University staff members may take reasonable action whenever there is good reason to believe that a violation of any rule or regulation is taking place. They may search rooms, bags, pouches, cases or any item that may be used for concealment of alcohol, other drugs or drug paraphernalia for any of the following reasons: (1) when the size or shape of the item might suggest alcohol, other drugs or drug paraphernalia are being transported, (2) when the staff member hears a noise which might suggest the presence of a substance or paraphernalia (e.g. the sound of glass clinking), (3) when the staff member has confiscated substances which would suggest the presence of additional substances in the area (e.g. found alcohol in a residence of underage students and it is suspected that additional alcohol is contained in a refrigerator) or (4) when the staff member observes an unusual behavior, such as an unsteady walk, slurred speech, or abusive or violent actions. Room searches may include, but are not limited to: (1) all university owned furnishings, (2) the interior of suspended ceilings, and (3) any refrigerator, whether university property or personally owned (for health issues and/or contraband).
If a student is searched and produces a valid SNHU ID proving legal drinking age, no action based merely upon possession of alcohol will be taken, unless the alcohol is in a restricted area, in an open container and/or is deemed to be an excessive amount. Action may be taken to protect the student or others when deemed advisable, e.g. confiscation of alcohol when a student is clearly intoxicated. A student may be subject to disciplinary action for other behaviors or be asked to provide additional forms of identification.
If a student is searched, and is not of legal drinking age or cannot produce a valid ID, then the alcohol will be confiscated and/or destroyed, and proper disciplinary actions taken. Action taken in the case of a student’s guests will be based both upon the student’s age and guest's age. Students should expect to be stopped and questioned when they are out after dark or very early in the morning.
