Policy Title

Alcoholic Beverage Policy

Statement

The purpose of the alcoholic beverage policy is to support all federal, state and local laws relating to the possession and use of alcoholic beverages. 

Scope

All members of the Winthrop University Community

Policy Number:5.3.1
Effective Date:01/01/2005
Date Reviewed: 10/01/2016
Last Review Date:
Responsible Official: Student Affairs; Athletics
Responsible Office:
Contact Information:

Student Affairs

238 DiGiorgio Center

Rock Hill, SC 29733, USA

803/323-2251

803/323-2395 (fax)

Definitions

1.0 Specific meanings of bold terms seen throughout this policy can be found within the University's policy definition glossary by following the link below.

1.1 http://www.winthrop.edu/policy-definitions-glossary


Winthrop University supports all federal, state and local laws relating to the possession and use of alcoholic beverages. Responsibility for good conduct rests with each individual community member. 


Please note the following conduct is prohibited by law:

• The purchase, consumption, or possession of alcohol by any person under the age of 21.

• The sale or transfer of alcoholic beverages to any person under the age of 21.

• Driving or operating a motorized vehicle while under the influence of alcohol with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit permitted for drivers by South Carolina Law.

• The public or open display or consumption of alcohol in any place not specifically licensed for public consumption.

• Furthermore, any student or student group sponsoring social events are the hosts responsible for complying with all applicable laws and university regulations.


Any Violation of a local, state, or federal law is also a violation of the Winthrop University Student Conduct Code. Item Y, page 63. 


In keeping with this code, consumption of beer and wine is permitted only in the following areas on campus: in the students' rooms who are of legal age; in licensed spaces; at University approved events and during University approved athletic events as allowed by the tailgating policy. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONSUMPTION AT WINTHROP ATHLETIC EVENTS AND ALL PUBLIC PLACES ON CAMPUS IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED EXCEPT AS PERMITTED IN THE TAILGATING POLICY. 


Provision for Student Safety and Well-Being 

The health and safety of Winthrop University Students is of the utmost priority. Students in danger due to intoxication are strongly encouraged to seek medical assistance. Any student who is hospitalized for intoxication or a serious injury resulting from intoxication will not be charged for alcohol and/or drug violations of the Student Conduct Code. Although, students hospitalized will not face disciplinary action, they will be required to meet with the Dean of Students or Designee and may be required to undergo a substance abuse assessment and follow the recommendations. 


For the sake of this policy, "Medical Amnesty" is defined as forgiveness from University Disciplinary action as it pertains to violations of the Student Conduct Code regarding alcohol or drug violations. 


Medical Amnesty- Winthrop University grants Medical Amnesty to reduce barriers to students seeking medical assistance for themselves or others in potentially dangerous situations caused by intoxication. Amnesty is granted with the expectation that a student follows the recommendations of the Dean of Students or Designee. 


Please note the following important information as it pertains to Amnesty in the above­mentioned provisions:

• Medical Amnesty only provides forgiveness from Winthrop University disciplinary action. The University's actions do not have an impact on any legal action as a result of law enforcement. Winthrop University Police officers will use their discretion when aiding a student in need, as they also have an obligation to uphold the law.

• Medical Amnesty only applies to violations of the Student Conduct Code as it pertains to dangerous alcohol or drug intoxication.

• Medical Amnesty does not apply to other violations of the Student Conduct Code, such as theft, damage to property, assault. sexual misconduct, distribution of drugs, providing alcohol to minors, hazing, etc.

• Medical Amnesty will only be granted to those students "actively" assisting or providing aid to the intoxicated student, or the Good Samaritan.

• Medical Amnesty may be revoked at any given time as deemed necessary by the Dean of Students or Designee.

• Medical Amnesty may be granted to students a second time only at the discretion of the Dean of Students or Designee.


Provision for Good Samaritans 

Because emergency situations can potentially be life-threatening, the University may grant 

"medical amnesty" for students who call the Residence Life staff or Campus Police or any university official in order to actively aid another student in need. 


In addition to exercising personal responsibility for their own health and safety, Winthrop students are expected to look out for the safety and welfare of their fellow students. In situations where students witness an individual experiencing severe intoxication or any serious injury after consuming alcohol or any other drugs, Winthrop University strongly encourages students to call Campus Police or notify a staff member trained to assess the students condition, such as a Resident Assistant (RA) or Residential Learning Coordinator (RLC).


Procedures for an event which Serves Beer and/or Wine on Campus:


I. Beer and wine may be served at group functions in licensed spaces on campus. Student organizations must request permission to serve beer and/or wine through the reservation system which is administered through the Office of Student Activities and alcoholic beverages are always managed by University Catering.


II. University Departments looking to serve beer and/ or wine on campus should also contact University Catering at 803.323.2134.


III. At all events where alcoholic beverages are served, alternative non-alcoholic beverages and food must also be available. Supervision may be required to insure Alcoholic Beverage Policies are observed.


IV. Consumption of alcoholic beverages in the Residence Halls is permitted in students' rooms and apartments where the assigned residents of that particular room are of legal age. In rooms where there are both occupants that are of and under the legal age to drink, only the occupants of legal age are permitted to drink, and all alcohol must be kept separate from the belongings of those under the age. In rooms or apartments where a refrigerator is shared, all Alcohol must be labeled such that it is identifiable as the possession of a resident that is of the legal age to drink. The determination of when a party is excessive will be at the discretion of the Residence Life Staff. There is a limit of 3 guests per resident assigned to the room that can be in attendance when alcohol is present, with minimal noise and the room door must remain closed.


V. Violations of the Alcoholic Beverage Policy Pertaining to Student Organizations

A student or student organization that is found responsible or accepts responsibility for a major incident or is an accessory to misconduct involving a violation of this policy or other prohibited conduct outlined in the Student Conduct Code will be held accountable according to the process outlined in the Student Handbook.


Relevant staff in the Division of Student Life will review minor incidents of alleged violations of University policies by Student Organizations and determine sanctions as appropriate. Sanctions imposed against groups failing to follow established guidelines and policies may include but are not limited to: specified hours of University service, fines and/or loss of campus privileges for a specified period of time (e.g. event restrictions), educational sanctions, or recommendation for revocation of the organization charter.

Appeals regarding actions and sanctions imposed may be submitted in writing to that Administrator for presentation to a review committee composed of the organization's advisor, two representatives from the Division of Student Life appointed by the Vice President for Student Life, and the student serving on the Judicial Council.

Approved July 20, 2017 by Frank Ardaiolo, Vice-President for Student Life

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