University Policies and Procedures Manual (previously Business Policies and Procedures Manual)

Alcohol and Drug Policy

UPPM 10.19

For more information contact:
    Human Resource Services (for employee issues)
    509-335-4521 / hrs@wsu.edu
    Risk Management (for events)
    509-335-6893 / compliance.risk@wsu.edu
    Office of the Provost (for student issues)
    509-335-5581 / provost@wsu.edu

1.0   Overview and Purpose

Washington State University (WSU, University) is committed to creating, supporting, and maintaining an environment free of drug and alcohol abuse and illegal or dangerous behavior. WSU is also committed to ensuring all events during which alcohol is served are conducted in compliance with applicable legal requirements and in accordance with best practices.

This policy sets forth applicable laws, requirements, and guidelines to ensure consistency and clarity regarding permitted and prohibited drug and alcohol use on all WSU properties statewide. The policy also establishes standards and regulations for the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse as required by the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 (20 U.S.C. § 1011i). In addition, this policy describes University and individual requirements in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C. §§ 701-707).

2.0   Definitions

Being “under the influence” is defined as exhibiting impaired behavior that (1) limits or is likely to limit a person’s ability to perform their expected tasks, (2) is disruptive of University business, or (3) poses a threat to the safety or well-being of the person or others.

Controlled substances refers to those substances designated as schedule I through V under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 812) and 21 C.F.R. § 1308.11-.15. Marijuana is an illegal controlled substance under federal law.

Legend drugs are any drugs which are required by state law or regulation of the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission to be dispensed on prescription only or are restricted to use by practitioners only. RCW 69.40.010.

WSU-controlled property, for purposes of this policy, includes property owned or leased by WSU but does not include property, such as the Lewis Alumni Center and the Palouse Ridge Golf Course, that is owned by WSU and leased to or controlled by an affiliate or third party.

3.0   Applicability

This policy applies to all University employees and students, and to all campus visitors, including guests, contractors, subcontractors, volunteers and service providers.

This policy does not apply to IRB-approved scientific research involving alcohol or controlled substances, which is within the purview of the Office of Research and subject to specific federal and state requirements. However, see Section 5.0 regarding specific reporting requirements for criminal alcohol or drug offenses occurring in the context of federally-funded research.

4.0   Requirements and Prohibitions

4.1  All Individuals on University-Controlled Property

Consumption or possession of alcohol in public areas of any University-controlled property is generally prohibited except when those who are 21 years of age or older are participating in a sponsored event for which there is a valid alcohol license or banquet permit (see Section 6.0).

All individuals on University property are subject to WAC Chapter 504-31 (Conduct on University Property), which prohibits “Unlawful possession, use, distribution, or manufacture of alcohol or controlled substances on university property or during university-sponsored activities” (WAC 504-31-020(6); WAC 296-800-11025).

All individuals on University property or participating in University business or activities are prohibited from being under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.

Violations of WSU regulations and/or policies regarding alcohol and drugs may result in administrative trespass from WSU property, criminal charges, and/or student or employee discipline (see WAC 504-31-030).

Unless specifically stated otherwise in this policy or other University policy, this section does not apply to the lawful possession or consumption of alcohol in private residences.

4.2   Students

WSU students and student organizations are required to follow the Standards of Conduct for Students, which include specific prohibitions related to drugs, drug paraphernalia, and alcohol (see WAC 504-26-211 (Drugs and drug paraphernalia); WAC 504-26-212 (Alcohol)). WSU’s Center for Community Standards maintains an Alcohol & Drug Policy website, which consolidates alcohol and drug related policies and requirements for students, including specific policies regarding Housing and Residence Life.

4.3  Employees and Volunteers

4.3.a   Alcohol

Employee and volunteer use, possession, delivery, or sale of alcohol while on University-controlled property or during University activities is prohibited except as expressly authorized by this policy (see Section 6.0). Any authorized use must comply with state and federal laws and all University policies, rules and regulations.

Employees and volunteers also are prohibited from being under the influence of alcohol while on University property, performing job duties, conducting University business, driving an official vehicle (see Section 4.4.a), or participating in any University activity, whether on or off campus, including participating as a University representative during courses, workshops, and conferences (see WAC 296-800-11025).

Employees are prohibited from providing alcohol to minors, including WSU students, except as permitted by law (for example, in the context of an accredited culinary or related course. See Section 6.1 for more information), and are responsible for ensuring their conduct at gatherings and events where alcohol is served and students are present meets the highest standards of professionalism at all times.

4.3.b   Controlled Substances

Employee and volunteer use, possession, delivery, and sale of controlled substances while on University-controlled property or during University activities is prohibited. Exceptions to this prohibition may be permitted for controlled substances that are legally prescribed medications, subject to the provisions of Section 4.3.c. This prohibition does not apply to the lawful prescription and dispensing of controlled substances by licensed health care providers.

Employees and volunteers are prohibited from being under the influence of a controlled substance while on University property, performing job duties, conducting University business, driving an official vehicle (see Sections 4.3.c and 4.4.a below), or participating in any University activity, whether on or off campus, including participating as a University representative during courses, workshops, and conferences.

4.3.c  Prescription & Over the Counter Drugs

The use of prescription and over the counter (OTC) drugs is permitted when taken as prescribed or, for OTC drugs, as directed by package instructions, so long as the medications do not adversely affect the job performance or safety of the consumer or others (see WAC 296-800-11025). If an employee’s use of medication could adversely affect their job performance or workplace safety, the employee must follow appropriate personnel procedures (e.g., call in sick, use leave, request change of duties, notify supervisor).

Employees are prohibited from use, possession, delivery, and sale of legend drugs without prescription or order (see RCW 69.41.030).

4.4   Other Requirements

4.4.a   University Vehicles

WSU policy prohibits driving University vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other impairing substances, as well as transporting alcohol and other intoxicating substances in University vehicles except when required by an employee’s job duties. Drivers must notify their department manager, supervisor, or assigned staff person by the end of the next business day upon notification that their driver’s license has been suspended, revoked, or otherwise determined to be invalid (see SPPM 7.10).

4.4.b   Reporting and Enforcement

WSU upholds all state and federal laws pertaining to alcohol, controlled substances, and legend drugs and may take action against any person who violates state law, federal law, or any University regulation or policy concerning such substances.

Employees should report suspected violations of this policy to a supervisor, HRS, or the Dean of Students, as applicable. Supervisors are required to report suspected violations of this policy to HRS. Suspected illegal activities also may be reported to WSU Police, campus safety, or local law enforcement.

Employees who engage in misconduct or have performance issues resulting from alcohol or drug use, or who otherwise violate this policy, may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination. The University will make reasonable efforts, in compliance with all applicable laws, to assist persons who self-report an alcohol or drug misuse or abuse problem.

5.0    Federally Funded Activities

As a recipient of federal financial awards, WSU complies with the Drug- Free Workplace Act, including 34 C.F.R. Part 84 (Government wide requirements for drug-free workplace).

Employees convicted of a criminal alcohol or drug offense that occurred on WSU controlled property or while conducting WSU business must report the conviction to their supervisor in writing immediately.

Supervisors who learn of an employee’s conviction of a criminal alcohol or drug offense must contact the Office of Research within three (3) business days to determine whether the crime occurred during the conduct of any federally funded award activity.

If an employee, who is directly engaged in the performance of work under a federally funded award (as described in 34 C.F.R. Part 84), is convicted of a drug violation in the workplace, WSU will:

  • Notify, in writing, within ten (10) calendar days after learning of the conviction, every federal agency on whose award the convicted employee was working; and
  • Within 30 calendar days of learning about the conviction, either—
  • Take appropriate personnel action against the employee, up to and including termination, consistent with the requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 S.C. 794); or
  • Require the employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for these purposes by a federal, state or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency.

(See 34 CFR § 84.225.)

6.0    Events on WSU-Controlled Property

The following requirements apply to all events involving alcohol on University-controlled property:

  • Compliance with all legal requirements. The sale and service of alcoholic beverages must comply with all federal and state laws. State laws include, but are not limited to, requirements related to server training, checking ID, minors in possession, furnishing alcohol to minors, serving intoxicated persons, driving under the influence, and exhibiting unruly or intoxicated behavior.
  • Compliance with permit requirements. Sponsors and third-party vendors must obtain all required permits from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, including server permits, banquet permits and/or special occasion licenses, and comply with all requirements of the permit.
  • Permission from WSU. Sponsors of an event where alcohol is to be possessed, sold, served or consumed must obtain permission from the appropriate official(s) in advance of the event, as follows:
    • Student organizations must obtain permission from the campus student involvement office and follow campus alcohol procedures for student organization events (for Pullman, see the Student Organization Manual);
    • For all other requests (except for those that are pre-approved in Section 6.1 below), sponsors must fully complete the Alcohol Event Request Form no later than 30 days prior to the planned event (45 days in cases of special occasion licenses) to obtain permission from the designated campus authority, which is Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) for each campus. Note that Pullman Environmental Health and Safety is the designated campus authority for CAHNRS non-campus locations and the Everett campus, as well as Pullman. EHS may, in its discretion, accept request forms after the 30-day deadline when it determines there is sufficient time to adequately prepare for the event and meet all applicable legal requirements.
    • EHS notifies campus safety and campus risk management when an Alcohol Event Request Form has been submitted. These offices will coordinate and, if needed, meet with the sponsor and the vendor prior to the event to ensure the venue and proposed service meets state, federal, and WSU requirements.
  • Compliance with any additional conditions imposed by WSU. WSU reserves the right to impose conditions on any event involving alcohol, including but not limited to insurance coverage, Mandatory Alcohol Service Training (MAST) certification, or additional event security.

In addition to the above general requirements, additional specific requirements and restrictions apply as set forth below.

6.1    WSU Events and Activities

For purposes of this policy, WSU events include events sponsored by any WSU unit or recognized employee or student group.

Alcohol may not be served at WSU events held on WSU-controlled property during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday), except the following pre-approved activities:

  • WSU Tri-Cities Wine Science Center, Brelsford Visitor Center, and WSU’s School of Hospitality and Business Management. Alcohol may be served at events and educational activities held at these locations and in accordance with the alcohol permits held by these units.
  • Intercollegiate Athletics. On NCAA intercollegiate football, basketball, soccer, and baseball game days, beer, wine, and distilled spirits sales and service may begin no earlier than three hours prior to kickoff, tipoff, or first pitch, and must end no later than 75% of the way through the scheduled contest (e.g., end of the 3rd quarter for football, start of the 7th inning for baseball). These restrictions also apply to watch parties held at WSU- controlled property outside of Pullman. Plans for alcohol sales and service in all locations are subject to review and approval by the President or designee prior to initiation; and
  • Academic Courses. Alcohol may be served, possessed, or otherwise used in connection with University-approved, instructor-supervised courses in areas including, but not limited to, viticulture/enology and hospitality, in accordance with all applicable laws and any required liquor licenses or permits. At a minimum, all such courses must:
    • Comply with all rules under RCW 66.20.010(12), WAC 314-38-060 (if applicable), and any additional provisions required by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board;
    • Maintain a current class 15 permit for the course and any other permits required by the Liquor and Cannabis Board and ensure that all students are at least 18 years of age; and
    • Ensure instructors are at least 21 years of age and possess a class 12 or 13 alcohol server permit.

Due to state regulations, WSU does not grant requests for individual exceptions to the prohibition against serving alcohol at WSU events held on WSU-controlled property during regular business hours (see WAC 296-800-11025).

6.2   WSU Affiliate Events

WSU affiliates include entities that have formal operating agreements with WSU, such as the WSU Foundation and the WSU Alumni Association.

The prohibition against serving alcohol at events on WSU-controlled property during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday), applies to WSU affiliates.

For WSU affiliate-sponsored events, the University President, Provost and Executive Vice President, Executive Vice President for Statewide Campuses, Executive Vice President for Finance and Operations, chancellor, or their designee, may grant an exception to the above prohibition under the following circumstances:

  • The requester has applied for an exception in writing at least 30 days prior to the planned event; and
  • The President, Provost, EVP, chancellor, or designee determines that:
    1. The requester provided a reasonable justification for serving alcohol prior to 5:00 pm;
    2. Granting the request will benefit the University; and
    3. University business will not be disrupted by the event.

The President, Provost, chancellor, EVP, or designee, may impose conditions on the event to ensure University business is not disrupted and employees and students are not impacted.

6.3   Non-WSU Events

For purposes of this section, non-WSU events include events sponsored by individuals, groups, and organizations that are not University students, affiliates, registered student organizations, WSU units, or recognized employee groups.

Short-term uses of WSU facilities by non-WSU parties, including events involving alcohol, require a written facility use agreement with WSU and must comply with WAC Chapter 504-35. WSU assesses fees to cover all direct and indirect costs associated with the facility use and may require insurance as well as a deposit. Approval from the applicable facility approving authority and campus is required. In addition, all requests for non-WSU events involving alcohol are forwarded to the University’s Office of Compliance and Risk Management in accordance with WAC 504-35-022.

7.0   WSU Events on Property Not Controlled by WSU

The following requirements apply to all WSU events involving alcohol on property not controlled by WSU:

  • Compliance with all legal requirements. The sale and service of alcoholic beverages must comply with all federal and state laws. State laws include, but are not limited to, requirements related to server training, checking ID, minors in possession, furnishing alcohol to minors, serving intoxicated persons, driving under the influence, and exhibiting unruly or intoxicated behavior.
  • Compliance with permit requirements. Sponsors and third-party vendors must obtain all required permits from the Washington state liquor and cannabis board or applicable state permitting body, including server permits, banquet permits and/or special occasion licenses, and comply with all requirements of the permit; and
  • Permission from WSU. When a WSU sponsor is serving or providing alcohol (or has retained a third-party vendor to do so), they must obtain permission from the appropriate WSU official(s) in advance of the event, as follows (note that this requirement does not apply to WSU affiliates, which are separate non-profit organizations):
    • For student organizations, contact the campus student involvement office and follow campus alcohol procedures for student organization events (for Pullman, see the Student Organization Manual);
    • For events sponsored by WSU units and employee groups, a dean, chancellor, EVP, Provost, or the President, or their designee approves the event.
      • WSU reserves the right to impose conditions on any WSU event, regardless of location. The event sponsor and the approving authority are responsible for maintaining documentation of the approval.

8.0   Advertising and Promotions

Except for approved Athletics sponsorships, WSU does not permit advertising or promotions from alcohol or marijuana related companies in any of its on-campus facilities absent prior written approval from the Executive Vice President for Finance and Operations. This policy does not pertain to advertising by WSU affiliates or in the student-operated newspaper, The Daily Evergreen, or advertising for events approved under Section 6.0.

The use of the WSU Trademarks and logos in association with promotion and/or marketing of alcohol is strictly prohibited without submission to the WSU Trademarks Office for approval.

9.0    Annual Notification

Each year, WSU provides written notification of its alcohol and drug policies, programs, and information to every student and employee in its Annual Security Report for each WSU location (see WSU’s website on Clery Act Compliance).

10.0    Resources and Related Policies

Student-related policies and guidance:

Employee-related policies and guidance:

Non-WSU Use of WSU Facilities:

Purchase of Alcoholic Beverages:

_______________________
Revisions:  May 2026 (Rev. 656); Nov. 2022 (Rev. 107); Aug. 2022 (Rev. 105); Sept. 2019 (Rev. 86); Apr. 2019 (Rev. 84); Apr. 2015 (Rev. 60); Aug. 2012 (Rev. 50); Sept. 2011 (Rev 45); Apr. 2008 (Rev. 31); Oct. 2003 – new policy (Rev. 16)