Appendix VIII

Texas A&M University Alcohol Rules and the Laws That Apply to Student Organizations, On Campus Residents, and Others

(Revised 2013)

I. Introduction

Texas A&M University is an educational institution dedicated to the pursuit of excellence, the promotion of academic achievement and the advancement of knowledge. Because of the University’s interest in the intellectual, physical and psychological well being of the campus community, it is important that the University take steps to curtail the abusive or illegal use of alcoholic beverages. Educating students about the effects of misuse and use of alcohol will help accomplish these goals.

II. Texas A&M at Galveston University Student Rules.

The Student Rules state:

Alcohol. Alcohol use, possession, manufacturing, or distribution of alcoholic beverages (except as expressly authorized by University regulations), is prohibited on Texas A&M University at Galveston premises and University sponsored events. In addition, use, possession, or distribution of alcohol beverages while driving or riding in or on a vehicle on University premises is prohibited. Alcoholic beverages may not, in any circumstance, be used by, possessed by, or distributed to any person under twenty-one (21) years of age. Individuals may not be in a state of public intoxication or drunkenness. Individuals may not operate a motor vehicle or another form of transportation while intoxicated or while under the influence of alcohol. Being present in a room or area where alcohol is found or being consumed on campus or at University sponsored events may result in a student being charged for possession or complicity (see Rule 24.4.23) even if the student is not consuming alcohol.

For more information, call Student Life at 409.740.4561.

III. Recognized Student Organizations - Sponsored Events Involving Alcoholic Beverages.

It is expected that all recognized student organizations will have their activities (sponsored, authorized, sanctioned, and/or financed) approved by the group's faculty/staff advisor. The student organization is responsible for assuring that alcohol consumption does not detrimentally affect the health and well being of those attending the event. Recognized student organizations may hold events involving alcoholic beverages under the following conditions:

1. The possession, sale, use or consumption of alcoholic beverages, in public areas of the campus is prohibited. Any situation sponsored, authorized, sanctioned, endorsed, and/or financed by a recognized student organization must be in compliance with any and all applicable laws and rules of the state, county, city, and Texas A&M University, and must comply with either BYOB or third party vendor guidelines. In addition, the event or activity must be approved by the group’s faculty/staff advisor.

2. No alcoholic beverage may be purchased through a recognized student organization's funds, nor may the purchase of alcohol for members or guests be undertaken or coordinated by any member in the name of, or on behalf of, the recognized student organization. The purchase or use of bulk quantity or common sources of such alcoholic beverage (i.e. kegs or cases) shall be prohibited.

3. Open events, meaning those with unrestricted access to non-members of the recognized student organization, without specific invitation, where alcohol is present, are prohibited.

4. No members, collectively or individually shall purchase for, serve to, or sell alcoholic beverages to any minor (i.e. those under legal drinking age).

5. No recognized student organization may enter into an agreement to co-sponsor an event with an alcohol distributor, charitable organization or tavern (tavern defined as an establishment generating more than half of the annual gross sales from alcohol) where alcohol is given away, sold, or otherwise provided to those present.

6. No recognized student organization may co-sponsor or co-finance a function where alcohol is purchased by any of the host organizations or groups.

7. All membership recruitment activities associated with any student organization shall be alcohol free.

8. No alcohol shall be present at any new member activity of any recognized student organization.

9. The recognized student organization or organizations must establish active precautionary measures to ensure that alcoholic beverages are not served to persons under the legal drinking age or to persons who appear to be intoxicated.

10. No event shall include any form of "drinking contest" or encourage the rapid consumption of alcohol in the activity or its promotion.

11. Non-alcoholic beverages and non-salty food must be available at the same place as the alcoholic beverages. Food and non-alcoholic beverages must be featured as prominently as the alcoholic beverages.

12. University Advertisement Rules Regarding Student Organization-Sponsored Events with Alcoholic Beverages, advertising of University events where alcoholic beverages will be consumed must be consistent with the educational philosophy of Texas A&M University and follow these conditions:

    • Advertisement for any university event where alcoholic beverages are being served must note the availability of non-alcoholic beverages and food as prominently as the alcoholic beverages.
    • The messages conveyed in the promotion of any event must not encourage any form of misuse of alcohol.
    • Publicity must not convey that consumption of alcohol is the purpose or reason for the event.
    • Promotion must not refer to the amount/quantity of alcohol (5-keg party, etc.).
    • Advertisements for events must not portray drinking as a solution to personal or academic problems nor as necessary to social, sexual or academic success.
    • Alcoholic beverages must not be provided as awards, door prizes, or giveaways to individuals or campus organizations.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

A student found responsible of noncompliance with these rules or the laws of the State of Texas has committed a violation of University Student Rules and is subject to sanctions commensurate with the offense and any aggravating and mitigating circumstances.

Recognized student organizations have a responsibility to abide by all conditions of these rules and University Student Rules. Actions of all recognized student organizations are subject to review by the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designate. Failure to comply with the rules and/or University Student Rules may lead to the revocation of recognition privileges or any lesser sanction.

For more information, call Student Life at 409.740.4561.