University of Mississippi Alcohol Policy

University of Mississippi Alcohol Policy Specifics:

1. It is unlawful, and therefore violates this policy, for any person under the age of twenty-one to possess or consume alcohol.
2. The University of Mississippi prohibits unlawful driving under the influence of alcohol.
3. The University of Mississippi prohibits inappropriate behavior that is a direct result of alcohol consumption. Any student or other person publicly intoxicated will be found in violation of this policy.
4. The distribution of alcohol without a permit is unlawful and thus a violation of University policy. Any possession of alcohol in plain view or unattended alcohol shall be considered distribution in violation of this policy. Alcohol left unattended or in plain view may be confiscated. The University prohibits the possession of items that provide for common distribution of alcohol on or in University property and buildings located on the University’s campus. Examples include, but are not limited to, kegs, pony kegs, party balls, and other forms of common supply. Such items may be confiscated by the University.
5. Lafayette County is “dry” for beer and light wine (less than 5% alcohol by weight). Thus, distribution, possession, and consumption of beer and light wine is illegal in that portion of the University’s campus that lies outside of the City of Oxford.
6. Drinking games and rapid consumption techniques and devices (e.g., funnels, shots, etc…) by their nature promote abusive consumption of alcohol and thus violate this policy.
7. The University prohibits the possession and consumption of alcohol within administrative and academic buildings, except and unless when served under a lawfully issued permit.
8. It is unlawful, and thus violates this policy, to sell or consume alcoholic beverages (5% or greater alcohol by weight) within University athletics venues during intercollegiate athletics events.

Residence Halls

Summary/Purpose: Alcohol is not permitted in any residence hall on the University of Mississippi campus. This policy defines Student Housing and Residence Life’s expectations for residents and visitors.

The University of Mississippi abides by county and city laws. Students regardless of age, may not possess or consume alcoholic beverages within or around the residence halls. All alcohol offenses will include parental notification through the Dean of Students Office. As alcohol consumption is the No. 1 inhibitor of students' academic success on all college campuses, empty alcohol containers, beer bongs, or other evidence of prior alcohol consumption in student residences are not permitted. If an alcohol bottle or can collection is found in a student residence, it will be discarded and the students will face judicial action.

Residents are not allowed to host people with alcohol regardless of the guest's age. The Department of Student Housing and Residence Life staff reserves the right to stop people from bringing alcohol into the building(s).

Students and their guests may be asked to open all backpacks, bags, coolers and other containers when entering a residence hall. This procedure is a safety and security measure that prevents most of the unwanted or unauthorized materials from being brought into the halls. Students and guests may be denied entrance if they choose not to cooperate with this request.

Should any alcohol or evidence of prior consumption of alcohol be found in a student’s room, the student and the roommate will be found equally responsible for the alcohol. The roommate or another person present at the time of the incident may claim responsibility for the alcohol. If responsibility for the alcohol is not taken by a person or persons involved, the residents of the room in which the alcohol is found will take full responsibility through the student conduct process. If the incident involved only one roommate, only the roommate involved will be responsible for the alcohol.

Policy Code DSA.SH.400.003.

The University of Mississippi Policy Directory See http://www.olemiss.edu/policies for full details.

Minimum Sanctions for Alcohol and Other Drug Violations

Summary/Purpose:

To set forth minimum sanctions for students and recognized student organizations found in violation of any alcohol or drug related offense.

Minimum Sanctions for Alcohol and other Drug Violations

Any student or student organization found in violation, through the University’s judicial process, of a University policy concerning alcohol or other drugs will receive the following minimum sanctions.

Student’s or student organization’s first offense –

Required alcohol/drug education program and related fees or fines, community service, and probation for the remainder of current semester and the following two semesters (Fall or Spring) enrolled at the University. Probation extends through any intervening summer terms, inter-sessions, and/or any institutional breaks.

Student’s second offense while on probation –

Suspension from institution. The University Judicial Council may elect for the suspension to take effect immediately or to take effect upon completion of the current semester or term. The student shall be suspended for at least one complete Fall or Spring semester following the suspension’s effective date, including any intervening summer terms or inter-sessions.

Student organization’s second offense while on probation –

Suspension of organization’s social activities to take effect immediately and to remain in effect for at least one complete Fall or Spring semester following the suspension’s effective date, including Summer terms or inter-sessions.

Because suspension is a mandatory sanction for a second offense, the judicial process shall automatically proceed to a hearing by the University Judicial Council, and this sanction is not appealable. These are minimum sanctions. The findings of fact, aggravating circumstances, and prior record of the student or student organization will be factors considered when determining any appropriate additional sanctions on either the first or second offense.

Students who are suspended from the University for any length of time should be aware that this action may impact the following:

1. grades and academic performance
2. tuition, residence hall costs and fees (suspension does not forgive financial obligations)
3. student financial aid
4. athletics participation and eligibility
5. health insurance (contact your personal health care provider)
6. University housing
7. meal plan
8. use of University resources and access to University facilities
9. immigration status for international students
10. veterans and dependents of veterans
11. internships, assistantships, and study abroad

This is not a complete list and does not include all potential consequences for suspension.
Off-campus conduct – The University may bring a charge under this policy against any student or student organization committing any alcohol or drug-related offense that is otherwise sanctionable under the University’s judicial policy regarding Off-Campus Conduct, Policy Code DSL.SJ.600.008. For students, such offenses include but are not limited to any drug-related crime and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol occurring within Lafayette County.

If the University brings a charge against a student based upon the student’s criminal conviction by any trial court of competent jurisdiction, the criminal conviction may be accepted as a final factual determination that the student has violated applicable University policy, and the sole function of the University’s judicial process will be to determine the appropriate University sanction under this and other University policies.