Columbia University Housing

Policy and Procedures about Alcohol in Residence Halls

1. Alcohol may not be possessed, stored, or consumed by any person under the age of 21.
2. A person 21 years of age or older may possess, store, or consume alcohol in suite style residence halls (47 Claremont, 600 West 113th, East Campus, Hogan, Ruggles, Watt, and Woodbridge Halls) and in Brownstones, in the following locations only:
   a. In his or her contractually assigned private residence hall room.
   b. In the common area(s) within his/her contractually assigned suite.
   c. In the private residence hall room or common area(s) within the suite of another contractually assigned occupant who is also 21 years of age or older.
3. A person 21 years of age or older may possess, store, or consume alcohol in corridor-style residence halls (Broadway, Harmony, McBain, River, Schapiro, and Wien Halls), in the following locations only:
   a. In his or her contractually assigned private residence hall room.
   b. In the private residence hall room of another contractually assigned occupant who is also 21 years of age or older.
4. Alcohol may not be possessed, stored, or consumed in the common lounges or any corridor-style residence hall (Broadway, Harmony, McBain, River, Schapiro, and Wien Halls).
5. Alcohol may not be possessed, stored, or consumed by any person in any part of a first-year residence hall (Carman, John Jay, Furnald, Hartley and Wallach Halls).
6. Registered parties may only occur in a Brownstone occupied by a Fraternity.
7. Kegs, bulk containers, and devices designed for rapid consumption of alcohol are prohibited.
8. Games of chance, drinking games, contests, and other activities that induce, encourage, or result in the consumption of alcohol are prohibited.
9. Alcohol that is not specifically manufactured for human consumption is prohibited.

Note: While each student has individual responsibility for abiding by local, state, federal, and University alcohol regulations, a contractually assigned resident may be held accountable for any violation committed within the residence hall room or suite of the contractually assigned resident.

Alcohol Policy Violations

1. A First Violation of the Policy on Alcohol, as outlined in Essential Policies and the Guide to Living, will require the student to follow-up with the appropriate staff from Residential Programs. This may include a phone call, meeting, or Dean's Discipline hearing, depending on the severity of the incident.
2. A Second Violation of the Policy on Alcohol may result in a Dean’s Discipline Hearing, as well as a set of recommendations which may include alcohol assessments or a referral to an appropriate specialist, and/or community service appropriate to the violation. Depending on the severity of the incident, family members may be notified.
3. A Third Violation of the Policy on Alcohol will result in Dean’s Discipline and any applicable recommendations and sanction, which may include family notification.

The Office of Residential Programs works closely with Primary Care, Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS), Alice! CU Health Promotion Program, Public Safety, and the Center of Student Advising to ensure appropriate follow-up of campus incidents involving alcohol.

CAVA Transports to St. Luke’s Emergency Room

When a student is transported to St. Luke’s Emergency Room for alcohol intoxication, Residential Programs will contact each student to schedule a mandatory meeting. Recommendations are generated by the Office of Residential Programs after this meeting, which will be developed on an individual basis according the nature of each incident and the needs of each student. Recommendations may include alcohol assessments or a referral to an appropriate specialist, and/or community service appropriate to the violation.