Initiatives


Trinity University Guidelines for Groups/Organizations Alcohol at Unsanctioned Private Local Events


This has been prepared to offer clarity and guidance for students who wish to host events that include alcohol at large, open, off-campus parties in the San Antonio area.


Synopsis


Through Trinity policies, groups and organizations are provided opportunities to register events that feature the lawful serving and consumption of alcohol. When students host other events off campus, and outside of the parameters of policy, they do so at their own risk and as private individuals and the University has no responsibility for those events.


Individual students, whose conduct shows blatant disrespect for the health, safety, and care of others, property, and the community, risk, at minimum, campus judicial action. The University purposefully does not own, recognize, or manage any residential facilities off-campus. The informal moniker of an off-campus residence by its occupants, or by the student body, does not establish a connection between the property, the organization, and the University.


Summary Points - Trinity University acknowledges that college students


drink alcohol and cares deeply about student health and safety. As an academic institution, the University consistently works with students and organizations to promote safe and responsible social drinking practices regardless of location.


define group activities. For the purpose of these guidelines, the term “Group” will include sponsored or recognized organizations, clubs, teams, or any campus-related groups organized in relation to a specific campus activity (band, campus paper, Residential Life student staff, etc.).


this context, individuals may be held accountable if conduct injures another/others, affects property, has an adverse impact on the reputation of the University, or negatively affects the welfare of others.


- Individual hosts assume all risk and liability as hosts. In


neighbors who present complaints about student behavior off campus. The University will encourage neighbors to work with local officials and will informally assist in addressing conduct issues with students, though a formal option exists.


- The University has a responsibility to assist campus Proposed guidelines and clarifications


Parties A party at a private residence is defined as a pre-planned event that is open to the general student body, draws significant pedestrian and vehicular traffic (and/or associated parking), and that includes a large number of people. Usually, an event that exceeds approximately 25-30 people would be viewed as a party.


- Trinity University works cooperatively with students to


A party will generally be considered as group sponsored, and the group may face judicial action, if any of the following conditions are met:


1. The party is for a purpose directly related to the organization – such as recruitment.


2. Group funds are used in any way to support all or part of the event.


3. Marketing (internally or externally) is either provided or sponsored by the group or makes some reference to a hosting group.


4. A reasonable person or outside entity would associate this event with a group.


Gatherings are defined as relatively small get-togethers between friends and acquaintances. Students have the right to associate, on their own time and in their own residences, regardless of affiliation. Such gatherings can be pre-planned or spontaneous.


Mixers are official Greek events generally between two groups and must be registered. Mixers fall under University guidelines.


Responsible friend policy


In order to reinforce to students that their health and safety is more important than identifying potential violations, the responsible friend component of the alcohol policy is extended to groups and individuals off campus. According to that policy:


When a student contacts University officials or other helping professionals out of concern for another student’s health and safety none of the students present (including the intoxicated student) will be considered for alcohol policy or other violations for that specific incident. (Note that when hazing may have occurred, state law requires that such incidents be reported.)


Please note that a recurring pattern of dangerous behavior by an individual or group may lead to discussions of educational and proactive strategies for risk reduction.


Contact and assistance


Generally, the Student Affairs staff invites and expects that students and student leaders will communicate about events and situations that may put the health and welfare of any individual at risk. The staff is committed to the safety of students and to assisting students in dangerous situations. It is incumbent upon students to initiate communication about issues in an effort to work in a trusting and caring environment.


Neighbors


Trinity University expects students to be good neighbors in the San Antonio community. Large or unruly student events in private residences may have an adverse impact on the reputation of the University. Students are encouraged to work proactively with neighbors. The University will assist neighbors and students in creating a positive living environment when approached by either party.


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