Making safe choices at VCU: What you should know

By Jake Burns
VCU Police

As the 2025-26 academic year at Virginia Commonwealth University begins, community members are encouraged to review student conduct policies and potential ramifications if they are violated, including VCU's policy on alcohol and drug use, possession or distribution.

Drinking and drug use can cause significant health, well-being and academic issues, so VCU community members should make safe, healthy choices. Resources are available to any student or employee who is concerned about substance use by themselves or friends/colleagues. For those who choose to consume, VCU RecWell has a list of safety practices to keep yourself and others safe.

To share helpful information for students and address common misconceptions, VCU News spoke with three experts on campus - Kristie Filipchuk, interim associate dean and director of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity in the Dean of Student Advocacy Office; Kenzel Hill, Ed.D., assistant director of residential life for conduct in Residential Life and Housing; and Lt. Ian McAllister with VCU Police - to capture their advice on what the VCU community needs to know about alcohol and drug consumption, including:

• Common violations
• The consequences for them
• Possible parental notification
• Marijuana possession/use
• Implications for off-campus drinking/drug use
• Explanation of medical amnesty
• How to get more information

What are some of the most common alcohol or drug violations reported to your divisions that result in some type of disciplinary action (university sanctions or criminal charges)?

Filipchuk: Typical reports in Student Conduct and Academic Integrity (SCAI) are for violations of university policy related to hosting or attending socials with alcohol within the neighborhoods, or marijuana use.

Hill: Residential Life and Housing receives reports and referrals of alcohol and drug violations, usually from a resident assistant. We will also receive reports from residents reporting alcohol or drug use in the residence hall by fellow residents or roommates. These are usually instances of underage possession and consumption of alcohol and drugs, such as marijuana. This tends to be residents who are using prohibited substances within the residence halls or returning to the residence hall from an off-campus location and having used or consumed prohibited substances. We also see paraphernalia such as empty alcohol containers, or devices such as water pipes or bowls used to consume marijuana. These are prohibited.

McAllister: Underage possession and/or consumption of alcohol and illegal possession of controlled substances are the main issues we see every semester. However, our units get called to most emergency situations on campus, so we even more often see the medical repercussions of someone who overconsumes alcohol or drugs. Oftentimes, students are in a new environment, sometimes on their own for the first time, and this can lead to trusting the wrong people for advice or failing to safely consume. We hope students will make healthy choices.

People get in trouble for alcohol/drug violations, but how far can the consequences go?

Filipchuk: Anytime you find yourself in the SCAI, our first and foremost priority is ensuring the safety of the individual and campus. Most of our outcomes include education to ensure that the safety of the community is upheld during future events. If you are responsible for the most severe alcohol/drug violations, at times, a break from the university is the best option for the safety of the individual and campus.

Hill: The consequences for violating the alcohol and other drugs policy can vary depending on the context, and we evaluate the appropriate sanction on a case-by-case basis. You may be issued disciplinary probation. This is a period of time following a violation when a student is on notice that any subsequent violation will likely result in suspension or expulsion. You are also likely to receive an educational sanction, such as well-being coaching, where you meet with a member of our RecWell team to discuss the consequences of alcohol and drug use. More serious violations, such as the distribution of alcohol and drugs, often lead to more serious consequences, like suspension or expulsion. For those who live in the residence halls, severe violations can result in the loss of a housing assignment without a refund. Additionally, certain student-leadership positions may request a review of your student conduct record, and it could impact your eligibility.

McAllister: They can go very far. If you get into trouble for an alcohol or drug violation, not only will you have to deal with the consequences within the VCU community, but you may face legal consequences. This can range from disciplinary action from the university (especially for repeated violations) and/or jail time.

If I'm under 21 years old and get caught with alcohol, who will find out?

Hill: If you are under the age of 21 and found responsible for alcohol or drug usage, your parent or guardian will receive a notification of violation.

Filipchuk: We echo Residential Life and Housing's response about notifying a parent, guardian or individual, acting as a parent in the absence of a parent or guardian. SCAI informs other VCU officials who need the information in order to do their jobs, including supporting student success and enforcing academic and professional standards. For most undergraduates, SCAI does not typically include academic departments on the student's conduct unless a suspension or expulsion is in the conversation. This is because we want to make sure that we can address the situation with growth and education at the forefront.

McAllister: It depends on the situation. If there is a medical emergency, your emergency contact will be notified. Underage students found to be in possession of alcohol face student conduct reviews, and if found responsible, their parents may be notified. VCU Police has a zero-tolerance policy for underage alcohol consumption, unless there is a medical concern. That means if a VCU Police officer finds you in possession of alcohol underage, that officer has to make an arrest.

If I'm the legal drinking age, can I have alcohol in my on-campus residence?

Hill: Yes, if you are over the age of 21, you can have and consume alcohol in your residence hall room. There are specific guidelines on how alcohol should be treated in your residence hall for those of-age. For example, consuming alcohol - even over the age of 21 - in a community space of a residence hall is prohibited. Residents should review the Guide to Residential Living for specific details.

McAllister: From a policing standpoint, students should understand that if you decide to share your alcohol and that person is under the legal age, you can face legal consequences for providing alcohol to a minor.

Virginia law allows for the simple possession of marijuana if someone is 21. Can they keep some on campus?

Filipchuk: No. It's important that everyone knows that marijuana is a violation of policy. This means you can't keep it on campus or consume it on campus. It should not be on campus.

Hill: A common misconception is that because marijuana is decriminalized for those over the age of 21, it can be used on campus. This is not true. Marijuana is never permitted on campus, including in the residence halls even for medical purposes.

McAllister: No. Since cannabis is a federally controlled substance, possession on VCU property is still prohibited and can result in a Student Code of Conduct violation and/or civil fine. For those under 21 found in possession of cannabis, you face a $25 fine and a substance abuse/education course.

Let's say I live off campus and want to throw a party. Can I get in trouble if things get out of hand?

Filipchuk: VCU Student Affairs is very lucky to have a great relationship with VCU Police to protect the safety and well-being of our students. SCAI is notified of noise ordinances, nuisance properties and situations that may put our students at risk. The Student Code of Conduct applies to all conduct by students, and SCAI will determine on a case-by-case basis whether this policy shall be applied to conduct not on university property. Students should know their actions off campus can result in a code of conduct violation.

Hill: While Residential Life and Housing does not control what occurs off campus, we do hope on-campus residents who choose to go off campus stay safe and are aware of the safety resources available to them from VCU Police while off campus.

McAllister: Yes, if VCU Police or the Richmond Police Department have to come to your party because of noise complaints, not only would you have to deal with the legal consequences with the police, you could be in violation of the Student Code of Conduct or your lease. VCU Police will work with landlords, which in extreme cases can result in you being evicted. The city of Richmond has noise ordinances that VCU Police and Richmond police can enforce. Violations can lead to civil citations, which range from $100 fine for the first time all the way up to potentially a $500 fine.

What does the term "medical amnesty" mean, and how does it apply to alcohol and drug violations?

Hill: Amnesty can be granted through the student conduct process. This means that the university will not take disciplinary action against a student who may be in violation of the alcohol or other drugs policy if they seek timely medical assistance. For specific information, read section II.A.1 of the Student Code of Conduct.

McAllister: Medical amnesty encourages everyone to call for medical aid for friends (or anyone) who is under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol and needs care. Virginia's medical amnesty law gives them immunity from arrest by law enforcement and criminal prosecution if they are under the influence or in simple possession when requesting that care and stay on scene to cooperate with police. This helps alleviate concerns someone might have when seeking medical aid for someone else. For more information, read Virginia's law on amnesty.

What are some common misconceptions about medical amnesty at VCU?

Filipchuk: First and foremost, it is important to seek assistance from emergency medical or law enforcement personnel for anyone you think may need it. However, it is not something that can be used to get out of an incident later down the road.

Hill: A common misconception is that amnesty granted by VCU Police and amnesty granted through the student conduct process are the same; they are different. Additionally, it does not mean no action will be taken by the university. If we know an alcohol or drug violation has occurred, there will still be some outreach by the university to discuss the incident from an educational perspective.

McAllister: I think a lot of people see this as a catch-all. It is not. The law applies to those who are seeking or in need of immediate medical help. It is intended to protect those who are calling for help but do not want them to get themselves or someone else into trouble.

If someone has questions about alcohol and substance policies at VCU and/or Virginia law, where should they reach out?

Filipchuk: Student Conduct and Academic Integrity are happy to answer any questions at 804-828-1963 or [email protected].

Hill: If you are a residential student and have questions about alcohol and other substance policies in the residence halls, you can reach out to the Conduct and Care unit of Residential Life and Housing at [email protected]

McAllister: I always suggest that VCU community members review VCU's alcohol and drug policy, the VCU Police website and the VCU Residential Life and Housing policies. You should never take policy or legal advice from a friend. Do your own research so that you are correctly educated. There is an old principle that "ignorance of the law is no excuse." Knowing that, make sure you have the correct information to prevent finding yourself in a situation that could land you in trouble.

Please take the time to review VCU's Student Code of Conduct (Interim) and Alcohol and Other Drugs policy, or speak directly to VCU staff members with Student Affairs, Residential Life and Housing or VCU Police.

Anyone who needs immediate help for themselves or others while on VCU's campus can call 804-828-1234, use one of the more than 300 emergency reporting telephones, or use the free VCU LiveSafe app. VCU's Emergency Communications Center operates 24/7, 365 days a year.