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  1. Home
  2. Offices and Divisions
  3. Student Affairs
  4. Residence Life
  5. Residence Hall Policies and Rules

Alcohol Policy

Penn State Altoona is a dry campus. Regardless of age, alcohol is prohibited in any of the residence halls. Any student found in the presence of, possession, or consuming alcohol while on campus will be referred through the community standards discipline system.

  1. Residents will be held responsible for activities that occur in their rooms and will be referred to Residence Life, the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response, and University Police if students or guests are in violation of the alcohol policies.
  2. It is the responsibility of students living in the residence halls to maintain the spirit and letter of the above policies. It is the responsibility of the residence hall staff to assist students in this regard and to deal with alleged violations when they occur.
  3. It is the responsibility of University Police to enforce the criminal laws of Pennsylvania, as well as University rules and regulations. In the event of the involvement of University Police, civil or criminal prosecution, as well as University disciplinary action, may result.
  4. Failure to comply with the direction of or to present identification to University officials acting in the performance of their duties is a violation of the Code of Conduct.
  5. Supplying false information, such as name, age, etc., to University officials who are acting in the performance of their duties is a violation of the Code of Conduct.

Violation of the above policies will result in a referral to Residence Life, the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response, and University Police.

Pennsylvania's Medical Amnesty Law

If an individual, in good faith, calls and believes they are the first to call 911, police, ambulance, or campus security, gives their name and stays with the person to prevent that person’s death or serious injury, the caller is immune from prosecution for consumption or possession of alcohol.

Additionally, under Pennsylvania law, if an individual calls for emergency services for a friend who needs medical assistance as a result of hazing, and that’s how law enforcement finds out about the hazing, both the student who calls for help, as well as the one who needs medical assistance, will be immune from charges for hazing if the four conditions above are met.

Penn State's Responsible Action Protocol

A student who acts responsibly by notifying the appropriate authorities (e.g., calling 911, alerting a resident assistant, contacting the police) AND meets one or more of the following criteria typically will not face University conduct action for his or her own use or possession of alcohol or drugs. However, the student will be required to attend an approved alcohol or drug education program, such as BASICS or the Marijuana Intervention Program (MIP); the fee will be waived. When the student’s behavior involves other Code of Conduct violations, (e.g., vandalism, assault, furnishing to minors) the additional behavior may be subject to conduct. If a student exhibits a pattern of problematic behavior with alcohol or drugs, that student may be subject to formal conduct action.

The criteria which invoke the Protocol are:

  • Students seeking medical assistance for themselves when experiencing alcohol or drug overdose or related problems.
  • A student seeks medical assistance for a peer suffering from an alcohol or drug overdose or related problems and remains with the peer until appropriate authorities arrive.
  • A student suffering from an alcohol or drug overdose or related problems, for whom another student seeks assistance. The other person who sought assistance, believes they are the first caller, provides their name, and remains with the peer until appropriate authorities arrive, will also not be subject to disciplinary action for alcohol violations.

Residence Life

  • Our Mission
  • Meet Our Staff
  • Resident Assistants
    • Becoming a Resident Assistant
  • Residence Hall Policies and Rules
    • Alcohol Policy
    • Illegal Substance (Drug) Policy
    • Canvassing
    • Decorations and Displays
    • Guests
    • Quiet Policy
    • Safety
    • Security
    • Solicitations
    • Weapons, Firearms, and Paintball Devices
    • Lock-outs
    • Miscellaneous Information
  • Living on Campus
  • Roommate Conflicts
    • What is a Roommate Conflict?
    • Navigating Roommate Conflicts for Students
    • Roommate Mediation
    • Resources for Families
    • Helpful Hints for Assisting your Student if a Roommate Conflict Arises
    • Room Changes

Office of Residence Life

Spruce Residence Hall
814-949-5710 | [email protected]

HOURS
Monday–Friday
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

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See Also

  • Residence Hall Association
  • National Residence Hall Honorary
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Altoona highlighted

Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
  • facebook
  • twitter
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Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Welcome from the Chancellor
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • College Leadership
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Robert L. Smith Learning Resources Center
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Center for Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Student Diversity and Inclusion Programming
    • International Student Services
    • Housing
    • Parking
    • Police and Safety
    • Career Services
    • Diversity at Penn State Altoona
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Community-Based Studies
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
    • Athletics News
    • Camps and Clinics
    • Hall of Fame
  • Stay Connected
    • Faculty and Staff Directory
    • Offices and Divisions
    • Campus Calendar
    • PSUAlert Text Messaging Service
    • COVID-19 Information
    • Penn State Altoona Connect
    • Penn State Student Engagement Network
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3000 Ivyside Park, Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601 814-949-5000

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