ALCOHOL

I. INTRODUCTION

            A. Trinity University values the freedom of those who live and work here to make our own choices, and it values the education that equips us to exercise that freedom responsibly. Choices regarding alcohol, in particular, are a matter of individual and community interest because poor decisions can negatively impact our personal health and our public environment. Trinity respects the choices of those who consume alcohol within reasonable, legal bounds and those who avoid it altogether. However, because the consumption of alcohol can impair an individual’s judgment and lead to devastating damage and loss, this policy aims to limit those negative consequences. It calls us to be mutually accountable for sustaining a positive, livable, learning environment on our campus. Finally, this policy intentionally promotes awareness regarding the physical, emotional, mental, and legal ramifications of alcohol misuse because educated freedom relies not only on rules but, most importantly, on informed thinking.

The Trinity Alcohol Coalition of students, staff, and faculty has developed the following three tenets related to alcohol: Trinity University acknowledges that students will drink; cares deeply about the health and safety of students; and will enforce policies related to alcohol use, possession, and consumption.

II. STATE AND UNIVERSITY STANDARDS

A.        Summary of Texas state law regarding alcohol

1.         Minors and alcohol

a)         The legal drinking age is 21, and it is illegal for a minor to possess, purchase, attempt to purchase, or consume alcohol. A first offense results in an alcohol awareness course, community service, a 30-day suspension of driver’s license, and up to a $500 fine. Repeat offenses may result in automatic suspension of driver’s license and up to a $2000 fine and 180 days in jail. All penalties are assigned at the discretion of a judge.

b)         Possession of false identification results in up to a $200 fine.

c)         Making alcohol available to a minor results in up to a $4000 fine and/or one year in jail.

d)         A parent must appear in court for any alcohol charges filed against a minor under 21 years of age.

2.         Driving while intoxicated

a)         For anyone under 21, it is illegal to drive with any detectable Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). A first offense results in up to a $500 fine, 40 community service hours, alcohol awareness course, and 60-day suspension of driver’s license. All penalties are assigned at the discretion of a judge.

b)         The legal limit for intoxication is .08 BAC. However, drivers may be cited for impaired driving due to alcohol regardless of BAC. Refusal to take a blood or breath test to measure BAC can result in a 180-day driver’s license suspension.

c)         A first offense results in up to a $2000 fine, 180 days in jail and driver’s license suspension up to one year. Repeat offenses may result in up to a $10,000 fine, 10 years in penitentiary, and two years of driver’s license suspension.

B.         General University policies related to alcohol

1.         On campus, only beer and wine are permitted, and only in designated residential areas by those of legal age. Beer and wine may be served in the Tigers’ Den to any students, faculty, staff, and their guests of legal age. “Hard” alcohol is prohibited regardless of the age of the student.

2.         Persons or organizations that furnish alcoholic beverages to underage students or visitors will be subject to Trinity adjudicative action and/or criminal prosecution for violation of state laws.

3.         Any act that causes others to involuntarily or unknowingly consume alcohol is prohibited.

4.         Public intoxication is prohibited.

5.         Students who contact University officials or other helping professionals out of concern for their own or another student’s health and safety will not be considered for alcohol policy violations for that specific incident. (Note that when hazing may have occurred, state law requires that such incidents be reported).

6.         The Board of Campus Publications will have the authority to determine policy regarding alcohol advertising in the Trinitonian.

7.         Parents/guardians or spouses of students may not serve alcohol to underage students on campus or at official Trinity University events off campus.

C. Regulations on alcohol use within the residence halls

1.         To respect legal use: All students 21 years or older and their guests of legal age may only possess and consume beer and wine in any upperclass residence hall room where at least one of the assigned residents of the room is present and is of legal age. “Hard” alcohol is prohibited, regardless of the age of the student.

2.         To respect those who are under the legal drinking age and/or choose not to consume alcohol:

a)         No open containers of alcohol may be possessed or consumed in the following locations: balconies, corridors, public areas, and designated substance-free floors.

b)         The possession or consumption of alcohol and the possession of alcohol containers (including kegs) are prohibited in all first year halls and all upperclass rooms where neither resident is of legal age. The possession of alcohol by those under legal age in any public area is prohibited.

c)         Since “hard” alcohol is prohibited, empty “hard” alcohol containers, decorative or otherwise, are likewise prohibited in any residence hall location, regardless of the age of the student.

3.         To expect responsibility among those who choose to consume alcoholic beverages:

a)         No alcohol in the residence halls may be provided from common source containers, including but not limited to kegs.

b)         Students who consume alcohol are accountable to University conduct policies, including but not limited to respect for self, others, the community, property, and personal responsibility.

4.         To promote mutual accountability for all students to abide by Texas law and University policy, those who are present where there is an alcohol violation may be found responsible for violation of University policy.

D.        Regulations for University-authorized use of alcohol

1.         On-campus events

a)         Trinity University organizations or groups (including departments, offices, and student organizations) may permit alcoholic beverages for those of legal age, even with underage persons present. Student organizations must apply to the director of Campus and Community Involvement or designee for permission to hold an off-campus event at which alcoholic beverages are served to those of legal age, even with underage persons present.

b)         Groups meeting on the campus whose constituency is entirely 21 years of age or above may appeal to the associate vice president for Fiscal Affairs for permission to serve wine and/or beer at scheduled social events in on-campus locations other than the Tigers’ Den only if that event has been scheduled following established procedures.

c)         Groups and individuals are not permitted to serve any alcoholic beverages on the University campus unless the event is being catered by Aramark and permission to serve beer or wine has been received from the associate vice president for Fiscal Affairs.

d)         Except for the Tigers’ Den or other authorized locations, there will be no place on the Trinity University campus where alcoholic beverages are sold.

2.         Off-campus events

a)         Students (or members acting on behalf of chartered, sponsored, or registered organizations or other formal or informal groups) sponsoring any events or activities off campus and not in compliance with University alcohol policies do so of their own volition and at their own personal risk and liability. Trinity University assumes no responsibility or liability for such activities. Students who attend these events are still subject to all Trinity University policies governing student conduct.

b)         Trinity student organizations and groups must apply to the director of Campus and Community Involvement or designee for permission to hold an off-campus event at which alcoholic beverages are served to those of legal age, even with underage persons present.

c)         All off-campus student organization sponsored events should be held in accordance with Third Party Vendor or BYOB guidelines found in the Student Organization Handbook.

d)  When students are participating in University-related outings (for example, retreats, outdoor recreation activities, field trips, music trips, conferences, and athletic trips) only those students 21 years or older – who have the express, prior approval of their University sponsor – may purchase, possess, be served, or consume alcohol, and only at dining establishments that have a permanent license to sell alcoholic beverages. During such an outing, under no circumstances is alcohol allowed in vehicles, lodging, campsites, or other locations. While on University business, Trinity students are prohibited from driving after consuming any alcohol. (These allowances do not apply to student organizations.)

3.         Off campus with University employees

a)         Students who are under 21 years of age may be present at informal events or times where alcohol is being served so long as the policies of the establishment or the wishes of the hosting employee permit such students to be present; however, only those students who are 21 or older may purchase, possess, or be served alcohol. Any alcohol consumption is always subject to the approval and discretion of the event sponsor or host.

b)         In instances where Trinity University directly sponsors a program abroad, led by a Trinity faculty or staff member, events hosted by the Trinity program are governed by this policy just as if the event had been hosted on campus, even if the laws of the particular jurisdiction allow for a younger drinking age.

4.         Other University-related events and situations

a)         Trinity University departments may host events where alcohol is served if approved in advance by the associate vice president for Fiscal Affairs. When alcohol is being served by a person other than a hosting faculty or staff member, it must be at an establishment that possesses a permanent license to sell alcohol. Student organizations may host events where alcohol is served if events are held in accordance with organizational Third Party Vendor or BYOB guidelines and approved in advance by the director of Campus & Community Involvement.

b)         Students who are under 21 years of age may attend events sponsored by the Alumni Office on or off campus, but may not consume alcohol. Students who are 21 years of age or older may consume alcohol at these events at the discretion of the Alumni Office.

c)         Only students who are 21 years of age or older may possess or consume alcohol at employment-related recruiting events or during the employment search process whether on or off campus. Because job candidates are always being evaluated by potential employers, Career Services advises students to avoid alcohol use during interactions with potential employers.

III. ENFORCEMENT, EDUCATION, AND SERVICES

A.        University enforcement of the alcohol policy

1.         Students are personally responsible for complying with state and local laws and the University Alcohol Policy. Trinity University respects students’ privacy and autonomy, assumes that they will behave legally and responsibly, and will not closely monitor the activities of individual students or members of student organizations.

2.         Resident assistants/resident mentors and the Department of Campus Safety will respond to any observed alcohol policy violations and submit incident reports to the dean of students office and/or Student Conduct Board.

3.         Alcohol policy violations will be handled through normal campus conduct procedures as described in the Trinity University “Joint Statement on Rights and Freedoms of Students.” Sanctions may range from no action up to expulsion.

4.         On an annual basis, the Trinity Alcohol Coalition will review the range of sanctions for alcohol policy violations.