University of Maine Policies & Recommendations

Alcohol Beverage and Drug Policies

A. Philosophy

Social settings may vary in size and purpose, and some will include the consumption of alcoholic beverages. In this respect it is expected that all those who choose to consume alcohol on the University campus do so in a responsible, legal, and appropriate manner and at no time should alcohol become a primary focus of any activity. Students should understand that misuse of alcohol or other drugs can result in psychological and physical dependence and that alcohol and other drug abuse can lead to serious physical consequences such as suppression of immune response, organ damage, and learning and memory problems. Any substance used immoderately will result in negative consequences for the user.

B. Basic Principles

  • Illicit drug use, including consumption, possession, and distribution, is a violation of University policy as well as state and federal law. It is, therefore, prohibited at the University of Maine. Students who violate the University’s drug policy and/or state and federal laws will be subject to the University’s Student Conduct Code and/or state and federal criminal justice procedures.
  • Students desiring information or help concerning substance use or abuse issue are encouraged to contact the Student Wellness Resource Center at 207.581.1423 for a private consultation.
  • Consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus, on University property, or in fraternity/sorority houses is a privilege accorded any person 21 years of age or older unless other rules do not allow drinking at all (ex. facility rules, etc.).
  • All individuals are responsible for their actions, regardless of alcohol consumption, and are expected to understand and maintain their accountability to the University community.
  • Whenever alcohol is served, there must be a variety of non-alcoholic beverages (served in the same types of containers in which alcoholic beverages are served) and food available in sufficient quantities to last for the entire event.
  • Although cannabis is legal in Maine for medical and recreational use, it is not permitted on any campus owned, controlled, or leased property by UMS policy.

C. General Guidelines

  • Illicit drug use is forbidden on-campus and off-campus, or at any University-sponsored event.
  • Persons 21 years of age and over may consume alcohol in the privacy of their rooms unless otherwise determined by University policies, such as dry dorms, etc.
  • The consumption of alcohol or possession of an open container is prohibited in all public areas.
  • The University prohibits delivery of alcoholic beverages to the campus except delivery by wholesale distributors to an event for which proper permits and liquor licenses exist.
  • The use of containers other than glass is strongly encouraged to prevent breakage and personal injury.
  • Consumption of alcoholic beverages is not allowed in any academic building without prior approval from the appropriate vice president and registration of the event through the event management policy and the University of Maine Police Department (UMPD).
  • Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the University dining facilities. Requests for exception to this regulation must be approved by the facility manager. Proper licenses or permits must be obtained through catering services.
  • Any student event where alcoholic beverages will be available must be approved through the University’s event management process including, but not limited to, the filing of the appropriate form through the Office for Student Involvement.

D. Maine State Law

All students and employees should be familiar with the Maine State Law pertaining to the sale, consumption, or possession of alcoholic beverages. A copy of the laws along with the University Alcohol Beverage and Drug Policies is distributed to all incoming students, employees, and outside users of University facilities prior to October 1st of each academic year. Please see Federal and Maine State laws website for more details at: https://www.maine.gov/dafs/bablo/liquor-lottery-rules-statutes.

E. State Alcohol Beverage Control Liquor Licensing and Compliance

The University recognizes the function of this authority and will cooperate with all those responsible in the discharge of their duties: Maine Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages & Lottery Operations website https://www.maine.gov/dafs/bablo.

F. Alcohol and Drug Education and Prevention

The University recognizes that consuming alcohol is a common adult activity that some students choose to participate in. It is further recognized that alcohol use, misuse, and abuse are complex behaviors and that increased education and knowledge concerning alcohol leads to more responsible use and consequently fewer problems associated with alcohol misuse. In this regard, the University actively supports alcohol education and awareness programs through its Alcohol Education Program, which is situated within the Student Wellness Resource Center. This office provides an array of services to the student body, including workshops, screening, brief intervention, staff training, prevention programming, non-alcoholic activities, assessment, and referral services.

Throughout the year, educational programs and alternative non-alcoholic functions are offered to promote environments which are conducive to positive functions and responsible drinking practices. Further efforts to disseminate knowledge and reduce alcohol and drug misuse in this community are maintained in the following ways:

  • The University will support and maintain the Student Wellness Resource Center and an Employee Assistance Program that provide extensive services and education for the entire University community. These services will include, but are not limited to policy dissemination, assessment, prevention programming, training, consultation, referral to internal and external facilities, assessment, and limited outpatient treatment.
  • Alcohol education norms campaigns will be distributed to the campus regularly.
  • Alcohol education sessions will occur each academic year that target the highest risk populations including first year students, Greek Life organizations, and athletic teams.
  • Each October is designated as Alcohol Responsibility Month. During this month extensive alcohol-related programming will occur.
  • All student services staff will be given an appropriate (as determined by individual program directors) alcohol and other drug education. These staff will include Residence Life, Counseling Center, University Police, Community Standards Rights and Responsibility Office, and Student Life staff.
  • All residence halls will be required to present an alcohol/substance abuse-oriented workshop for their students each semester.
  • All new fraternity and sorority members will attend an alcohol and other drug education series as recommended and mandated by the University of Maine Interfraternity Council and the University Panhellenic Association, respectively, in association with Fraternity and Sorority Life.
  • All fraternity and sorority groups will present an alcohol or substance abuse-oriented workshop each year as suggested and mandated by the University of Maine Interfraternity Council and the University Panhellenic Association, respectively.
  • The University expects that faculty will be educated in alcohol and other drug issues. This could occur through separate colleges in conjunction with the Student Wellness Resource Center. Model plans are available through that office.

G. Residence Halls and University Buildings: Guidelines for Private Functions Where Alcoholic Beverages Are Available

The following arrangements must be made for these functions:

  • All events with alcohol must follow Maine State Liquor Laws and proper permits and licenses must be obtained.
  • All events with alcohol must have an approved event management form through the Center for Student Involvement, who will offer instruction for risk management.
  • State Liquor I.D.s or State of Maine Driver’s Licenses are required and must be checked by an attendant at the door. Those able to legally drink will receive a distinctive hand stamp or otherwise be visually recognizable (e.g. wrist band, etc.).
  • The host or their designee will control access to alcohol.
  • Attendants must be assigned who will help ensure that alcohol is not given to minors.
  • Violators of the law will be asked to desist by the attendants. If the violators refuse, a staff member must be notified who will notify proper personnel to deal with the situation, i.e., resident director, area director, UMPD.
  • If staff is aware of violation, they should notify the attendants, who should confront the violator(s). If the attendants are unable to handle the situation, they should call the UMPD.
  • Any function at which minors are found drinking may be shut down immediately, and the minors and students responsible for the function will be immediately referred to and processed through appropriate channels. (e.g. Community Standards, UMPD, Residence Life).
  • All common-source containers of alcohol (i.e., kegs, punch bowls, beer balls, alcohol-filled fruits) must be approved by the Director of Residence life, the appropriate building manager, or their designee, and may be obtained for approved functions only. The Director of Residence life or their designee determines whether there is a sufficient number of students to warrant common source containers and then determines the number permitted at any given time.
  • Students with illegal common source containers will be immediately referred to the Office of Community Standards, Rights, and Responsibilities.
  • All illegal common source containers will be confiscated and given to the police.

H. Alcohol Beverage Marketing Policy

The misuse of alcohol is a potential problem for college campuses. The inappropriate and irresponsible advertising of alcohol on a campus can further contribute to the problems of alcohol abuse. Therefore, the University of Maine has developed the following policy in support of a responsible approach to dealing with alcohol distributors wishing to advertise alcoholic beverages on campus: departments, programs, or officially recognized organizations of the University of Maine will only enter into advertising agreements with alcoholic beverage distributors/companies or their agents when the advertisements clearly advocate responsible alcohol use, have been approved by the Student Wellness Resource Center, and meet the following criteria. The essential element of on-campus alcohol ads being a clear anti-alcohol abuse message:

  • Alcohol advertisements specifically targeted for members of the UMaine campus must avoid demeaning, sexual, or discriminatory portrayals of people.
  • Alcohol advertisements will not encourage any form of alcohol misuse nor place emphasis on the quantity or frequency of use.
  • Alcohol beverage advertising will subscribe to the philosophy of responsible and legal use of the products represented.
  • Alcohol beverages advertised on campus or in campus media will not portray drinking as contributing to the personal, academic, or social success of students.
  • Alcohol beverage advertising will not associate beverage alcohol with increased sexual prowess, athletic ability, or with the performance of tasks that require skill or skilled reactions.
  • Distribution of free alcohol shall not be used as a marketing tool.
  • Alcohol advertisements promoting drink specials are prohibited on campus

Administration and oversight of the University’s Alcohol Beverage Marketing Policy rests with the Center for Student Involvement. In interpreting the policy, the decisions of that office are subject to the same administrative review which applies to all other University policies, namely, that decisions can be appealed to the next supervisory level, up to and including the President. Oversight includes seeking action on non-compliance and resolving differences in policy interpretation. All individuals and departments within the University are expected to comply.

I. Coerced/Forced Consumption of Alcohol and/or Other Drugs and/or responsible organization(s).

In instances such as hazing, where a person or people force another person or people to consume alcohol or other drugs, or conspires to force another person or people to consume alcohol or other drugs, or fails to take direct action to stop the incident (personal intervention, calling authorities, etc.), immediate and strict sanctions, including suspension/dismissal, may be imposed on the responsible individual(s).

J. University’s Relationship to Students

The University recognizes its contractual relationships with its students. In regard to alcohol and other drug use, the University realizes that its students are adults who are ultimately responsible for their own behavior. The University does, however, recognize its responsibility to provide services and policies which are designed to diminish the incidence of alcohol misuse and other illicit drug use and consequent negative outcomes, and in this regard, will educate its students and consistently enforce its alcohol and other drug-related policies as well as comply with local, state, and federal laws pertaining to alcohol and drug use.

K. University Catered-Party Policy

The service of alcoholic beverages at University functions must be in compliance with Maine State Law and University policies – i.e., an individual must be of legal age to possess or purchase alcoholic beverages, and individuals/organizations may not sell alcoholic beverages without proper license. The only approved method for dispensing alcoholic beverages at student functions at UMaine is by coordinating through UMaine Dining/Catering. The sale of alcohol at any function is illegal without a liquor license.

Catering Services: The University, through UMaine Dining/Catering, will extend its qualified caterers a liquor license for University Catered Parties under the following conditions:

  • Arrangements must be made with the UMaine Dining/Catering Office fourteen (14) days prior to the event with an approved event form from the Center for Student Involvement.
  • The sponsoring organization must play a major role in planning and implementing the event. The student organization is also responsible for ensuring that the behavior of members and guests is consistent with University policies and state statutes. The sponsoring organization must create an atmosphere where norms of responsible alcohol use prevail.
  • In consultation with student groups, the Center for Student Involvement will determine the number of UMaine staff, including police coverage, required to service a party function.
  • A student or sponsoring organization must ensure both a variety of non-alcoholic beverages be available at the service areas and food is available in sufficient quantities to last the entire event. UMaine Dining’s non-alcoholic beverages will be the same price or less than the cost of alcoholic beverages.
  • University Student Organization-catered parties will occur only on Fridays and Saturdays. Exceptions for special occasions will be considered.
  • For University student or sponsoring organization-catered parties, all money collected for cash sales over the bar will be collected by UMaine catering staff.
  • The cost of beer and wine offered for sale at University student-catered parties should be competitive with market prices.
  • Student-related Organizations hosting catered, licensed parties may collect a cover charge at the door to help defray party expenses related to entertainment.
  • All party venues must be in compliance with town fire, safety, and crowd- control regulations in order to be eligible for the University Student Catered-Party Policy. Regulations are available from the Director of the Center for Student Involvement.

L. Federal Notifications Regarding Alcohol and Other Drugs

Federal notifications occur through the Clery Annual Safety and Fire Report from UMPD: https://umaine.edu/police/clery-annual-safety-report/

M. University Policy on Alcohol and Illegal Drugs

University policy recognizes that substance abuse is a complex problem that is not easily resolved solely by personal effort and may require professional assistance and/or treatment. Accordingly, each campus and system-wide services have designated an individual to assist employees and students who seek referral for assistance with a substance-abuse problems. Students, faculty, and staff members with substance-abuse problems are encouraged to take advantage of available diagnostic, referral, counseling, and prevention services. However, employees and students availing themselves of these services will not be granted special privileges and exemptions from standard personnel practices applicable to job performance requirements and from standard academic and student conduct requirements. The University will not excuse acts of misconduct committed by employees and students whose judgment is impaired due to substance use.

  • Alcoholic Beverages: The sale, possession, and use of alcohol on campuses of the University of Maine System must comply with the laws of the State of Maine and with local campus regulations and procedures. The acquisition, possession, transportation, and consumption of alcohol by anyone under 21 years of age is prohibited by University policy.
  • Alcohol may be possessed or consumed on university property only by persons 21 years of age or older in their rooms or in appropriately licensed and/or approved campus facilities. Persons are expected to assume responsibility for their own behavior while drinking and must understand that being under the influence of alcohol in no way lessens their accountability to the University community.
  • Illegal Drugs: The possession, use, manufacture, dispensation, or distribution of illegal drugs (heroin, cocaine, cannabis, LSD, steroids, etc.) is prohibited at any time on University property or as part of any University-related activities. “Illegal drugs” does not mean the use of drugs under a valid prescription. Employees and students known to use, possess, manufacture, dispense, or distribute illegal drugs are liable to public law-enforcement actions and University disciplinary actions. Employees and students who use prescribed medications are responsible for their secure storage and disposal. Cannabis for medical or recreational use may not be possessed, used, grown, dispensed, or distributed on any University property.
  • Sanctions: Employees and students who violate the University’s policy will be subject to disciplinary action by the University. The severity of the imposed sanctions will be appropriate to the violation; possible sanctions include suspension, probation, dismissal, restitution, official censure or reprimand, referral for prosecution, participation in a rehabilitation program, and other actions the University deems appropriate.

N. Special Rules That Apply to Employees and Students Under the Drug-Free Workplace Act

In November of 1988, the United States Congress enacted the Anti-Drug Abuse Act which contains a section called the “Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988.” This section requires organizations receiving federal grants and contracts to ensure that their workplaces are free from illegal use, possession, manufacture, dispensation, or distribution of controlled substances.

The law requires employers who receive federal funds to:

  • Notify employees that drug abuse is prohibited in the workplace,
  • Establish a drug-free awareness program,
  • Require each employee to notify the University of any criminal conviction for violations occurring in the workplace, and
  • Impose sanctions or remedial actions for convicted employees.

As a result of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, a court of law may suspend or terminate an individual’s eligibility for federal benefits, including student financial assistance, if that individual is convicted of certain drug offenses.

The Drug Free Workplace Act requires University employees to notify supervisors (for example, Department Director or Principal Investigator) if they are convicted of any workplace-related criminal drug violation. They must notify supervisors within five calendar days after the conviction. Failure to report a conviction may be grounds for dismissal.

The University must report in writing to the contracting or granting agency within 10 calendar days of receiving notice of the conviction.

Violations of the Drug Free Workplace Act can result in:

  • Disciplinary action, including dismissal
  • Suspension of payments under the grant
  • Suspension or termination of the grant
  • Suspension or debarment of the grantee

Maine has a medical cannabis law that permits medical use and possession of cannabis under certain circumstances. However, permitting employees or students to use or possess cannabis for medical purposes on campus is prohibited. Employees and students who are under the influence of medical cannabis are not exempt from normal conduct and job performance standards. Maine also has legalized the possession and use of small amounts of cannabis for recreational use by persons 21 and over. However, permitting such possession or use of cannabis for recreational use on university property would still violate federal law and the Drug Free Workplace Act and is prohibited.

O. Maine Alcohol Laws

Please see the state of Maine Alcohol Laws website at https://www.maine.gov/dafs/bablo/liquor-lottery-rules-statutes.

P. Maine Drug Laws

Maine law prohibits the knowing, intentional, and unauthorized possession, furnishing (distribution or giving away), and trafficking (selling) of scheduled drugs, such as cocaine, cannabis, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), heroin, and steroids.

Possession can include merely allowing drugs to be kept in your room, car, or locker even though the drugs are owned by someone else. Furnishing means giving drugs to another person, regardless of profit. If a student on one end of a bleacher sends drugs to a student at the other end, everyone who passed the drugs and who knew (or should have known) they were passing illegal drugs is guilty of “furnishing” that drug. Sharing a line of cocaine with friends (even if the friends don’t pay for it) is “furnishing cocaine.”

Trafficking is selling or exchanging an illegal drug and getting something in return. Trafficking also includes making, creating, manufacturing, growing or cultivating drugs, or possessing with the intent to traffic or possessing more than a certain amount of certain drugs.

Trafficking in or furnishing counterfeit drugs is when a person intentionally or knowingly traffics in or furnishes a substance that the person represents to be a scheduled drug but that in fact is not a scheduled drug but is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury when taken or administered in the customary or intended manner. Aggravated furnishing and/or aggravated trafficking (carrying longer terms of imprisonment or greater fines) involves an aggravating factor, including but not limited to the following:

  • Furnishing/trafficking within 1,000 feet of an elementary or secondary school
  • Furnishing/trafficking on a school bus
  • Furnishing/trafficking involving a minor (under 18)
  • Furnishing/trafficking involving a firearm
  • Furnishing/trafficking 112 grams or more of cocaine or 32 grams or more of cocaine base
  • Furnishing/trafficking 300 or more pills or 100g or more methamphetamine or amphetamine
  • Furnishing/trafficking 6g or 270 units or more of heroin
  • Furnishing/trafficking in the aggregate of 300 or more pills/units of non-heroin narcotics, 8,000mg of oxycodone, or 1,000mg of hydromorphone
  • Furnishing/trafficking 200 or more pills/units of MDMA or other similar drugs
  • Furnishing/trafficking 6g or 270 units or more of fentanyl powder or drugs containing fentanyl powder
  • Prior conviction of a drug-related offense with a prison term of more than a year
  • Drug(s) furnished/trafficked causes or contributes to the serious bodily injury or death of a person
  • If a motor vehicle is used to facilitate furnishing or trafficking, the driver’s license may be suspended

Q. Federal Drug Offenses

The criminal offenses most charged under the Federal Controlled Substances Act are the knowing, intentional, and unauthorized manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of any controlled substance or the possession of any controlled substance with the intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense. Federal law also prohibits the knowing, intentional, and unauthorized creation, distribution, dispensing, or possession with intent to distribute or dispense a “counterfeit substance.”

Simple possession without necessarily an intent to distribute is also forbidden by federal law and carries a penalty of imprisonment and/or a minimum $1,000 fine. Furthermore, “attempts” and/or conspiracies to distribute or possess with intent to distribute or possess with intent to distribute controlled substances are crimes under federal law.

Specific drug crimes carry greater penalties, including:

  • The distribution of narcotics to persons under 21
  • The distribution, possession with the intent to distribute, or manufacturing of controlled substances near schools and colleges
  • The employment of juveniles under the age of 18 in drug trafficking operations
  • The distribution of controlled substances to pregnant women

The penalties for violating federal narcotic statutes vary considerably. The penalties may be harsher based on three principal factors:

  • The type of drug involved (heroin, cocaine, cannabis, LSD, etc.)
  • The quantity of the drug involved
  • Prior conviction for a felony drug offense under Federal or State law

Except for simple possession charges which result in up to one year imprisonment and/or a fine, maximum penalties for narcotic violations range up to life in prison, and, in very limited circumstances, the death penalty. Certain violations carry mandatory minimum prison sentences of either 5 years or 10 years. Harsher penalties will be imposed if a firearm is used in the commission of a drug offense. If a drug offense results in death or serious bodily injury to an individual who uses the drug involved, the penalties are also harsher.

Anabolic steroids are controlled substances. Distribution or possession with intent to distribute carries a sentence of up to 10 years and a $500,000 fine.

Questions sometimes arise as to what the amount of narcotics found in the possession of a person is considered to be for personal use as opposed to the more serious offense of possession with intent to distribute. Federal law, as a general rule, considers anything more than a dosage unit as indicating an intent to distribute. In other words, the greater quantity possessed by the individual, the more likely it is that an individual possessed such quantity with an intent to distribute.

Maine Drug laws can be found at: https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/statutes/17-A/title17-Ach45sec0.html.

R. Health Risks Associated with Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Alcohol abuse and drug-use problems are a national health concern. Consumption of chemical compounds found in alcohol and other drugs, either on their own or concurrently, potentially incurs health risks associated with a variety of substances, such as use-disorders, detrimental metabolic effects, or major functional decline on a scale that includes death.

S. Where Can Students Go For Help?

Each campus of the University of Maine System has designated individuals to help students deal with substance abuse problems. In addition to the designated individuals, you may discuss problems with residence hall staff, counselors, Student Wellness Educators, or supervisors. Those individuals can provide assistance or connect students to a trained professional. TDD callers may leave a message for one of these individuals by calling the University of Maine System Office TDD: 207.973.3300. Indicate the name and campus of the person you wish to contact.

  • Lauri Sidelko Associate Dean of Students, Memorial Union, Room 315, 207.581.1406
  • Counseling Center, 5721 Cutler Health Center, room 125, 207.581.1392
  • Student Wellness Resource Center, Memorial Union, Room 145, 207.581.1423

In addition to campus resources you may find local social service agencies who can help at the Office of Behavior Help website: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/obh.

The following state and national telephone numbers may also be helpful:

  • National Treatment and Referral Line: 1.800.662.HELP.

Updated: June 2025