University of Michigan Biological Station Alcohol and Drug Policy
Faculty and Staff
The University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS) strives to maintain a campus community free of adverse effects from the misuse and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. The misuse and abuse of substances poses a host of potential medical, behavioral, and social problems that can affect our community. Problems such as vandalism, assault, harassment, and disruption of sleep and study space increase in relation to misuse. UMBS has additional reasons for enforcing this policy. It is crucial that participants not have impaired judgment or impaired physical abilities while engaging in Biological Station activities such as swimming, boating, and hiking. The Biological Station and its community of residents could be seriously damaged by incidents that involve the use of alcohol or drugs.
The improper and excessive use of alcohol and other drugs may interfere with the University of Michigan Biological Station mission by negatively affecting the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff. Individuals who are legally permitted to drink and choose to do so are expected to consume alcohol in a responsible manner. Intoxication will never be accepted as an excuse for misconduct or for infringement upon the rights of others.
The laws of the state of Michigan and University of Michigan’s policies prohibit the consumption or possession for personal consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under the age of 21 years. Further, Michigan laws and University of Michigan policies prohibit the sale, service or giving of alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21. University of Michigan’s policies, local ordinances and laws, state laws and federal laws also prohibit the unlawful possession, use and/or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol.
In addition, it is the policy of the University of Michigan Biological Station that its faculty and staff must not provide alcohol to or consume alcohol with Biological Station undergraduate students, even if they are of legal drinking age. This includes official and unofficial events where alcohol may be served on campus.
Michigan voters approved Proposal 18-1 in 2018 which legalized the possession and use of limited amounts of marijuana in non-public places for individuals 21 years and older. However, marijuana is still considered an illicit drug by the federal government and the University of Michigan must comply with federal laws. This means that marjuana use, in any capacity, is not allowed on any University of Michigan campus.
UMBS Alcohol and Drug Policy
This supplements the University of Michigan Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities (SRR)
No person under 21 years of age may possess or consume alcoholic beverages. In accordance with state law, anyone with alcohol in the bloodstream is considered to be in possession of alcohol. Students who violate the SRR in situations where alcohol appears to be a contributing factor for their behavior may be further charged with possession.
No person of any age may possess open containers or consume alcoholic beverages in public areas of UMBS or adjoining property.
The following further explanations may help you understand the extent of the alcohol policies in effect at the University of Michigan. The policy covers, but is not limited to, the situations described below.
Residents who are 21 years of age or older may bring small amounts of alcohol to their residence areas for personal consumption. Students who are legally permitted to drink are expected to consume alcohol in a responsible manner. Intoxication will never be accepted as an excuse for misconduct or for infringement upon the rights of others.
Kegs or other common sources of alcohol are not permitted in residence rooms or areas, even when the residents are over the age of 21.
Sale of alcoholic beverages (or cups or mixers to be used for alcohol) is prohibited anywhere in a University residence. State law restricts alcohol sale and the charging of alcohol-related cover charges to state-licensed establishments.
Advertising that implies or explicitly cites the availability of alcohol at any function or party, private or otherwise, is expressly forbidden. Advertising a cover charge to be collected at the event or an admission payable in advance is also prohibited.
Marijuana use, in any capacity, is not permitted on any University of Michigan campus. Michigan voters approved Proposal 18-1 in 2018 which legalized the possession and use of limited amounts of marijuana in non-public places for individuals 21 years and older. However, marijuana is still considered an illicit drug by the federal government and the University of Michigan must comply with federal laws.
Updated May 2023
