(1) General Statement

Central Washington University recognizes that the misuse of alcohol and other drugs is a serious problem in our society and our community. This University seeks to create a campus environment that promotes healthy and safe living that is conducive to the intellectual and personal development of students. University departments and student organizations are encouraged not to involve alcoholic beverages in any sponsored function. If they choose to request to do so, they are urged to consider the effects and the responsibility they assume in making such decisions.

This policy applies to all members of the Central Washington University community at all events, on or off campus, sponsored by the university, including clubs and organizations, and/or held in any university facility.  The policy and procedure regarding the possession and consumption of alcohol and other drugs on campus has been developed in keeping with Washington State law and the Governor's policy on alcoholism and drug dependency.  Washington State laws are described in the Revised Code of Washington and the Washington Administrative Code. State laws regulate behavior such as the consumption of alcohol in public places, the furnishing of liquor to minors, the illegal purchase of alcohol, and the distribution of controlled substances. The applicable procedure for serving alcohol on the Ellensburg campus is CWUR 1-60-010 Serving Alcoholic Beverages.

In order to comply with the requirements of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug-Free Workplace Act, a complete description of the relevant laws, procedures, sanctions, and prevention information is available in the office of the dean of student success.

(2) Student Conduct

The university does not condone the consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors at functions sponsored by Central Washington University organizations on or off campus. Organizations and advisors are responsible for monitoring student conduct at functions sponsored by the organization.

Persons twenty-one years of age or older may possess and/or consume alcoholic beverages within the privacy of certain designated 21 or older residence hall rooms or apartments. Washington State law provides penalties for the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under twenty-one years of age and for persons who furnish alcoholic beverages to minors.

The dean of student success may place on probation any student organization or prohibit a student specific campus social function when the consumption of alcoholic beverages has become a problem or concern to the university.

Students violating any state or federal law or the alcohol and other drugs policy or procedure will result in immediate referral to the office of the dean of student success or designee for appropriate action, including disciplinary action. The Washington Administrative Code (WAC 106-120-027: Proscribed conduct.) describes behavior and sanctions a student may be subject to upon violation of any of the described conduct. Disciplinary action may range from a counseling session to expulsion, depending on the severity and number of violations. Repeated violations usually carry more significant consequences. The office of the dean of student success may include in the sanction-mandated contact with the university drug and alcohol prevention specialist and/or direct referral for assessment through a state licensed treatment agency.

(3) Employee (staff and faculty) Conduct

All employees will abide by the terms of the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 that prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance in the university workplace.  This Act also requires that employees notify their supervisor of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than 5 days after the conviction.

Policies related to the behavior of employees – exempt and classified staff and faculty - are located in the applicable rules and union contracts to include the Exempt Employees’ Code, WAC 357-40, faculty contract, classified staff union contracts and/or the academic code.

CWU encourages all faculty and staff to increase their awareness and identification of alcohol and drug issues.  Training is available for faculty and staff through Human Resources.  For more information, go to http://www.cwu.edu/hr/central-learning-academy or contact Central Learning Academy at cla@cwu.edu.

(4) Serving Alcoholic Beverages on Ellensburg Campus

University departments and student organizations who choose to include alcoholic beverages in any sponsored function will be held responsible for complying with all applicable laws and internal policies and procedures.  Violation could result in the department or organization’s loss of ability to serve alcohol on campus in the future and appropriate disciplinary action.

Employees may not consume alcohol or drugs during their work shift unless such drugs are prescribed by a physician or other appropriate healthcare provider or unless such over-the-counter medication will not interfere with the employee’s ability to perform his/her job.

All groups and organizations sponsoring social events held on the CWU campus and all recognized university groups holding events off campus which involve the serving and consumption of alcoholic beverages will comply with CWUR 1-60-010 Serving Alcoholic Beverages.

Advertisement – Any marketing or advertising of alcoholic beverages on the Central Washington University campus must be in compliance with RCW 66.28.160.  Departments, employees, groups or organizations will not offer alcohol as an enticement, reward, benefit of attendance or membership, or as a prize.

[PAC:12/01; BOT: 3/02; PAC 4/06; PAC: 5/08; BOT: 07/08; 9/1/2010; Responsibility: Provost/VP of Academic Affairs; Authority: Cabinet/PAC; Reviewed/Endorsed by: Cabinet/PAC; Review/Effective Date: 4/4/2012; 09/03/2021; Approved by: James L. Gaudino, President]