1.0   INTRODUCTION

 The University recognizes and supports the concept of responsible drinking by persons of legal drinking age. It does not consider drinking to excess to be responsible. The intent of this policy is to allow students of legal drinking age the opportunity to consume alcoholic beverages within their living environment while maintaining respect for all people and the educational environment. 

The Department of Residence Life encourages roommates to discuss and agree upon the possession and use of alcohol in their room beforehand. For residents who choose to live in an environment where no alcohol is permitted, the option of being on an alcohol-free floor exists. 

The Department of Residence Life enforces the State of Wisconsin law regarding the possession and consumption of alcohol. Generally, when persons are found in violation of the law, University Police are contacted to respond to the situation. 

Legal Drinking Age. 21 years of age or older. 

Under-age Person. A person under the age of 21 years.

To comply with the University's expectation that students drink responsibly, it is the policy of the University of Wisconsin- Stout that: 

3.1  Only persons of legal drinking age may possess and consume alcohol in the residence halls, except that under-age persons may possess or consume alcohol while in the presence of their consenting parent or legal guardian. 

3.2  Of-age residents may serve alcohol only to guests of legal drinking age. 

3.3  In general, the use of alcohol is permitted only in student rooms. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted in hallways, floor lounges, bathrooms, stairwells, and basement areas. 

3.4  By arrangement with and approval of the Hall Director, students of legal drinking age may consume alcohol in designated social areas for specific events with 48 hours advance notice. 

3.5  Alcoholic beverages in open containers may not be transported from one room to another. 

3.6  No alcohol is permitted on alcohol-free floors, regardless of age. 

3.7  To avoid unnecessary conflicts or misunderstandings regarding the presence of alcohol in rooms, containers originally used to hold alcoholic beverages are not permitted in student rooms when both residents are underage. 

3.8  Alcohol beverages in the quantity of barrels and "wapatule" mixtures are not considered responsible drinking for social gatherings and are not permitted. 

3.9  Loud and/or disruptive conduct and interference with maintaining the cleanliness of the residence halls resulting from the consumption of alcoholic beverages and drinking habits which are injurious to the health or education of an individual or those around him/her are not considered responsible drinking and are not condoned by the University.

Resident Advisors and Hall Directors are trained to intervene with individuals who violate the Department of Residence Life's alcohol policies. Intervention ranges from confronting an individual about an alcohol policy infraction to working with students who have roommate conflicts where alcohol is an issue, or responding immediately in cases of incapacitated individuals. Referral to appropriate helping resources is utilized. 

Hall Directors and Resident Advisors are responsible for enforcing the Department of Residence Life's alcohol policies. They receive assistance from University Police as needed.

The implementation and interpretation of the Department of Residence Life's alcohol policy is the responsibility of the Associate Director of Residence Life.   

Residents who violate the Department of Residence Life's alcohol policies may experience a variety of consequences. Consequences may include an under-age drinking citation or other legal citations, verbal or written warning, and/or other sanctions imposed by the department's conduct process. The department's disciplinary process is described in the Residence Life Handbook.

Residents who are accused of violating the Department of Residence Life's alcohol policies may appeal such accusations legally or through the department's conduct appeal process. The conduct appeal process is described in the Residence Life Handbook.