AR 3560: Alcoholic Beverages

The possession, sale, or furnishing of alcohol on campus is governed by state law and these procedures. A person must be at least 21 years of age to purchase alcoholic beverages in Oregon.

The possession, sale, consumption, or furnishing of alcohol is controlled by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC). However, the enforcement of alcohol laws on-campus is the public safety department's main responsibility. The campus has been designated “drug-free,” and only under certain circumstances is the consumption of alcohol permitted. The possession, sale, manufacture, or distribution of any controlled substance is illegal under both state and federal laws. Such laws are strictly enforced by the public safety department. Violators are subject to disciplinary action, criminal prosecution, fines, and imprisonment. It is unlawful to sell, furnish or provide alcohol to a person under 21. The possession of alcohol by anyone under 21 years of age in a public place or a place open to the public is illegal. It is also a violation of this regulation for anyone to consume or possess alcohol on campus without prior collegeapproval. Organizations or groups violating alcohol or substance policies or laws may be subject to sanctions by the college.

The college prohibits employees and students from:

  • The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of alcoholic beverages on college business or any activity that has not been previously approved by the college per this regulation at any other time while in a college-owned or controlled building, office, premise, site, or vehicle, or at activities under the jurisdiction or sponsorship of the college. College property also includes that portion of any other building occupied by the college on a permanent or temporary basis.
  • Being under the influence of alcohol
  • Failing to cooperate in college investigations for alleged violations of this regulation.

Mt. Hood Community College’s president, under special conditions and for unique events, will approve the serving and consumption of alcohol on college property or at college events.

Students who travel off-campus for college-sponsored activities such as field trips and athletic events are considered to be activities under the jurisdiction or sponsorship of the college for the entire duration of the trip, including travel to and from the college, and are therefore prohibited from using alcohol for the entire duration of the trip, including travel to and from the college.

Employees who travel off-campus for college-sponsored activities such as conferences and field trips are permitted to consume alcohol in reasonable amounts so long as the official college business (e.g., a conference presentation or athletic event) has ended, and no college students are present.

Driving under the influence of alcohol while traveling to and from activities under the jurisdiction or sponsorship of the college is prohibited.

Alcohol Use in Programs of Study
Subject to approval by the college president, the use of alcohol is permitted for educational purposes that encompass specific classroom syllabi. Alcoholic beverages may be made available for consumption in certain classes under appropriate supervision. Class participants will be asked to present proof that they are of legal Oregon drinking age and will be held responsible for limiting their consumption of alcohol to safe amounts. All alcoholic beverages kept on the college property will be stored in a secure location.

College Assistance

  • Human resources will make available information on an alcohol-free workplace.
  • Human Resources will make available coaching to managers and administrators to effectively address alcohol issues in the workplace and learning environments.
  • Human Resources may process leave requests with or without pay for any employee who requests to participate in an alcohol abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.
  • The student union information desk may refer students to community agencies.
  • Whenever possible, support groups for persons in recovery meet on the college campus. Information about these groups is posted on-line, on college bulletin boards, and may be available at the Student Union information desk.

Testing
The college may conduct reasonable suspicion, post-accident, and return-to-work testing as outlined in administrative procedures and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Sanctions:
Sanctions that may be imposed on students for violations of this regulation include: Verbal or written warnings; disciplinary probation; payment for the destroyed property; required counseling, treatment, or community service; suspension or temporary exclusion (removal from classes, privileges, or activities for a specified period up to one year); and permanent expulsion from the college. Any employee under the influence of alcohol which impairs judgment, performance, or behavior while on the college premises or while on college business or who violates any of the provisions of this regulation will be subject to sanctions which may include but are not limited to suspension, termination, or the requirement that the employee satisfactorily completes an approved alcohol rehabilitation program.

The public safety department is responsible for enforcing this regulation. The college president may make exceptions to these guidelines.

Approved: 7/24/96

Revised: 11/10/98, 5/6/08, 9/22/09, 10/17/23

References:

  • 34 Code of Federal Regulations Section 668.46(b);
  • 23 U.S. Code Section 158;
  • 23 Code of Federal Regulations Section 1208.4
  • ORS 471.105