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UGA Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs

UGA Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs


UGA Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Actions

The Office of Student Conduct handles policy and disciplinary cases at the University of Georgia including those dealing with alcohol and other drugs. Below is the Code of Conduct as it relates to Alcohol and Drug use.

Georgia law prohibits possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by those under the legal drinking age of 21 and prohibits making alcoholic beverages available to persons under the legal drinking age of 21. The University of Georgia supports a program of alcohol education and expects those who choose to use alcohol to do so responsibly.

In 2009, the AOD Minimum Sanctions policy was revisited by UGA administrators with the assistance of key staff from the Office of Judicial Programs, the Fontaine Center, and UGA Housing among others. The updated Alcohol & Other Drug Policy below is currently enforced.

Alcohol and Other Drug Related Misconduct

  1. Use, possession, distribution, or sale of alcoholic beverages except as permitted by law and University policies. Other University policies related to alcohol and other drugs include, but are not limited to, those addressed in the Code of Conduct, University Housing Community Guide, Study Abroad Guidelines, and Campus Life policies regarding social events.
  2. Providing or facilitating the use, possession or distribution of alcoholic beverages except as permitted by law and University policies.
  3. Disruptive or disorderly conduct caused by the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs.
  4. Use, possession, or distribution of narcotic or other controlled substances except as permitted by law.
  5. Providing or facilitating the use, possession, or distribution of narcotic or other controlled substances except as permitted by law.

Office of Student Conduct, University of Georgia, 2010


All students found in violation of Alcohol and Other Drug Related Misconduct through the University’s
judicial process will receive sanctions as outlined below.

1st Violation Sanctions for Individual Students
These minimum sanctions will be imposed for all 1st violations listed below.

  • 1st violation for possession (not consumption) of alcohol, or facilitating the possession (not consumption) of alcohol by others:
    • Alcohol education program and
    • probation for six (6) months from the date of resolution
  • 1st violation for consumption, use, or distribution of alcohol, or facilitating the use of alcohol by others:
    • Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) education program and
    • probation for twelve (12) months from the date of resolution.
  • 1st violation for illegal use, possession or distribution of illegal drugs/controlled substances:
    • Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) education program and
    • probation for twelve (12) months from the date of resolution.
  • 1st violation for sale of illegal drugs or controlled substances:
    • Suspension from the institution.

Subsequent Violation Sanctions for Individual Students
Sanctions for students who incur subsequent violations while on probation will likely include at least ONE of the following:

  • Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) education program
  • additional probation
  • community service hours
  • suspension from the institution.

*Additional sanctions may be determined by the level of the violation (I or II), circumstances of the case and the student’s prior record, including the conditions of probation from any prior record.

Office of Student Conduct, University of Georgia, 2010


Parental Notification Policy

The Office of Judicial Programs will notify parents or guardians when a student is found to have violated Code of Conduct policies on the use or possession of alcohol or other drugs when he/she is under the age of 21 and one or more of the following occurs when:

  • A student has been found to have violated the alcohol or other drug policy a second time and every subsequent time.
  • There is significant property damage.
  • Medical attention to any person, including the student, is required as a result of the student's alcohol or drug-related behavior.
  • The student demonstrates reckless disregard for his or her personal safety or the safety of others.
  • There is evidence that the student's alcohol or drug-related behavior negatively impacts the learning environment.


Alcohol Related Laws and Penalties for Violation

These violations represent first offenses in Athens/Clarke County. Penalties drastically increase for 2nd offenses.

MIP - Minor in Possession of Alcohol
Maximum $300 fine, 6 months confinement, alcohol education, community service

Open Container of Alcohol
Maximum 6 months in jail, $1000 fine

Use of Fake Identification
Maximum 12 months in jail, $1000 fine, 12 month driver's license suspension

Public Urination
Maximum 6 months in jail, $1000 fine

Driving Under the Influence (Under age 21)
Violation if blood alcohol concentration is .02 or higher. Maximum 12 months in jail and/or $1000 fine, community service, DUI school, driver's license suspension

Sale of Alcohol to a Minor
12 months confinement, $1000 fine


Definitions Relating to Alcohol and Other Drug Violations

Possession of alcohol or drugs refers, but is not limited, to holding, no matter the duration, alcohol or illegal drugs/controlled substances in hand or, having them in one’s clothing, purse/book bag (or similar case), automobile, or residence.

Consumption of alcohol refers to the act of drinking or ingesting any amount of an alcoholic beverage.

Use of drugs refers to the act of ingesting, inhaling, drinking, eating, and/or any other method of introducing an illegal drug or controlled substance into one’s body.

Distribution of drugs refers to the sharing of illegal drugs/controlled substances with or giving them to others.

Sale of drugs refers to the exchange of illegal drugs/controlled substances for money or other forms of compensation (sale).

Facilitating the possession/use of alcohol or drugs refers to the act of allowing others to possess, consume, or use alcohol or illegal drugs/controlled substances in one’s residence or automobile.

A Level I violation is defined as possession, use, or facilitating the possession/use of alcohol.

A Level II violation includes, but is not limited to, any violation involving the operation of a motor vehicle after consumption of alcohol and/or use of drugs, acts of violence while using alcohol or drugs, destruction of property, disorderly conduct, or intoxication level that requires medical treatment or results in medical personnel being called, even if treatment is refused, and any drug related violation.

Office of Student Conduct, University of Georgia, 2010