Alcohol and Other Drug Violation Levels and Sanctioning Guidelines

Alcohol and Other Drug Violation Levels 

The Alcohol and Other Drug Violation Levels provides more clarity about the seriousness of the violations for alcohol, cannabis, and other drug violations. The violation levels range from 1 – 4, with 4 being the most severe.

The list below is a general representation and is not all-inclusive. Mitigating (positive), aggregating (negative) and compounding factors are also considered when determining the violation level. The application of the violation levels is at the discretion of the hearing officer handling a particular case. SARP has the right to make determinations as to the violation level as well as the appropriate sanction(s) of any violation of the Alcohol and Other Drugs Policies. 

Cannabis and Other Drugs 

Level 1 

● Use and/or possession of cannabis and/or other drugs by a guest of a student

● Use and/or possession of cannabis

● Use and/or possession of cannabis and/or other drugs paraphernalia

● Being in the presence of the use or misuse of cannabis 

Level 2

● Severe cannabis intoxication resulting in disruptive behavior or other violation

Level 3

● Use and/or possession of cannabis (over 2 oz.) and/or other illegal drugs

● Abuse of prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, household products, or other chemicals Level 4

● Selling, distributing and/or cultivation of cannabis

● Selling, distribution and/or manufacturing of prescription drugs and/or other drugs

●  Driving under the influence of cannabis or illegal drugs 

Alcohol 

Level 1

● Use and/or possession of alcohol by a guest of a student

● Underage use and/or possession of alcohol (15% or less ABV)

● Use and/or possession of alcohol paraphernalia

● Being in the presence of the use or misuse of alcohol

● Use of alcoholic beverage cans/bottles/containers as decorations in dry residence halls/rooms occupied entirely by underage students

● Consumption/possession of alcohol by 21+ student in dry residence hall

● Use and/or possession of an alcohol by any student and/or guests in any common area or location not designated for alcohol consumption, or in a dry residence hall

● Underage student present in a location involving an alcohol policy violation without a voluntary BAC Test 

Level 2 

● Severe alcohol intoxication by a student 21+ resulting in disruptive behavior or other violations

● 21+ student providing alcohol to an underage student

● Hosting a social event with alcohol which includes underage drinking, disruptive behavior, alcohol possession/consumption in public/common spaces 

● Underage and 21+ use and or possession of hard alcohol/liquor (16% or higher ABV)

● Hosting a party that involves alcohol and drinking games such as beer pong, flip cup, etc. 

Level 3 

● Possession of a large common source of alcohol (e.g. keg or barrel, non-alcoholic drinks mixed with alcohol, container requiring a tap to operate, etc.) regardless of age 

Level 4 

● Selling or distributing of alcoholic beverages

● Selling, distribution and/or manufacturing of prescription drugs and/or other drugs

● Driving under the influence of alcohol 

Alcohol and Other Drug Sanctioning Guidelines 

The Alcohol and Drug Sanctioning Guidelines provide more clarity of how the University will respond to alcohol and drug violations. Once a determination has been made that a student violated the Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy, sanctions appropriate for the level of violation (based on severity or recidivism) will be assigned. Repeated violations will most likely result in an increase in the violation level and the sanctions issued. Mitigating (positive), aggregating (negative) and compounding factors are also considered when determining the appropriate sanctions. 

The list below is a general representation and is not all-inclusive. A student may receive one or more sanctions listed, based on the totality of the circumstances, the seriousness of the violation, and whether the student has prior violations. The sanction determination is at the discretion of the hearing officer handling a particular case. SARP has the right to make determinations as to the violation level as well as the appropriate sanction(s) of any violation of the Alcohol and Other Drugs Policies. 

Level 1 

● University Warning

● Conduct Review

● Fine (ranges from $100 to $200, with $200 to $300 for repeated violations)

● Online educational module(s), one-on-one meeting with staff

● Prohibition from hosting social events in room/suite 39

● Loss of overnight guest privileges

● Parent/Coach/Academic Advisor notification

● Restorative Practices 

Level 2 

● Level 1 Sanctions

● BASICS/CASICS online module and one-on one meeting with staff

● Relocation of residence hall assignment, loss of residence hall access privileges

● Disciplinary Probation

● Repeated Violations charge 

Level 3 

● Level 2 Sanctions

● Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Alcohol/ Drug Assessment

● No attendance at events/parties serving alcohol

● Loss of Student Organization Officer privileges

● Residence hall suspension 

Level 4 

● Level 3 Sanctions

● Loss of privilege to Drive/Park on campus

● University suspension

● University expulsion 

Students with questions about the violation level issued to them should consult with their hearing officer or the office that assigned the level violation (Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices [SARP]). Students with general questions about the Alcohol and Other Drug Sanctioning Guidelines can contact the Health and Wellness Programs (HWP), Student Accountability and Restorative Practices (SARP) and/or Residence Life and Housing. 

Mandatory Alcohol and/or Other Drug Educational Program 

As an educational component of the University’s discipline process, students involved in alcohol and/or other drug violations are required to participate in the University’s alcohol and/or other drugs educational program. 

Satisfactory completion of on-line educational courses, alcohol and other drugs educational workshops, one on one sessions, and/or counseling assessments is 40 mandatory for students required to participate in the program because of university mandates or disciplinary sanctions. Failure to comply with a mandatory requirement or disciplinary sanctions by the stated deadline will result in additional disciplinary action imposed by the University, which may include the loss of residence hall privileges or University suspension. 

Fines 

Fines are fees issued for the violation(s). In most instances repeated violations will result in the doubling of the fine. Fines are not eliminated for multiple violations in one incident. A fine reduction of up to 50% is available only once for first-time alcohol or drug violations, as noted in the sanction letter, if the student completes their assigned module(s) within two weeks (10 business days). 

Other Potential Sanctions

In addition to the sanctions listed above, SARP staff, and/or the Accountability Board may also assign other sanctions, depending on the specific circumstances of the situation. These sanctions include, but are not limited to: educational activities, BASICS/CASICS session with the Health and Wellness Programs, referral for alcohol, drug and/or anger management assessment, community service, residence hall access restrictions, loss of parking privileges, residence hall reassignment, alcohol/drug educational programs, and/or restitution. 

Parental Notification Regarding Alcohol and Other Drug Violations 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) allows exceptions permitting colleges and universities to disclose certain information to the parents or guardians of students. Gallaudet’s position on parental notification regarding alcohol and other drug violations is intended to develop a partnership with parents/guardians as a way of addressing student high-risk behaviors in order to enhance campus safety, student health and academic success, and to provide notification in instances involving the health and safety of students and our campus community. Exceptions that may preclude parental notification involve certain situations related to a student’s personal relationship with or the current status of a parent/guardian, or violations that are considered less serious (e.g. empty alcohol bottles or beverages used for decorative purposes in a “dry” residence hall room). Student Affairs administrators reserve the right to exercise professional judgment and discretion in such parental notification decisions. 

Gallaudet will notify parents or guardians of students under the age of 21, regardless of dependency, in writing when their student is found responsible for a Student Code of 41 Conduct violation involving the use, possession, manufacturing, sale, or distribution of illegal drugs and/or drug paraphernalia. 

Gallaudet will also notify parents or guardians of students under the age of 21, regardless of dependency, in writing when their student is found responsible for a Student Code of Conduct violation involving the use, possession, manufacturing, or distribution of alcoholic beverages. 

Gallaudet will also notify parents or guardians, regardless of age, when a student is experiencing a medical or psychological emergency related to alcohol and/or other drugs. The Office of Residence Life and Housing or the Office of the Chief of Student Affairs Officer will make such notification by calling or in writing. 

Coach and Academic Advisor Notification 

Gallaudet informs coaches and/or academic advisors of alcohol and other drug violations in order to enhance student health and academic success. Student Affairs administrators reserve the right to exercise professional judgment and discretion in such notifications, including notifications made prior to the determination of whether the student is responsible for the violation. 

Educational Programs and Alcohol/Drug Assessment 

It is important that educational programs and alcohol/drug assessments be completed immediately following the assignment of sanctions. Letters from Student Accountability and Restorative Practices and/or Health and Wellness Programs (HWP) will note the type of educational/assessment program the student is assigned and the date that it should be completed.  

● Online alcohol and/or drug course/module: This is an online educational program that addresses alcohol and/or drug use. At the conclusion of the course, students must complete an assessment. A minimum passing score, determined by the course provider, is required in order to successfully fulfill this requirement. 

● BASICS/CASICS: This one-on-one session uses the brief alcohol (BASICS) or cannabis (CASICS) screening and intervention program for college students. This program is designed to assist students in examining their own behavior in a judgment-free environment, provides an opportunity for students to get personalized feedback about their use, and to think critically about decisions. There are generally at least two sessions, along with the completion of the 20- minute online feedback form. 

● Substance Use Assessment: Students will meet individually with a Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) staff member for an alcohol and/or drug assessment; the assessment will also help determine whether the student will benefit from ongoing therapy sessions. 

Expectations for Participation

Online alcohol and/or drug course/module: Students will receive the website URL, the session password, and a deadline for completion of the online module through a letter from SARP. It is expected that the students complete the online module before the deadline given in the letter.

BASICS/CASICS: Students will receive the website URL, the session password and the deadline for completion of the online course from Health and Wellness Program (HWP). Students who complete the requirement, including the one-on-one meeting, within 10 business days will have their fine reduced by 50% (one time only). Students who do not respond to or attend BASICS/CASICS meetings will be charged with Failure to Comply.

Alcohol/Drug Assessment: If an alcohol/drug assessment is required, students are expected to make an appointment for a meeting with a Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) staff. All alcohol/drug assessments are done at CAPS and there may be an additional fee incurred every time the student misses their appointment for their alcohol/drug assessment. 

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) testing is conducted by Residence Life and Housing staff addressing the situation. Students who wish to be voluntarily tested should communicate their desire for testing to university staff at the scene of the incident. 

Gallaudet University’s primary concern is the health and safety if its students and offers health and safety emergency consideration for students in potential life-threatening emergencies as a result of alcohol and/or other drug(s) consumption, in order to encourage students to seek help for themselves without being too overly concerned about possible sanctions imposed. Health and safety emergency consideration will be considered for students who seek medical attention for themselves by contacting a University staff or friend. This is a one-time opportunity, and health and safety 43 emergency consideration does not apply to students found by DPS, other University staff or students, or MPD. 

To qualify under the Good Samaritan provision of the Alcohol and Drug Sanctioning Guidelines, the student seeking assistance for the student needing medical attention must: 

● Be the first person to contact DPS or Residence Life staff to report that a person needs medical assistance due to alcohol consumption/drug use; 
● Provide their own name when they contact DPS or Residence Life;
● Remain with the person needing medical assistance until DPS and the Residence Life on-call team member arrives and the need for their presence has ended;
● Not have purchased, supplied, or otherwise made alcohol and/or other drugs available to the student needing medical attention; and
● Complies with a timely follow-up meeting with SARP or Health and Wellness staff (or their designee) and all related requests. 

A key component of Gallaudet University’s mission is to provide a safe environment where students are able to pursue their academic and social goals. The University may suspend a student who demonstrates that they are repeatedly unable to make sound and/or safe decisions about alcohol and drug use, or the student engages in drinking or drug use that threatens the life, health, and safety of one’s self or others. Students suspended for alcohol and/or other drug violations through the accountability hearing process may submit an appeal online to the Associate Dean of Student Affairs overseeing Student Accountability and Restorative Practices (SARP) or their designee. Any appeal that includes the grounds that the suspension was inappropriate or disproportionate for the violation will have the suspension reviewed on that specific ground of appeal by selected Alcohol and/or Other Drugs Committee members. The Alcohol and/or Other Drugs Committee will make a recommendation to the Associate Dean of Student Affairs overseeing Student Accountability and Restorative Practices (SARP) or their designee on whether the student’s circumstances warrant special consideration, and an alternative array of severe sanctions could be imposed. If the Alcohol and/or Other Drugs Committee determines that the student’s circumstances do not warrant special consideration, the Associate Dean of Student Affairs overseeing Student Accountability and Restorative Practices (SARP) or their designee will make the final decision on all grounds of appeal, as per the Student Accountability and Restorative Practices disciplinary procedures. 

UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 1, 2026