first-year residence halls or in rooms, suites, or apartments in which all residents are underage students.
- Students and their guests who are 21 years of age or older may have alcohol in their living unit within the residence halls/apartments provided that:
- a. The student of legal drinking age ensures that those residents of the living unit who are not of legal drinking age do not possess, consume, or serve alcohol.
- b. Intoxicated individuals are not served.
- c. There is no appearance of underage consumption.
- d. Failure to enforce the above guidelines makes the host liable under the law, not only for serving alcohol illegally, but also for actions which the individual under the influence might take after leaving a room/apartment. Additionally, students involved will be referred to the University Conduct System for substance policy violations.
- The consumption of alcohol or possession of an open container (i.e. bottles, cans, cups, squeeze bottles, etc.) is not permitted on University grounds and in public areas such as hallways, lobbies, stairwells, elevators, common areas, etc. with the exception of approved University sponsored events on campus. A closed container is defined as having the manufacturing seal intact.
- The presence, possession, or use of common source containers of alcoholic beverages (including but not limited to kegs, beer balls, other bulk containers requiring a tapping device or spigot, punch bowls, trash cans, or other containers used as punch bowls) by individuals or groups is prohibited. This includes common source containers at tailgate events on campus.
- Contests (drinking games) involving the consumption of alcohol and possession of any paraphernalia related to such contests are prohibited and will be confiscated if found.
- The use or possession of funnels to consume alcohol is prohibited.
- The use or possession of alcohol stronger than 80 proof is prohibited.
- Alcohol is prohibited on any athletic field and at all athletic events, with the exception of University-sponsored receptions
- Receptions held in academic buildings are the responsibility of the academic departments sponsoring the event and must be in compliance with all state laws and University regulations.
- Operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol is prohibited and subject to University and criminal action.
- Violations of the Substance Use Policy posted on the internet (Facebook, Instagram, X, etc.) may be subject to disciplinary action.
- Violations of the Substance Use Policy will be referred to the University Conduct System.
- Questions that involve employees' use or abuse of alcohol should be directed to the Human Resources Office.
- While alcoholic beverages are generally not permitted at student events, special requests from student groups, clubs, and organizations for alcohol service (beer and wine only) at a campus event must be made in writing to the Dean of Students Office at least three (3) weeks in advance of the event. There will be no exceptions to the three (3) weeks in advance requirement.
- The Registered Student Organization must submit a Web Request through the Event Management System (EMS) to facilitate a special request to serve alcohol at an event
- An approved request to serve alcohol within the EMS reservation constitutes an agreement between the sponsoring group hosting the event and the University. Any deviation from the terms outlined in the agreement will result in immediate termination of the event.
- The group's faculty or administrative adviser must be present during the entire event to ensure that the sponsoring group adheres to State and Federal law and University regulations.
- The sale of alcohol is prohibited on campus except in the case of approved special events where the sale and service of alcohol is being conducted by the University Dining Services in accordance with State law and University policy.
- All alcohol served on campus shall be dispensed by the University Dining Services, with the exception of events held in the lower-level German Club Bar.
- Event planners must make provisions to check identification and to prevent the interaction between those using alcohol legally and underage persons by having a separate serving/consuming area. The serving and subsequent consumption of alcohol at registered events must be limited to a single defined area. Alcoholic beverages cannot be taken from the defined area. Sufficient space shall be designated for the service area to avoid congestion and related disruption.
- Positive proof of age (a valid State issued photo I.D.) is required at any event at which alcohol is served and/or consumed.
- The University requires that non-alcoholic beverages and food be served at all events where alcohol is present and encourages entertainment where appropriate.
- There must be established time limits for the serving of alcohol at any event. It is advised that alcohol service/sale end one (1) hour prior to the end of the event. The Dean of Students Office and University Police may place limitations on the amount of alcohol permitted at any event. Any violation of limitations or restrictions on the amount of alcohol permitted at any event will be treated as a disciplinary matter in accordance with University conduct procedures.
- Alcoholic beverages may not be offered as a prize, award, gift certificate or incentive by an individual, group, club, or organization.
- No social event shall include any form of "drinking contest" in its activities or promotion.
- Undergraduate Student Government Activity Fees may not be used for the purchase of alcohol.
- University of New Haven students will be held responsible for the behavior of their guests at all University events.
- Campus chapters of international and national organizations may have regulations that go beyond the University's policy. The policies and procedures contained herein are the minimum requirements applicable to these organizations.
- Vendor must agree in writing to cash sales only, collected by the vendor during the function. Open bars are prohibited.
- Alcohol cannot be purchased with chapter funds (this includes USGA funds, chapter dues and off-campus bank accounts).
- All off-campus events with alcohol require that the organization uses buses to provide transportation to and from the venue, all students MUST take the buses as the only means of transportation.
- A guest list must be submitted to the Center for Student Engagement, Leadership & Orientation (CSELO) two (2) days prior to the event.
- All organizations must complete an off-campus form through EMS and also complete a hold harmless form.
- A University of New Haven advisor must be present at the event for the duration of the entire event.
- The organization is highly encouraged to use party monitors. Party monitors are members of the organization (18 years or older) who are 100% alcohol free during the social event and hours leading up to the social event. They will help organize the logistics of the event such as: loading and unloading the buses, monitoring the event, ensuring safety, and any other duties that are necessary during the event.
- Posters, flyers, promotional materials, and other forms of public announcement from private individuals or student organizations advertising private parties shall not be permitted on campus or in any campus publication.
- Posters, flyers, advertisements, announcements, and any other materials containing references or logos promoting the sale or consumption of alcohol or use of cannabis are prohibited on campus and in any campus publication.
The manufacture, distribution, possession, presence, sale, or misuse of any narcotic, cannabis, or controlled substance, including prescription drugs, is a violation of University regulations. Intentionally or recklessly inhaling or ingesting substances that will alter a student's mental state is also prohibited. Cannabis products that contain THC are illegal under federal law and prohibited by University Policy. Cannabis products that do not contain any trace of THC such as CBD oil are permitted. A Connecticut Medical Marijuana card does not allow the use of cannabis on any University property. If students are in a location where others are using illegal drugs, they may be held responsible for the violation as well. Students who are suspected to have violated these regulations will be subject to University disciplinary action. In addition, the student may be subject to arrest and criminal prosecution in these matters according to federal, state and/or local criminal codes that pertain to illegal or controlled substances.
The University reserves the right to inspect student rooms and property if reasonable suspicion of illegal activity exists. Reasonable suspicion may be generated by, but is not limited to, observable substances or drug paraphernalia and/or the evidence of substance usage including the odor of cannabis.
To preserve the academic integrity and mission of the University of New Haven, University personnel will vigorously pursue investigations and enforcement of these policies. The University has developed this policy in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws.
The University distributes a drug and alcohol policy statement to all members of the University community on a yearly basis. Copies are available from the Office of the Dean of Students, Human Resources policies and procedures intranet site, in course registration books, and in this Handbook.
Substance Use Intervention Programs
BASICS Group: The BASICS Online Group is an on-campus substance education program. This program is an in-person session hosted by the Dean of Students Office. This educational intervention is intended to help those students who have reported incidences of alcohol use, cannabis, or other substance use. The focus of the group is to help students reduce alcohol/cannabis/substance consumption and problems that are caused and exacerbated by substance use.
BASICS Individual: Students are assigned to meet individually with a therapist at the University of New Haven Counseling and Psychological Services Office. Referrals are intended for those students who have had repeated alcohol/substance use violations, and/or for students who are at great risk for future problems.
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