Policy Title

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 and with University-affiliated student clubs, organizations, groups, and athletic teams. Students of legal age should consume alcohol responsibly. Students requiring hospitalization or additional medical assessments due to dangerous intoxication or overdose will be required to meet with the Dean of Students or designee, may be required to undergo a substance abuse assessment and follow the recommendations, and may be subject to criminal penalties. 

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. (Section 4. Item 26) 

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.  

Good Samaritan Policy 

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.  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 the Winthrop University Police Department (WUPD) or notify a staff member trained to assess the students condition, such as a Resident Assistant (RA) or Residential Success Coordinator (RSC).  

As emergency situations can be life-threatening, the University will not charge students with university violations who call for help to actively aid another student in need. Although, students 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. 

Please note the following important information and stipulations as they pertain to students seeking medical assistance for themselves or others: 

• Seeking medical assistance only provides forgiveness from Winthrop University disciplinary action.  
• South Carolina also has a Good Samaritan law for calling for emergency assistance, but several requirements must be met to avoid prosecution for illegal activity.  The University’s actions do not have an impact on any legal action as a result of law enforcement (including WUPD) responsibilities.  
• Seeking medical assistance only applies to violations of the Student Conduct Code as it pertains to dangerous alcohol or drug intoxication. 
• Seeking medical assistance 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. 
• This leniency will only be granted to those students “actively” assisting or providing aid to the intoxicated student, or Good Samaritans. This leniency may be revoked at any given time as deemed necessary by the Dean of Students or Designee. 
• This leniency may be granted to students a second time only with extraordinary circumstances at the discretion of the Dean of Students or Designee. 

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

1. 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 space reservation system (Coursedog).  Once your space request is received, an event and risk management meeting will be scheduled to discuss the alcohol protocol.    
2. University Departments looking to serve beer and/ or wine on campus should also contact University Catering at 803.323.2134. 
3. At all events where alcoholic beverages are served, alternative nonalcoholic beverages and food must also be available. Supervision may be required to ensure Alcoholic Beverage Policies are observed. 
4. All events where alcohol is served must have a police officer present.    

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 Conduct Code. Relevant staff in the Division of Student Affairs 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.