Hartwick College believes the choice to use alcohol legally is a personal and an educational issue. The use of alcohol raises issues regarding personal responsibility and accountability, and the College has a commitment to present these issues to students and employees.

Alcohol is not permitted at the following on-campus events:
– programs sponsored by College student organized groups and clubs
– programs sponsored by the Student Union (some special events may be approved)
– athletic events (except for approved “closed” events such as tailgate parties)
– residence hall events, floor events, other housing unit events
– special interest house events
– new student orientation programs
– fraternity and sorority on-campus events

Alcoholic beverages may be served at College social functions defined as “closed events” – invitational events where students are present and the majority of guests are over 21 years old. Examples include faculty and staff socials, and Board of Trustee events. Closed events, as defined above, must adhere to the following guidelines:

(1) The event must have an authorized person (aged 21 or older) from the group who is to be in charge of the event. This person’s name is noted on a Facilities Reservations Form filed with the Scheduling Office.

(2) The event must be by invitation only.

(3) A list of individuals under the age of 21 must be provided to the server of alcoholic beverages prior to the event.

(4) Alcoholic beverages will be dispensed in single unit servings not to exceed 16 oz. of beer, 4 oz. of wine or 1 oz. of other alcoholic beverage.

(5) Non-alcoholic beverages must be available.

(6) The sponsoring individual (defined in #1 above) has the responsibility to see that all legal requirements are observed, that all College regulations are upheld, that all guests act responsibly in ensuring compliance, that the premises are left in good order, and that any special regulations for the area where the function is held are observed.

College liability insurance does not cover any events involving the sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages. Events where alcoholic beverages are provided require:
– the acquisition of a permit to serve liquor at the event; and
– provision and serving of alcoholic beverages by the College’s food services staff or an
independent caterer.

An independent caterer must furnish its own liability insurance and provide the Chief Financial Officer with written proof of insurance coverage in advance of the event.

The Employee Conduct section of the Employee Handbook, Hartwick expects employees to comply with any safety, health, or security policy, rule, or procedure of the College, which does include the procedures detailed above. Furthermore, Hartwick College prohibits:
– Working under the influence of alcohol and
– Possessing, distributing, selling, transferring, or using–or being under the influence
of–alcohol or illegal drugs in the workplace.

As detailed in the General Rules of Conduct for Employees section of the Employee Handbook, acts on Hartwick College property that are detrimental to the educational goals, purposes and environment of the College may result in disciplinary action by the College and/or arrest. Examples of these include, but are not the possession or use of narcotics or other dangerous or illegal substances, and disorderly conduct.

Pursuant to College policies, Hartwick College reserves the right to impose disciplinary action on any employee up to and including referral for treatment, or termination of employment, for any violation of the General Rules of Conduct for Employees and Employee Conduct expectations detailed in the Employee Handbook.