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Office of Alcohol, Drug, and Health Education

University Alcohol Policies (from the Denison University Student Handbook 2002-2003)

Denison enforces all state and local laws pertaining to the use of alcohol. Drinkers must be 21 years of age, open containers are not permitted in any public place, and all forms of identification must be accurate and valid. Drinking and driving is, of course, strictly prohibited. Specific policies regarding to the use of alcohol on campus are listed below.

Use, possession, sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages except as expressly permitted by the law and University regulations.

Use, possession, sale or distribution of drugs, drug paraphernalia, narcotic or other controlled substances except as expressly permitted by law. 

Smoking in any interior area of the University, including classrooms, labs, private offices, restrooms, hallways and dining rooms is prohibited. Smoking is permitted in residence hall rooms only if both residents agree and that doors leading to common areas are closed.

Student Alcohol Policy:

The federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 require that Denison University assume responsibility for the enforcement of state and local drug and alcohol laws, or run the risk of losing federal funding for financial aid, faculty research, and other educational programs.

The following specific regulations refer to the use of alcohol by all students, including those of legal drinking age: PLEASE NOTE THAT IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS POLICY FOLLOWS THE STUDENT ORGANIZATION ALCOHOL POLICY. ANY STUDENT ORGANIZATION SHOULD FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES OF THE STUDENT ORGANIZATION ALCOHOL POLICY.

  1. Public intoxication or abusive consumption of alcohol, defined as that which results in violations of the rights of others or leads to disorderly or dangerous behavior, or that clearly impairs personal health or safety is prohibited.
  2. The use or possession of "common source containers," defined as kegs, beerballs, or mixed drinks or punch served in large quantity from a common container is prohibited.
  3. The possession and consumption of alcohol is limited to designated areas of living units and to other campus locations specifically authorized for that purpose.
  4. Open containers of alcohol are not permitted in any common areas of the campus, including lobbies, lounges, stairways, parking lots, walkways or residential quads unless designated by provisions of this document. An exception is the side patio of Lamson Lodge during properly registered alcohol events and all other non- academic quad areas upon proposal by a sponsoring organization in conjunction with authorization by the Director of Student Activities. Examples of possible areas include the East, West and North Quads, Ebaugh Pond area, etc.
  5. At any event at which alcohol is served or permitted, a reasonable quantity of non-alcoholic beverage (defined as lasting throughout the duration of the event or as long as alcohol is being served or permitted) other than water must be served.
  6. The Roost is an Ohio Department of Liquor Control licensed site for sale. This is operated by Sodexho Food Service.
  7. All alcohol-related events must be registered with the Student Activities Office prior to the event. Procedures for registration are available through the Student Activities Office.
  8. All advertising for alcohol-related events must be in compliance with established University guidelines. This includes no posting on the academic quad, and no advertising which connotes abusive use of alcohol (i.e., drinking games or contests). Event registration must be completed prior to the release of any publicity.
  9. The amount of alcohol available should follow responsible use guidelines and be governed by anticipated attendance of those of legal age, facility capacity and length of event (not to exceed four hours). The amount must be determined at the time of registration. Registration forms and detailed policy are available in the Student Activities Office.
  10. No alcohol shall be served to those who appear intoxicated, nor shall alcohol be served in an uncontrolled, unregulated manner.
  11. "BYOB" events are the only alcohol events which are permitted by the University, except as noted. It is the responsibility of the sponsor of the event to ensure that all University procedures and policies are followed.