Students of legal age who choose to drink alcohol are expected to do so responsibly and according to the policies of their living environment such as residence halls, Greek residences, campus apartments, etc. 

Campus and local police will enforce all Washington State laws pertaining to drugs and alcohol, and the Center for Community Standards will follow procedures outlined in the Standards of Conduct for Students (WAC 504-26). Students are accountable to our community standards whether they are on or off campus and during University breaks.

The WSU Alcohol and Drug Policy prohibits:

  • Distributing alcohol to anyone under the age of 21.
  • Drinking or possessing alcohol if under the age of 21.
  • Drinking or possessing alcohol and/or drugs (regardless of age) when prohibited at the location.
  • Using, manufacturing, or possessing drugs (marijuana, narcotics, or other controlled substance) and drug paraphernalia (pipes, bongs, scales, cigarette papers, etc.).
  • Drinking alcohol at a sponsored event on any University property without an alcohol license or banquet permit.
  • Over-consuming alcohol or being intoxicated in public.

The Good Samaritan Guideline

This guideline ensures that students receive prompt and appropriate attention in the event of alcohol and/or drug intoxication. Students will not receive any formal discipline for alcohol or drug use and possession under the community standards and neither will the intoxicated individual. Learn more about the Good Samaritan Guideline. 

WSU Policies

In Residence Halls & Recognized Group Living Areas

Alcohol

Students of legal drinking age and their legal-aged guests may possess and consume alcohol in the privacy of their own room if alcohol is permitted in that location. The door to the room must be closed at all times. Kegs or bulk alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Alcohol is not allowed in restrooms, corridors, study rooms, lounges, or any other public areas inside or outside the building and students must comply with “No Alcohol” policies if established for floors, living groups, and/or designated residence hall. 

Marijuana

The use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of marijuana and other controlled substances anywhere on campus is prohibited by federal law and is a violation of our community standards.

Medical marijuana use is also prohibited on campus, including in campus housing. All questions regarding the reasonable accommodation of medical conditions, including conditions treated with medical marijuana, should contact us for appropriate resources on each campus.

Other Policies

Underage Students

If a student under the age of 21 is in a location where alcohol and/or drugs are prohibited (including residence hall rooms and shared areas, and alcohol-free Greek houses) and alcohol and/or drugs are present, the student should leave the area immediately.

Any person who is in the room while alcohol and/or drugs are present may be in violation of our community standards and/or the law. Students may still be reported even if they just walked in the room, the alcohol and/or drugs doesn’t belong to them, or they did not drink any alcohol or use any drugs.

Concerts or Athletic Events

Consumption or possession of alcohol in public areas of any University-owned or controlled property is prohibited except when those who are 21 years of age or older are participating in a sponsored event for which there is an alcohol license or banquet permit.

Guests

Individuals are responsible for the behavior of their guests. In cases where the guests of residents become unruly or violate University and organized living group policies, the resident host will be held accountable. University or local police may be utilized in the confrontation of guests and other nonresidents who are disruptive or otherwise in violation of University policies.

Fraternity and Sorority Socials
  • Alcohol consumption is prohibited entirely during ANY social event on chapter property. All social events on chapter property must be alcohol-free.
  • All fraternities and sororities which house freshmen must be alcohol-free.
  • Fraternities and sororities must comply with Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic social policies and procedures outlined for social functions, as well as with Fraternal Information and Programming Group (FIPG) policies. Members are required to be in compliance with their national or international regulations regarding alcohol consumption.
  • Alcohol consumption on chapter property, if permitted at all, is prohibited for students under the legal drinking age and is restricted to the private rooms of students 21 years of age or older. Fraternities must review their Fraternal Organization Agreements and the Alcohol-Free House Agreement to know whether their fraternity is permitted to have alcohol on chapter property.
  • All off-property social functions where alcohol is present require a third-party vendor to serve alcohol, provide security, and verify legal age. All event co-sponsors will be held equally responsible for policy compliance.
  • The social policy will remain in effect throughout the calendar year, including breaks and summer for chapter houses while occupied by chapter members.

Related WAC Guidelines