6.

7 Drugs and Alcohol Policy

A ‘Framework for Developing a College Alcohol Policy’ was produced by the National Working
Group on Alcohol Consumption in Higher Education. The National College of Ireland's alcohol
policy is based on a continuing concern about the high rates of consumption of alcohol by
third level students and the health risks associated with it. NCI's Alcohol and Drugs Policy is
underpinned by the following principles from that Framework.

6.7.1 Aims of the NCI College Alcohol Policy are to:

Ensure that the social and academic life on campus is conducive to the health and well
being of students and staff.

 Ensure that the College environment is safe for students and staff and complies with
health and safety regulations.
 Promote the College as a supportive environment which enables students and staff to
make healthy choices that promote health and well being.
 Provide support services for those who may require assistance during their time at
the College.

6.7.2 Objectives:
 Promoting the health and well being of students and staff
 Promoting personal responsibility and social obligation to the College community
 Enhancing a campus environment where low-risk drinking is the 'social norm'
 Promoting low-risk drinking and discouraging high-risk drinking
 Providing an atmosphere free from pressure to drink for those who choose not to
drink
 Providing alcohol-related information and education for all students and staff
 Supporting and promoting alternative to drinking thus creating choice and a balanced
social programme
 Promoting opportunities for brief interventions to reduce high-risk drinking
 Providing confidential and effective supports for those who seek assistance as a
result of problem drinking
 Reducing the incidence of alcohol-related problems among College students and staff
 Promoting a caring environment for those who experience difficulties related to
alcohol

NCI, recognising the place of moderate alcohol consumption in many areas of society,
considers it important to create an environment within the College which promotes a sensible
attitude to drinking, while accepting the potential of alcohol abuse to adversely affect the well-
being of individuals. It is assumed that all students are responsible adults and will only
consume alcohol in moderation. The College has the following policies to provide guidelines
and promote a healthy and responsible environment.

These policies are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that we continue to address
these important issues successfully.

6.7.3 Policies and Procedures - Drugs and Alcohol

All national laws and college policies pertaining to alcohol and other drugs apply to all
members of the National College of Ireland community including students, faculty and staff as
well as campus organisations. These policies include but are not limited to:

 Any faculty, staff, Learner or campus organisation wishing to conduct an event on

campus where alcohol will be served must complete the appropriate Alcohol Function
 Agreement Form with the Director of Learner Life. Alcoholic beverages may only be
consumed in areas designated on the Alcohol Function Agreement Form
 As one would expect, the sale of alcohol must adhere to all pertinent national laws
(i.e. no public intoxication, no one shall sell or give away any alcoholic beverages to
an underage person or an intoxicated person, etc.)
 The use of alcohol must not adversely affect other people or their property
 Excessive drinking is not an excuse for behaviour that violates the College Code of
Discipline
 The use and distribution of illegal drugs or the misuse of legal drugs is dangerous to
the individual as well as the greater College community


6.7.4 Smoking
Smoking is a serious danger to the health of the smoker and those who are in the presence
of the smoke. NCI has a strict no smoking policy and smoking is not permitted within an
NCI premise – that includes e-cigarettes. Disciplinary action under Section A of the
Disciplinary Code will be taken against anyone found in breach of the College no smoking
policy.