1.04 Alcoholic Beverages

Last Revised: 16 May 2008

Refer Questions to: Manager, Risk Management and Insurance or Executive Director, Student Affairs

Scope

This policy applies to faculty, teachers, staff, students, and guests in all offices and divisions of Gallaudet University.

Policy

Gallaudet University complies with all applicable laws related to the distribution and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Gallaudet strictly prohibits the unlawful possession, use, sale, distribution, or consumption of alcohol on the institution’s property or as part of any institutional activities. Lawful distribution may require a responsible individual or group to obtain and possess a valid license issued by the District of Columbia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board for this purpose. Lawful distribution is also limited to people of legal age and those not intoxicated.

As a private institution, Gallaudet reserves the right to establish guidelines beyond what is required for strict legal compliance. One such requirement is approval by the appropriate executive director, of his/her designee, for the distribution of alcoholic beverages during departmental campus activities or the distribution and consumption of alcoholic beverages on institutional property controlled by his or her departments. Another such requirement is approval by the Office of Risk Management and Insurance after assuring the validity of licensure and the responsible individual’s, or group’s, ability to control the risk. Gallaudet reserves the right to deny or restrict the distribution or consumption of alcohol if it would endanger the safety of others. Other requirements are described by constituency below.

STUDENTS

At the present time, District of Columbia law limits the consumption of beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages to persons of at least 21 years of age. No alcoholic beverage may be sold, served, or consumed on campus to or by anyone under this age.

In addition to the approval above, officially recognized University student organizations must also receive the approval of the chief student affairs officer or his/her designee, and follow student affairs guidelines. Individual students or student organizations must assume full responsibility for obtaining the necessary approvals, compliance of the terms of the liquor license, for the legal age of participants, and for legal compliance generally. Student organizations are also responsible to the University for any maintenance, repair, clean up, or property replacement needs arising from the group’s distribution and consumption of alcohol.

Except in residence halls designated as freshman dormitories and MSSD dormitories, alcoholic beverages may be offered and consumed by persons of legal age in private residences and in private rooms of residential buildings. Consumption, distribution or possession of alcoholic beverages is not permitted in any public area of residence halls. Individual students may not sell, offer for sale, offer for credit, or charge admission to pay for alcohol or for alcohol related expenses.

Gallaudet University reserves the right to further restrict alcohol possession, distribution and consumption in campus dormitories or sections thereof.

FACULTY AND STAFF

Federal funds cannot be used to purchase alcohol from private sources, and it is within the discretion of the budget unit head whether departmental funds can be used for this purpose. Employees or departments offering alcoholic beverages for consumption on campus or during campus activities must assume full responsibility for obtaining the necessary approvals, compliance of the terms of any liquor license, for the legal age of participants, and for legal compliance generally. The department is also responsible to the University for any maintenance, repair, clean up, or property replacement needs arising from the group’s distribution and consumption of alcohol.

GUEST OF GALLAUDET UNIVERSITY

External individuals or groups, including students and student groups, that use Gallaudet facilities for parties or events at which alcohol is sold or consumed must also adhere to the campus policy and procedures. These groups or individuals must assume full responsibility for compliance with the terms of the liquor license, for the legal age of participants, and for legal compliance generally. These groups or individuals are also responsible to the University for the conduct of any participants and for any maintenance, repair, clean up, or property replacement needs arising from the group’s distribution of alcohol.

All external individuals or groups that use Gallaudet facilities must provide the University with written proof of insurance covering personal injury and loss or damage to property at coverage levels acceptable to the institution. The Office of Risk Management and Insurance can offer information on the purchase of special insurance, if necessary.

External groups can satisfy this insurance requirement by outsourcing alcohol service to a caterer, certified bartender, or other trained professional and by providing a certificate of insurance for liquor liability from this vendor.

Gallaudet recognizes that alcohol abuse is a physical, psychological, and social problem and that it should be treated as such. Within the limits of its available resources, Gallaudet University attempts to inform students and employees of the acute and chronic risks associated with the abuse of alcohol and to aid those with alcohol problems. Various support services, including employee assistance programs and counseling for students, are available for individuals who are experiencing difficulty with the consumption of alcoholic beverages or alcohol abuse.

Students and employees are warned that illegal possession, use, sale, or distribution of alcohol is punishable by law. Further, campus penalties for illicit alcohol possession, use, or distribution on campus are also severe. Students who are found guilty are subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension and the loss of student status at the University. Employees are also subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

Employees, students, and guests who are aware of or suspect the unlawful possession, use, sale, or distribution of alcohol should report such incidents to the Department of Public Safety, to the appropriate students affairs officials (students), or to the appropriate senior administrator or administrative officer (faculty, teachers, or staff) for action.

Approved by: Gallaudet University Administration