Alcohol Policy
General Statement
The university is concerned about ways in which alcohol use and abuse may affect the primary academic mission of the institution, its overall atmosphere and the personal well-being of university community members. Most events and activities supported and hosted at the University of Alaska are alcohol free. However, there are a limited number of locations, events, and activities where alcohol may be appropriately served in modest quantities within a controlled environment.
The primary objectives of the University’s policies and procedures on alcoholic beverages are:
- to promote public safety on campuses and at University-sponsored events;
- to promote responsible behavior and attitudes among all members of the University community;
- to encourage educated decision making by University employees regarding the service and use of alcohol; and
- to maintain a healthy atmosphere on campus.
Regents' Policy & University Regulation
(Note: This Handbook is not the official publication of Regents' Policy & University Regulation. Policies and regulations may be updated from time to time. To see the current versions, please visit the Board of Regents website.)
Chapter 09.02 - Student Rights and Responsibilities [Excerpts]
P09.02.020. Student Code of Conduct.
A. [...]
B. The university may initiate disciplinary action and impose sanctions on any student or student organization found responsible for committing, attempting to commit, or intentionally assisting in the commission of any of the following prohibited forms of conduct:
[...]
8. endangerment, assault, or infliction of physical harm;
[...]
11. misuse of alcohol.
R09.02.020. Student Code of Conduct.
Disciplinary action may be initiated by the university and disciplinary sanctions imposed against any student or student organization found responsible for committing, attempting to commit, or intentionally assisting in the commission of any of the following categories of conduct prohibited by the Code.
The examples provided in this section constituting forms of conduct prohibited by the Code are not intended to define prohibited conduct in exhaustive terms, but rather to set forth examples to serve as guidelines for acceptable and unacceptable behavior.
[...]
8. Endangerment, Assault, or Infliction of Physical Harm
Endangerment, assault, or infliction of physical harm is defined as conduct which threatens the health and safety of another person, or conduct which threatens or causes physical harm to another person, or threatening or causing physical harm to another person.
[...]
14. Misuse of Alcohol
Examples include, but are not limited to:
a. use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of alcoholic beverages in violation of local, state or federal law, Regents’ Policy, University Regulation, or MAU rules and procedures.; or
b. Engaging in any other category of prohibited conduct while under the influence of alcohol may constitute a violation of this category.
R09.02.040. University Student Conduct Procedures.
[...]
E. Amnesty
[...]
4. If students bring their own use of, addiction to, or dependency on alcohol or drugs to the attention of university officials outside of student conduct procedures, the conduct is unrelated to other prohibited conduct and the student seeks assistance, the university will grant amnesty to students for the drug and alcohol violations reported. The university may require students to comply with written action plans to track follow-through with students’ requests for such assistance. Failure to follow the action plan will nullify the amnesty provision and the university may initiate student conduct proceedings.
Chapter 09.04 - Education Records [Excerpt]
R09.04.060. Disclosure of Personally Identifiable Information.
The University of Alaska may disclose personally identifiable information from an education record without the signed consent from the student if the disclosure meets one or more of the following conditions or other provisions of FERPA.
[...]
N. The disclosure is to a parent of a student regarding the student’s violation of any federal, state, or local law, or of any rule or policy of the university, governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance if the university determines that the student has committed a disciplinary violation with respect to that use of possession and the student is under the age of 21 at the time of the disclosure to the parent.
Chapter 05.12 - Capital Planning and Facilities Management [Excerpt]
P05.12.103. Alcoholic Beverages on Campus.
Persons who have reached the statutory drinking age are permitted to possess and consume alcoholic beverages on university campuses as provided by applicable university regulation, campus procedures, and all applicable laws and regulations.
UAF Policy
(Note: This Handbook is not the official publication of UAF policies. Policies may be updated from time to time. To see the current versions, please visit the Office of the Chancellor's website.)
UAF Policy 02.09.030 - Alcohol and Intoxicants-Field Policy
POLICY STATEMENT
Except as provided herein, no alcohol, marijuana or other intoxicants may be present or consumed during or at the site of UAF-related field activities, including both course or research activities that occur beyond UAF campuses.
The Alcohol and Intoxicants - Field Policy (Policy) statement sets the minimum UAF requirements for restrictions on the possession and use of alcohol in the field. Principal Investigators (Pls), supervisors, deans, directors, vice provosts, and vice chancellors may set more restrictive policies for specific activities.
BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
UAF faculty, staff, and students participating in field activities represent the university both during and after working hours and should act responsibly. UAF is committed to the health, safety and well-being of all students, university employees, volunteers and community partners. Alcohol consumption can lead to impaired coordination and judgment and can reduce individuals' ability to avoid and defend against a variety of hazards at field locations. In field settings, emergency response to health and safety issues may not be immediately available and field activity participants must be able to respond as needed to address emergent situations.
Participants are expected to behave responsibly, maintaining the ability to respond appropriately to emergent situations irrespective of whether a field course or research activity is under UAF administrative control. This expectation further applies irrespective of whether the field activity has Chancellor (or designee) approval for limited alcohol possession and consumption as an exception to this Policy. Impairment as a result of the ingestion of drugs or alcohol is not permitted during any university-related activities.
DEFINITIONS
Administrative control of UAF - Field sites are under the administrative control of UAF if the site is owned by UAF, the site is operated by UAF under contract (e.g., Toolik Field Station); the site is operated under a partnership agreement between UAF and another party (e.g., with NOAA in the case of Kasitsna Bay Laboratory); or the field site where leadership at a field site includes UAF employees or students.
Alcohol - Any potable liquid, edible gel, or edible solid that contains one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume.
Engaged in a UAF-led activity - Refers to participants who are not UAF faculty, staff, students, or volunteers, but who are working under the direction of UAF personnel. For example, graduate students or post-docs from other institutions might join a field research activity for experience, to learn specific skills, etc.
Damp Community - A community that allows limited amounts of alcoholic beverages.
Impairment - For purposes of this Policy, impairment is defined as the inability to act with the caution or skill that one would normally display if not affected by an intoxicant. A person exhibiting signs of impairment will be presumed to be impaired. Signs of impairment may include: sluggish performance, slurred speech, lack of fine or gross motor coordination, poor judgment, mental confusion, inappropriate affect or conduct, or any other observable condition that indicates inability to act with the caution of a prudent person as a result of ingestion of drugs or alcohol.
Intoxicant - Substance that produces a condition of diminished mental and physical ability, hyper excitability, or stupefaction when present in a human body in sufficient concentration.
Motor Vehicle - Any means of transportation that is propelled by a motor, including automobiles, trucks, aircraft, motorcycles, motor boats, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and snow machines. University Regulation 05.02.060 - Travel and Relocation, requires that non-conventional modes of transportation need to be approved by the UAF Risk Manager prior to use. Non-conventional modes of transportation are defined as a boat, snow machine, ATV, private aircraft, and other modes not listed (i.e. dog mushing, ice road travel).
Participant [in field activity] - all individuals engaged in an activity administered by UAF at the field site. This includes all UAF faculty, staff, and students; UAF volunteers; and faculty, staff, and students from other institutions who are engaged in a UAF-led activity. Participants also include anyone who is using a UAF-owned or administered facility, such as Toolik Field Station, HAARP, or Poker Flat Research Range. Participants do not include individuals who are not engaged in a UAF-led activity and who are not using a UAF-owned or UAF-administered facility, including researchers from other institutions who may be part of a larger grant-funded activity, such as a Long Term Ecological Research (LT) project, but whose funding is not administered by UAF. For activities carried out on private land, participants do not include land owners, their tenants, or their authorized guests, if they are not engaged in the UAF activity.
PL - Principal Investigator of a research grant or contract.
Substantially developed community - A community with amenities including daily scheduled air service and a medical clinic or hospital.
Wet Community - A community that allows the sale and possession of alcoholic beverages.
REFERENCES RELIED UPON
The following are Alaska Statutes and references that were used in the development of this Policy.
· Alaska Statute Title 04. Alcoholic Beverages
· AS 11.61.210 Misconduct involving Weapons in The Fourth Degree.
· AS 28.35.030. Operating A Vehicle, Aircraft Or Watercraft While Under The Influence Of An Alcoholic Beverage, Inhalant, Or Controlled Substance
· UAF Research Field Safety: https://www.uaf.edu/research/researcher-support/field-safety-training.php
The following are legal requirements and other university policies that are relevant to this Policy. This list is not all-inclusive.
a. A person under the age of 21 years may not knowingly consume, possess, or control alcoholic beverages (Alaska Statute 04.16.050).
b. A person may not furnish or deliver an alcoholic beverage to a person under the age of 21 years (Alaska Statute 04.16.051).
c. A person may not drive a motor vehicle on a highway or vehicular way or area, when there is an open bottle, can, or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage in the passenger compartment of the vehicle (Alaska Statute 28.35.029).
d. A person commits the crime of driving while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, inhalant, or controlled substance if the person operates or drives a motor vehicle or operates an aircraft or a watercraft while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, intoxicating liquor, inhalant, or any controlled substance, singly or in combination (Alaska Statute 28.35.030).
e. A person commits the crime of misconduct involving weapons in the fourth degree if the person possesses on the person, or in the interior of a vehicle in which the person is present, a firearm when the person's physical or mental condition is impaired as a result of the introduction of an intoxicating liquor or a controlled substance into the person's body in circumstances other than described in Alaska Statute 11.61.200(a)(7).
f. "... alcoholic beverage" means a spirituous, vinous, malt, or other fermented or distilled liquid, whatever the origin, that is intended for human consumption as a beverage and that contains one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume, whether produced commercially or privately...” (Alaska Statute 04.21.080(b)).
g. Marijuana remains a controlled substance under federal law, and Regents' Policy and University Regulation prohibit possession and use on university property, in university workplaces, and at university sponsored or authorized activities and events. https://www.alaska.edu/files/counsel/2015.02.24-Measure-2---impact-onUA-final.pdf
RESPONSIBILITIES
Chancellor
Roles: Establishes and communicates the Policy and is advised of any Policy violation.
Responsibilities: Is ultimately responsible for incidents on campus.
Dean
Roles: Enforce the Policy.
Responsibilities:
· Review and approve department requests for exception to the Policy prior to submittal of the exception request to the Chancellor or designee.
· Manage and address, if necessary, reported violations of the Policy.
Field activity participant supervisor
Roles: The field activity participant supervisor has supervisory authority over one or more individuals participating in the field activity, but is not necessarily the field activity supervisor. For example, the field activity participant supervisor is usually a dean or director in the case of faculty.
Responsibilities: The Field Activity Participant Supervisor is responsible for:
· Complying with the Policy.
· Disseminating the Policy to all individuals that they supervise who engage in field activities.
· Taking supervisory or disciplinary action, as appropriate, in response to violations of the Policy.
Field activity supervisor
Roles: The field activity supervisor is the project leader, who is responsible for planning, implementation, and reporting (if applicable) for the field activity. For funded projects, this is normally the Pl or lead Pl for the activity (if there are several Pl’s).
Responsibilities: The field activity supervisor is responsible for:
· Complying with the Policy.
· Providing field site leadership or designating another individual to provide field site leadership.
· Communicating the Policy to all participants in the field activity.
· Taking administrative, supervisory, or disciplinary action, as appropriate, in response to violations of the Policy.
· Reporting violations of the Policy to the supervisor of that participant (employees) or the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities (students).
Field site leadership
Roles: Field site leadership leads implementation of the field activity, under the direction of the field activity supervisor (if not the field activity supervisor).
Responsibilities: The field site leadership is responsible for:
· Informing field site participants of their position.
· Complying with the Policy and any field site, unit, or project specific alcohol policies.
· Identifying themselves as Field Site Leadership to all participants.
· Ensuring that all participants have read and affirmed their understanding of the Policy prior to embarking on the planned field activity.
· Exercising due diligence to avoid transporting alcohol and intoxicants to field sites, unless an exception to the Policy has been approved by the Chancellor or designee, including exceptions specified in this Policy.
· Suspending field activities when alcohol, marijuana or other intoxicants are present in violation of the Policy and taking the following steps:
o Confiscate and dispose of alcohol, marijuana or other intoxicants. If illegal substance(s) are known to be present or are suspected, notify law enforcement and ask for instructions concerning the substance(s).
o If particular violators are identified, arrange for their removal from the field site to a location where they can obtain commercial transportation.
o Depending on the severity of the violation and other appropriate considerations, the field activity supervisor or field activity participant supervisor may direct one or more of the following actions, or any other actions that they deem necessary, to ensure participant safety:
§ Allow the field activity to proceed.
§ Allow time-critical field activities conducted by non-impaired participants to continue.
§ Terminate the field activity for the current activity period.
§ Return the violator(s) to Fairbanks or their home base at their expense.
§ Require non-violating field activity participants to return to Fairbanks or their home base at University expense.
· Report non-compliance to the cognizant dean or director, field activity supervisor, and field site participant supervisors. Failure to do so is grounds for discipline.
· Reporting to other authorities as appropriate. For example, if a violation of the law such as DUI has occurred, Alaska State Troopers or local police must be notified.
If a field site is located on private property, field site leadership is not responsible for the conduct of the property owners or their authorized non-UAF tenants or guests.
Participants
Roles: Participants carry out the project work at the field site.
Responsibilities:
· Reading and affirming their understanding of this Policy and any field site, UAF unit, or project specific policies prior to embarking on the planned field activity.
· Complying with the Policy and any field site-specific alcohol policy.
· Reporting non-compliance with this Policy to field site leadership and/or to the cognizant dean or director.
NON-COMPLIANCE
Failure to comply with this Policy is grounds for immediate removal from field events at the participant's expense, and for disciplinary action by the university. Any disciplinary action taken against employees by the university will follow the employment rules governing the individual's employment category. Participants who are not UAF employees or students are not subject to discipline, but may be excluded from UAF facilities or field sites. As applicable, further action may include, but is not limited to, notification to regulatory or law enforcement agencies. Non-compliance with law may lead to arrest and fines by law enforcement agencies.
All participants of the field activity who suspect or recognize a direct violation of this Policy have the right and responsibility to report non-compliance with the Policy to:
· The field activity participant supervisor;
· The field activity supervisor; or
· The field site leadership.
If personnel reporting a non-compliance concern do not feel comfortable reporting to the above parties, they have the right to report to their direct supervisor, dean or director, UAF Human Resources, or their Vice Chancellor or Associate Vice Chancellor.
EXCEPTIONS
A. No exception will be granted if Minors are at the field site.
B. No exception will be granted if the field activity is a for-credit undergraduate course, an undergraduate student activity (such as Nanook Adventures), a for-credit cross-listed graduate-undergraduate class or a non-credit workforce training program.
C. Alcohol may be present and consumed after working hours in compliance with applicable law and the policy of the entity with administrative control of the venue:
1. At field activities or other events that occur at another institution's facilities or field sites not under the administrative control of UAF, if permitted by the organization that has administrative control of the facility or field site.
2. At UAF-related off campus sporting events, meetings, conferences, or sponsored dinners.
3. In private homes or rented accommodations, including hotels, motels, and Bed & Breakfast establishments, in substantially developed, wet or damp communities (see definitions).
4. At licensed alcohol-serving establishments, provided that no alcohol may be consumed by any individual who will operate a motor vehicle, watercraft or aircraft providing transportation away from the establishment.
D. Prescribed medication taken as directed by a licensed medical professional is exempted.
E. Toolik Field Station is exempted from the alcohol portions of this Policy, contingent on compliance by researchers and support staff with its existing alcohol policy. Toolik Field Station personnel must comply with the Policy regarding marijuana and other intoxicants.
F. Sikuliaq personnel, including the science party, must comply with UNOLS policies concerning alcohol (https://www.sikuliaq.alaska.edu/ops/?q=node/95), which ban the consumption of alcoholic beverages on board with very limited exceptions when the vessel is in port. Sikuliaq is exempted from the specific provisions of the UAF Policy, since the UNOLS policy is largely congruent with the UAF Policy.
G. The Summer Sessions Educational Travel Program is exempted from the alcohol presence and consumption portions of the Policy, but must comply with the impairment provisions and with provisions regarding marijuana and other intoxicants.
H. Approval for any other exception to the Policy must be approved in advance by the Chancellor or designee. Applications must address the following criteria for exceptions, and will be approved at the sole discretion of the Chancellor or designee:
1. The field site has a formal alcohol policy, applying to all including non-UAF personnel, that includes zero tolerance with the consequence of immediate exclusion for alcohol impairment. The policy must also include the presence of a designated non-drinker of alcohol at all times during the field activity.
2. The field site is in a substantially developed community (see definition).
3. The field site participants shall comply with any restrictions of an entity having administrative authority over the field site or its access points. For example, alcohol shall not be transported through a dry community.
4. Each participant will have access to a communication device. The communication device will be centrally located and accessible to any member of the field activity. Communication-text, voice, video, or photos transmitted on this device are the property of the University and not confidential. All field personnel will be trained in its use and operation. Cell phones are an acceptable alternative only if it will be verified that all participants have a phone that has service at the field site.
PROCEDURES
A. Field site supervisors may apply for exceptions to the Policy. Exceptions must be approved by the PI (if applicable and different from the field site supervisor); the dean or director supervising the Pl and field site supervisor (both, if different) and the Chancellor or designee. Exceptions are valid for one year and may be renewed at the discretion of the Chancellor or designee. If the exception is not approved, even if there is a pending application, all aspects of the Policy apply.
B. The Chancellor or designee may revoke exceptions at any time for any reason. Exceptions will be revoked if there is evidence that other provisions of the Policy, such as the rule against impairment, are being violated by personnel at the field site.
C. All participants and the field site leadership must read and affirm their understanding of the Policy and any applicable field site, unit, or project policies. The affirmation of understanding of the Policy must be renewed every three years for UAF faculty, staff, and graduate students, and annually for UAF undergraduate students and for non-UAF participants. The Policy requirements must be included in the safety brief provided to all participants before leaving for the field.
UAF Policy 05.12.001 - Alcoholic Beverage Policy
POLICY STATEMENT
Serving alcoholic beverages at events on campus, or at UAF events located off campus, requires compliance with state laws. All persons who consume alcoholic beverages must do so in a legal and responsible manner.
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION
The sale and dispensing of alcoholic beverages are regulated by the State of Alaska Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office (AMCO). A UAF Alcohol Beverage Application must be approved by the contracts manager for dining services and contract operations (DSCO) (as the Chancellor’s designee) any time alcohol is available at UAF-supported events on or off campus. In addition, an AMCO Permit is required when alcohol is served at a location not licensed to serve alcohol.
DEFINITIONS
UAF Event: An event that is sponsored or supported by UAF that occurs on or off campus.
Approving Authority: The Chancellor or designee is responsible for approving applications to serve alcoholic beverages at UAF-supported events. Additional approval by the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs is necessary if students will be attending.
Authorized Representative of the University: The individual designated to have responsibility for the event and ensuring adherence to procedures and regulations, usually the event planner. Authorized Representatives must be in attendance for the entirety of the event and abstain from alcohol service.
AMCO Permit: Permit issued by the state of Alaska to sell or dispense alcoholic beverages at events held in locations other than licensed premises. The permit is located online: https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/amco/PermitApplicationForms.aspx
UAF Alcoholic Beverage Application: Required for any UAF-sponsored event held outside of the UAF Pub that may have alcohol available, regardless of location on or off campus. The application is located online: https://uaf.edu/dining/files/Alcohol%20Beverage%20Application-%20REV%208-2022.pdf
REFERENCES RELIED UPON
Laws of the State of Alaska and regulations of the Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office: AS 04.11.230; 13 AAC 304.620, Board of Regents Policy P05.12.093, and https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/amco/AlcoholStatutesRegulations.aspx.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Chancellor: Responsible for approving UAF alcoholic beverage applications for events on campus and UAF-supported events off campus.
Contract Manager for Dining Services and Contract Operations: The Chancellor has designated the Contract Manager for Dining Services and Contract Operations to approve UAF alcoholic beverage applications. This individual will coordinate university approval with the UAF Police Department and other departments as needed.
Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs: Additional approval is needed by the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs if students are attending a UAF event where alcohol will be served.
Event Planner: Responsible for the event and completing the mandatory UAF Alcoholic Beverage Application when the event is held outside the UAF Pub. Work with Alcohol Service Provider in obtaining the AMCO Permit and adhering to the procedures and regulations.
Alcohol Service Provider: A caterer, vendor, or nonprofit organization that obtains an AMCO Permit to serve alcohol at approved university events.
State of Alaska Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office: Responsible for approving/disapproving alcohol permits.
NON-COMPLIANCE
Noncompliance can lead to arrest and fines. The UAF Police Department can terminate an event if the AMCO Permit is not displayed, if alcohol is served by anyone that does not have an approved alcohol server education card, or if alcohol is served to anyone under the age of 21. The university can take additional actions as deemed necessary. Sponsoring departments, organizations, and individuals should be cognizant of vicarious liability suits and the consequences to the organization should a vicarious liability suit be filed against the university when a person, regardless of age, attending an event and consuming alcoholic beverages is involved in an accident resulting in personal injury and/or death.
EXCEPTIONS
None
PROCEDURES
- The UAF Alcoholic Beverage Application must be approved by the university approving authorities prior to submission of the AMCO Permit request to the State of Alaska. The UAF Alcoholic Beverage Application must be submitted by the Event Planner at least 28 calendar days prior to the event. The Contracts Manager for DSCO will facilitate processing the request, including additional approval from the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, as needed.
- The licensed vendor or qualified organization providing the alcohol service is responsible for obtaining the AMCO Permit and properly displaying it at the event.
- Events on campus and UAF events located off campus must comply with all State of Alaska Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office laws and regulations.
- Serving of alcohol at events on campus or at UAF events located off campus requires approval of the Chancellor or designee prior to the event.
- Alcohol served at events on campus or at UAF events located off campus must be limited to beer or wine
- Alcoholic beverages must be served in a controlled environment and may not be removed from the room(s) or area(s) specified.
- Alcoholic beverages must be served by a licensed vendor or other state-approved individuals as AMCO permits allow. Individuals serving alcoholic beverages must have a current AMCO-approved alcohol server training certification.
- The event must be a private function (not open to the public) unless specifically approved by the Contract Manager for DSCO.
- If the Event Planner intends to charge attendees for alcoholic beverages, they must provide specific information as to the format, e.g., cash bar, ticket price. UAF admission charges for events may not include the cost of alcoholic beverages that will be served unless specifically approved by the Contract Manager for DSCO.
- Food and nonalcoholic beverages must be provided and prominently displayed at any event at which alcohol is served. Contests involving the consumption of alcohol are not allowed. Fundraising events involving alcohol, e.g., wine tastings, are required to comply with State of Alaska laws and regulations.
- Warning signs are required to be displayed at all events where alcohol is served as described in Alaska statutes (Title 4 Alcoholic Beverages, section 04.21.065). It is the responsibility of the Alcohol Service Provider to ensure signage is properly displayed.
- All invitations to UAF events at which alcohol is to be served will include the following statement: “Attendees must be twenty-one (21) years old or older unless accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or adult spouse.” At the option of the Event Planner, such events may be restricted to individuals at least age 21 (no minors under the age of 21).
- An authorized representative of the university must be present for the duration of the event to ensure that all obligations specified in the application and permit are fulfilled.
- In cases in which an individual becomes intoxicated, the Authorized Representative or designee will immediately alert the UAF Police Department to take appropriate action.
- Alcohol shall not be served at university functions or events designated for students unless approved by the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (in addition to other required approvals).
- The Pub in Wood Center will operate within its rules, policies, and license.
Residence Life Community Standards
The UAF Department of Residence Life has established community standards and policies for students living in on-campus housing which can be found in the Residence Life Handbook).
