Rutgers Alcohol Policy

The social component of Greek Life is highly valued by Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. All policies shall be implemented in a way that promotes the responsible use of alcohol. Further, each chapter is expected to adhere to the laws of the State of New Jersey as they pertain to building and fire safety as well as the consumption of alcohol and other substances. All chapters are expected to abide by the policies of OFSA or their individual inter/national risk management policy, whichever is stricter. These social policies apply to all fraternity entities and all levels of fraternity membership. The use of the word fraternity” refers to men’s and women’s groups.

 

General Policy Statements

1. The possession, sale, use or consumption of ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, while on or off chapter premises, during a fraternity event/function, in any situation sponsored or endorsed by the chapter, or in any event/function an observer would associate with the fraternity, must be in compliance with any and all applicable laws of the state, province, county, city and institution of higher education, and must comply with either BYOB or Third Party Vendor Guidelines.
2. No alcoholic beverage may be purchased through chapter funds nor may the purchase of same for members or guests be undertaken or coordinated by any member in the name of, or on behalf of, the chapter or on behalf of the members for a chapter event. The purchase or use of a bulk quantity or common sources of such alcoholic beverages, e.g. kegs or cases, is prohibited.
3. Chapters are permitted to host a total of eight (8) social events per semester that include the use of alcohol.
4. Registration – All event/functions must be registered at OFSA by 4:30 PM on the Thursday prior to the event/function. Late registration will result in non-approval of the activity. Chapter advisors are to sign each registration form. Students may not sign for chapter advisors.
5. Guest List- The participating chapter(s) must submit a guest list for every social event/function registered (date function, mixers, formals, homecoming or any event/function that includes non-members). Guest lists must be submitted along with the DOE. Each member and guest listed must have a first and last name.
6. OPEN PARTIES, meaning those with unrestricted access by non-members of the fraternity, without specific invitation, where alcohol is present, shall be prohibited.
7. No members, collectively or individually, shall purchase for, provide, serve to, or sell alcoholic beverages to any minor (i.e., those under the legal drinking age).
8. The possession, sale or use of any ILLEGAL DRUGS or CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES while on chapter premises or during a fraternity event/function or at any event/function that an observer would associate with the fraternity, is strictly forbidden.
9. No chapter may co-sponsor an event/function with an alcohol distributor, charitable organization or tavern where alcohol is given away, sold or otherwise provided to those present.
10. Advertising – Chapters may not advertise a social event/function at which alcohol will be present (i.e. no flyers, posters, Targum advertisements, radio spots, etc.). Further, chapters shall be prohibited from advertising ANY event/function outside the Rutgers community without the express prior written consent of the Dean of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs.
11. No chapter may co-sponsor or co-finance a function where alcohol is purchased by any of the host chapters, groups or organizations.
12. All recruitment activities associated with any chapter will be DRY recruitment functions. Bid day is considered part of the recruitment process.
13. No alcohol shall be present at any pledge/new member/associate member/novice program, activity or ritual of the chapter.
14. No member shall permit, tolerate, encourage, or participate in “drinking games.” Drinking games shall be defined as any activity that facilitates drinking. Examples include beer pong, thumper, ice block shots, Jell-O shots, shots of any nature, quarters, etc.
15. Social Chairperson Training – All social chairpersons must attend the Social Chair training Session sponsored by OFSA. Failure to attend will result in loss of social privileges until the social chair meets with the appropriate Dean.
16. Cleaning – The premises and surrounding areas shall be clear litter by 10:00 A.M. the day following the social event/function (or following guidelines of the facility).
17. Noise – All social event/functions must comply with the noise ordinance of the City of New Brunswick and with the noise policy of the University.
18. Dangerous Themes – Event/functions that require specific construction (i.e. mud slides, etc.) are prohibited. Chapters wishing to host functions including unusual themes must receive written permission from their state or inter/national risk management officer. Written permission must accompany the DOE.

 

Non-Alcoholic Events/Functions

1. Non-Alcoholic Event/Function, meaning those events/functions that do not include the use of alcohol. Chapters are encouraged to host at least eight (8) nonalcoholic events/functions each semester.
2. Guests: the number of guests at a non-alcoholic social event/function should never exceed the number permitted by the State of New Jersey Building and Fire code. Further, fire/occupancy level for social event/functions should be posted at the entrance of the facility.
3. Guest List: Guest lists are required for non-alcoholic parties. Guest lists must be submitted with the DOE.
4. Non-alcoholic event/functions shall be permitted on Thursdays between the hours of 5:00 PM and 12:00 midnight. Events/Functions shall be permitted on Fridays between 5:00 PM and 2:00 AM and on Saturdays between 10:00 AM and 2:00 AM.

Third Party Vendor Events/Functions

1. Third Party Vendor events, meaning those private events/functions that take place at a licensed and insured establishment that is not affiliated with any chapter sponsoring the event/function (i.e. social hall, lodge, hotel, restaurant).
2. Chapters are permitted to host a total of eight (8) social events per semester that include the use of alcohol. Chapters are permitted to host the following types of social events with alcohol at a third party location: alumni function, brotherhood/sisterhood function, date function or mixer (see glossary for definitions).
3. Third Party Vendor events/functions shall be permitted on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
4. Guest List: Guest lists are required for Third Party Vendor parties. Guest lists must be submitted with the DOE.

 

Chapter House Events/Functions (with alcohol)

1. Events/Functions in chapter houses that include the use of alcohol are restricted to date Functions, brotherhood functions, alumni functions and parent functions (see glossary for definitions)
2. Events/Functions with alcohol in chapter houses must be BYOB. BYOB is defined as: Members and guests (21 and over) are permitted to bring one six pack of 12 oz. cans for their own consumption.
3. Chapter house events/functions shall be permitted on Thursdays between the hours of 5:00 PM and 12:00 midnight. Events/Functions shall be permitted on Fridays between 5:00 PM and 2:00 AM and on Saturdays between 10:00 AM and 2:00 AM.
4. Admission. Limited to chapter members and invited guests only. A current chapter roster(s) and a copy of the guest list must be at the entrance to the social function at all times. No temporary guest lists are permitted. Greek Privilege is not permitted. Fraternity Passes are not permitted. The chapter(s) shall record the names of all guests entering the event/function (name and address.)
5. Identification: The host chapter(s) shall require ALL persons entering the social event/function to provide a driver’s license or other picture identification card issued by a state or federal agency establishing proof of age before entering. Persons without proper identification are never admitted.
6. Wristbands/Bracelets: The host chapter(s) must provide wristbands/bracelets to guests of legal drinking age. Markers, stamps or other easily duplicated means to identify guests are prohibited.
7. The sponsoring chapter(s) shall have at least two initiated members at the entrance to the event/function checking ID and monitoring the guestlist. Social functions shall be serviced by a single entrance.
8. No open alcoholic containers may enter or leave the function.
9. Chapters are responsible for providing an adequate quantity (adequate = enough for event/function participants) of non-alcoholic beverages for the duration of any social event/function involving the use of alcohol.
10. Chapters are responsible for providing an adequate quantity (adequate = enough for event/function participants) of food (i.e., subs, cheese, bread, dips, meats, pizza, etc.) for the duration of any social event/function involving the use of alcohol.

 

For more information visit:
http://getinvolved.rutgers.edu/fraternities-and-sororities/chapter-resources
http://getinvolved.rutgers.edu/documents/ofsa/social-policy-fall08.pdf