Alcohol Policy
Stetson University is an educational institution dedicated to a strong academic program and to providing a caring community. The University strives to help its students become self-directed responsible citizens. Thus, the University's alcohol policy is intended to assist in creating a campus environment where students have the opportunity to learn how to deal responsibly, both individually and socially, with alcoholic beverages. Stetson University neither encourages nor condones the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Thus, members of theStetson University community who are of legal drinking age and who choose to consume alcoholic beverages are expected to do so responsibly and in consideration of the consequences to self, others, and the community-at-large. The University recognizes, however, that many undergraduate students are below the legal drinking age and that there are serious health risks and behavioral problems associated with abuse of alcohol in the collegiate environment. Therefore, all members of the campus community are expected to recognize the potential for alcohol abuse and that such abuse is absolutely at variance with the mission of the University.
The University has established educational programs and resources to complement the policies and guidelines related to the consumption of alcohol on campus. Persons who infringe upon the rights of others or who conduct themselves in an inappropriate manner which is caused by, or can be shown to be related to the consumption of alcohol, shall be held accountable for their actions, and subject to disciplinary and/or criminal action. The regulations and practices governing the use of alcoholic beverages apply to all members of the Stetson University community. The primary responsibility for knowing and abiding by the provisions of the University's alcoholic beverage policy rests with each individual.
I. Legal Requirements Concerning the Use of Alcohol
Members of theStetson University community are subject to the alcoholic beverage laws of the State of Florida and the City of DeLand, County of Volusia. Public intoxication (appearing in a public place under the influence of alcohol or any other substance to the degree that he/she may endanger themselves or others) is prohibited.
A. Drinking Age Laws
1. Statute 562.11 (1a & 2) - Selling, giving, or serving alcoholic beverages to persons under age 21; misrepresenting or misstating age or age of another to induce licensee to serve alcoholic beverages to persons under 21; penalties. It is unlawful for any person to sell, give, serve, or permit to be served alcoholic beverages to a person less than 21 years of age or to permit a person less than 21 years of age to consume said beverages on licensed premises. Anyone convicted of a violation of the provisions is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, or s .775.083. It is unlawful for any person to misrepresent or misstate his or her age or the age of any other person for the purpose of inducing any licensee or his agents or employees to sell, give, serve, or deliver any alcoholic beverages to a person less than 21 years of age.
2. Statute 562.111 - Possession of alcoholic beverages by persons under age 21. It is unlawful for any person under the age of 21 years to have in his or her possession alcoholic beverages. Convicted violators are guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
3. Statute 768.125 - Liability for injury or damage resulting from intoxication. A person who sells or furnishes alcoholic beverages to a person of lawful drinking age shall not thereby become liable for injury or damage caused by or resulting from the intoxication of such person, except that a person who willfully and unlawfully sells or furnishes alcoholic beverages to a person who is not of lawful drinking age or who knowingly serves a person habitually addicted to the use of any or all alcoholic beverages may become liable for injury or damage caused by or resulting from the intoxication of such minor or person.
B. Open Container Laws
1. City Ordinance Sec. 3-15c. Package store sales and congregation on premises by consumers. It shall be unlawful for any person to consume and for any person to carry in any cup, can or any other open or unsealed container any alcoholic beverage on the streets, sidewalks, parks, and alleys within the city. The city manager, upon specific written request, may designate specific areas of city parks, times and dates where alcoholic beverages may be consumed.
2. City Ordinance Sec. 3-16 (1) & (3). Open containers in motor vehicles. It is the policy of the City ofDeLandthat the consumption of alcoholic beverages while driving or riding in a motor vehicle is prohibited. No person shall drink from or have in his/her possession any open container containing any alcoholic beverage or any mixture containing an alcoholic beverage while in or on a motor vehicle, whether moving or stopped upon any highway. Violators of these city ordinances may be subject to fine, imprisonment or both.
II. University Policy
A. Stetson University prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcoholic beverages by students or employees on its campus.
B. Stetson University permits persons of legal drinking age or older to possess and consume alcoholic beverages on its campus subject to all federal, state and local laws and subject to the guidelines for alcohol use which have been established by the University.
C. University sponsored publications that accept advertising from business entities that sell alcoholic beverages (e.g., restaurants, supermarkets, etc.) shall ensure that such advertising does not refer, either through generic description or product trade names, to any alcoholic beverages.
D. The possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages shall be permitted in the following areas under the applicable guidelines referred to in Section (h) below:
Private rooms and apartments of students of legal drinking age residing in University residential facilities where alcohol consumption is approved.
Those approved common chapter areas of Greek houses under the applicable guidelines established by the University.
Those areas of the campus that are designated for registered social functions approved by the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
Alcoholic beverages shall not be possessed or consumed in any classroom, laboratory, or office.
E. Stetson University considers students to be adults who are personally responsible for meeting the accepted behavior relative to state and local laws and to the University's alcohol policy and guidelines. The University respects students' privacy and autonomy, assumes that students will behave legally and responsibly, and will not use inappropriate means to verify compliance with the University's alcohol policy.
F. When the University learns of violations of law or policy on this campus, specified sanctions will be imposed and recurring violations will be treated with appropriate seriousness.
G. The University designates certain residential areas as alcohol-free and in those areas no alcohol possession or consumption is permitted.
H. The University's Alcohol Policy Guidelines, including Residential Facilities Guidelines and Registered Student Social Functions Guidelines, shall govern the specific implementation of this policy. The Guidelines specify disciplinary action for violations of the alcohol policy and sanctions may include suspension or expulsion from the University.
III. Policy Guidelines
In addition to the general policy statements above, the following guidelines/regulations must be observed:
A. Residential Facilities Guidelines
Students of legal drinking age or older who choose to consume alcoholic beverages are expected to maintain conduct that will not interfere with others' rights to privacy, sleep and study within their rooms. Students will also be expected to maintain and abide by all other rights and responsibilities outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. Alcoholic beverages permitted shall be limited to beer, wine, wine coolers, and malt beverages; other alcoholic beverages are prohibited. The University will designate certain residential areas as substance-free housing. The following guidelines must be observed in all residential facilities, other than those designated as substance-free:
1. Beer, wine, wine coolers, and malt beverages may be possessed and consumed, but not sold, in the privacy of student rooms or apartments by those residents and their invited guests who are of legal drinking age. No alcohol is permitted in student rooms where both residents are under the legal drinking age. In a roommate pair situation, in which one is of legal age and one is not, the roommate of legal age may be held responsible for any possession and consumption of alcohol within that room.
2. Being present in a room where alcohol exists or is being served may be considered a violation of the University's alcohol policy as it pertains to students under the age of 21. Anyone present in a room where a violation of the alcohol policy is taking place may be found responsible for the violation whether or not they are consuming or in possession of an alcoholic beverage.
3. Possession and/or consumption of beer, wine, wine coolers, and malt beverages are not permitted in any public areas such as: hallways, balconies, lounges, stairwells, courtyards, community bathrooms or parking lots unless approved by the Dean of Students. All alcohol that is transported through public areas on campus shall be un-opened.
4. Occupancy permitted in a student's room in which alcohol is being consumed shall not exceed eight persons. The door to that room shall be closed at all times during which alcohol is being consumed.
5. The amount of beer, wine, wine coolers, and malt beverages permitted in a room shall not exceed 12 beverages or two 750 ml bottles of wine per assigned resident, of legal drinking age, living in the room. The twelve beverages may consist of any combination of 12-ounce beers, 12-ounce wine coolers, or 12-ounce malt beverages.
6. Oversized containers of alcohol are prohibited. Examples include, but are not limited to kegs, beer balls, etc.
7. Residents are responsible for the actions, conduct and compliance with the policy of the University of their guests at all times.
8. Students shall present a valid Stetson I.D. and a valid driver's license or passport showing date of birth upon request to University officials. Invited guests of students shall also present a valid driver's license or passport showing date of birth upon request of University officials.
9. Games, contests and other activities or paraphernalia designed to encourage rapid and excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Possession of drinking paraphernalia or multiple empty alcohol bottles, regardless of the explanation for the possession (i.e. decoration, etc.), if thought to be encouraging or supporting excessive or abusive use of alcohol may be considered a violation of this policy. These items may be confiscated and/or the student(s) involved may be instructed to remove them.
10. Violations of the alcohol policy shall be handled in accordance with the University judicial process as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct in The Connections Handbook. Alcohol use does not excuse any violations of the Student Code of Conduct.
B. Registered Student Social Functions Guidelines
Only recognized student organizations may sponsor on-campus Socials involving alcohol. All on-campus Socials must be registered with, and approved by, the Dean of Students or his/her designee. Students and their invited guests who are of legal drinking age or older may consume alcoholic beverages at registered Socials. Alcoholic beverages permitted shall be limited to beer, wine, wine coolers, and malt beverages; other alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Sponsoring organizations have the responsibility to inform their members and guests of state law, local ordinances and all University regulations. Socials including alcohol are prohibited Sunday through Thursdays and during the final two weeks of each academic semester. The following guidelines must be observed:
1. Prior to an organization applying to sponsor a registered Social function where beer, wine or wine coolers may be present, it shall be required that the organization leadership participates in an alcohol education workshop.
2. All campus Socials are private events and attendance shall be limited to members of the Stetson community and invited guests, unless made more restrictive by the Social sponsor. Each member of the sponsoring organization(s) is limited to one guest not affiliated with the University.
3. Registration forms for Socials involving alcohol must be submitted to the Dean of Students or his/her designee by 1:00 p.m. Friday the week preceding the date of the event. All registration forms must be approved by the Dean of Students or his/her designee. Registration for Socials shall include completion of the Social Registration Form, which includes provision of a completed guest list. Guest lists (typed, alphabetized and numbered), as well as monitor and server duty schedules, must be turned in no later than 12:00 noon on the Tuesday prior to the event. Guest lists cannot exceed the fire code limitations for the facility in which the event is to take place. The required punch cards and wristbands will be provided by the Dean of Students or his/her designee at the expense of the sponsoring organization(s).
4. All Socials where beer, wine, wine coolers, or malt beverages are permitted will be "bring your own beverage". Those of legal drinking age may bring beer, wine, wine coolers, or malt beverages but shall not exceed six 12-ounce beers or four 12-ounce wine coolers or one 750 ml bottle of wine or six 12-ounce malt beverages per person. Upon entrance to the Social, students must leave all alcohol at the designated serving area.
5. Sponsoring organizations shall designate one secure area with receptacles to hold the beer, wine, wine coolers and malt beverages brought to a Social. The common receptacles shall be the only source for beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) available for consumption at a Social. 6. Sponsoring organizations shall provide non-alcoholic beverages and food, which are easily accessible. Non-alcoholic beverages shall be in prepackaged, single-serving non-glass containers. The amount of non-alcoholic beverages available should exceed the number of people invited to (as per the guest list) the event.
7. Sponsoring organizations shall post at least two signs announcing the state law relating to alcohol use, possession and consumption. Signs shall be provided to the sponsoring organization by the Dean of Students or his/her designee. Signs shall be posted at the entrance and the designated serving area. Both signs shall be prominently visible. A schedule of the names and duty times of the monitors and servers shall also be posted at the Social.
8. During Socials in a Greek House, alcohol consumption shall be restricted to the designated Social area and NO alcohol can be consumed in individual member's private residence rooms nor shall guests be allowed in private residential areas during Socials.
9. At least two members of the sponsoring organization shall act as monitors (as indicated on the Social Registration Form). All social functions are required to have at least one Public Safety Officer acquired through the University Public Safety Department. Sponsoring organizations will be responsible for the cost of the Public Safety Officer. More than two monitors may be required as determined by the characteristics of the particular facility being used. At least one monitor will be of legal drinking age. Monitors shall be responsible for management of the Social and enforcement of University policies. The monitors or any Public Safety Officer shall have the right to deny access to the Social to anyone they determine is impaired by alcohol or other drugs. Monitors shall not be impaired by alcohol or other drugs nor shall they consume alcoholic beverages while on duty. Monitors must have undergone an alcohol education workshop designed for monitors.
10. Should the location have more than one exit, the sponsoring organization(s) shall provide one monitor per exit. Everyone shall enter through the designated main entrance. If a Social is sponsored by two or more organizations, each organization shall be responsible for having a monitor at the main entrance (in addition to any other monitors required).
11. Upon entering the Social, members and guests shall present to the monitor his/her valid Stetson ID and a valid driver's license or passport, showing date of birth. Monitors shall verify the age of everyone entering a Social and have them sign next to their name on the guest log.
12. A wristband shall be affixed by the monitor to the wrist of any person verified to be 21 or older. Only individuals wearing the designated wristbands shall be permitted to consume alcoholic beverages. Individuals entering the Social with beer, wine, wine coolers, or malt beverages will be issued a punch card indicating the name of the individual, the type and amount of alcohol, the date of the event, and the name/theme of the event.
13. At least two members of the sponsoring organization shall act as servers who shall control access to all beverages. Servers must be of legal drinking age that are members of the organization and have undergone an alcohol education workshop designed for servers. Servers shall not be impaired by alcohol or other drugs nor shall they consume alcoholic beverages while on duty. The names and schedule of servers shall be posted at the designated serving area.
14. Servers shall ensure that only guests, who are of legal drinking age, as evidenced by a wristband and possession of a punch card, shall receive alcohol from the designated serving area. The punch card shall be marked appropriately by the server when dispensing the alcohol. When leaving a Social, the punch card must be returned to the monitor at the entrance door.
15. Only one beer, wine, wine cooler, or malt beverage may be served at a time. Servers must not serve alcoholic beverages to anyone they determine is impaired by alcohol or other drugs.
16. The serving of alcoholic beverages shall be discontinued 45 minutes prior to the scheduled end of the Social. Non-alcoholic beverages and food must continue to be made available during this time period.
17. Alcohol may be returned to its owner, unless that person is determined to be impaired by alcohol or other drugs. Leftover alcohol must be discarded by the server in the presence of the Public Safety Officer at the end of the Social.
18. The amount of alcohol disposed of shall be noted on the Post Party Check-Sheet, which must be submitted, along with the guest log, punch cards, as well as any extra wristbands, by 9:00 a.m. the next business day to the Dean of Students Office or his/her designee's office.
19. Games, contests and other activities or paraphernalia designed to encourage rapid and excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
At least two members of the sponsoring organization shall act as servers who shall control access to all beverages. Servers must be of legal drinking age that are members of the organization and have undergone an alcohol education workshop designed for servers. Servers shall not be impaired by alcohol or other drugs nor shall they consume alcoholic beverages while on duty. The names and schedule of servers shall be posted at the designated serving area.
14. Servers shall ensure that only guests, who are of legal drinking age, as evidenced by a wristband and possession of a punch card, shall receive alcohol from the designated serving area. The punch card shall be marked appropriately by the server when dispensing the alcohol. When leaving a Social, the punch card must be returned to the monitor at the entrance door.
15. Only one beer, wine, wine cooler, or malt beverage may be served at a time. Servers must not serve alcoholic beverages to anyone they determine is impaired by alcohol or other drugs.
16. The serving of alcoholic beverages shall be discontinued 45 minutes prior to the scheduled end of the Social. Non-alcoholic beverages and food must continue to be made available during this time period.
17. Alcohol may be returned to its owner, unless that person is determined to be impaired by alcohol or other drugs. Leftover alcohol must be discarded by the server in the presence of the Public Safety Officer at the end of the Social.
18. The amount of alcohol disposed of shall be noted on the Post Party Check-Sheet, which must be submitted, along with the guest log, punch cards, as well as any extra wristbands, by 9:00 a.m. the next business day to the Dean of Students Office or his/her designee's office.
19. Games, contests and other activities or paraphernalia designed to encourage rapid and excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
May 2, 2012