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2022-2023 Catalog and Student Handbook

Alcohol and Controlled Substance Policies

Alcohol Policy

The Alcohol Policy of Marietta College is in compliance with the laws of the State of Ohio, Washington County, and the City of Marietta. Students or groups who fail to comply with this policy will be subject to disciplinary action.

The Alcohol Policy of Marietta College is also based upon the recognition that:

  • The majority of Marietta College students cannot legally consume alcohol;
  • Alcohol abuse on college campuses across the nation (including Marietta College) can be problematic.

Given these facts, the College acknowledges the desire of those students who are of legal age to consume alcohol. In addition, the College must ensure that the social life of the campus does not revolve around an activity in which the majority of students cannot participate.

Philosophy Supporting the Policy

Marietta College is primarily a residential college, which results in a dynamic, living community. This experience allows for a sense of community to be built among the students, faculty and administration, and it helps to strengthen both the ties and the sense of belonging to the institution. As a result, students have a responsibility to develop and to understand how their actions affect the lives and experiences of those other members of the community. Responsible and legal alcohol use is a part of responsibility.

The College also considers the decision of whether to consume alcohol to be a value judgment on the part of each individual of legal age. If alcoholic beverages are consumed, the consumption must take place in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio, Washington County, and the City of Marietta, as well as the policy of Marietta College. The campus alcohol policy proceeds from the premise that all campus policy must support the Marietta College Mission Statement, and the Student Code of Conduct. As an educational institution, Marietta College is committed to fostering the intellectual and personal development of its members. The abuse of alcohol or other substance and behaviors associated with such abuse is incompatible to the mission and purposes of the institution and is therefore prohibited.

Each member of the Marietta College community is responsible for supporting the alcohol policy. The College also reserves the right to respond to inappropriate alcohol-related behavior by an individual or organization on-or-off campus through the campus disciplinary structure. Enforcement on-campus is the responsibility of the staff of the Office of Student Life, Office of the Dean of Students, other faculty and staff, student groups, and individual students. This policy applies to all situations on campus where students and alcohol are present.

Marietta College’s Official Position on Substance Abuse

Marietta College takes the official position that a student who seeks counseling or treatment for an alcohol problem will not be subject to any disciplinary action because of said counseling or treatment. Further, no record of such treatment or counseling will be made or used in any way to place the student in jeopardy at a future time.

The College recognizes alcoholism as a disease that can be treated. For the purpose of this policy, alcoholism is defined as a disease. A student is considered to have an alcohol abuse problem when use of such interferes with the student’s behavior, academic performance and/or personal health. Alcohol abuse is defined as the student’s consumption of alcohol to an extent where such consumption creates problem for the student or others.

Marietta College assures that any student having a problem with alcohol abuse will receive the same careful consideration and offer of treatment that is extended to students with any other illnesses.

General Policies for Alcohol

  1. An individual must be of legal age (21 years of age or older) to consume or possess alcohol on campus.
  2. An underage (under 21 years of age) individual is not permitted to be in the presence of alcohol except under the following circumstances:
    • Verification is received from College Police or an Assistant Director that the underage person is not under the influence (or consuming) of alcohol.
    • The underage individual is within the confines of their living space (room or apartment) where one resident of the living space is of legal age (21 years of age of older).
  3. Under no circumstance is an individual of legal age permitted to purchase and/or provide alcohol beverages to an underage individual.
  4. Under no circumstance is an individual, regardless of their age, permitted to provide a location for individuals underage (under 21 years of age) to consume alcohol.
  5. Alcohol consumption to the point of severe intoxication is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. When severe intoxication is an accompaniment to other Student Code of Conduct violations, under no circumstance may it be regarded as a mitigating factor and may result in additional disciplinary sanctions.
  6. Inducing or forcing another individual to consume alcohol (including, but not limited to hazing incidents) is prohibited.
  7. Wine and malt beverages are the only alcohol beverages permitted for possession and/ or consumption by an individual of legal age on the Marietta College campus. No liquor or any other intoxicating liquid is permitted on campus.
  8. An individual of legal age is allowed to possess a maximum of twelve (12)-12 ounce containers of malt beverages (beer, ale, “coolers,” “hard lemonade,” etc.) that contain 15% or less alcohol per volume, or up to two (2) 750ml bottles of wine or one (1) 1.5 L bottle of wine, on their person or in their control (room, backpack, car, etc.) for personal consumption in a living space (this includes empty as well as full containers).
  9. The purchase, possession and/or use of bulk quantities of alcoholic beverages (i.e. more than 30 12-ounce containers of beer, kegs of alcohol, beer bongs, and other common containers) are not permitted on the Marietta College campus.
  10. Possession of paraphernalia (e.g. funnels, beer sticks or any other device) used in drinking games or activities intended to increase the rate of consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited and said items will be confiscated by College officials.
    • Sheets of plywood and rectangular tables decorated in such a way as to indicate a beer pong playing surface will be confiscated.
  11. The use of paraphernalia for drinking games is prohibited.
  12. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted within residence hall floors and programmatic units that are designated as alcohol and/or substance free housing and common areas including but not limited to: stairwells, hallways, lounges, restrooms, lobbies, and laundry rooms.
  13. Registered student organizations, departments and offices shall follow all Alcohol and Drug Policies and Procedures (Please see Student Organization Policies). If the registered student organization is affiliated with a national organization, it is the responsibility of the local chapter to comply with the rules and regulations of their national policies (the local chapter is expected to abide by College policy).
  14. No alcohol promotions or advertisement for either College-sponsored or non-College sponsored events of any kind involving alcohol are permitted on the Marietta College campus.