Section 9.7

The Student Code and University response to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 gives unit administrators full responsibility for development and implementation of acceptable guidelines and procedures for use of alcohol at department/school/program-sponsored events.

Faculty and graduate students must be reminded that it is illegal to serve alcohol to individuals under 21 years of age. This rule applies to both on and off-campus events, even those held in a faculty member's residence. Faculty should be informed of their liability for any accident that might occur following a party at which a student or other attendee had been drinking in their home. For this reason, it may be best to establish a policy that no alcohol will be served at department/school/program gatherings.

According to the Ohio Revised Code, if faculty hold a party in their home or on-campus and 'charge' back the costs to the students who attend or ask the students to contribute money to 'help defray the costs,' the event becomes 'public' and the alcohol is viewed as being sold. Additional regulations apply to such situations (see the Student Code).

Given the responsibilities for faculty articulated in the Code, departments/schools/programs should have a unit policy on these matters.

Questions about an alcohol policy can be directed to the Dean of Students.

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