Rider University Alcohol Policy
Rider University has adopted a set of guidelines and rules for possession, consumption and serving alcoholic beverages at the institution. Students and visitors to the university are required to abide by these regulations or risk discipline. The attorneys at The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have decades of experience representing individuals charged with underage possession of alcohol and drinking at Rider University and elsewhere in Mercer County. If you would like to speak to a lawyer on our defense team in a free consultation, contact our Lawrence NJ Office. An attorney can be reached 24/7 at 609–683–8102. The following is the Alcohol Policy of Rider University:
5.4 Alcohol Policy Violation/Misuse of Alcoholic Beverages
Rider University seeks to maintain a safe and healthy campus environment that is conducive to the academic and social activities of its students. Rider’s alcohol policy fosters this safe and healthy environment and reflects the need for mutual respect and personal responsibility among the diverse members of the Rider community. This is reflected in the Good Samaritan Policy and the Alcohol Policy that follows.
All members of the Rider community are expected to be acquainted with, and to abide by, the University’s policies, federal and state laws, and local ordinances related to the sale and consumption of alcohol. The ultimate interpretation and application of regulations as per this policy shall be at the discretion of the appropriate hearing authority.
Rider’s Alcohol Policy Prohibits
- the consumption, possession and/or purchase of alcoholic beverages by any person under 21 years of age;
- being in the presence of alcoholic beverages (consumed or possessed) by any person under 21 years of age (underage individual) other than in the Rider Pub or other licensed facility Or approved event;
When an underage individual knowingly is in the presence of alcohol (consumed or possessed) other than in the Rider Pub or other licensed facility or event, the University expects him or her to do one or more of the following: remove himself or herself from the situation immediately, ask the individual(s) with the alcohol to leave or dispose of the alcohol, or notify University staff.
The only exception is when an underage student resides in the same private living unit or Greek house room with a student who is 21 years of age or older (of age student). The underage student may knowingly be in the presence of alcohol (consumed or possessed) by the of age student in the shared private living unit or Greek house room provided the underage and of age students comply with items (a) through (s) of this Alcohol Policy AND provided that no one else, students or guests, aside from the underage roommate, are present in the shared private living unit or Greek house room at the time the alcohol is being consumed by the of age student. - transporting, in vehicles or otherwise, alcoholic beverages by persons under 21 years of age;
- the sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages to anyone under 21 years of age;
- the presence of containers of alcoholic beverages, empty or otherwise, in private living units or Greek house rooms occupied by residents that are all under 21 years of age.
- the sale or advertisement of sale of alcoholic beverages on campus without a license or special permit issued by the State of New Jersey Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission or unless written authorization is obtained from the Dean of Students or his/her designee;
- promotions and/or public displays referring to or promoting the use of alcoholic beverages;
- public intoxication;
- binge drinking and/or otherwise encouraging, supporting, or permitting the rapid or Excessive consumption of alcohol;
- the organization of, and/or attendance at social events or parties in residence halls or at Greek houses where alcoholic beverages are served or consumed. This includes, but is not limited to, social, ceremonial, rush, initiation, or new member events of Greek or other Student organizations or groups. Social events where alcoholic beverages are served may occur at other campus locations provided prior written authorization for the event is obtained from the Dean of Students or her/his designee;
- coercing or encouraging another to consume alcoholic beverages against their will;
- the organization of, and/or participation in, drinking games involving consumption of Alcohol;
- possessing, using, and/or transporting beer balls, kegs and/or other containers of alcohol intended for group consumption; and
- possessing and/or using devices or engaging in activities designed for group and/or excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages including, but not limited to: energy drinks containing alcohol, bars, punch bowls, beer pong, funnels, alcohol related collections (bottles, cans, shot glasses), and/or ice shot blocks.
Prohibitions for Students of Legal Drinking Age (students of 21 years of age and older).
A student who is 21 years of age or older (of age student) may consume alcoholic beverages responsibly in the Rider Pub or other licensed facility or approved event provided the student complies with items (a) through (n) above of this Alcohol Policy.
Of age students may also consume alcoholic beverages responsibly in their private living units or Greek house rooms provided they comply with items (a) through (n) above of this Alcohol Policy, along with the following conditions: - all other individuals present in the room are 21 years of age or older AND the number of individuals in the room does not pose a health or safety risk;
The only exception is when an of age student resides in the same private living unit or Greek house room with a student who is under 21 years of age (underage student). The of age student may possess or consume alcohol in the shared private living unit or Greek house room provided the underage and of age students comply with items (a) through (s) of this Alcohol Policy AND provided that no one else, students or guests, aside from the underage roommate are present in the shared private living unit or Greek house room at the time the alcohol is being consumed by the of age student. - the private living unit room or Greek house exterior room door remains closed during the periods alcohol is being consumed;
- the occupants of the room where alcohol is being consumed assume responsibility for adherence to University regulations for themselves and for their guests;
- excessive noise must not emanate from private living unit or Greek house rooms; and
- Transporting open containers of alcoholic beverages or the consumption of alcoholic beverages in hallways, foyers, basements, lounges, stairwells, bathrooms or other public areas on campus is prohibited unless written authorization is obtained from the Dean of Students or his/her designee.
Tier 1-Possession and/or Non-Abusive Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages
- First violation: Parental notification, $100 fine, mandatory alcohol education program, community restitution.
- Second violation: Parental notification, $200 fine, further mandatory alcohol education, community restitution, and a warning that a further violation will result in loss of campus Driving privileges.
- Third violation: Parental notification, $300 fine, either mandatory alcohol education or consultation, as appropriate, and one month loss of campus driving privileges. Sanctions May also include suspension from participation in social/recreational events for a specified period of time, removal from campus housing, and/or other relevant sanctions, not to include dismissal from the University.
- Fourth or more violations: Parental notification, $300 fine, mandatory alcohol consultation, And loss of campus driving privileges for three months. Sanctions may also include suspension From participation in social/recreational events for a specified period of time, removal from campus housing, dismissal from the University, and/or other relevant sanctions.
Tier 2-Abusive or High Risk Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages
- First violation: Parental notification, $200 fine, mandatory alcohol education, community restitution, and a warning that a further violation will result in loss of campus driving privileges.
- Second violation: Parental notification, $300 fine, mandatory alcohol consultation, one Month loss of driving privileges.
- Third violation: Parental notification, $300 fine, mandatory alcohol education or consultation, As appropriate, and loss of campus driving privileges for three months. Sanctions may also include suspension from participation in social/recreational events for a specified period of time, removal from campus housing, and/or other relevant sanctions.
- Fourth or more violations: Parental notification, $300 fine, mandatory alcohol consultation, And loss of campus driving privileges for one year. Sanctions may also include suspension From participation in social/recreational events for a specified period of time, removal from Campus housing, and/or other relevant sanctions up to and including dismissal from the University.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The University recognizes the right of law enforcement agencies to Enforce their regulations on the Rider campus in the same manner as they do in the commun Ity beyond the campus (i.e., to execute search and arrest warrants, etc.) Students are urged to become aware of the laws regarding the illegal use of alcohol and drugs and to consider carefully the ramifications of violating these laws. For example, the legal age for
Possession/Consumption of alcohol in New Jersey is 21 years of age. Even the most minor drug and alcohol criminal offenses typically carry a six month minimum driver’s license suspension, $500 fine and 100 hours of community service. A more complete listing of New Jersey drug and alcohol laws is available on the Rider University Web site, www.rider.edu.
Notes
- A determination of whether an alcohol related incident is Tier 1 or Tier 2 in nature rests with the appropriate hearing officer. The sanction imposed for each violation shall be based upon the existence of a prior alcohol related disciplinary record as well as the nature of the most recent alcohol related incident.
- Failure to attend mandatory alcohol education or consultation will result in an additional $200 fine in addition to completion of original sanctions imposed. In addition, students who fail to attend cannot course select, participate in room selection, or request a transcript until their attendance is completed.
- A $10 additional fee will be assessed to each student found to be responsible for an alcohol violation. The fee will cover additional costs such as postage and educational material.
- A student who disagrees with the determination of first or second violations in either the non-abusive or abusive category may appeal to the Community Standards Board. A student who disagrees with the determination of third or more violations in either category may appeal to the University Appeals Council.
- This Policy does not supplant or supersede federal, state or local laws governing alcohol possession and consumption. Strict compliance with all such laws shall be the responsibility of all Rider students. Violators of any federal, state, or local law shall be subject to fines and/or penalties by the appropriate court, board or agency with jurisdiction over the offense as well as an action taken by Rider University. For additional information on university policies go to Rider University Website.
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