Villanova University strives to develop and sustain a living and learning environment in which the full potential of its members may be realized. Therefore, the University aspires to the highest standards of academic excellence and is committed to the personal health and safety of all individuals. In pursuing these community goals, all students and student organizations are required to comply with applicable state and federal laws and the following University policies regarding alcohol.
- Any person under the age of 21 in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania may not lawfully possess, consume, purchase, attempt to purchase or transport alcoholic beverages.
- Furnishing alcohol to any person under the age of 21 or enabling underage alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited. Violations that result in disorderly, disruptive or dangerous conduct, damages, injury, or other criminal activity will be considered more serious.
- Regardless of age, the abusive or dangerous use of alcohol is prohibited on and off campus, including but not limited to:
- Intoxication that results in impaired motor skills or balance, slurred speech, disorientation, vomiting, blacking-out, passing-out, or other similar behavior.
- Disruptive, disorderly, or dangerous conduct related to the consumption of alcohol.
- Driving on or off campus while under the influence of alcohol.
- Residing on campus and the possession/consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus is a privilege and not a right. Therefore, regardless of age, the following policies apply within University residence halls and/or on University property:
- The possession, consumption, or furnishing of alcoholic beverages that contain fifteen percent (15%) or higher alcohol by volume (e.g. hard liquor) is prohibited within University residence halls. This regulation applies to all students and their guests.
- Consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages in open containers is prohibited in common areas of residence halls, including hallways, lounges, lobbies, stairwells, and bathrooms.
- Alcoholic beverages may not be possessed or consumed in academic, administrative, or public areas of campus without authorization from appropriate University officials.
- Common source containers of alcoholic beverages, including beer kegs and alcoholic punch (e.g. “jungle juice”), are prohibited in residence halls and on University property without authorization from appropriate University officials.
- The possession, consumption, or furnishing of alcoholic punch, caffeinated alcohol, powdered alcohol, grain alcohol, or gelatin shots is prohibited within University residence halls and on University property.
- Participation in drinking games, consuming shots of alcohol, and any type of binge drinking (e.g. chugging, “shot-gunning,” etc.) is prohibited in residence halls and on University property. Simulated drinking games are prohibited regardless of whether or not alcohol is present.
- Possession or use of binge drinking paraphernalia or any instrument of alcohol abuse (e.g. funnels, beer pong tables, etc.) is prohibited in residence halls and on University property.
- For students of legal age, the following policies apply within University residence halls and on University property:
- Students of legal age may possess and consume alcoholic beverages that contain less than fifteen percent (15%) alcohol by volume (e.g. most beer and wine) within their own University residence hall room/apartment, or within a room/apartment where at least one resident is of legal age and is present. At all times, alcohol use must be consistent with the concept of moderate and responsible consumption*.
- Students of legal age may transport in common areas of campus or University residence halls an amount of alcoholic beverages that contain less than fifteen percent (15%) alcohol by volume, in closed containers and in suitable packaging, consistent with the concept of moderate and responsible consumption.
- Students of legal age may possess and consume alcoholic beverages at approved University functions and/or when served at a campus facility/event authorized to provide alcoholic beverages.
- All student organization sponsored events where alcohol may be served must be approved by the appropriate University official and must follow all University policies and regulations. At all times, alcohol use must be consistent with the concept of moderate and responsible consumption. Furnishing alcohol to any person under the age of 21 or enabling underage alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited for student organizations.
*For purposes of this policy, moderate and responsible consumption is the expectation that using alcohol should always be in a manner that does not harm others and minimizes harm to the user.
Conversely, using alcohol to the degree that one may endanger themselves or other persons or property, or otherwise disrupt the community is not considered moderate and responsible consumption.
Alcohol Policy Enforcement and Sanctioning
The University reserves the right to sanction students who violate the law and/or the above University alcohol policies (both on and off campus). Violations may result in the full range of sanctions such as warnings, fines, disciplinary probation (plus other disciplinary measures) up to and including suspension or expulsion from the University. Subsequent violations, excessive quantities of alcohol, and/or aggravating factors will result in more severe sanctions. Typically, first-time alcohol violations which do not involve disruptive, disorderly, or dangerous conduct, and which are consistent with the concept of moderate and responsible consumption will result in educational follow-up and/or less severe sanctions. Student organizations that violate the law and/or University alcohol policies are also subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or loss of recognition.
- While legal aged students are permitted to possess and consume alcoholic beverages with less than fifteen percent (15%) alcohol by volume in campus residence halls, if at any time, and in the discretion of University staff, the possession or consumption exceeds the concept of moderate and responsible use, or if there is disorderly, disruptive, or dangerous conduct, the University reserves the right to take immediate corrective action, including but not limited to, the confiscation of alcoholic beverages and/or the dispersion of guests from a residence hall room/apartment. The University reserves the right to sanction students in cases of excessive, dangerous or abusive alcohol use, or for disorderly or disruptive conduct.
- When a suspected policy violation is encountered by University staff in a residence hall room or apartment, University staff may enter rooms or apartments to address policy violations, to confiscate containers of alcohol, whether full or empty, and/or to disperse guests, if appropriate. University staff may confiscate all alcohol present at the time of a violation regardless of the type of alcohol or the age of the residents. University staff may also, at the time and location of an alcohol violation and when students are present in the room, open and inspect refrigerator(s) and/or coolers (both personal and University-owned) in order to remove all alcohol from the premises. Students are expected to comply with University staff in their efforts. Failure to comply will result in more severe sanctions. Items found that violate the above policies will be confiscated by appropriate University personnel and not returned.
- The University reserves the right to sanction all residents of a residence hall room/apartment, whether or not the residents are present at the time of the violation, as well as any students present when an alcohol violation occurs, regardless if the alcohol containers are empty or full, decorative or otherwise.
- All students found in violation of the alcohol policy must comply with all educational requirements specified by designated University staff members. Staff will inform the Dean of Students Office of attendance, compliance and any other recommendations regarding the student.
- Fines may be assessed, at the discretion of the Conduct Review Administrator, for violations of the alcohol policy and will vary depending on the quantity and type of alcoholic beverages confiscated, regardless of if full or empty. Violations involving alcoholic beverages that contain fifteen percent (15%) or greater alcohol by volume, or common source alcohol containers will likely face fines up to $150 per person, per incident.