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Mailing address:
Coordinator of AOD Initiatives
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-4701

Telephone: (619) 594-4133
Student Health Services, Calpulli Center, Suite 3201

Email: AOD@mail.sdsu.edu

SDSU Alcohol and Substance Policies

All on-campus consumption is regulated by California State Law, University Alcohol and Substance Policy, and supplemental individual group policies.

• Relevant California State Laws
• SDSU Administrative Policies and Procedures
• California Code of Regulations: Standards for Student Conduct
• Student Organization Handbook
• University Procedures for Social Fraternities and Sororities
• Residence Halls
• SDSU Intercollegiate Athletics Substance Abuse Policy

Relevant California State Laws

• Legal age for drinking alcohol is 21.
• Providing alcoholic beverages to anyone under 21 is prohibited ($100+ fine and loss of driver's license for 1 year).
• Those under 21 are not permitted to possess alcohol in public places, including state highways or in and around schools ($150 fine).
• It is illegal to possess false identification or use a fake I.D. to purchase (or attempt to purchase) alcohol or to enter an establishment where alcohol is being served.
• No public intoxication (at least 1 day in county jail and possible fine).
• No BAC greater than or equal to 0.01% for drivers under 21 (loss of drivers license for one year, vehicle may be impounded).
• No BAC greater than or equal to 0.08% for drivers (1 year in County Jail up to 4 years in State Prison, driver's license suspended or revoked, probation up to 5 years, fines as high as $5000, attendance in treatment program may be required).
• Causing injury or death from driving with BAC >0.08% (up to 4 years in State Prison and fines up to $5000).
• Gross vehicular manslaughter (4, 6, or 10 years in State Prison).
• It is unlawful for anyone-driver or passenger-to possess an open container of alcohol in an automobile. Possession of an open container of alcohol inside a car could lead to $1,000 in fines and six months in jail.

Underage Drinking Laws (PDF file, requires Acrobat)

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SDSU Administrative Policies and Procedures

Procedures for Sale, Serving and Consumption of Alcohol on Campus

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide basic guidelines for the sale, serving and consumption of beer and wine only on university property. Distilled liquor is permitted on university property only when served by Aztec Shops, Ltd. as part of an approved catered event. This policy applies to any cultural, social or educational event sponsored by registered student organizations, faculty, staff or administrators on San Diego State University property. Any off-campus group or organization contracting with the university for use of its facilities or auxiliary organization's facilities are also subject to these regulations.

Alcohol

The possession, dispensing, and consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus is only permitted within designated facilities (Louie's in Aztec Center and the Faculty-Staff Club) or at the special events specified below. Alcohol at an event on campus requires an Alcohol Approval Request Form with the designated University Vice President's approval and signature. Aztec Shops has the right of first refusal and must be hired and present for the serving of alcoholic beverages. Use of such beverages is governed by the University Alcoholic Beverages Policy, copies of which are available in Aztec Center Meeting Services.

Types of Beverages

Beer and/or wine may not be served at events open to the public. Distilled liquor is not permitted at any time. Attendance at events with alcohol must be limited to the organization's members and their invited guests. Events at which alcohol will be served must have a preponderance of individuals over 21 years of age in attendance.

For more information regarding alcoholic beverages on campus, click for the 2007 Student Organization Handbook.

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Authorization for the Possession, Sale or Distribution of Alcoholic Beverages

An individual or group may not possess, consume, sell or distribute beer or wine on San Diego State University property, including long or short-term leased property, without the written approval of the appropriate representative as delineated below:

No less than four weeks prior to the proposed event:

On campus individuals, groups and organizations are responsible for:

• Approval is to be obtained from the requestor's Vice President (Academic Affairs, Business Affairs, Student Affairs or University Advancement), or their designee, by submission of a completed SDSU Alcohol Approval Request form (07/03).
• A Request for Facilities Use form must be completed and submitted with the Alcohol Approval Request form.
• If the requestor represents the Associated Students, or a recognized student club or organization and alcohol is to be served in an Associated Students' managed facility, the Executive Director of Associated Students must approve the request prior to its submission to the Vice President for Student Affairs.
• The President or his/her designee may approve requests from the Office of the President.
• The Vice Presidents may waive this requirement for small, intimate recognition events when scheduling occurs less than four weeks prior to the event.

Off-campus individuals, groups and organizations are responsible for the following:

• All requests from off-campus individuals, groups or organizations are to be submitted to the Associate Vice President for Business Enterprises, no less than four (4) weeks prior to the proposed event, for initial review and consideration prior to submittal to the Vice President for Business and Financial Affairs, or his/her designee, for approval.
• The responsible Vice President shall review the request and send the approved Alcohol Approval Request form and accompanying Request for Facilities Use form to the appropriate facility scheduling office for their file or for further review by the campus offices designated on the Request for Facilities Use form. A copy shall be returned to the requestor and the Associate Vice President for Business Enterprises.
• If the request is disapproved, the responsible Vice President shall indicate the reason for disapproval on the form and return the Alcohol Approval Request form to the requestor. The Request for Facilities Use form shall be sent to the appropriate facility scheduling office for processing.

It is the requestor's responsibility to notify the appropriate scheduling office if the event is to be cancelled based upon the disapproval to serve alcohol during their event. Failure to provide such cancellation notice may result in the requestor's liability for any resulting costs to the university.

Responsibilities of Requestors

Individuals or groups sponsoring events where alcohol is served agree to the following:

1. Aztec Shops. Ltd. has right of first refusal for all catering, including the service of alcohol. If Aztec Shops, Ltd. has waived this right or is not available to serve or sell alcohol, a one-day permit must be issued in advance of the event to a licensed requestor or approved caterer by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. "Selling" alcohol includes an exchange of money, tickets, tokens, or anything else of value. If admission charges are made for a social function, alcoholic beverages may not be served as part of the admission price, unless they are part of a catered event.
2. To abide by university, state and local regulations regarding alcohol use and distribution.
3. To ensure that the sale or distribution of alcohol to individuals under 21 years of age will no be permitted.
4. To provide a non-alcoholic beverage alternative.
5. To provide food, e.g. appetizers, to all in attendance at the event.
6. To accept responsibility for any damage incurred during the activity and to provide restitution:
   • Non-university organizations provide the campus with an insurance policy endorsement providing the minimum current limits of coverage required by the campus and naming the following as additional insured for the identified event: "State of California, the Trustees of the California State University, San Diego State University, and each and every officer, agent, employee, volunteer and representative of each."
   • If the organization does not currently maintain a public liability policy, a special event policy may be obtained for the event from the Office of the Associate Vice President for Business Enterprises at 619-594-6018.
7. To maintain behavior and activities appropriate to a university setting and adhere to all policies and procedures established for each facility.
8. To provide personnel, or pay the cost for same, to clean up and restore the facility to its original condition immediately following the close of the event.
9. To provide a management plan for event over 50 people covering security issues, if the event is not in either the Cox Arena or Open Air Theatre.
10. To ensure the event is open only to the membership of the sponsoring organization and its invited guests and that the event is not a regularly scheduled or business meeting.
11. To ensure the event not be advertised to the public or the university community.
12. Vice Presidents may assume responsibility for the oversight of serving alcohol when they host an intimate external audience.

Regulation Enforcement

San Diego State University is committed to enforcing state, local and university regulations regarding the use of alcohol and other substances. The requesting individual or organization will monitor inappropriate behaviors that often arise from the misuse of alcohol and the Department of Public Safety will enforce such laws and regulations. Any behaviors that interfere with the academic process or disrupt campus activities will be subject to disciplinary sanctions by the appropriate campus personnel. Also, the sponsoring organization will be held responsible for Public Safety charges incurred as a result of having to respond to an emergency or incident relating to the activity.

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California Code of Regulations: Standards for Student Conduct

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Standards for student conduct applies to SDSU students on campus, off campus in the surrounding community, off campus at SDSU sponsored events, and online sites. The University is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy living and learning environment for students, faculty, and staff. Each member of the campus community must choose behaviors that contribute toward this end. Student behavior that is not consistent with the Student Conduct Code is addressed through an educational process that is designed to promote safety and good citizenship and, when necessary, impose appropriate consequences.

The Student Conduct Code now applies to all students when violations take place within a designated off-campus area bordered to the north by Interstate 8, west at 55th Street, south at College Place/Greek Circle, and east at East Campus Place. In addition, the scope of conduct that violates the code has expanded to include more types of risky behavior.

Students are expected to adhere to the Student Conduct Code. They are expected to be good citizens and to engage in responsible behaviors that reflect well upon their university, to be civil to one another and to others in the campus and surrounding communities, and to contribute positively to student and university life. This includes upholding all published university policies, rules, regulations, or presidential orders.

The areas of unacceptable off- and on-campus risk behaviors that violate the Student Conduct Code pertaining to drugs and alcohol include:

• Use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of illegal drugs or drug-related paraphernalia, (except as expressly permitted by law and University regulations) or the misuse of legal pharmaceutical drugs.
• Use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of alcoholic beverages (except as expressly permitted by law and University regulations), or public intoxication while on campus or at a University related activity.

Sanctions for the conduct listed above can be imposed on applicants, enrolled students, students between academic terms, graduates awaiting degrees, and students who withdraw from school while a disciplinary matter is pending.

Center for Student Rights and Responsiblities

Section VIII, Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities

• Policy violation can result in student expulsion, suspension, or probation.
• SDSU Department of Public Safety is empowered to enforce all State and Federal laws.
• No possession or consumption of distilled liquor any time.
• Possession, consumption, or sale of beer and wine only where designated and with prior approval of Vice President for Student Affairs.
• No possession, sale, distribution, or use of drugs.

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Student Organization Handbook: Alcoholic Beverages and Illegal Drugs

The possession, dispensing, and consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus is only permitted within designated facilities (Louie's in Aztec Center and the Faculty-Staff Club) or at a specified event. Alcohol at an event on campus requires an Alcohol Approval Request Form with the designated University Vice President's approval and signature. Aztec Shops has the right of first refusal and must be hired and present for the serving of alcoholic beverages. Use of such beverages is governed by the University Alcoholic Beverages Policy, copies of which are available in Aztec Center Meeting Services.

In sponsoring a function where beer and/or wine serve rd, the organization officers accept the following responsibilities and conditions:

• To observe all applicable state laws and university policies.
• To pay for any/all damages incurred during the activity.
• To clean and restore the facility to its original condition.
• To maintain decorum appropriate to the university setting.
• To limit participation in an authorized event to members of the sponsoring organization and its invited guests.
• Serving of beer or wine must be clearly incidental and supplementary to the main purpose of the function.
• To refrain from advertising to the public the availability of alcoholic beverages using alcoholic beverages as an event inducement. Events promoted to the public may not have alcohol served.
• To only finance beer or wine from a club treasury, excluding use of AS funds. Unless a sponsor is licensed, beer and wine may NOT be sold at student-sponsored events, nor may a specified amount or donation be collected.
• To also provide non-alcoholic beverages, to be served in the same manner as alcoholic beverages.
• To assure that no minor or intoxicated person is served alcoholic beverages. It is the responsibility of the organization to ensure that only those of legal drinking age consume alcoholic beverages.
• Aztec Shops personnel must be present to verify the proof of age of those being served. Self-service is prohibited.
• A server must be at least 21 years old.
• Food must be served at all events at which alcohol is available.
• Alcoholic beverages may not be removed from the room within which the serving of alcoholic beverages has been approved. The organization must provide one or more individuals to be positioned by the exits for enforcement of this condition.
• Alcoholic beverages may be served only in areas where food is normally served.
• The amount of alcoholic beverages present must be appropriate for the nature of the event, the estimated attendance, and the amount of food and non-alcoholic beverages present.
• For events on campus any alcohol must be handled through Aztec Shops Catering. Self-service is not permitted. Alcohol may not be sold for fundraising or offered as a prize in a "free drawing".
• Requests must be submitted to Student Activities and Campus Life via an Event Approval Form. Please complete a "Request for the use of Alcoholic Beverages" form.

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University Procedures for Social Fraternities and Sororities

Alcoholic Beverages On-Campus

The possession, dispensing, and consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus is only permitted within designated facilities (Louie's in Aztec Center and the Faculty-Staff Club). Within very limited exceptions, alcoholic beverages are not permitted at fraternity and sorority events held on campus.

Alcoholic Beverages at Events Off-Campus

The following policies apply to all off-campus events sponsored, organized, planned, coordinated, financed, or promoted by the organization, any activity held at an organization-related facility, or any activity that an observer would reasonably associate with the organization. For example, a social event where most of those invited are members of the same organization would normally be considered to be an organization-related event:

• Organizations are expected to be familiar with and comply with State of California laws regulating the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
• Unless held at a licensed establishment with professional bartenders, hard liquor (alcoholic beverages other than beer or wine) shall not be consumed at organization events.
• Open parties, meaning those with unrestricted access by non-members without specific invitation, where alcoholic beverages are present are forbidden. For events (except events for alumni and family members) where the number of guests is anticipated to exceed the number of members, a guest list must be submitted to Student Activities and Campus Life in advance of the event, along with the name of the member who invited each guest. Members are responsible for the behavior (including underage drinking) of guests they invite.
• In promoting events, alcoholic beverages may not be referred to in publicity, including signs, fliers, mailings, email lists, Web sites, and media announcements. Illustrations must not make reference to alcoholic beverages (i.e., no pictures of kegs, cocktail glasses, beer mugs, etc.).
• At all events where alcoholic beverages are consumed, except those held at licensed establishments where beverages are sold, provisions shall be provided for the free and conspicuous distribution of non-alcoholic beverages and food in adequate supply. An "adequate supply" of beverages is a quantity sufficient to provide at least one beverage serving per hour for all members and guests who are under the age of twenty-one.
• No organization shall permit any person who is under the age of 21 or who is obviously intoxicated to consume alcoholic beverages at organization functions. Use of wristbands and/ private security guards hired to check age identification may be required. At joint functions each organization is responsible for keeping those under the age of 21 from consuming alcoholic beverages.
• At events where the number of guests exceeds the number of members, private, licensed security guards or employees of the licensed establishment, shall be responsible for checking the identification and providing wristbands or hand-stamps to persons over the age of 21 who wish to consume alcoholic beverages. The security personnel are responsible for patrolling the event to ensure that only those persons with the designated wristband or hand-stamp are consuming alcoholic beverages.
• An organization sponsoring an event has an obligation to provide the safety of any members or guests who exhibit intoxication. This might require taking the person home or allowing the person to spend the night and ensuring that someone is present to monitor their condition until they are sober. If the person is unconscious, is breathing irregularly, has a weak pulse, or has discolored skin, immediate medical attention should be sought.
• Unless the event is held within a half-mile of the SDSU campus, whenever alcohol is being consumed at an event and busses or public transportation are not being provided, the organization shall provide designated sober drivers to transport all members and guests. The designated sober drivers shall not consume any alcohol whatsoever at the event or within six hours prior to driving.
• No organization shall at any time compel individuals to consume alcoholic beverages.
• No money whatsoever, including "donations," entertainment fees, admission charges, etc., may be collected at any function where alcoholic beverages are provided, unless held at an establishment with a license from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. (Note: Department policy prohibits the issuance of one-day beer/wine and liquor licenses for college student social functions not held at a licensed establishment. This means that, unless held at a licensed establishment, student organizations cannot hire caterers or third-party vendors to provide alcoholic beverages.)
• Organized competitions involving the consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited at all organization functions.
• Neither "grain alcohol" nor any such distilled liquor that exceeds 100 proof, or above 50% pure grade alcohol per volume (e.g., "Everclear", etc.), shall be present in any form or mixture during an organization event.
• Unless a waiver is granted by Student Activities and Campus Life, an organization may not purchase or reimburse funds or credits nor may the purchase of same be undertaken or coordinated by any member on behalf of the organization. No organization members may provide alcoholic beverages directly or indirectly to members or guests by selling tickets or cups, by collecting admission fees or donations, by special assessments (e.g., a formal dance assessment that includes drink tickets), by taking a collection ("passing the hat"), by dues rebates, by maintaining a "social fund" or account, or by using any means of collecting monies from persons attending organization functions. All alcoholic beverages consumed at organization functions held off-campus must be brought by the individual members and guests attending the function for their own personal consumption or through a cash bar operated by a licensed establishment where the function is held. Drink tickets, regardless of how they are financed, cannot be given away at chapter events held at hotels, etc. - even if the tickets can be redeemed for either alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages. Members must purchase their own drinks or drink tickets directly from the licensed establishment.
• Unless a waiver is granted by Student Activities and Campus Life, the purchase and/or use of any bulk quantity of alcoholic beverages or providing a common source of alcohol (e.g., kegs, miniature kegs, alcoholic punch, coolers filled with canned beer, open bars, etc.) is expressly prohibited. (A keg shell present on organization premises shall be considered evidence of a violation of this policy.) Organizations that attend a jointly-sponsored event where a common source of alcohol is present shall have ten minutes to either have the source removed or have all members leave the function; otherwise, all participating organizations become jointly responsible for the presence of the common source of alcohol.
• At "BYOB" functions, individuals 21 years of age or older may bring not more than a six-pack of 12 ounce beers (two individuals arriving together may bring a twelve-pack or a four pack of 12 ounce wine coolers).
• Unless a waiver is granted by Student Activities and Campus Life, no alcoholic beverages shall be present at any organization recruitment function, regardless of location. A recruitment function is defined as any activity where the primary purpose is membership recruitment.
• Student organizations may not sponsor or co-sponsor events out of the United States where alcoholic beverages are consumed.
• No alcoholic beverages shall be present at any pledge/associate/new member program or activity of social fraternities and sororities, including, but not limited to, initiation or pre-initiation activities, pledge or associate member retreats, pledge/new member exchanges, new member interviews, and big brother/sister revealing. This includes bringing alcoholic beverages as gifts.
• The possession, sale and/or use of any illegal drug controlled substance at an organization-related event or at an organization-related facility is prohibited. If organization officers become aware of such activity, it is their responsibility to immediately terminate the activity and initiate disciplinary action against the responsible members. If the organization officers fail to take such action, the organization assumes responsibility for the activity.
• Whenever a social event is taking place at organization-related facilities (such as Fraternity Row and fraternity and sorority chapter houses), all alcohol consumption is prohibited in bedrooms and apartments. In organization-related facilities, bottles of hard alcohol are only permitted in the rooms of the residents who are over the age of 21. During times when a social event is not in progress, only active members and alumni over the age of 21 (i.e., no minors or guests) shall be allowed to consume hard alcohol in the common areas of organization-related facilities.

Other Policies Applicable to Fraternities and Sororities:

Alcohol at Greek Philanthropies and "Walkarounds" - Alcoholic beverages cannot be present at any Greek philanthropy event, unless the event is a licensed establishment and has been approved by Fraternity and Sorority Life. Alcohol is not permitted at "walkarounds" (an activity where groups of fraternity or sorority members travel to chapter meetings to make announcements or presentations).

Student Activities and Campus Life

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Residence Halls

"Your Guide to Successful Residence Hall Community Living"

- All residents have the right to an alcohol and drug free living environment.

- In addition to university and/or legal penalties, dorm penalties include (a) ineligibility for on-campus housing for the following year and (b) possible immediate eviction.

Alcoholic Beverages

No resident or guest may possess or consume alcohol in the residence halls.

• The possession of empty alcohol containers, including shot glasses, may be considered evidence of consumption of alcohol previously contained therein.
• No person may be in the presence of alcoholic beverages.
• Gross consumption of alcohol and the results of such consumption (such as disruptive or destructive behavior, vomiting or urinating on floors and hallways, incidents or conditions necessitating extra care by staff and other such acts) are prohibited.
• Residents of guests of any age may not possess alcohol or drug consuming devices/paraphernalia.

In addition to these policies, residents are expected to abide by the University alcohol policy, which to all campus living environments.

Illegal Drugs

• No drugs, narcotics, controlled substances or drug paraphernalia, including bongs, pipes, and the like, may be possessed, used, sold nor distributed at the University or in the residence halls.
• No person may be in the presence of drugs, narcotics, controlled substances or drug paraphernalia, including bongs, pipes, and the like, at the University or in the residence halls.

Passive Involvement

Residents are responsible for choices they make. In the presence of a policy violation, residents may attempt to stop the violation, contact residential staff and/or immediately remove themselves from the situation and the vicinity of the violation. If a resident chooses to remain at the scene of a policy violation, he/she will be included on the Incident Report and may also be held accountable for a policy violation.

Smoking

• Smoking is prohibited in all University buildings, including residence halls, student rooms, lounges, recreation rooms, public areas, hallways, stairwells, balconies, walkways and pool areas.
• Hookahs and water pipes are also prohibited in the residence halls.
• Smoking is prohibited in outdoor areas including courtyards and community centers (pool areas, Tula, Cholula, and Cuicacalli Seminar rooms).
• Smoking is prohibited within 20 feet of entranceways, windows and ground level air intake structures.
• Licensee accepts responsibility for informing visitors or guests of the University's no-smoking policy

Click to read information on Housing Policies & Regulations 2008-09

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SDSU Intercollegiate Athletics Substance Abuse Policy

All student-athletes must sign a letter of consent acknowledging the SDSU ICA Substance Abuse Education and Testing Program policy and procedures.

• Includes consent to drug testing.

A student-athlete (SA) is held accountable and subject to university, athletic department, or team disciplinary action whether or not there are legal implications.

If there are no legal consequences, the head coach and athletic administrator will determine if counseling intervention and/or suspension from practice/competition are warranted.

• First offense of an alcohol-related incident involves suspension from practice and competition until (a) a mandatory intervention is completed, (b) an alcohol specialist provides written release to rejoin the team.
• Subsequent offenses result in termination from the SDSU athletic program and possible University penalties.

No alcohol may be purchased or consumed by a student-athlete, student trainer, or student manager while "on the road".

• SA's athletic participation revoked immediately.
• SA either stays with the team (out of uniform) or is sent back to campus.
• Further discipline upon return to campus.

Students who are alleged to have violated these policies are referred to the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities for judicial review according to procedures established by The California State University (Chancellor’s Executive Order 970).

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Updated 12.15.08 EV