The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Alcohol Policy
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1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to provide a process for approving and monitoring alcohol possession and/or consumption for all on campus and sponsored University events.
2. RESPONSIBLE OFFICER
UW Oshkosh Police Department – Authorized University Officials – Chancellor Designates
- Emergency Manager
- Director of Risk Management
3. SCOPE
This policy covers the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by any individual on University lands, or that takes place as part of a University-sponsored activity not located on University lands, or that the University, or a part of the University, is paying including student segregated fees. This policy is applicable to all events held on campus and University events off campus including those held in other municipalities, states, and nations. This does NOT apply to social gatherings held outside the scope of University employment or its mission.
4. BACKGROUND
If alcohol is authorized at a University event, the University and its students and employees have a responsibility to ensure that it is consumed legally and responsibly. Alcohol is a regulated and potentially addictive sedative-hypnotic drug. As such, it is a central nervous system depressant. This depressant effect occurs even with small doses. Because the consumption of alcohol anesthetizes the brain centers for self-control and inhibition, most people experience its effects as a sensation of relaxation. However, in actuality, it dulls sensation and impairs judgment, vision, memory, and coordination. Because of these effects, the presence, availability, dispensing or consumption of alcoholic beverages at University events should be thoughtfully considered and, when provided, carefully monitored and regulated.
In adopting and administering this Policy, the following statements provide guidance concerning the circumstances in which consumption of alcoholic beverages may be considered appropriate:
1. Alcoholic beverages are considered an amenity for a social or business occasion and never the purpose or focus of the occasion.
2. It will be out of the ordinary to permit service and consumption of alcoholic beverages at an event primarily attended by underage students.
3. The preferred locations for service and consumption of alcoholic beverages are social, recreational, conference and dining facilities.
4. Activities held outside of the scope and mission of the University at an establishment that legally serves alcohol do not require a permit.
5. DEFINITIONS
Alcoholic Beverage: Fermented malt beverages and intoxicating liquor. Wisconsin Statute 125.02(1)
Alcoholic Beverage Sale: Any transfer of alcoholic beverages for consideration or any transfer without consideration if knowingly made for purposes of evading this regulation relating to the sale of alcoholic beverages or any shift, device, scheme or transaction for obtaining alcoholic beverages, including the solicitation of orders for, or the sale for future delivery of, alcoholic beverages.
Authorized University Officials: Chancellor or appointed designee(s), in addition to the Risk Manager and Emergency Manager, have authorization to approve Alcohol Service -Permits.
Campus: Any publicly-owned or leased buildings or grounds that compose all or part of UW Oshkosh.
Employee: Any person who has an active appointment with UW Oshkosh, paid or unpaid.
Legal Drinking Age: Dependent on the location
Responsible University Employee: A University employee who has oversight of and advisement to the event.
Server Responsibility: In order to be eligible to serve alcohol, servers must have completed the Wisconsin Responsible Beverage Server Training and maintain insurance to serve alcohol.
Student: A person who is registered for study in UW Oshkosh for the current academic period. Wisconsin Statute 36.05(11)
University Event: Any gathering, program, or activity that takes place on University lands; or that takes place as part of a University-sponsored activity not located on University lands; or that the University, or a part of the University, is paying for including student segregated fees.
6. POLICY STATEMENT
UWS 18.09(1), Wisconsin Administrative Code prohibits the use or possession of alcoholic beverages on all University premises except as specifically permitted by institutional regulations. UW Oshkosh has developed specific institutional regulations to permit the use and possession of alcoholic beverages at University events. Students and employees who fail to comply with UW Oshkosh regulations are subject to disciplinary action.
7. REFERENCES
- UW System 18.09(1)
- Wis. Administrative Code Alcohol
- University Student Housing
- UW Oshkosh Alcohol Service and Consumption Website
8. REGULATIONS
Unless expressly permitted in this policy, use or consumption of alcoholic beverages and possession of an open container that contains an alcoholic beverage are prohibited at all University events. This policy is applicable to University events held both on and off campus. This policy extends to all areas of campus, such as but not limited to, laboratories, individual and group offices, meeting facilities, and public areas.
If a University event takes place in buildings or locations where the University does not own or lease the space used, this policy extends to the areas and period of time used by representatives of the University for the event. The policy also extends to all modes of transportation used for a University event where the University controls the arrangements for and the transportation used. If the University event is off campus, and a licensed and insured establishment is providing the alcohol, a permit is not required.
9. PROCEDURES
A. Sale of alcoholic beverages without approval by the Authorized University Official is prohibited on all University lands, and in all University owned or leased buildings, except:
1. Where the sale of alcoholic beverages is a service of Titan Underground in Reeve Union, or
2. When approved by the Chancellor or designee
B. Considerations to Request Alcohol
1. Alcohol should be served by the licensed and insured University Food Service Provider; except if:
- server has taken the Responsible Beverage Server Training and,
- is appropriately insured to serve alcohol
2. The legal drinking age for consumption of alcoholic beverages will be adhered to at all University events according to the laws of the jurisdiction where the event takes place.
3. Individuals must display government-issued identification with a birthdate to any server upon request.
4. If event attendees are anticipated to include individuals below the legal drinking age, then procedures must be in place to prevent consumption of alcohol by these individuals.
5. Additional requirements may include, but are not limited to:
- Servers and/or responsible employees request an ID from any guest before providing them with alcohol or upon event entry.
- Alcohol is served in a designated and entry-controlled area for attendees at or above the legal drinking age.
- Attendees wear or display a physical indicator (e.g. wristbands) of their authorization to consume alcohol.
C. Alcohol Authorization Permit Request Form shall be required for alcohol service at all University events, both on and off campus. Alcohol Authorization Permits must be approved by an Authorized University Official.
1. Process to request an Alcohol Authorization Permit Request Form can be found at https://www.uwosh.edu/police/alcohol/.
2. If an alcohol permit is requested for an event with an attendance estimated to be over 100 attendees, one additional responsible University employee must be present.
3. Chancellor, Assistant Chancellor for Access Campuses, Vice Chancellors, Deans, and Directors may establish additional requirements or deny alcohol approval for events sponsored by their units and/or held within their areas; however, they cannot reduce restrictions defined within this policy.
The alcoholic beverage service approval shall require:
1. Completion and approval of the permit form.
2. Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages be limited to the time period and to the room or location specified in the permit.
3. Non-alcoholic beverages and food must be made available to attendees.
4. Other conditions as may be specified by the Chancellor or designee, or Authorized University Official, to ensure that alcohol consumption, consistent with institutional policy, is appropriate to the occasion.
D. The Responsible University employee will:
1. be present at all times during which alcoholic beverages are served or consumed;
2. ensure that the conditions of the Permit are observed by all persons in attendance at the event;
3. ensure that intoxicated persons do not consume alcoholic beverages;
4. maintain control of alcoholic beverages at all times to prevent unauthorized consumption and ensure alcoholic beverages are properly secured at the conclusion of the event
5. ensure that individuals below the legal drinking age do not consume alcoholic beverages; and
6. refrain from the consumption of alcohol during such time as they are serving in this capacity
10. REVISION HISTORY
9/10/2019: Faculty Senate
9/12/2019: Senate of Academic Staff
9/18/2019: University Staff Senate
10/30/2019: Oshkosh Student Association Senate
12/16/2019: Chancellor