Did you Know?
As students transition to college life, some will be at greater risk for developing potentially dangerous drinking patterns than others.
Research suggests that student socializing patterns are often established in the first six weeks of their first year on campus. Factors that can influence high-risk behaviors within a social setting include group drinking norms.
Research shows that parents can have a profound influence on their student’s decisions if they understand the characteristics of the drinking scene young adults will be exposed to, and talk with them about healthy ways to safely navigate that scene.
At Doane University, consumption and possession of alcoholic beverages is permitted by a person of legal age in their private room, suite or quad area under the following conditions: All residents of the room, suite or quad must be 21 years of age, residents of the room or suite have been approved and registered their living environment as an alcohol tolerant room with Residential Life and Education. An Alcohol Tolerant Room Certificate is posted in plain site for a University official to observe upon entering the room. This document is inspectable by the Public Safety Office or Residential Life and Education staff upon request.
Minors cannot be present in alcohol tolerant rooms when alcohol is visibly present, and/or being consumed. This includes empty alcohol containers if they are visibly present and this includes trash or recycling receptacles. If it is discovered that underage drinking is occurring in an alcohol tolerant room, all residents will be referred to the Judicial Affairs. If no residents are present, while underage drinking/possession is occurring, all residents will be referred to the Judicial Affairs for further follow-up, which could include the alcohol tolerant room certificate being revoked.
Alcohol related conduct that infringes upon the rights of others to a quiet, orderly living environment, or that poses danger to yourself or others is not acceptable under any circumstances. Public Safety and residence hall staff reserve the right to dispose of alcohol or drinking paraphernalia.
Students should also be aware of local laws and policies practiced in Crete which may differ from their home communities.
Marijuana is an illegal substance in Nebraska. Driving under the influence, possession, sale, and manufacture of marijuana are all violations that carry varying degrees of legal consequences.
The above types of off-campus violations are also considered violations of the Student Code of Conduct and can result in sanctions on-campus in addition to legal consequences.
Your career may be impacted if you have alcohol violations on your record as many companies, including public and private schools, are now screening applicants for past legal problems with alcohol. Your application to a professional school including, but not limited to nursing, physical therapy, law, dental or medical may also be affected if you have been found responsible for violating the Student Code of Conduct. Applicants to such schools are typically required to report any Student Code of Conduct violations as part of their application.
If you are concerned about the physical well-being of a friend who is overly intoxicated, call 911. The Nebraska Good Samaritan Law provides limited legal immunity for MIP (minor in possession) to both the intoxicated minor and the first person to request help for the intoxicated individual. The caller should make a good faith request for emergency medical assistance, remain on the scene until law enforcement and/or medical personnel arrive, and cooperate with officials.
This type of information is important to share with your student because it dispels the perception that all of their peers are drinking, drinking excessively, or using marijuana/cannabis. When students realize that they’re not alone in either abstaining from substances or, at the very least, using in moderation, they feel more comfortable declining the invitation to drink or use substances at social events.
In the next section, we'll describe how to have a constructive conversation with your student.
