The Barnes Center at The Arch is committed to enhancing student-centered education on substance use awareness. This includes sharing education and additional resources surrounding alcohol. Please contact Barnes Center Health Promotion to learn more and for questions.
Syracuse University
Under the University’s policies, drinking alcoholic beverages legally and in moderation is accepted. However, unlawful behaviors involving alcohol (such as underage drinking, public intoxication and fake I.D.s) and disruptive behavior that creates potential for harm or infringes on the rights of others are prohibited. Please visit the Syracuse University Policies website for the latest information.
Alcohol Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Student Conduct Code prohibits the consumption, possession, manufacture, sale or procurement of alcohol by or for anyone who is not permitted to do so under applicable state or federal law, including facilitation of such behavior. Students documented for alcohol-related incidents will be referred to Community Standards for the Student Conduct process and may be assigned sanctions based on the severity of the incident.
Syracuse University encourages all community members to care for themselves and others. When a student/student organization initiates help from a campus or community resource for medical assistance related to alcohol and other drugs, the health and safety of the student at risk will be the University’s priority.
The student receiving medical assistance and the student/student organization that called for help will not be referred to Community Standards for alleged violations of alcohol and other drug policies if the following apply:
- The students/student organization(s) involved cooperate with staff and first responders by providing honest and complete answers to their questions; and
- The students/student organization(s) involved meet with a member of Student Outreach and Support for a follow-up non-disciplinary (educational) meeting.
To learn more, visit the Medical Amnesty Policy – Alcohol and Other Drugs webpage on the Community Standards website. The Medical Amnesty Policy is also outlined in Part 12 of the Student Conduct System Handbook.
There are a number of resources and services available both on and off campus to help combat substance use or to learn more about living a sober curious lifestyle. To learn more, explore the list below, visit the Substance Use webpage or contact the Barnes Center via email or by calling 315.443.8000.
Alcohol Harm Reduction
Protein helps slow alcohol absorption and can lessen its effects.
Adjust your drinking based on the situation, responsibilities and safety needs.
A standard drink has a specific amount of alcohol—knowing this helps you track your intake accurately. A standard drink is:
- 12 ounces of beer at 5% alcohol by volume (ABV).
- 5 ounces of wine at 12% ABV.
- 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (tequila, rum, vodka, etc.) at 40% ABV.
Large and/or shared containers of alcohol (like BORGs or Jungle Juice) make it easy to lose track of how much alcohol you’ve consumed.
Spacing drinks out gives your body time to process alcohol and reduces overconsumption.
The body metabolizes approximately one standard drink (12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits) per hour. This means that after consuming a standard drink, it takes about an hour for the body to reduce the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) by about 0.015%.
Factors such as body weight, metabolism rate and individual tolerance can influence this process, but generally, the liver processes alcohol at a consistent rate of about one drink per hour.
Water or other non-alcoholic drinks help slow alcohol consumption and prevent dehydration.
Friends can help you make safer choices and look out for one another.
Recognize the warning signs of alcohol poisoning by remembering C.U.P.S. and help by taking C.A.R.E.