Georgetown’s Alcohol and Drug Policy

The University’s policies reflect the requirements of applicable laws and impose additional sanctions and penalties for violations by students, faculty, and staff.

The Code of Student Conduct states that students are expected to comply with all state, local, and federal laws regarding alcohol. Violations include:

  • Possession or consumption of alcohol if under the legal drinking age of 21 years of age.
  • Possession or consumption of alcohol in an alcohol-free location, including University residential buildings designated as alcohol-free, and University residential spaces where occupants are under 21.
  • Possession or consumption of an open alcohol container in a public area, including residence hall community areas, public areas on campus, streets/alleys/parks/parking lots (Residents of Henle, Vil A, Vil B, and LXR/Nevils of legal drinking age may host small gatherings with alcohol in designated grilling areas; the Code of Student Conduct outlines further policies).
  • Possession of an unauthorized keg; kegs are permitted only in townhouses and apartments where at least one resident is 21 or older.
  • Misrepresentation of age in order to obtain alcohol or entry into an establishment.
  • Sale, distribution, of provision of alcohol to and/or by anyone under 21.
  • Providing alcohol to any person, regardless of age, who appears already intoxicated.

The Code of Student Conduct also strictly forbids illegal/unauthorized possession, use, transfer and/or sale of drugs or controlled substances. Violations include:

  • Possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal and/or counterfeit drugs/controlled substances, as well as being in the presence of the use of illegal/counterfeit drugs/controlled substances.
  • Use of drug paraphernalia, illegal/counterfeit drugs/controlled substances.
  • Manufacture, sale, and/or distribution of drugs/controlled substances.
  • The possession, use and distribution of marijuana are still considered offenses under Federal Law, so these actions are also prohibited under the Code of Student Conduct.

The Code of Student Conduct prohibits smoking and vaping in all University buildings and on all University grounds.

Georgetown University has a Medical Amnesty and Good Samaritan Policy. This means that, in order to remove the barrier of disciplinary consequences for students seeking medical attention related to alcohol and drug use, students who contact GERMS of GUPD will not face disciplinary action for violations relating to the alcohol and drug policies outlined above. The prompt treatment of the patient and transport to an appropriate medical facility will be the priority. This policy applies both on and off campus.

Georgetown has a BASICS program, where a student meets with a facilitator twice, each meeting about two weeks apart. During the first session, students reflect on what may have brought them to the BASICS meeting. The conversation centers on students developing strategies for reducing risks associated with heavy alcohol use. Acknowledging that students do not plan to have the evening end with a GERMS call, the students work with the facilitator to prevent this from happening in the future. Students can also reflect on their relationship with alcohol. The second meeting revolves around seeing how useful the strategies have been in creating the type of social interaction the student wants as well as if their alcohol use is impacting them and their relationships. BASICS examines who is in control — the alcohol or the student.

The Division of Student Affairs provides an overview of these policies and further explanations of risks, effects, resources, and consequences.