I. Introduction

A. Philosophy Underlying Alcohol Policy

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.

B. Objectives of the Alcohol Policy

1. To encourage students to obey the laws of Texas regarding the use, possession and consumption of alcohol;

2. To encourage students' responsibility for their behavior regarding the consumption of alcohol and while under its influence;

3. To establish appropriate disciplinary mechanisms and penalties for students and organizations that violate University Alcohol policies;

4. To encourage intervention, treatment and support for students who are at risk from the misuse of alcohol; and

5. To encourage programs that educate students concerning the responsible use of alcohol.

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, and 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 the 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 the 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 2 years 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 to law enforcement officials).

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

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.

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 disorderly conduct, destruction of property, and excessive noise.

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

D. Regulations on University Authorized Use of Alcohol

1. On-campus events

a) In the Tigers' Den only, 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.

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) Off-campus organizations 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, there will be no place on the Trinity University campus where alcoholic beverages are sold.

2. Off-campus events

a) Trinity student organizations and groups may apply to the director of Coates University Center & Student Activities 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) An approved event must be held in a licensed business establishment accustomed to and organized for checking IDs for age as well as selling and controlling consumption of alcohol.

c) An approved event must be held in a licensed business establishment accustomed to an d organized for checking IDs for age as well as selling and controlling consumption of alcohol.

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 circumstance is alcohol allowed in vehicles, lodging, campsites, or other locations. While on University business, Trinity students are prohibited from driving after consuming alcohol.

3. Off Campus with University Employees

a) Students who are under 21 years of age may be present at events where alcohol is being served so long as the policies of the establishment or the wishes of the hosting employee permit such students 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 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 department and department-sponsored student organizations 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 alcoholic beverages.

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 alc0hol 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 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.

B. The Effects of Alcohol Consumption

1. The University encourages students who drink to do so in moderation because risks to the health and safety of self and others increase as Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) increases. Both episodic and chronic heavy drinking is associated with academic, social, and health problems. Potential academic problems include class absenteeism and substandard performance. Potential social problems include disrupted relationships, sexual victimization, arguments, and fights. Potential health problems include accidental injury and the consequences of unprotected sex. Additionally, because alcohol is toxic to the body, chronic heavy drinking causes a multitude of physical problems, especially in the brain and digestive system.

2. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that, in a low dosage (BAC under .06), produces positive feelings by reducing inhibition and anxiety while producing a mildly stimulating "buzz" and mildly impairing judgment.

3. The negative depressant effects of alcohol intensify as BAC rises above .06 and produce fatigue, impairment of coordination, and increased impairment of judgment while simultaneously erasing the positive, low-dosage effects. (Not surprisingly, intoxication is involved in a majority of violent student behaviors, including acquaintance rape, vandalism, and fights, as well as about half of vehicular accidents.)

4. If BAC rises above .15, the drinker can pass out and/or experience a memory loss (blackout) the next day. While passed out, a drinker can die from choking on his or her vomit. Breathing will slow as the central nervous system becomes increasingly anesthetized. 

5. If BAC rises above .30, the drinker is at risk of alcohol poisoning from respiratory failure. An intoxicated person is at risk for death from alcohol poisoning if s/he

is passed out and cannot be awakened, or

has cold, clammy, bluish or unusually pale skin, or

breathes slowly (less than 8 times per minute) or irregularly (more than 10 seconds between breaths), or

vomits while asleep/passed out and does not awaken. 

As a member of the University community, anyone who recognizes that a student

is in danger of alcohol poisoning should call 911 to request the assistance of Emergency Medical Services (EMS). If the call is placed from campus, students should call the Department of Campus Safety emergency line (x7000). Officers can direct EMS to the proper location as quickly as possible. 

6. About 5-10% of Americans develop alcohol dependence, a brain disease that can lead to death. Although some drinkers, especially those with a genetic predisposition, are at greater risk for alcohol dependence than others, no drinker is exempt from the potential to develop an alcohol use disorder. Therefore, the University encourages all students who drink to periodically seek an "alcohol check-up" and provides resources for doing so through Counseling Services.

C. University Services

1. Counseling Services (www.trinity.edu/counseling) offers a variety of services and resources to students, including:

a) Anonymous, online alcohol use assessment and feedback through its web site for those who desire an "alcohol check-up" or are concerned about their alcohol use;

b) Confidential consultations with a counselor for those who desire an "alcohol check-up" or who are concerned about their own alcohol use or that of a friend or family member;

c) Confidential counseling concerning alcohol use;

d) Referrals to off-campus specialists and support groups for the treatment of alcohol dependence;

e) Educational materials;

f) Educational programs for classes and other student groups.

2. Residential Life staff address residents' concerns and make appropriate referrals related to the negative effects of alcohol use, including interpersonal conflicts, vandalism, and health concerns.

3. Health Services (www.trinity.edu/departments/health_services/index.htm) treats injuries and illnesses associated with alcohol use and refers students who may have problems related to alcohol use to Counseling Services or an off-campus specialist for assessment and treatment, if needed.

4. The Dean of Students coordinates the Trinity Alcohol Coalition that periodically reviews University policy, sanctions, educational initiatives, and treatment efforts.