Student Handbook and Code of Conduct 2022-2023

Students, faculty, staff, and contractors are hereby advised that Keystone College, as a recipient of federal funds, supports and complies with the provisions of the Drug Free Work Place Act of 1988 and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of illicit drugs and alcohol by employees or students on the College campus are prohibited and violations of this policy will result in appropriate disciplinary action.

Keystone College has a zero tolerance for alcohol policy violations. A student’s presence where any aspect of the Student Alcohol Policy is being violated, even if he/she is not directly involved in the specific act constitutes a violation of the Student Alcohol Policy. A student who actively, or passively, supports another’s violation of College policy is in violation of their duty to uphold community standards, including the Student Code of Conduct.

The College recognizes that there are serious health risks, behavioral problems, and legal consequences associated with the abuse, irresponsible use, and/or illegal use of alcohol. Therefore, all members of the campus community are expected to understand that alcohol use is inconsistent with the mission of the College. All students are expected to abide by local, state and federal laws along with the Student Alcohol Policy of Keystone College.

All alleged violations of the Student Alcohol Policy will be referred to a formal meeting with the Coordinator of Student Conduct or to an All-College Student Conduct Board hearing. Violations of this policy are cumulative in nature. If a student is found to be in violation of the Student Alcohol Policy, minimum sanctions may include, but are not limited to:

1st offense

• $300 Fine (to be reduced to $50 upon completion of all other sanctions within the specified period of time. Paying the $300 fine is not a substitution for completing all sanctions)
• Meeting with a College Counselor for two sessions of the “BASICS” program
• Parental Notification
• Other sanctions imposed at the discretion of the Coordinator of Student Conduct

2nd offense

• $150 Fine
• Completion of the Under the Influence Online Course
• Disciplinary Probation
• Residence Hall Warning (if a resident student)
• Parental Notification
• Other sanctions imposed at the discretion of the Coordinator of Student Conduct

3rd offense

• $300 Fine
• Residence Hall Suspension (if a resident student)
• Possible suspension for a minimum of the balance of the current semester
• Third-Party evaluation at student’s expense (at the discretion of the Coordinator of Student Conduct)
• Parental Notification
• Other sanctions imposed at the discretion of the Coordinator of Student Conduct

4th offense (after re-admittance):

• Expulsion from the College
• Parental Notification

A. Open Canister

Keystone College does not permit the use of open or empty alcoholic beverage canisters for any reason (decorative or otherwise) on campus. Anyone found in violation of this policy will be sanctioned under the College’s alcohol policy. This includes all cans, bottles, shot glasses and other drinking paraphernalia.

B. Suspicion of Alcohol

If a College Official smells alcohol emanating from a student’s person, any residence hall room, or any other location on the College campus, or finds empty alcohol containers, the student will be found in violation of the Student Alcohol Policy. This also provides the College with sufficient probable cause to search the student’s room (or area involved) for alcohol.

C. Off Campus Gatherings / Parties

Keystone College recognizes that students above the legal drinking age of 21 are allowed to responsibly obtain, consume and possess alcohol in off-campus properties not associated or leased by the College. In cases where students are cited and/or arrested by local law enforcement for furnishing, providing, or selling alcohol to minors, the student will be immediately placed on disciplinary probation and social probation until a formal meeting or student conduct board hearing can be held.

D. 21 and Over Policy
1. One (1) 750ml bottle of wine or one (1) six-pack of beer per student is permitted at the student activity at any given time.

2. Drinks are permitted to be consumed in clear containers only; no red solo cups, shot glasses, or beer bongs/ balls.

3. ID must be presented when asked for or at registration/check-in table.

4. Alcoholic beverages are only allowed in the 21 designated areas. There will be zero tolerance of any alcohol consumption outside of this area.

5. Students may not display or consume alcohol in outside areas surrounding the determined location. This includes, but is not limited to: porches, lawns, sidewalks, vehicles and parking areas.

6. If there is any indication that alcohol is being misused by one or more persons at the location, it will be viewed as irresponsible use. Ultimately, evidence of a policy violation will be based on the quantity of alcohol present, as well as the activity (or intended activity) occurring at that time.

7. Drinking games are strictly prohibited.

8. The Office of Residence Life and the Office of Campus Safety reserve the right to conduct compliance searches at any given time.

9. Any student that is visibly intoxicated may be found in violation of the policy.

10. Alcohol poisoning is a serious problem; should any student show signs of alcohol poisoning, the proper authorities must be contacted immediately.

11. Students must not operate a vehicle while intoxicated.

12. Intoxication and impairment begins with the first drink.

13. Reasonable suspicion of furnishing to minors will result in immediate revocation of privilege to be in the designated areas or to be at the student activity.