Bowling Green State University recognizes that the decision to use alcoholic beverages is a personal choice; however, this choice must be made in accordance with the laws of the state of Ohio. In addition, the mature and responsible consumption of alcohol must be consistent with the mission and core values of the University and in accordance with the Bowling Green State University Code of Student Conduct. (Section 6.D. 2 prohibits the use, possession or distribution of alcoholic beverages except as expressly permitted by the law and University policy.)

A. Procedures for Events where Alcohol is Present

1. All laws of the State of Ohio, ordinances of the city of Bowling Green, regulations of the Ohio Department of Liquor Control, and policies and regulations of Bowling Green State University must be observed and enforced.

2. Alcohol consumption shall not be the sole focus of any event.

3. Alcoholic beverages may be consumed, possessed, served or sold only by persons of legal age to do so, according to the laws of the State of Ohio.

4. Alcoholic beverages must be served by designated individuals. Participants may not serve themselves or each other. Servers may not consume alcohol while working at an event with alcohol. Arrangements for the sale and/or serving of alcoholic beverages must be made through University Dining Services.

5. Individuals sponsoring the event are responsible for taking measures to ensure that alcoholic beverages are not accessible or served to persons under the legal age. This requires verifying age on entry to the event by checking identification to verify those who are of legal drinking age.

6. Non-alcoholic beverages must be present at all events at all times.

7. Sponsors will provide solid food in order to moderate the effects of alcohol consumption and will continue to have food available as long as alcohol is being served.

8. The entry or exit of persons with alcoholic beverages at events where alcohol is served is not permitted.

9. No social event shall include any form of “drinking contest” in its activities or promotion.

10. Alcohol must stop being sold at least one hour before the end of the event.

11. Publicly distributed materials, including advertisements for any University event, shall not make reference to the availability of alcoholic beverages. The Black Swamp Pub, located in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union, is exempt from this policy. The alcohol advertising guidelines for the Black Swamp Pub are available in  the Bowen-Thompson Student Union administrative office.

12. The following is a list of places on main campus where alcohol can be served. These facilities have occupancy limits set by the Bowling Green Fire Department which must be followed.

Bowen-Thompson Student Union
Designated Doyt Perry Stadium locations*
Designated Ice Arena locations*
Fine Arts Building
Guest House
McFall Center
Mileti Alumni Center
Moore Musical Arts Center
Olscamp Hall
President’s House
*Designated locations are determined by the Dean of Students.

13. Requests for exception to the locations listed in #12 must be directed to the Dean of Students.

14. Requests to have alcohol served at an event at the BGSU Firelands campus must receive prior approval from the dean of BGSU Firelands.

15. Violations of these regulations related to the use and sale of alcoholic beverages will result in immediate termination of the event and referral to the appropriate agency for disciplinary action.

16. Inspection of events where alcohol is being served will occur by an appointed designee of the Office of the Dean of Students and/or the Department of Public Safety.

B. Special Regulations for Public Events

1. A public event is an event at which beer or wine is sold.

2. There must be a minimum of two police officers present at all times, hired by the sponsoring group. The required number of officers present will be determined by the Department of Public Safety.

3. The proper permits for this event must be obtained from the Ohio Department of Liquor Control.

4. These events may not be scheduled from Sunday to Thursday and starting the weekend prior to exam week unless otherwise approved by the Dean Students.

C. Special Regulations for Private Events

1. A private event is an event at which alcohol is served but not sold where there is a defined guest list which has been submitted and approved with registration materials to the Bowen-Thompson Student Union administrative office.

2. Admittance to the event is limited to persons on the guest list.

3. The individual who registered the event assumes the responsibility for monitoring the event and the behavior of those attending the event.

D. Sanction Guidelines for Alcohol Policy Violations

1. Sanction Plan-Minimum Guidelines: When a student and/or student organization is found responsible for violating the alcohol policy and/or procedures, any and all of the following sanctions may be imposed. Students who already have Code of Student Conduct violations may receive more severe sanctions. Sanctions may also be enhanced based on the severity of the behavior and the impact on the community.

2. Non-disruptive alcohol violations in Residential Units

First Violation
• Residential Disciplinary Probation for one year
• Participation in Viewpoints Alcohol Education Class ($75 fee)

Second Violation
• Referral to the University level
• University Disciplinary Probation for one year
• Alcohol Screening to determine whether participation will be required in Perspectives Alcohol Education Class ($100 fee) or individual counseling with a certified Chemical Dependency Counselor ($200 fee)
• Parental Notification

Third Violation:
•           Referral to the Office of the Dean of Students
•           Suspension from residential housing with possible suspension from the University
           If suspended:
•           Documentation of the completion of an alcohol assessment/treatment program required for consideration of re-admission
•           University Disciplinary Probation upon return to the University
•           Monthly meetings with Associate or Assistant Dean of Students upon return
           If not suspended:
•           Meet and follow through with recommendations of a certified Chemical Dependency Counselor on campus
•           University Disciplinary Probation
•           Monthly meetings with Associate or Assistant Dean of Students

3. Non-disruptive alcohol violations in locations other than Residential Units

First Violation
• Referral to the Office of the Dean of Students
• University Warning for one year
• Participation in Perspectives Alcohol Education Class ($100 fee)
• If already attended Perspectives, must meet with a certified Chemical Dependency Counselor ($200 fee)

Second Violation
• Referral to the Office of the Dean of Students
• University Disciplinary Probation for one year
• Alcohol screening and meetings with certified Chemical Dependency Counselor ($200 fee)
• Parental Notification

Third Violation:
• Referral to the Office of the Dean of Students
• Possible suspension from the University
If suspended:
• Documentation of the completion of an alcohol assessment/treatment program is required for consideration of re-admission
• University probation upon return to the University
• Monthly meetings with Associate or Assistant Dean of Students upon return
If not suspended:
• Meet and follow through with recommendations of a certified Chemical Dependency Counselor
• University Probation
• Monthly meetings with Associate or Assistant Dean of Students

4. Disruptive Alcohol Violations in Residential Units

Disruptive is defined as an alcohol violation occurring in conjunction with behavior that is disruptive to the community, endangers the health or safety of others, or results in damage or vandalism to University property or property of members of the University community.

First Violation
• Referral to the University Level
• University Disciplinary Probation for one year
• Individual counseling with a certified Chemical Dependency Counselor ($200 fee)
• Parental Notification

Second Violation
• Referral to the Office of the Dean of Students
• Suspension from residential housing with possible suspension from the University
If suspended:
• Documentation of the completion of an alcohol assessment/treatment program is required for consideration of re-admission
• University Disciplinary Probation upon return to the University
• Monthly meetings with Associate or Assistant Dean of Students upon return
If not suspended:
• Meet and follow through with recommendations of a certified Chemical Dependency Counselor on campus
• University Probation
• Monthly meetings with Associate or Assistant Dean of Students

5. Disruptive alcohol violations in locations other than Residential Units

First Violation
• Referral to the Office of the Dean of Students
• University Disciplinary Probation for one year
• Individual counseling with a certified Chemical Dependency Counselor ($200 fee)
• Parental Notification

Second Violation
• Referral to the Office of the Dean of Students
• Possible suspension from the University
If suspended:
• Documentation of the completion of an alcohol assessment/treatment program is required for consideration of re-admission
• University Disciplinary Probation upon return to the University
• Monthly meetings with Associate or Assistant Dean of Students upon return
If not suspended:
• Meet and follow through with recommendations of a certified Chemical Dependency Counselor on campus
• University Probation
• Monthly meetings with Associate or Assistant Dean of Students