As you have most likely heard by now- if you are under the age of 21, it is against state and federal laws for you to consume alcohol. It is also against University regulations listed in the Code of Conduct. During your time at Penn State you may find yourself in a situation where you have to make the decision of whether or not to consume alcohol. With that said, let’s take a minute to think about what could happen if you are caught drinking underage.
Since drinking under the age of 21 is a violation of the Code of Conduct, if you are caught you will be referred to the Office of Judicial Affairs. You will meet with a staff member in a disciplinary conference during which you may be charged and sanctioned for violating the Code. If this is your first offense, you can expect the sanctions to range from a Disciplinary Warning to Disciplinary Probation, along with the completion of an alcohol education program. However, it is important to keep in mind that the seriousness of the incident, as well as your prior discipline history also factor into your sanction(s). So, before you reach for that beer or mixed drink, remember that there are consequences for drinking until you turn 21.
In addition to drinking underage, there are other alcohol related offenses listed in the Code. When you hit your 21st birthday, it doesn’t give you carte blanche to drink whenever and wherever you like. There are certain places, both on and off campus, where you are and are not allowed to drink. There are also items in the Code regarding excessive consumption of alcohol and driving under the influence. Know your limits, and know when not to get behind the wheel of a car. It’s your health, the safety of you and the other members of our community, and it just makes good sense. Finally, it is against the Code and the law to provide alcohol for someone who is not 21. No matter how much your underage friends may beg, if you buy it for them or serve it to them at a party, you could be facing some serious consequences yourself!
To learn more about the University’s alcohol policy, visit our website www.sa.psu.edu/ja and read up on the Code. Until next time, “For the Glory”- Know the Code.
Since drinking under the age of 21 is a violation of the Code of Conduct, if you are caught you will be referred to the Office of Judicial Affairs. You will meet with a staff member in a disciplinary conference during which you may be charged and sanctioned for violating the Code. If this is your first offense, you can expect the sanctions to range from a Disciplinary Warning to Disciplinary Probation, along with the completion of an alcohol education program. However, it is important to keep in mind that the seriousness of the incident, as well as your prior discipline history also factor into your sanction(s). So, before you reach for that beer or mixed drink, remember that there are consequences for drinking until you turn 21.
In addition to drinking underage, there are other alcohol related offenses listed in the Code. When you hit your 21st birthday, it doesn’t give you carte blanche to drink whenever and wherever you like. There are certain places, both on and off campus, where you are and are not allowed to drink. There are also items in the Code regarding excessive consumption of alcohol and driving under the influence. Know your limits, and know when not to get behind the wheel of a car. It’s your health, the safety of you and the other members of our community, and it just makes good sense. Finally, it is against the Code and the law to provide alcohol for someone who is not 21. No matter how much your underage friends may beg, if you buy it for them or serve it to them at a party, you could be facing some serious consequences yourself!
To learn more about the University’s alcohol policy, visit our website www.sa.psu.edu/ja and read up on the Code. Until next time, “For the Glory”- Know the Code.
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