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Alcohol Policy - Columbus State University

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University Operations

Alcohol Policy

The following is an overview of the Consumption of Alcohol at CSU (PDF) policy. 

The City of Columbus Alcohol Policy (PDF) may also serve as a useful resource.

On March 3, 2020, a Resolution Establishing Amendment of Alcohol Policy (PDF) was published by the Office of the General Counsel.

Students

Legal Age

The legal age for possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages in accordance with Georgia law is 21 years old. Subsequently, it shall be a violation of this Policy for any member of the University community who is under the legal drinking age to possess or consume alcohol, or for a member of the University community who is of legal age to provide alcohol to another member of the University community who is under 21.

Residence Halls

Columbus State University abides by Georgia law concerning the sale, possession, consumption, brewing, and/or use of alcohol. For communities that are primarily reserved for first-year students, these units and surrounding areas are alcohol-free, which extends to and includes any guest who visits these areas. Use of alcohol containers for decorative purposes is strictly prohibited, as empty bottles may be considered evidence of consumption.

In communities that are primarily reserved for upperclassmen students, alcoholic beverages may only be consumed by members of legal drinking age in the privacy of their bedroom. No alcohol is permitted in common areas, which include kitchens and refrigerators. Residence Life staff and the CSU University police reserve the right to require verification of the ages of any guest. The host resident(s) will be held accountable for the action of their guest(s). Such items as kegs, "drinking fountains," or other community containers are not allowed at any time, in individuals' apartments, common areas, and in or around housing facilities and buildings. Those of legal age who choose to drink are encouraged to do so safely, responsibly and in moderation.

It is imperative that residents understand their individual rights and responsibilities if they choose to consume alcohol or host gatherings that involve the consumption of alcohol on the grounds of university housing. If a resident is found acting in a hostile or threatening manner, University police will be called. It is also the responsibility of all residents to understand the alcohol policy of Columbus State University as it applies to the entire campus. Please refer to the Resident Life Community Handbook (PDF) for the full policy and additional information.

On campus

The University does not condone or sanction the use, distribution, sale, brewing, consumption or possession of alcohol at any campus event sponsored by individual students or recognized student groups, clubs, or organizations unless approved in writing ahead of time by the President, Provost, VP Business and Finance, or VP Student Affairs.

Student Travel

This policy applies to students who travel on university-official business. Students who travel in an official capacity are expected to abide by the rules set forth in this policy, with the exception of students participating in a Study Abroad program. Participants in Study Abroad programs are bound by the legal drinking age of the respective countries in which they are traveling, but in all other respects this policy applies. Cases of excessive drinking, as determined by the Faculty Site Director who facilitates the Study Abroad program, may result in an automatic first offense warning. Further, sanctions while students are traveling abroad may be determined by the Center for Global Engagement and/or the Dean of Student Affairs.

Violations

Violations of the alcohol policy or rules set by University housing are governed by the Columbus State University Student Handbook and the Residence Life Handbook. Any violation of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary actions as set forth in the Columbus State University Handbook (section D, article 1: Non-academic Misconduct: Alcoholic Beverages) and the Columbus State University Residence Life Handbook.

Faculty and Staff

CSU recognizes that from time to time faculty and staff may wish to hold events on campus that include the distribution and consumption of alcoholic beverages and that may include students.

Such events are allowable under CSU's policy on alcohol providing that:

  1. The event organizer notify University Operations at least a week in advance;
  2. A faculty or staff member must assume direct responsibility for ensuring compliance with CSU's Alcohol Policy. This person must be present throughout the entire event and must serve as the contact between the staff of the event facility and the event caterer;
  3. The event is approved by the Vice President or Dean of the sponsoring department;
  4. For an event co-sponsored by a CSU department and a non-CSU entity, all co-sponsors are jointly and individually responsible for ensuring compliance with CSU's Alcohol Policy;
  5. CSU's official caterer, Aramark Corporation, be hired to obtain and serve the alcohol and to cater any food to be offered;
  6. In the event that the alcoholic beverages are donated, Aramark must be hired to serve those beverages. Donated alcohol may only be donated by an alcohol beverage distributor. All other alcohol must be purchased and served by Aramark.
    1. By City ordinance, donated alcohol may be donated only to qualified non-profit organizations.
    2. There may be City and State laws and regulations concerning donated alcohol.
    3. It is each event organizer's responsibility to check with the City and State well in advance to comply with any and all City and State laws and regulations.
  7. Non-alcoholic beverages will be available continuously for the duration of the event.
  8. CSU reserves the right to restrict or deny the use of any of its buildings or outdoor spaces to faculty and staff wishing to hold an event based upon the group's desire to serve alcoholic beverages at the event. The following may also factor into any event restrictions or denials.
            a. No events may be held in CSU Student Housing with the exception of the first floor of the Rankin Building and The Yancey Building (One Arsenal) in                    space approved by CSU.
            b. If the event includes under-age attendees.
            c. If the event does not have a CSU officer present during the duration of the event.

Non-CSU Events

CSU allows the general public to hold events in CSU buildings and on CSU grounds, which from time to time include the distribution and consumption of alcoholic beverages and may include students and other under-age attendees.

Such events are subject to the following CSU policies:

  1. The event organizer must seek permission from University Operations at least two weeks in advance to receive permission for any CSU space utilization with the exceptions of the Cunningham and Elizabeth Turner Bradley buildings which manage their own reservations;
  2. The event sponsor must hire CSU's official caterer, Aramark Corporation, to acquire and serve the alcoholic beverages as well as all non-alcoholic beverages and food.
  3. In the event that the alcoholic beverages are donated, Aramark must be hired to serve those beverages. Donated alcohol may only be donated by an alcohol beverage distributor. All other alcohol must be purchased and served by Aramark.
    1. By City ordinance, donated alcohol may be donated only to qualified non-profit organizations.
    2. There may be City and State laws and regulations concerning donated alcohol.
    3. It is each event organizer's responsibility to check with the City and State well in advance to comply with any and all City and State laws and regulations.
  4. CSU reserves the right to require the event organizer to hire campus security.
  5. Students and other under-age persons may attend, but may not be served alcoholic beverages.
  6. All events where alcohol is served must have sufficient quantities of non-alcoholic beverages and food offerings (heavy appetizers or a meal) for the duration of the event.
  7. CSU reserves the right to restrict or deny the use of any of its buildings or outdoor spaces to non-CSU groups based upon a group's desire to serve alcoholic beverages at the event. The following may also factor into any event restrictions or denials.
    1. No events may be held in CSU Student Housing with the exception of the first floor of the Rankin Building and The Yancey Building (One Arsenal) in space approved by CSU. As above, both must be approved by University Operations.
    2. If the event includes under-age attendees.
    3. If the event does not have a CSU officer present during the duration of the event.

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