Alcohol The legal age to purchase, possess and / or consume alcoholic beverages in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is 21 years. Gwynedd Mercy University supports all local, state and federal laws relating to the use of alcoholic beverages and strictly enforces these laws both on and off campus. The University seeks to develop good habits and responsible behavior around alcohol use while allowing for moderate and appropriate drinking within the guidelines provided herein. The following policies will be adhered to regarding the use of alcohol on campus:
Individuals Under the Legal Age of 21 Years:
• May not possess, consume, transport or be in the presence of alcohol;
• May not allow people who are of legal drinking age to consume alcohol in their room, suite or apartment;
• May not possess paraphernalia associated with the rapid ingestion of alcohol and / or drinking games, e. g., funnels and beer pong tables;
• May not possess or display alcohol signs or empty alcoholic beverage containers.
Individuals 21 Years and Older:
• May possess moderate amounts of alcohol for personal consumption inside their personal room or within a suite or apartment where all occupants are of legal drinking age; o Moderate amounts of alcohol are defined as one six-pack of beer or wine coolers( i. e., Seagrams, Mike’ s Hard Lemonade, Hard Cider), one 375 ml bottle of hard liquor or one 750 ml bottle of wine; o Students may not possess or consume liquor in excess of 100 proof, grain alcohol, or possess / consume caffeinated alcoholic energy drinks( including but not limited to: Four Loko, Sparks, Joose, Spylles, 24 / 7, or Torke);
• May not possess paraphernalia associated with the rapid ingestion of alcohol and or drinking games, e. g., including but not limited to funnels and beer pong tables;
• May not possess kegs of any size, or similar bulk or common source containers used for mass consumption of alcohol
• May not possess or consume alcoholic beverages in public areas including but not limited to hallways, lounges, stairwells, classrooms, restrooms or anywhere on university grounds including parking lots unless within the confines of a university sponsored event that has been approved by the Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students;
• May not provide alcoholic beverages to any person less than 21 years of age;
• Must dispose of empty alcohol containers in a responsible manner.
• An individual student’ s privilege to possess alcohol may be terminated or suspended at any time based upon violation of these policies, violation of law, misuse of alcohol, or other failure to prove responsible use. The University reserves the right to determine the responsible use of alcohol in all circumstances.
Not Permitted Regardless of Age
• Public intoxication as indicated by appearance or behavior such as slurred speech, unstable walk, unconsciousness, alcohol on breath, vomiting, disorderliness or offensive behavior resulting from alcohol use;
• Off-campus guests and commuters are not permitted to bring alcohol onto campus regardless of age.
• Alcohol use in university-owned or contracted vehicles;
• Possession or consuming of alcoholic beverages in public areas including but not limited to hallways, lounges, stairwells, classrooms, restrooms or anywhere on university grounds including parking lots is prohibited unless within the confines of a university sponsored event that has been approved by the Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students.( Note that any door of a room containing alcohol that is left open is considered a public space.)
Residence Hall Policies
Residents and guests acknowledge that they are part of a living and learning community and are therefore subject to all University and Residence Life policies. For the purpose of this policy, a guest is defined as anyone who does not reside within the legally aged student’ s personal room. Consistent with safe hosting practices, the University has the expectation that students hosting others of legal drinking age will make non-alcoholic beverages and food items available to guests. Students who are of legal age and who wish to possess and consume alcoholic beverages within their room are required to meet the following conditions:
• Completion of a one-time educational program on safe and legal possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages;
• Compliance with all policies listed for individuals 21 and older;
• The total amount of alcohol in a student’ s room, suite or apartment may not exceed the total amount permitted for each resident aged 21 or older. All alcohol must be stored in an enclosed area.
• The presence of alcohol within common areas of rooms, suites or apartments is prohibited unless all occupants are of legal drinking age. Common areas are defined as any space within a room, suite or apartment that is shared for occupants and guests who may not be of legal drinking age;
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