ALCOHOL POLICY

ALCOHOL POLICY

Nicholls State University is committed to upholding all local, state, and federal laws concerning the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs, and will support efforts in the campus community to confront violations of these laws. The University is also committed to maintaining a safe, healthful environment that supports its educational mission. The misuse and abuse of alcoholic beverages by its students, faculty, staff, and guests interfere with the accomplishment of this mission. More specifically, the abuse of alcohol (1) negatively impacts the life and well-being of citizens; (2) interferes with student learning, student retention, and student graduation; (3) generates a cost to the University through personal injury, crimes, property damage, and risk management; and (4) negatively affects the image of the University. 

Because Nicholls State University seeks to create a social environment that enhances learning, the following values with regard to alcohol will be upheld: (1) abstinence, as an option, is always supported and should never be discouraged; (2) although moderate and legal alcohol use may be permitted, the drinking of alcohol is never encouraged; (3) abusive consumption of alcohol is always discouraged, and (4) participation in illegal behaviors involving alcohol is not tolerated.

Furthermore, inappropriate behaviors and associated negative consequences of alcohol misuse will not be tolerated. The possession, use, sale, distribution, or manufacture of alcohol shall be done only in accordance with the provisions of federal and state laws, local laws and ordinances, and University regulations, including this policy. Louisiana state law prohibits the purchase, public possession or consumption of any alcoholic beverage by persons under the age of 21.

Section I: Definitions

1. Alcoholic beverage means beer, distilled spirits, and wine containing one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume. Beer includes but is not limited to ale, lager, porter, stout, sake, and other similar fermented beverages brewed or produced from malt wholly or in part or from any substitute thereof. Distilled spirits include alcohol, ethanol, or spirits or wine in any form, including all dilutions and mixtures thereof from whatever process produced. RS 14:93.12 Obviously intoxicated persons shall not be admitted or served alcohol.
   
2. “Public possession” means the possession of any alcoholic beverage for any reason, including consumption, on any street, highway, or waterway or in any public place or any place open to the public, including a club that is de facto open to the public. RS 14:93.12
   1. Thibodaux City Ordinance 7-93.16. – Sale of alcoholic beverages and liquor on streets and sidewalks or in public is prohibited. No person shall sell alcoholic beverages or liquor on the streets, sidewalks or other public rights-of-way of the city, nor shall a person sell such alcoholic beverages or liquors from a window, door or other aperture facing a street or sidewalk or other public right-of-way within the city limits.
   2. Possession of open containers containing alcoholic beverages and liquor in public is prohibited. No person shall carry or cause to be in their possession any open container which contains any alcoholic beverage or liquor while standing, walking, sitting or riding on the public streets or sidewalks of the city.
   3. Exemption. There shall be exempted from this section the immediate area of any special event such as a fair and/or festival when sponsored by a nonprofit organization and when a permit has been granted by the city. Such permit shall specifically delineate the boundaries of the immediate area and the time period for which the special event is authorized to be held. The possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages in glass containers in conjunction with this exemption is prohibited. A signed copy of each such permit shall be furnished to the chief of police”.
3. Authorized Vendors/Servers: The University food service contractor is Sodexo and 1948 Catering (Sodexo).
4. Tailgating is a unique campus event defined by its own standards and regulations. Tailgating is allowed on campus before a home game in a manner and in areas deemed acceptable by the University. Please refer to the Tailgate Policy as it relates to tailgating with alcohol.
5. Open Event – an event/activity where participation and attendance are not limited to members, individual dates/escorts, and/or their immediate family. (i.e. An event becomes open to the public once it is posted on social media).

Section II: Approved Facilities: Sale, Possession, and Consumption

The purpose of this section is to designate those areas on campus where legal consumption of alcohol will be allowed and to establish under what conditions group events may involve alcohol. This policy will apply to the sale, possession, or consumption of alcohol in or at any University-sponsored or registered event. For the purposes of this policy, all areas of the University are considered “public” places. The possession, consumption, sale, or furnishing of alcoholic beverages is prohibited except in those areas where such activities are specifically allowed.

1. Bollinger Student Union (excluding Snack Bar area)
2. Boucvalt Complex
3. Century Room
4. Didier Baseball Field (excluding diamond).
5. Guidry Stadium (excluding the playing field).
6. Softball Field (excluding diamond).
7. Tailgate area(s) (Point of reference only)
8. Residential Living (See section “B”)
9. Other areas as specifically approved by the President or their designee.

Section III. General Policies

Nicholls State University is an educational institution dedicated to the pursuit of excellence, the promotion of academic achievement, and the advancement of knowledge. Because we are a University devoted to the intellectual, psychological, and physical growth of the campus community, it is incumbent upon the University to take steps to curtail the abusive or illegal use of alcoholic beverages. Educating and training our students about the effects and impact of misuse of alcohol will assist in accomplishing these goals. The serving, possessing, and consuming of alcoholic beverages on the campus of Nicholls State University may be done only in accordance with the provisions of the State and local laws and ordinances, and applicable University regulations. The following University policies shall apply:

A. General

1. Alcoholic beverages may not be possessed, distributed, served, or consumed on campus by persons under the age of 21. Proof of age shall be required at the time of purchase, entry into the event, or at any time of the event, including during consumption. Proof of age may be requested by any University Official or law enforcement officials.
2. Alcoholic beverages may not be purchased with organizational or departmental funds nor may the purchase of the same for members or guests be undertaken or coordinated by any member, individually, or collectively.
3. BYOAB (Bring your own alcoholic beverage) events will not be allowed on campus.
   1. Tailgating is the only exception.
4. There must be a University advisor or designated representative and a non-drinking organization officer who will assist with any problems that might arise during the event including discipline or assistance if a guest should be asked to leave.
5. The serving and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages will not be allowed at any event open to the public except tailgating. 
6. Events involving the selling, serving, possessing, or consuming of alcoholic beverages may not begin before 5:00 p.m. and must end by 2:00 a.m. Events in which alcoholic beverages are being served cannot be scheduled longer than four (4) hours in length. The cash bar will be closed one hour before the close of the event.
7. Hosting individuals, organization(s), and/or members will be held responsible for any damages to the University or the designated University food service contractor-owned property by the member(s) and/or guest(s) of the organization(s) during the time of the event, including set-up and clean-up.
8. Individuals determined to be eligible to consume alcoholic beverages must be identified with a non-removable wristband. Wristbands are to be provided by the host.
9. Organizations may not accept donations of alcoholic beverages.
10. Organizations may not promote and/or sell alcoholic beverages.
11. Food, in sufficient quantity, must be available throughout the duration of the event. The food items must be more substantial than just chips and dip.
12. When alcoholic beverages are being sold, provided, consumed, etc. the designated University food service contractor will be the sole vendor and must provide all beverages, including non-alcoholic.
13.  Alcoholic beverages may not be served at any fundraising activity, whether it occurs on or off-campus.
14. Individuals may not return to a social function after they have exited the function.
15. Open source containers (e.g. kegs, party balls, trash cans, and punch bowls with an alcoholic beverage) are never permitted.
16.  All water games are prohibited when alcohol is present. The list includes but is not limited to:
    1. Water fights
    2. Water slides
    3. Kiddy pools
    4. Slip and Slides

B. Residential Living 

1. Alcohol may be possessed/consumed by persons at least 21 years of age only in private rooms/apartments unless the entire facility is designated as alcohol-free. Alcohol is not permitted in the lobby, public areas, and immediately adjacent property of campus residences except when special permission has been granted.

C. Sale, Purchase, and Cost of alcohol on campus 

1. Alcohol shall not be distributed free of charge by an alcohol company or distributor at any university event or under any other circumstances on campus.
2. Alcohol shall not be sold on campus by an alcohol wholesaler or distributor.
3. University units shall not distribute alcohol-free of charge to the general public (i.e. persons not members of the groups or their specifically invited guests).
4. Alcoholic beverages shall not be furnished as an award or prize.
5. Nicholls funds shall not be used to purchase alcoholic beverages.

D. Social events (On or Off-campus)

1. All student events must be approved by the Dean of Students or Designee located in the Dean of Students Office prior to being registered with the Reservations Office.
2. Organizations requesting to host a social event (on or off campus) must have all new members and at least 100% of active members complete the Risk Management training sponsored by the University. Organization members will receive an email from Scenario Learning/Vector Solutions in order to complete this online training. Through education and partnership with Scenario Learning/Vector Solutions to provide critical information about Consent, Bystander Intervention, Sexual Assault, Dating, and Domestic Violence, as well as other practical guidance for preventing harassment and discrimination. These video-based programs will also include hazing awareness (warning signs, behavior, and bystander effects). These programs will help students better understand how vitally important these issues are and what they can do to help keep their learning environment safe and harassment-free. If you have technical difficulties with the program, please contact Vector Solutions directly through the program HELP button. 
3. No cover charge or admission charge shall be imposed at social events at which alcoholic beverages are served nor may alcohol be provided free in return for the purchase of another item (i.e. cup), and groups may not sell alcohol to participants (only Authorized Vendor/Servers may do this).
4. The vendor/server is responsible for ensuring that no person under the age of 21 is served alcohol.
5. Alcoholic beverages are to be served as an adjunct to social events and may not be the event’s primary focus. For this reason, non-alcoholic beverages and food shall be available for the duration of the event.
6. All alcohol will be stored and legally dispensed in a designated service area within the approved site. The supply of alcoholic beverages must not be accessible to anyone except the server.
7. The sponsoring organization is responsible for ensuring that members and invited guests display responsible behavior. To that end:
   1. It is prohibited to host an event where there is explicit or implicit pressure or an expectation for anyone to consume alcohol, where there is no diversion from drinking alcohol, or where lewd, abusive, or sexually degrading behavior occurs in conjunction with alcohol consumption.
   2. Activities or events that encourage rapid drinking, drinking games, or drunkenness are prohibited.

E. Designated Food Service Contractor

1. The designated food service contractor reserves the right to refuse and or discontinue service for the following reasons (including but not limited to):
   1. Anyone who appears to be intoxicated.
   2. Any inappropriate actions by members or guests of the organization(s).
   3. If beverages other than those provided by the designated University food service contractor, are present.
   4. If the approved University advisor leaves or refuses to assist with violations of the University Policies.
   5. If directed to do so by the Dean of Students or designee or Executive Director of Auxiliary Services (or other designated representatives).

F. University Police Officers

1. Two or more commissioned  Nicholls State University Police officers must be present at “alcohol events” taking place within Lafourche/Terrebonne Parish. Nicholls State University Police officers will be housed outside of the event to maintain security and assist in enforcing applicable University policies, laws, and regulations.
2. The number of officers required will be determined by the Chief of University Police or their designee.
3. Student organizations are responsible for securing Nicholls State University Police for events that extend beyond Lafourche/Terrebonne Parish.
4. If an organization contracts with a venue that provides its own security, then a copy of the signed contract with that venue must be presented in lieu of the contract with Nicholls State University Police.
5. Organizations/Departments are responsible for contracting and paying for the cost of such officers.

G. Admission Policies

1. Open parties are prohibited.
2. All members and guests must sign the guest list and produce a valid, legal picture identification (Colonel Card, and Driver’s License, etc.) upon arrival at the event.
3. Only individuals on the guest list are permitted to enter the event.
4. Organization members and guests who exit the event will not be permitted to re-enter and must sign out with the time of departure.
5. The guest list should be submitted to the Dean of Students or Designee located in the Dean of Students Office the following work day.

Policy Reviewed: 6/1/22
Policy Revised: 7/19/22