Possession and Use of Alcoholic Beverages by Students Policy - NMU Policies and Requirements

Possession and Use of Alcoholic Beverages by Students Policy

Dean of Students Office, 906-227-1700, dso@nmu.edu

Possession and Use of Alcoholic Beverages by Students

No students shall illegally consume, possess*, manufacture or distribute alcoholic beverages on University premises except as permitted by University policy.

*Possess: Under Michigan law it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase or attempt to purchase, consume or possess, or have any bodily content of alcohol.

In order to promote the health and safety of students, NMU has adopted a Medical Amnesty Policy.

Residence Halls and Apartments

The use, possession, and consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in University housing except as provided in the Possession and Use of Alcohol in Designated University Housing Policy, where certain permissions are granted within Upper-Division Housing.  

In Upper-Division Housing, permission to possess and consume alcohol applies only within residents' apartments or assigned residence hall rooms, unless otherwise specifically authorized by this policy, within the following parameters: 

• Residents and guests who are 21 years of age or older may possess and consume alcohol.
• Residents and guests under 21 years of age may be present but may not possess, consume, or be provided alcohol.
• Additional permissions apply in designated lounges and during approved group-sponsored events. See the full policy for specific locations, times, and requirements.

Upper-Division Housing includes all NMU apartments and several designated residence halls reserved for students who are:  

• 21 years of age or older, or 
• a graduate student, or 
• a veteran with at least one year of active-duty military service, or 
• who have lived in a college or university residence hall for at least four semesters.  

However, meeting one or more of these eligibility criteria does not authorize a student to possess or consume alcohol outside of the designated Upper-Division Housing areas or in any location where alcohol possession or consumption is otherwise prohibited by University policy or Michigan law.  

Other Areas

Alcoholic beverages may be used in other areas designated by the University as areas in which consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted upon such terms and conditions as may be established by the President or designee.

Prohibited Areas

Use of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in all areas of the Northern Michigan University campus and field stations except as permitted under this regulation and the University’s Class C Liquor License.