Alcohol Policy Summary

• Policy Rationale
• Policy Summary
• Important Information for Individual Student
• Important Information for WFU Organizations

The state of North Carolina has established the minimum age for the legal purchase and possession of alcoholic beverages to be 21. Wake Forest University recognizes the responsibility of the state and federal governments with regard to the welfare of their citizens, and accordingly, supports this law in University social regulations. Generally, the law provides that 1) a person must be 21 to purchase or possess any alcoholic beverage; 2) it is unlawful for a person to sell or give alcoholic beverages to an underage person; 3) it is illegal to use fraudulent identification or to allow another person to use one’s own identification to obtain alcoholic beverages illegally.

The University alcohol policy represents the collective efforts of student leaders, faculty members and administrators to put in place a policy that is both fair and realistic. Every effort has been made to adapt to the special circumstances and needs of Wake Forest University within the constraints of federal, state and local law.

Please note that this is a summary of some of the most significant elements of the overall policy. A complete policy document, entitled the Reynolda campus Wake Forest University Student Alcoholic Beverage Policy, can be obtained from the Office of Residence Life and Housing, Benson University Center, Room 101. For additional information regarding the policy, contact Tricia Richerson, Associate Director of Greek Affairs & Conference Programs, PO Box 7749, Benson 101, 758-5185

Policy Summary

1. Responsibility for knowing and abiding by the University alcohol policy rests with each individual within the University community.

2. The sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on the Reynolda campus except for sales by ARAMARK Service or pursuant to a special one-time ABC permit.

3. Only individuals or organizations (not University monies) may provide funding for alcoholic beverages at student social functions.

4. Persons of legal age may consume alcoholic beverages in the following locations: residence hall rooms, University apartments, leased lounges (members and guests only), suite/ hallway lounges in Martin (residents and guests only), Polo Area, and theme houses (residents and guests only). Individuals consuming alcoholic beverages at a registered function have additional rights and responsibilities as outlined in the section of the policy titled “Organizational Regulations.”

5. The possession of any beverages, including fortified wines and distilled liquors, having an alcohol content of more than 21% by volume is allowed only for individuals of legal drinking age for use in private residence hall rooms.

6. Possession of alcoholic beverages in open primary or secondary containers in public areas is prohibited and constitutes public display.

7. Any social function where alcoholic beverages will be present (Alcohol Provided or Bring Your Own) must be registered and approved by the Office of Residence Life and Housing. Such events will follow the procedures outlined in the section of the policy titled “Organizational Regulations.”

8. Kegs of beer are permitted only at registered social functions and with prior approval of the Director of Greek Affairs.
   

The Wake Forest University Alcohol Policy for undergraduate students is available online.

Important Information for Individual Students

Responsibility for knowing and abiding by the University alcohol policy rests with each individual within the University community. A condensed version of the WFU alcohol policy is located on pages 33-34 of the Student handbook and a full copy of the policy can be obtained from the Office of Residence Life & Housing (www.wfu.edu/housing).

All individuals must be at least 21 years of age to consume alcoholic beverages on Wake Forest University campus.

It is unlawful to use identification fraudulently or to allow another person to use one’s own identification fraudulently to obtain alcoholic beverages illegally. The use of fake IDs is strictly prohibited.

Persons of legal age may consume beverages in the following locations:

• residence hall rooms
• University apartments
• Leased lounges (members and guests only)
• Leased lounge patios (members and guests only)
• Polo area houses and theme houses (residents and guests only)
• suite/ hallway lounges in Martin
  • (residents and guests only)

Alcoholic beverages may not be consumed in the following locations:

• Common lounges
• Suite hallways
• Any other area not listed above

Possession of alcoholic beverages in open primary or secondary containers outside designated areas is prohibited and constitutes public display.

Beverages having an alcohol content of more than 21% by volume (such as fortified wines and distilled liquors) is allowed only for individuals of legal drinking age for use in private residence hall rooms. Individual students may not possess/use kegs.

Failure to comply with the WFU alcohol policy and applicable laws, subjects the individual to judicial action within the University and/or in a court of law.

Students are responsible for adhering to WFU policies/federal and state laws while attending all social functions both on and off campus.

Wake Forest University takes a very serious stance regarding the personal and communal effects of alcohol misuse and abuse. As a result, the University has adopted a range of presumptive sanctions for violations of the policy (page 33-34 of the Student Handbook). In addition, the University has adopted a comprehensive substance abuse policy to respond to those students who abuse alcohol. Please review this information very carefully.

Organizations must officially register all social functions (alcohol provided, BYOB, and non-alcoholic) with the Office of Residence Life and Housing. Such events must be approved in advance.

All organizations must attend Alcohol Orientation Programs sponsored by the Office of Residence Life and Housing prior to an alcohol event.

Organizations must abide by all University regulations and applicable laws concerning the use of alcohol. Three very important points:

• Alcohol may not be purchased with University funds
• Greek organizations must also follow their National policies regarding alcohol use (i.e., no kegs or collective purchasing of alcohol)
• The sale of alcohol is prohibited except for sales by ARAMARK or pursuant to a special one-time permit under this policy .

Persons who are at least 21 years of age may consume alcoholic beverages at a social function .

Host organizations will ascertain that individuals who consume alcoholic beverages at a social function are at least 21 years of age.

All social functions where alcohol is to be served must be managed according to prescribed standards and procedures outlined in the full version of the alcohol policy

Organizations hosting social functions off-campus must abide by all laws and be aware that their organization represents Wake Forest University. The organization may be held accountable for its actions through the University judicial process.