Residence Life Alcohol Policy

Alcohol possession or consumption is not permitted by individuals under 21 years old.  Residents 21 years of age or older will have the privilege of possessing and consuming alcoholic beverages in private spaces within campus housing as allowable by Residence Life policy.  However, alcohol consumption in the housing environment must not jeopardize public safety or impact the ability of others to study and rest within their housing units. Therefore, the University has put the following regulations in place pertaining to alcohol use and possession in on-campus housing:

  1. Providing alcoholic beverages to underage persons is prohibited.

  2. Residents and guests are not allowed to have alcohol that is accessible to, or in the presence of, any person under the age of 21.  Residents under 21 years of age may not be in the same residential unit as an open container of alcohol.  

  3. Residents who are not of legal drinking age may not be in possession of alcohol at any time in any UAA residential community including surrounding grounds nor may they allow guests to bring alcohol into their room, apartment, or suite regardless of the age of their guest(s).

  4. Residential students, who are a minimum of 21 years of age, may possess and consume limited quantities of alcoholic beverages in certain apartments or suites. An apartment/suite with one individual of legal drinking age may be in possession (opened or unopened) of up to 144 ounces of beer or 750 milliliters of other alcohol. In an apartment/suite where two or more students of legal drinking age reside, there may not be more than 288 ounces of beer or 1500 milliliters of other alcohol (opened or unopened) anywhere within the apartment or suite at any given time. Empty alcohol containers count towards the limit of alcohol per person, suite, or apartment. Each resident is responsible to keep under the individual, personal, and collective limit within the apartment or suite.

  5. Hosting a party is prohibited. A party is defined as a group of nine (9) or more individuals who are present to participate in a social event involving alcohol. Students are considered hosts if they organize or co-organize a party at their residence, participate in a party at their residence, or invite guests to the residence to join the party. Any resident found responsible for hosting a gathering that exceeds the above stated alcohol limitations and/or hosting a gathering in which one or more minors consume alcohol in the resident's room, apartment, or suite may have their housing agreement immediately terminated as a disciplinary sanction, whether or not the resident has a prior UAA disciplinary record. Residents who have their housing agreements terminated for disciplinary reasons will be assessed charges in accordance with the mid-term release schedule and will lose their deposit.

  6. The possession or consumption of any alcohol stronger than 80 proof is not permitted.  Use of common sources of alcohol, including but not limited to kegs, party balls, trash cans, and punch bowls is prohibited.

  7. Drinking games, contests or any activity that encourages the excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.

  8. Possession or consumption of alcohol in common areas of residential communities, to include balconies and porches, is prohibited.

  9. It is prohibited to be visibly intoxicated within residential communities.

  10. The possession of alcohol paraphernalia (e.g., beer bongs, funnels, etc.) that is designated for the irresponsible use of alcohol is prohibited. 

  11. Residents under the age of 21 may not possess or transport empty alcohol containers.

  12. Alcohol signage, such as posters, signs, or other imagery that glorifies the use of alcohol, may not be visible from the exterior of buildings.

  13. Sale or mass-distribution of alcohol is prohibited.

  14. Production of alcoholic beverages, or possessing materials with the intent to produce alcoholic beverages, is prohibited.

  15. While intoxicated and unable to exercise care for their own health or safety, a resident may not reside in university housing. A Residence Life professional will determine whether and when such an individual is reasonably able to live in an unsupervised living environment.  In the interim, Residence Life professionals will coordinate with the resident, the resident's emergency contact, local police, and/or emergency personnel to determine a safe environment until such time that the student is able to return to campus.

  16. A resident who denies a request from police to receive a breathalyzer test will not be eligible to stay on campus for 12 hours immediately following the request for the breathalyzer test. The resident will need to meet with the RC-On-Duty prior to returning to their room.

  17. Any alcoholic beverages possessed in violation of these policies will be confiscated and disposed of by Residence Life staff.

  18. Parents/guardians of residents who are under the age of 21 may be notified of alcohol policy violations in accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (FERPA).

  19. Parents/guardians of residents who are under the age of 18 will be notified of alcohol policy violations.