1.2 Alcohol on Campus

The law of the State of Missouri states: "Any person under the age of twenty-one who purchases or attempts to purchase or has in their possession any intoxicating liquor...is guilty of a misdemeanor. Furthermore, anyone guilty of a misdemeanor shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than fifty dollars, nor more than two thousand dollars, and/or by imprisonment for a term not exceeding one (1) year.” (See Appendix A, Drug and Alcohol Policies).

Saint Louis University recognizes both the letter and spirit of the law, as well as the needs of Students for social activities. Rooted in the Jesuit mission, SLU’s center-point is teaching its members on developing the whole self. SLU is committed to promoting ethical and just judgement when alcohol is present. The University expects all members of the SLU community (faculty, staff, and students) to make responsible and legal decisions regarding using alcohol. As SLU strives to teach those in the campus community about the care and concern of others, all students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to learn about the social, psychological, and physiological effects of alcohol, including the consequences of abuse. The safety of our community depends on one another.

SLU, in accordance with federal, state, and city laws, policies, and ordinances, will address the abuse of alcohol through an educational lens consistent with the mission of the University. Alcohol abuse that is against the law, contrary to the University’s mission or policies displayed in this handbook or inflicts harm towards the well-being and safety of Saint Louis University and its Students, faculty, and staff is unacceptable and will be fairly, justly, and consistently addressed through processes outlined the Student Handbook. The following Alcohol Policy and Guidelines set parameters within which alcohol use will reflect this increasing awareness of concern for us and each other:

  1. In observance of the laws of Missouri and local ordinances, no person under the age of 21 may purchase or attempt to purchase, or have in their possession, any alcoholic or intoxicating beverage on campus or at University activities. Therefore, no alcoholic beverage may be served or sold to anyone under 21 years of age on campus or at University activities. Students must present two forms of valid photo identification or comply with University reasonable age verification procedures at events held on the University's premises at which alcohol is available. Students found presenting false identification or taking other steps to acquire alcohol as a minor will be subject to disciplinary action under the University's Community Standards and could risk criminal prosecution.
  2. Consumption of alcoholic beverages by those who are over 21 years of age, on campus, must be in compliance with Housing and Residence Life guidelines while in a residence hall or University-owned/managed housing, and is permitted only at those Student events or locations that have been expressly approved by the Student Involvement Center and ONLY in those locations for which the University has a license. Approval for alcohol service at events sponsored by University departments must be obtained from the appropriate Director, Dean or Vice President.
  3. University funds may not be used to pay for any portion of an event at which alcohol may be provided, served to or consumed by minors.
  4. Arrangements for food and beverages for on campus events must be made with DineSLU, which has the responsibility for verifying the legality of persons seeking to purchase or obtain alcohol. No food or beverages may be brought to an event by an outside caterer except with special authorization.
  5. Monitoring and enforcing compliance with the policy and guidelines are the responsibility of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) for outside events, and the director/manager of the building for inside events. Compliance with the policy in the residence halls and University-owned/managed housing is the responsibility of the Director of Housing and Residence Life and the Residence Life staff.
  6. University departments and Student Organizations also may impose additional, more stringent restrictions on the use and distribution of alcohol by their members. Additional University alcohol-related policies include the Community Standards Alcohol Violations (Sections 2.7.6); Student Organization Hazing and Alcohol Risk Management Policy (Section 3.3); and the Residence Life Policies (Section 5.0). Alcohol guidelines for Student athletes can be obtained from the Athletic Department, located in the Chaifetz Arena. Copies of the Greek Social Event Policy, intended to provide risk management guidelines and govern the use and distribution of alcohol at fraternity and sorority events, are available at the Student Involvement Center, Room 319, Busch Student Center.

Allegations of Community Standards with Alcohol

If allegations or violations of Community Standards with alcohol are alleged, the Office of Student Responsibility and Community Standards will conduct an investigation. Please see 2.8 Hearing Procedures for additional information.

Common Outcomes/Restorative Actions

The following outcomes represent possible actions that Students may be required to complete if found responsible in violation(s) of the University’s Community Standards.

  • Alcohol Education Program
  • Billikens ACT (Acting Courageously Together) Workshop ($75 fee per workshop attendance requirement)
  • Counseling Assessment (if multiple incidents occur and/or at discretion of a hearing officer)
  • Disciplinary Warning
  • University Censure
  • Disciplinary Probation
  • Family Notification (if Student is under 21)
  • Fines/Fees:
  • 1st offense: $75 fine; $50 fee for workshop
  • 2nd offense: $125 fine
  • 3rd offense: $175 fine
  • Reflection Paper/Prompts
  • SHARRP (SLU Harm and Alcohol Risk Reduction Program)
  • Wellness Plan
  • University Censure, Probation, Suspension, or Expulsion

As a Catholic, Jesuit educational institution, Saint Louis University expects its students to develop a responsible philosophy on the appropriate use of alcoholic beverages. The University encourages Students to consider all the implications of drinking and to arrive at a conscientious decision about how they will personally use alcohol.

The University may take reasonable steps to protect the rights of others threatened by illegal or immoderate drinking on campus or at social events sponsored by the University. The University, therefore, prohibits drinking that infringes on the rights of others, prohibits misconduct due to drinking, and prohibits drinking by anyone under 21 years of age. The University prohibits any drinking patterns that lead to behaviors detrimental to the health and welfare of the individual, Student group(s), or University community. Social activities are expected to have clear purposes, other than the consumption of alcoholic beverages. The University encourages moderation in the use of alcohol for those of legal age who choose to drink. The University strongly asserts that choosing not to drink is as socially acceptable as choosing to drink.

Finally, in accord with our policy, the University will sponsor programs and develop guidelines to help community members understand the advantages of a healthy lifestyle, the consequences of use and abuse of alcohol, the moral implications of alcohol use, and the importance of personal and community responsibility.

In accordance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, the University annually communicates to Students information that includes the University Alcohol and Drug Policies, counseling and assistance programs, University and legal sanctions, health risks, and uses and effects of controlled substances. All Students should become familiar with this information.

For assistance and information on issues relating to alcohol, please contact the University Counseling Center (UCC) at (314) 977-8255.