Administrative Policies and Procedures Manual Use and Possession of Alcohol on New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) Property
- General
The use and possession of alcohol is prohibited on New Mexico Highlands University property, except as authorized herein. For the purposes of this policy, the use of alcohol refers to the possession, service, or consumption of alcoholic beverages. This policy governs the use of alcohol on University property. It applies to students, student organizations, faculty, staff, University departments, other entities, and visitors. This policy applies to property owned, leased by, or operated by the University and to all events sponsored by the University or other entities utilizing university property. (See Section 2 of this policy)
New Mexico Highlands University recognizes that alcoholic beverages are legal commodities that may be used responsibly by persons of legal drinking age. The University also recognizes that alcohol use may lead to significant individual and societal harm. This policy is intended to reduce alcohol-related harm while allowing for the legal, safe, and responsible use of alcohol. The University also recognizes that diversity of opinion and freedom of choice are the foundations of institutions of higher education and that the use of alcoholic beverages by those of legal age is a matter of personal choice. Individuals who choose to use alcohol on University property in accordance with this policy must comply with state, federal, municipal ordinance(s), and University policies and procedures, and conduct themselves responsibly, mindful of the rights of others. Vendors authorized to dispense or sell alcohol on University property must have an appropriate and valid and alcohol dispenser’s license pursuant to NMSA Section 60-6A-3 and, if selling alcohol, a location-specific permit pursuant to NMSA Section 60-6A-12. There shall be no kegs or use of devices that facilitate the rapid ingestion of beer or other alcoholic beverages, e.g., “beer bongs,” and no sale of alcohol other than by authorized and licensed vendors and no consumption of alcoholic beverages other than within the area designated in the licensed vendor’s permit authorizing the sale or dispensing of alcoholic beverages at the University’s facility(ies). Please refer to Section 2.5 below and the NMHU Tailgating Procedures for the detailed regulations governing private tailgating parties held before athletic events.
- Use of Alcoholic Beverages
University employees or students are prohibited from drinking alcoholic beverages or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages while operating or riding in a University vehicle.
University employees over the age of twenty-one (21) are permitted to have one (1) alcoholic beverage during their working hours if attending a sponsored university event.
The use of alcohol on University property is prohibited except as follows herein.
2.1 Receptions or Other Social Functions
Alcohol may be used at receptions or other social functions sponsored by the University or other entity when approved by the University President or his/her designee in advance, and, in writing. Such events should normally involve special guests of the University or otherwise be a non-routine occurrence, such as a reception for visiting dignitaries or a reception in connection with an academic conference. The reception or function must be by invitation only and held in a location that can reasonably be closed to the public. The following additional restrictions apply to Section 2.1:
- Only beer and/or wine may be served.
- Sale of alcohol is prohibited. Cash bars intended to help defray the cost of providing alcoholic beverages are prohibited, except as permitted in Section 2.3.
- Receptions or other functions held at the facilities of Gene Torres Golf Course must comply with NMAC 15.19.51.12.
- Service of alcohol at office parties or similar office social events is prohibited.
2.2 Research
Alcohol may be used for research. Such functions must be approved in advance, in writing, by the President or his/her designee, and the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
2.3 Licensed Vendors
Alcoholic beverages may be sold by licensed vendors holding an appropriate and valid liquor license pursuant to NMSA Section 60-6A-3 and a valid location-specific permit pursuant to NMSA Section 60-6A-12 to sell and serve alcoholic beverages in a location where access can be controlled in accordance with the terms of the permit. Advance written approval by the President or his/her designee is required.
The licensed vendors should provide the contact information for the San Miguel County DWI Safe Ride Program.
2.4 Student Housing
Alcoholic beverages may be used by persons twenty-one (21) years of age or older in:
- NMHU Student Family Housing (i.e. Arrott House and Gregg House); and
- Student housing operated by third party pursuant to a written agreement with the University.
2.5 Athletic Venues
2.5.1 Tailgating
Private tailgate parties may be held prior to events in designated areas of the parking lot. Parking areas designated for tailgating by the University shall be alcohol-free. Persons may not bring alcoholic beverages into the designated tailgating parking areas and may not consume alcoholic beverages in these areas. If the University President or his or her designee approves the sale of alcoholic beverages before events elsewhere in the parking lot or nearby areas in accordance with Section 2.3 above, then before the event individuals of legal age (21 years old or older), who have tickets or invitations to NMHU sanctioned events, may consume alcoholic beverages purchased from the licensed vendor with an appropriate and valid liquor license pursuant to NMSA 60-7A-22, but only in the area designated in the licensed vendor’s location-specific permit issued pursuant to NMSA Section 60-6A-12 (“Permit Area”). Alcoholic beverages shall not be removed from the Permit Area. Approval for the sale of alcoholic beverages before events shall be at the discretion of the University President or his or her designee and any approval granted may be withdrawn at any time without advance notice.
Individuals of legal age (21 years old or older), who have tickets or invitations to NMHU sanctioned events, may also consume alcoholic beverages in certain tented parking lot areas that the University has leased to private groups for private parties, in accordance with the terms of their leases, provided that the individuals have been invited to the private party. Parties held in these tented areas shall be by invitation only and shall not be open to the public. Alcoholic beverages served in the tented areas shall not be removed from these tented areas and consumed elsewhere.
2.5.2 Tailgating Rules
Advertising or announcements as to availability of alcohol are prohibited.
All hosts and participants must comply with state and local laws, and University policy regarding the use of alcohol and signage posted in the tailgating areas.
There shall be no sale or consumption of alcohol beverages in the tailgating areas. Consumption of alcoholic beverages shall be limited to alcoholic beverages purchased from licensed vendors and consumed in the access-controlled Permit Area designated in the licensed vendor’s location-specific permit.
2.5.3 Athletic Events
Guests are not permitted to bring alcoholic beverages into the venue nor are they permitted to leave the venue with alcohol.
NMHU reserves the right to deny entry or remove anyone who appears to be impaired.
Licensed vendors must require all guests to present a valid identification (driver’s license, Passport, State issued ID card with photo, or Military ID with photo) prior to being served.
No alcohol sales are permitted at athletic events other than sales by licensed vendors holding the proper permit for alcohol sales at the event, which are approved by the University in accordance with Section 2.3 above.
There shall be a maximum of one alcoholic beverage sold to each guest, per purchase, per valid ID.
At NMHU athletic events, service of alcoholic beverages will stop at the conclusion of half-time or other intercession of the contest or event.
2.5.4 Licensed Locations
Ticketholders or invitees may not bring alcohol into any events or into the parking lot or other areas of University property near the event venue. Pursuant to Section 2.3, alcohol may be served and sold only by licensed vendors in permitted locations at NMHU sanctioned events or licensed locations to individuals of legal age (21 years old or older) who have tickets or invitations to those events.
2.6 University President’s House or University Owned Employee Housing
Alcohol may be consumed by residents and their guests at the University President’s house or other housing provided by the University to its employees.
2.7 Food Preparation
Alcohol may be used in food preparation in University food production areas.
- State Law
State law governs many aspects of the consumption and serving of alcohol. All individuals who use and/or serve alcohol on University property must comply with the applicable legal requirements.
- Purchase of Alcohol
The purchase of alcohol with University funds is prohibited except as follows:
- Alcohol may be purchased for hospitality events for guests of the University; however, payment or reimbursement for the purchase of alcohol shall not be made from instruction & general appropriated funds, student fees, or contract and grant funds. Student fees may not be used directly to purchase alcohol, however, in certain cases, student fees may be used to fund events where alcohol may be served, provided the appropriate permits are obtained and applicable policies are adhered to.
- Alcohol may be purchased for research. The purchase must be approved in advance and in writing, by the Institutional Review Board after recommendation by the dean or director.
- Alcohol may be purchased by the Gene Torres Golf Course pursuant to its license.
- Procedures
5.1 Requests for Approval
An entity, group or person sponsoring a reception or other function at which beer or wine will be served, as described above in Section 2.1, must complete a request to serve beer or wine on University property and send it fifteen (15) business days prior to the reception or function to the President or his or her designee for approval.
All events serving alcohol require campus police services.
5.2 Restrictions
Whenever alcohol is used at an event or function held on University property, the following restrictions apply:
- The sponsors must take precautionary measures to ensure that alcohol is not used by persons who appear intoxicated; and/or who are under the age of twenty-one (21).
- Sponsors must follow principles of good hosting which include having non-alcoholic beverages and food available and easily accessible. The use of alcohol shall not be the sole purpose of any activity.
- A reasonable portion of the budget for the event shall be spent on food.
- Any form of a “drinking contest” in activities or promotions is prohibited.
- There shall be no kegs or use of devices that facilitate the rapid ingestion of beer or other alcoholic beverages, such as ”beer bongs,” and no sale of alcohol.
5.3 Promotional Materials
Alcohol shall not be mentioned in any promotional materials for an event and shall not be used to encourage participation.
6.1 Violations
Faculty, staff and students found to be in violation of any of these policies or the NMHU Tailgating Procedures referenced herein will be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to the appropriate University policy and the Collective Bargaining Agreement, if applicable.
- Education, Support Groups, and Services for Alcohol-Related Problems
In light of social and health problems associated with alcohol abuse, the University will provide educational services to faculty, staff, and students about alcohol-related problems. Students, faculty, and staff may get assistance from the following resources:
7.1 Alcohol Information and Educational Presentations
The following University and Community programs provide alcohol information and educational presentations:
- Center for Advocacy Resources Education and Support (HU CARES), (505) 454-3529, nmhu.edu/prevention
- San Miguel County DWI Program (505) 425-7998
- San Miguel Safe Ride (505) 429-0336
7.2 Referral for Alcohol Related Problems
The following University and Community Programs provide referral for alcohol related problems:
- Center for Advocacy Resources Education and Support (HU CARES) – (505) 454-3529, www.nmhu.edu/prevention
- Student Health Center (students only) – (505) 454-3218, http://www.nmhu.edu/student-health-center/
- Counseling Assistance and Referral Service by the New Mexico Highlands University School of Education – (505) 454-3564
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Administered by Solutions Group (faculty and staff only) – (855) 231-7737
- Somos Familia – (505) 425-8120, http://www.somosfamilialv.org/
- Rio Grande Alcoholism Treatment Program – (505) 454-9611, http://www.riograndeatp.org/
- Amistad y Resolana – (505) 426-2687, http://www.amistadyresolana.com/index.html