Rutgers University Policy on Alcohol Use

The University Policy on the Use of Alcoholic Beverages establishes a general framework for specific present and future campus or college rules and regulations on the use of alcohol. However, in addition to the establishment of basic policies and regulations, much remains to be considered concerning the use of alcoholic beverages at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. It must be recognized that here, as in society, the rational and responsible use of alcoholic beverages depends upon forms of teaching, conditioning, and social pressure which go beyond the purview of formal policies or regulations. Nevertheless, it may be said generally that the University expects its members to demonstrate respect and regard for the rights, property and persons of all individuals; to take responsibility for their own actions; and to act to reduce risks of damage and harm.

In terms of regulation it may also be pointed out that the University enforces prohibition of the use of alcoholic beverages in the athletic facilities of the University and other specific restrictions. Any exceptions to these rules must be expressly authorized by the Senior Vice President and Treasurer. In addition, in order to discourage abuse of alcoholic beverages and assist those already in trouble, a program of alcohol education and training and an Alcohol Assistance Program (for those with alcohol related problems) have been established at the University.

As a further guide to responsible use of alcohol, members of the University community are urged to observe the following practices when alcoholic beverages are served:

(1) Provide an equal quantity of non-alcoholic beverages at the same place in an equally attractive variety.

(2) Provide food in sufficient quantity for the number of persons present.

(3) Discontinue the sale or service of alcohol for a reasonable period of time prior to the anticipated end of the event.

(4) In any advertisement, note the availability of non-alcoholic beverages and food.

(5) Provide for supervision by persons who have a demonstrable awareness of the regulations and the techniques to reduce risk and/or those who are so trained by the University in an effort to insure successful compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

In any group where alcoholic beverages are served it is expected that at least one person designated by the group will be responsible for insuring adherence to these guidelines.

It is expected that the above guidelines will be incorporated in the regulations of the colleges and campuses. Further guidance is available in the Report of the Committee on Alcohol which may be obtained from the Office of the Assistant Vice President for Student Life Policy and Services and/or from the University=s Coordinator of Alcohol Education and Training, in the same office.

(1) The sale, service, possession, and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the Rutgers University campuses is regulated by federal and State laws and by local ordinance. All members of the University community are obligated to obey these laws, regulations, and ordinances. The University does not have the authority to alter the laws or secure exemption from them. Members of the University are individually responsible for determining how applicable laws, regulations and ordinances apply to them, and for obeying them.

(2) The use of alcoholic beverages at social functions on the Rutgers University campuses is restricted to those functions open to members of sponsoring organizations and their invited guests where service of alcohol is restricted to those of legal drinking age as defined by pertinent New Jersey Statutes. Such functions must be restricted to areas designated by the Deans, Provosts, or Senior Vice President and Treasurer. In all cases, State laws governing the dispensing of alcoholic beverages must be observed.

(3) Student activity funds and admission fees may be used to purchase alcoholic beverages in connection with a sponsored activity unless the consumption of such beverages is otherwise limited by the college or campus-level regulations, provided that student organizations are sensitive to the fact that many students cannot or choose not to drink because of the provisions of law and for other reasons. Event organizers should make appropriate accommodation for such students. The use of student fee money for the purchase of alcoholic beverages must have the approval of the appropriate Dean of Students and appropriate student fee board. In those units which have no Dean of Students, the approval of the Dean of the College is required.

(4) Departmentally-allocated funds may not be used for purpose of purchasing alcoholic beverages destined for personal consumption.

(5) The Provosts and Deans of the several campuses and colleges, following standard procedures and including consultation with the affected bodies, will develop and issue, from time to time, such regulations on the use of alcoholic beverages in the University community as they deem necessary in accordance with the policies above stated. Uniformity in regulations on all campuses and colleges is desirable but not mandatory.

The University provides a broad learning experience for encouraging the personal and intellectual growth of students. Numerous opportunities exist for students to develop an understanding of their environment and to develop self-knowledge for living and working conditions after graduation.

Since alcoholic beverages are widely used in society as a whole, the University has an obligation to assist the entire Rutgers community to become better informed about alcohol and its use to the greatest extent possible. The potential for responsible behavior by those who consume alcoholic beverages is increased with an adequate understanding of such topics as the effects of alcohol, the causes and treatment of alcoholism, the characteristic symptoms of alcoholism and chronic drinking, and types of socially accepted behavior associated with the drinking of alcohol.

Various segments of the University community including faculty, staff and students contributed to the development of the alcohol beverage regulations for the New Brunswick campuses. The advice of faculty and staff experts in the field was particularly helpful in formulating a context for discussion and planning with the following assumptions:

1. Alcohol is a socially accepted and legally regulated commodity in the United States.

2. A majority of college students consume alcoholic beverages.

3. American society is often ambivalent, misinformed or ignorant about alcohol and its effects.

4. Alcohol ranks as one of the most widely abused drugs which can cause addiction and serious health problems.

5. Alcoholism is a disease which can produce harmful effects on individuals and on interpersonal relationships.

6. The availability of non-alcohol beverages encourages greater freedom of choice and reduces the pressure to conform to behavior associated with alcohol consumption.

7. Although a small proportion of college students may be chronic drinkers, a larger number may experience problems associated with alcohol abuse (e.g. intoxication).

8. Alcohol education programs can have a positive impact on attitudes and behavior.

9. Individuals and groups are responsible for their actions.

10. The University has an obligation to promote a safe environment for the well-being of all members of the Rutgers community.

11. University rules and regulations governing the behavior of students should be reasonable and be applied equitably.

The sale, service, possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages is regulated by federal and state laws, by local ordinances, and by University policies and regulations. All members of the University community are obligated to abide by these laws, ordinances and regulations. Rutgers University does not seek to alter state and municipal laws or to seek exemption from them. Members of the University are individually responsible for being aware of the applicable laws, regulations and ordinances and for complying with them.

The members of the University community are expected to demonstrate respect and regard for the rights of individuals, to demonstrate respect and regard for the property of individuals as well as University facilities, to take responsibility for their own actions, to be conscious of the consequences of their actions, and to act to reduce risks of damage and harm.

The University also recognizes that the observance of laws and regulations governing the use and consumption of alcoholic beverages will depend upon the actions of individuals and groups. In order to encourage the lawful and responsible use of alcohol, the University will provide an extensive alcohol education program and will establish regulations that clarify the conditions for dispensing and consumption of alcoholic beverages within University facilities. Several purposes will be served by these programs and regulations: (a) to promote responsible decision making regarding the dispensing and consumption of alcoholic beverages; (b) to encourage responsible behavior by those who consume alcoholic beverages; and (c) to establish the appropriate environment in University facilities where the consumption of alcohol is permitted.

The following regulations have been formulated in accordance with University policy and apply to all members of the University community and their guests or visitors using university facilities. These regulations shall also apply to University-chartered and recognized organizations, student organizations, residence hall organizations, fraternities, sororities and events held in University facilities where the consumption of alcohol is permitted.

All University organizations are expected to develop specific procedures for the implementation of these regulations in conformance with University policy.

1. Alcoholic beverages may be served only to those of legal drinking age.

2. Individuals and organizations sponsoring a social activity where alcohol will be served are held responsible for compliance with regulations governing the use of alcoholic beverages.

3. Student fee money may be used with college approval to purchase alcoholic beverages for an activity sponsored by a student organization.

4. Departmentally budgeted funds, regardless of the source of funding may not be used for the purchase of alcoholic beverages.

5. Individuals or groups responsible for an event where alcoholic beverages are served must provide for the following conditions:

a. Effective measure for monitoring the consumption of alcohol.

b. Non-alcoholic beverages must be available in sufficient quantities, in attractive varieties, and must be displayed prominently as alcoholic beverages (it is suggested that not more than fifty percent of the budget for refreshments for an activity should be allocated for the purchase of alcoholic beverages.)

c. Food items must be available in sufficient quantity for the number of individuals attending the activity (it is suggested that not less than twenty-five percent of the budget for an event be allocated for the purchase of food).

d. The sale and service of alcoholic beverages must be discontinue at a reasonable period of time prior to the scheduled end of an event.

6. All University chartered and recognized organizations are responsible for developing procedures to implement the regulations governing the use of alcoholic beverages. These procedures shall be subject to review and approval by the University division that is responsible for the administration of the organization. Procedures must be completed and approved prior to the scheduling of an event where alcoholic beverages will be served.

7. The dispensing of alcoholic beverages is only permitted: (a) in areas designated by the separate colleges; and (b) to persons at and over the legal drinking age limit.

8. Individuals who have not attained the legal drinking age limit may be subject to the violations of the laws of New Jersey if they possess or consume any alcoholic beverage in a public place. The definition of Apublic place@ is an area open to the public and where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy. Among the places included are classroom buildings, libraries, gymnasiums and other facilities to which the public or a substantial group has access. Each college will be responsible for determining what areas shall be designated as public areas depending on the particular circumstances for each facility under its jurisdiction.

9. Individuals living in University residence halls must register a social event held in their rooms or apartments according to the procedures prescribed by their residence hall. If alcoholic beverages will be served, the following general conditions in residence living are applicable:

a. Arrangements are made with the consent of the roommate(s).

b. The individual(s) registering the social event are responsible for the behavior of guests in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Division of Housing contract.

c. The residence life staff has the authority to terminate a social event if the activity becomes noisy and/or otherwise disruptive.

d. The number of participants at the social event must be within the acceptable limits permitted by fire and safety regulations.

10. The dispensing or consumption of alcoholic beverages in athletic facilities and classroom buildings is prohibited.

11. Each academic division shall develop additional procedures and guidelines as are deemed useful to ensure adherence to these regulations and conform with University policy. Each college shall be responsible for informing it students of the alcohol regulations by inclusion of the alcohol policy and regulations in its handbook, guides, pamphlets and/or manuals. Consultation is expected with relevant student bodies.

12. These regulations shall be subject to periodic review and revision in accordance with University policy and applicable state and local laws.

 

Individuals and/or organizations that fail to abide by University policy and regulations governing the use of alcoholic beverages shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with established procedures at college and university levels.

Organizations may be subject to various disciplinary actions such as the forfeiture of student fee support and the revoking of their charter. Sanctions may be imposed on individual members of organizations if University regulations are violated.

University officials, charged with the responsibility to monitor and enforce these regulations, may terminate an event if there is a violation of state and municipal laws or the University alcohol policy.

Disorderly persons will be barred and evicted from University facilities in accordance with the normal operating procedures of the University Police.

Directors of campus pubs, resident life officials, and student activities program coordinators who assume responsibility for alcohol related events are expected to enforce these regulations.

The University will provide information on alcohol and the consequences of the use and abuse of alcoholic beverages. Individuals are encouraged to participate in education and training efforts offered by various offices. Personnel from the following departments shall be expected to participate in alcohol education and training programs on a periodic bases: Counseling Services, special programs, Health Services, Dean of Students offices, University Police, Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, Student Centers, Resident Life officers, and pub employees. Faculty advisors should be included in these programs so that they can assist their respective student organizations to make informed decisions about sponsoring alcohol related events.

The University shell offer programs designed to promote the identification, treatment and rehabilitation of members of the University community who are experiencing problems related to drinking. Students experiencing alcohol related problems should be counseled and referred to the Alcohol Assistance Program for Students within the Rutgers Student Health Service. Students will be required to participate in this program if the consumption of alcohol is found to be the reason for a behavioral problem, particularly if such participation would be an appropriate and effective element in academic or disciplinary sanctions.

Employees experiencing alcohol related problems should be counseled and referred to the Employee Assistance program offered by the Personnel Counseling Service.

June, 1984