Alcohol and Drug Policy

What is Carnegie Mellon's policy on alcoholic beverages and drugs?
The university's faculty, administrators and staff recognize the responsibility and potential harm inherent in the use of alcoholic beverages. The university is committed to support the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and reflects that support in its policies and procedures.

What is the Pennsylvania law concerning alcoholic beverages?
The commonwealth law states that a person who is under 21 years of age and who attempts to purchase, purchases, consumes, possesses or knowingly and intentionally transports any alcohol, liquor or malt beverages within the state commits a summary offense. Misrepresentation of age to a licensed dealer or other persons who sell or furnish intoxicating liquors constitutes a third degree misdemeanor. Likewise, a person commits a third degree misdemeanor for selling or providing alcoholic beverages to a known minor.

What is the policy for alcoholic beverages on campus or at Carnegie Mellon events?
The university follows the commonwealth's law regarding intoxicating beverages. Students are expected to conduct themselves both individually and collectively in a responsible manner. Abusive or excessive consumption of alcohol resulting in interference with the rights of other persons, personal injury or damage to property will result in severe disciplinary action. Violations of the university's policy can lead to a fine imposed by the university and the possibility of suspension and expulsion. "Planning Social Events with Alcohol: Things You Should Know" is a brochure that outlines the university policy on alcohol and includes a form outlining the responsibility involved with serving alcohol at an event. For more information, refer to the Student Handbook or contact Student Affairs.

What provisions exist to address situations in which a student is compromised due to alcohol consumption?
The university community values the health and safety of its members and supports an environment that encourages students to come to the assistance of one another. To that end, certain provisions –known as the Alcohol Medical Assistance Procedure– have been made to ensure that responsible action is taken when a student is compromised due to consumption of alcohol.

Students for whom medical assistance is summoned for alcohol intoxication will be granted amnesty from university administrative disciplinary action and University Police action. The student who summons University Police/EMS on behalf of an intoxicated student will likewise be granted such amnesty provided the caller remains with the intoxicated student until help arrives. Students who are directly involved in attending to the intoxicated student until help arrives also will be granted such amnesty.

Those seeking assistance will be assured that the university will pursue no further action against any individual or organization involved in such an incident when appropriate medical attention is sought. Students involved in an alcohol-related incident for which amnesty is granted will be provided appropriate educational or developmental interventions.

Amnesty applies only to alcohol violations and does not apply to other criminal activity such as assault, property damage or presence of other illicit substances. In cases where help is indicated but not sought, the most severe disciplinary action will be taken against all students involved.

This procedure will apply throughout the spring 2002 semester. During this period, students, staff and faculty will have an opportunity to provide input on the advisability of continuing this practice for the future. Questions should be directed to the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs at 412-268-2075.

What about drugs on campus?
University Police are instructed to turn over to the Narcotics Squad of the Pittsburgh Police any significant quantity of dangerous drugs discovered in the course of performing their duty. The medically unsupervised use or distribution of potentially harmful drugs such as marijuana, hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates and opiates is illegal and subject to very harsh penalties. While the university does not assume the responsibility of acting as an arm of the law, members of the academic community have no immunity from the enforcement of the law. Distribution and use of these drugs may threaten the physical and mental health of the user, as well as the welfare of other students and the academic community. The disciplinary policy of the university permits taking action beyond, or separate from, any which may be taken by civil authorities. Also, the university cannot and does not deny access to its property to law enforcement agents seeking to uphold the federal and Pennsylvania Drug Laws. The Student Handbook further outlines Carnegie Mellon's drug policy.

Alcohol & Drug Awareness

There are a variety of alcohol and drug awareness services available through different offices on campus.

• The Counseling and Student Development Center 412-268-2922
  Alcohol assessment services, short-term counseling, support for adult children of alcoholics and alcohol-related literature are available to you free of charge. Call to arrange an appointment.
• The Office of Student Affairs 412-268-2075
  Educational programming for your group/organization and alcohol-related films and literature are available. Stop by or call to arrange an appointment.
• Student Health Services 412-268-2157
  In addition to alcohol dependency assessments, Student Health Services provide an evaluation of the impact which alcohol may be having on your physical well-being. Call to arrange an appointment.
• The Health Educator, Nancy Schmidt 412-268-7888
  The Health Educator provides one-on-one counseling as well as programming for student organizations and other groups.
• Interfaith Council 412-621-8875
  Representatives of various Christian, Jewish and other faith communities offer pastoral counseling and pastoral care to members of the university community. Call for an off-campus appointment.
• Employee Assistance Program (LifeWorks) 1-888-267-8126
  Alcohol assessment services, short-term counseling and referral services are available to all Carnegie Mellon employees.