OSU Policy on Alcohol

1. PHILOSOPHICAL STATEMENT

   The Ohio State University is a dynamic learning environment. Its students, faculty, staff and guests interact in a wide variety of intellectual and social activities that extend outside of the classroom. We value and promote an alcohol-free environment, but we recognize alcoholic beverages may be available at some of these campus activities. Such activities are consistent with the University's cultural values when they foster moderation and safety in alcohol consumption.

   The University prohibits the illegal use of alcohol and complies fully with federal, state and local regulations regarding the sale, possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages. All members of the University community are held responsible for their behavior and for respecting the rights of others. The University is committed to providing the community with education regarding high risk alcohol use and to making health-enhancing experiences a priority.

2. REGULATIONS GOVERNING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
   1. University Alcohol Guidelines
      1. The use of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on the premises of The Ohio State University unless:
         1. written approval for a special event is obtained from the Office of Business and Finance, and specific guidelines for alcohol use are issued;
         2. it occurs in University premises licensed to sell alcohol, such as the Faculty Club, Fawcett Conference Center, The Blackwell Inn, Schottenstein Center, OSU Golf Course, Ohio and Drake Unions, Wexner Center for the Arts, etc; or
         3. a special exception exists, such as for medical or research use, or as noted below.
      2. When alcohol is present at an event, strict controls must be enforced in order to prevent underage drinking.
      3. Possession and consumption of alcohol in stadium parking areas are subject to state and local laws and regulations. Police and Liquor Control Agents may patrol these areas and enforce applicable laws.
      4. Alcoholic beverages may be served within designated areas of the Jerome Schottenstein Center under regulations II. A.; 1. a. or 1. b. No thermos bottles, coolers, bottles, cans, or other containers of any type may be brought into the Jerome Schottenstein Center, Ohio Stadium or other University athletic facilities.
      5. In the residence halls or graduate housing, students 21 years of age or older may possess and consume legal beverages in their rooms or suites, or in the rooms of other adults, in accordance with state and local laws and the alcohol policies of the University. The consumption of alcohol is prohibited in public or shared use areas of the residence halls, such as hall corridors, lounges, kitchens, and study rooms. Alcohol is prohibited at undergraduate group events within residence hall facilities.
      6. Funds allocated to student organizations from the Council on Student Affairs' Student Activity Fund or otherwise from the University may not be used to purchase alcoholic beverages. Funds collected through an organization's voluntary dues, donations, or fund-raising may be used to purchase alcoholic beverages if the purchase and use of those beverages is otherwise in accordance with this policy and the state and local laws.
      7. University departments purchasing alcoholic beverages must comply with the University Expenditures Policy. Individual departments may implement additional policies relating to the use and/or promotion of alcohol within their facilities that are otherwise in accordance with this policy and the state and local laws.
   2. Planning University Events That Involve Alcohol on the Columbus Campus
      1. If planning a University event that involves serving alcohol outside of a licensed premise, University approval must be obtained at least two weeks before the event.
      2. If planning an event that involves serving alcohol where there will be charges for anything, such as for a reception, conference registration, food, etc., a permit from the Department of Liquor Control may be necessary, and this requires a significantly longer application process. These requests should be submitted at least four weeks before the event.
      3. Alcohol approval requests must be made in writing to the Contracts Administrator, Office of Legal Affairs, 33 West 11th Avenue, Suite 209, and contain all of the information outlined at the following web site: http://legal.osu.edu/alcohol.html
      4. The Contracts Administrator will then forward the information on to the Office of Business and Finance, assist with completing the appropriate application if a state permit is necessary, and issue the final decision.
      5. Individuals or organizations sponsoring events where alcoholic beverages are available must provide a safe and secure environment, and follow reasonable risk management procedures. In order to ensure that there is adequate security at the event, the University Police Special Events Coordinator must also be contacted at 688-3211 at least three weeks before the event.
      6. There should be a primary purpose for a gathering other than the availability of alcohol, and alcohol should not be used as an inducement to participate in a campus event.
      7. A campus event should not include alcohol if the majority of the participants at the event are students under the legal drinking age in Ohio.
      8. Soft drinks or other alternative beverages such as punch, fruit drinks, and other non-alcoholic beverages should be available in the same location and be featured as prominently as the alcoholic beverages during the entire time alcoholic beverages are being served. Food and/or snacks should also be prominently displayed and available during the entire event.
      9. No campus social event involving alcoholic beverages can include games of chance or any activity where alcohol is consumed as part of a competition, such as drinking games or chugging contests.
   3. Promoting University Events That Involve Alcohol
      1. The University does not permit advertising in its public spaces that directly promotes the use of alcohol or tobacco. This applies both to events and activities directly organized or sponsored by the University, as well as to events sponsored by others who may be leasing, renting, or using University facilities.
      2. Subject to administrative restrictions, events organized by non-university organizations on University premises may display the corporate names of alcohol-related sponsors, as long as the consumption of alcohol is not promoted.
      3. Advertising should focus on the purpose or theme of the event, and not on the availability of alcohol in ways that imply drinking is the focus, such as a "beer blast," "forty kegs," or "all the beer you can drink."
      4. Promotional materials, including advertisements for college events, should not make reference to or include pictures of alcoholic beverages or the name of alcohol distributors.
      5. Cups and other items with alcohol symbols on them cannot be displayed along with University trademarks or logos.
   4. Policy Violations

      Any student, faculty, or staff member found to be in violation of federal, state, and/or local law, or who violate the University's alcohol and other drug policies, are subject to University disciplinary procedures and/or referral to the appropriate authorities for legal prosecution. Campus disciplinary sanctions include, but are not limited to, written warnings, loss of privileges, probation, participation in an alcohol or other drug assistance or rehabilitation program, suspension, and/or dismissal. Sanctions may also apply to registered student organizations and to off-campus conduct involving activities sponsored or authorized by the University.

      If alcohol violations occur, the following systems may be utilized:

      1. Students are subject to appropriate discipline by residence hall staff or by the Office of Student Judicial Affairs, as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct.
      2. Faculty may be disciplined under Faculty Rule 3335-5-04.
      3. Staff are subject to appropriate disciplinary actions described in the University's Operating Manual.
3. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
   1. Under state laws and local ordinances pertaining to alcohol, it generally is a crime to:
      1. Underage Drinking
         • purchase, order, pay for, or share the cost of alcohol if you are under 21.
         • possess alcohol if you are under 21.
         • consume alcohol if you are under 21, unless it is provided by and consumed in the presence of your parent, legal guardian, or adult spouse.
         • sell alcohol to, buy alcohol for, or furnish alcohol to anyone under 21—even in your own home, apartment, or residence hall room.
         • allow anyone under 21 to remain in your home, apartment, or residence hall room, or in other property that you own or occupy, while possessing or consuming alcohol.
      2. False Identification
         • show or give false information about your name, age, or other identification to purchase or obtain alcohol if you are under 21.
         • provide false information about the name, age or other identification of another person under 21 to purchase or obtain alcohol for that person.
      3. Open Containers
         • have an open container of alcohol in your possession in any unlicensed public place.
         • have an open container of alcohol in your possession while driving or riding in or on a motor vehicle.
         • have an open container of alcohol in your possession while in or on a motor vehicle that is parked in or on a highway, street, or other place open to the public for parking.

         An "open container" is any holder or receptacle that allows open access to alcohol, including any bottle, can, or similar container on which the original seal has been broken. A bottle, can, or similar container that has been recapped or re-corked is still considered to be "open" for purposes of these statutes.

      4. Transportation
         • consume alcohol while in a motor vehicle.
         • drive while under the influence of alcohol. If you are under 21, you are considered to be driving under the influence if your blood alcohol level is .02 or higher.
      5. Disorderly Conduct
         • engage in conduct that offends, inconveniences, annoys, or alarms others or that poses a risk of physical harm to yourself, to others, or to property while you are voluntarily intoxicated.
      6. Alcohol Sales
         • hold an event at which alcohol is sold, or an event at which alcohol is provided without charge but there is an entrance fee, cover charge, or other fee, without an appropriate permit. Information on how to obtain a temporary liquor permit is available from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control by phone at 644-2431 and on the web at http://www.ohio.gov/com/liquor/liquor2i.htm.

Violation of these laws may also be a violation of Ohio State's Code of Student Conduct and could result in civil liability.

This information is provided as a general summary of the major applicable laws. While it is believed to be accurate as of August 2002, keep in mind that laws frequently are amended and reinterpreted, that the application of law to specific situations generally requires an analysis of all of the facts and circumstances, and that this information therefore should not be substituted for specific legal advice.

Important Facts

• On an average day, it is estimated that more than 90,000 people are present on The Ohio State University Columbus campus. This includes over 48,000 students, as well as faculty, staff and visitors.
• There are more than 350 buildings on campus.
• Most assaults and sexual offenses on campus involve people who know each other.
• University Police link alcohol to many campus crimes, including assault and sexual offenses.

Safety Tips and Crime Prevention Information

• Always plan the safest route to your destination.
• Lock your doors! Many burglaries and thefts take place because of unlocked residence hall or apartment doors.
• Let others know where you are going and when you will return.
• Walk with a companion whenever possible.
• Use public walkways and stay in well-lit and traveled areas.
• When walking, take note of potential hiding spots and use caution as you approach them.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Remain aware of your surroundings.
• If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, leave as soon as possible.
• Call for an escort in the evening.
• Always lock your vehicle doors, even while you are driving.
• Park in well lighted areas and remove valuables from sight.
• Be familiar with the location of emergency (blue light) phones and know how they are used.
• Register and lock your bike.
• Register other valuables at studentaffairs.osu.edu/safety_registry.asp.
• The advantage of crime prevention programs such as UV/ID.

Drug-Free Policy

Unlawful possession, use, production, distribution, or sale of alcohol or other drugs by any faculty, staff, or student is prohibited on university property or as any part of university activities.

This policy is created to comply with the Drug-Free School and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226), which requires that the university show it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by faculty, staff, and students, and to set forth the standards to provide a community setting that is safe, healthy, and productive for all faculty, staff, and students of The Ohio State University, including The Ohio State University Research Foundation. The university distributes this policy annually throughout the university community and this includes information about referral and treatment, applicable laws and sanctions, and current assessments of possible health risks.

Internal Sanctions

Any student, faculty, or staff member who violates the university’s drug-free policy shall be subject to university disciplinary procedures. Students shall be subject to appropriate discipline by residence hall staff or the Office of Student Judicial Affairs, in accord with the Student Code of Conduct. Staff shall be disciplined under the university’s operating manual, and faculty under faculty rule 3335-5-04. Such procedures may include the satisfactory participation in an alcohol or other drug assistance or rehabilitation program. Sanctions will be in compliance with collective bargaining agreements where applicable. Violation of this policy may also lead to referral for prosecution to the appropriate local, state and/or federal authorities. Faculty or staff who are convicted of any criminal drug statute violation occurring in the workplace and are employed by the university at the time of the conviction must notify the appropriate office (Academic Affairs for faculty; Human Resources for staff), within five (5) days of the conviction.

External Sanctions

Unlawful possession, use, manufacture, sale, or distribution of alcohol or illicit drugs may lead to referral to the appropriate federal, state and/or local authorities for prosecution. Depending on the nature of the offense, it may be categorized as a misdemeanor or a felony and may be punished by fine and/or imprisonment.

Federal law prohibits the trafficking and illegal possession of controlled substances (see 21 United States Code, Sections 811 and 844). Depending on the amount, first offense maximum penalties for trafficking marijuana range from five years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000 to imprisonment for life and a fine of $4 million. Depending on the amount, first offense maximum penalties for trafficking class I and II controlled substances (methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, cocaine base, PCP, LSD, fentanyl analogue) range from five years to life imprisonment and maximum fines range from $2-$4 million. First offense penalties for the illegal possession of a controlled substance range from up to one year in prison and a fine of at least $1,000, but not more than $250,000, or both.

The State of Ohio and the City of Columbus also may impose penalties for trafficking and illegal possession or use of controlled substances. State and local penalties for trafficking illicit drugs include fines that range from $1,000 to $50,000 and mandatory jail sentences that range from six months to 10 years. Illegal use or possession of a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia may warrant fines ranging from $100 to $5000 and jail sentences ranging from 30 days to 10 years, depending on the amount and substance possessed. Violations may also lead to forfeiture of personal and real property and the denial of federal benefits such as grants, contracts, and student loans.

The State of Ohio and City of Columbus may also impose a wide variety of penalties for alcohol-related offenses. For example, a first driving-while-intoxicated offense may be punished by mandatory imprisonment of at least three consecutive days and a fine ranging from $150 to $1000. Subsequent offenses lead to increased sanctions. Illegal purchase, possession, use, or sale of intoxicating liquor by a minor may be punished by fines ranging from $25 to $1000 and up to six months in jail, depending on the circumstances. For extended and regional campuses, local law will apply in lieu of City of Columbus ordinances. Copies of those laws will be supplied upon request.

Referral and Treatment

To ensure the most effective implementation of this program, the university supports the following concepts:

Alcohol or other drug dependence is a disease that can be successfully treated.

Specific steps will be taken for referral of persons at risk for alcohol and other drug problems to the appropriate resources for assessment and treatment:

• University Faculty and Staff Assistance programs;
• Counseling and Consultation Service;
• Student Health Services; and
• community drug/alcohol treatment centers.

Faculty, staff, and students are warned that treatment is not a refuge from disciplinary action and that dependency problems that do not respond to treatment may ultimately result in appropriate disciplinary action. Disciplinary actions may be held in abeyance pending the conclusion of a treatment program and may be mitigated by the results of such a program.

The university supports follow-up monitoring and encouragement of the individual to follow through with the treatment plan. Deferred sanctions may be applied by the university if the individual is uncooperative or fails to make improvements.

Parental Notification Guidelines for Alcohol and Controlled Substance Violations

These guidelines were developed in response to the Higher Education Amendments of 1998. These amendments created an exception to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), thus enabling universities to notify parents or legal guardians, under certain circumstances, of a student under 21’s use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance. This change supports the practice of The Ohio State University of establishing a collaborative partnership with parents and actively involving them, when appropriate, in addressing student behavior as it relates to alcohol and drugs.

Notification of parents is done when the university believes it will help the student. When practicable, conversations normally are held with the student before contact is made with parents, in an effort to determine whether such contact is the best course of action.

Generally, the university contacts parents in an effort to provide support for students’ physical health and safety, academic success, and personal development. Factors that are considered when deciding to contact parents may include, but are not limited to:

• A situation in which a student has received medical attention
• The occurrence of an arrest and consequent criminal charges
• A major disruption to the university’s educational mission
• Substantial harm caused to other students, or
• Significant property damage

Contacts are made, if possible, by a personal appointment with parents or by phone. Written communication is used only when other attempts to contact parents have failed. The goal is to develop a partnership between the university and the parents for the good of the student.

Parent contacts are not to be viewed as a “disciplinary sanction” but rather as a positive engagement of the broadest possible resources to help a student succeed in his/her educational endeavor. Parents are encouraged to discuss the situation with their son or daughter.

Questions or concerns regarding these guidelines should be directed to Student Judicial Affairs, 2050 Drake Union, Columbus, OH 43210, 614-292-0748 or to the Office of Housing and Residence Education, 190 W. Woodruff Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, 614-292-3930.

Current Assessments of Possible Health Risks Associated with Drug Use/Abuse

Alcohol: Zero-One-Three

Reduce your risk for experiencing alcohol-related impairment problems. Set guidelines for the use and non-use of alcohol and stick to them. Zero-One-Three can be a helpful tool in developing a clearer idea of what is "responsible drinking."

The Zero-One-Three concept was developed by the Enjoy Michigan Safely Coalition and funded by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning. Zero, One, and Three are easy numbers to remember. They represent alcohol consumption norms that should be promoted. Each number stands for a component of the concept.

Zero = Zero alcohol

It's OK not to drink, especially if you’re under 21, driving, chemically dependent, or pregnant.

Alcohol is a drug, and tens of millions of adults choose to live a drug-free, and, therefore, alcohol-free lifestyle. It is a choice made by approximately 30 percent of the adult population.

Situations where zero is a wise choice:

• People who are not of legal age
• Women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant
• People who suffer from alcoholism or other chemical dependencies
• People from homes where alcoholism or abusive consumption is present
• People who do not like the physiological or psychological effects of alcohol
• People who are trying to cut down on empty calories
• People who prefer the taste of non-alcoholic beverages
• Diabetics

One = One drink per hour

One drink is defined as one 12-ounce can of beer OR one glass of wine OR one shot of liquor (a mixed drink). If a person is having more than one drink per hour he/she is out of bounds and is exceeding the recommended consumption pace. Because of the rate by which alcohol is metabolized in the body, more than one drink per hour will/can cause a person to test as legally under the influence of alcohol. By keeping the pace to one drink per hour, the body’s alcohol metabolism capacity will likely not be surpassed by alcohol intake. This will help keep blood alcohol concentration within safer limits. Remember, the legal blood alcohol concentration limit is .08 for driving in Ohio. If under 21, it is a violation if the concentration of alcohol is .02 or greater.

Three = No more than three drinks per day, and never daily.

Three represents the maximum number of drinks a person should ever have in a single day. It does not mean three at each of six pubs. Also, remember these three drinks are not to be consumed at a faster pace than one per hour. Some people will quickly point out the existence of individual differences (body weight, etc.) as they relate to these guidelines. It is important to note, however, individual differences also exist for blood cholesterol levels, exercise prescriptions, and all other quantified health norms. The standard of Zero-One-Three is one that is acceptable for most people.

Last modified on: Thursday, March 27, 2008 1:04:36 PM

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