In order to ensure the University's commitment to a quality educational and work environment, every faculty member, employee, and Student has a right to work and learn in an environment free from the effects of abuse of alcohol and other drugs.  It is the policy of the University to discourage the misuse and abuse of alcoholic beverages and other drugs.  The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act requires every institution of higher education to inform Students of standards of conduct that clearly prohibit violations of local, state, and federal laws pertaining to alcohol and other drugs.  Parental notification may be implemented for Students who are found responsible for alcohol and drug violations under the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.  Alcoholic beverages may be served and consumed at official University functions and approved non-University functions as designated by the President or his/her designee.

1. The University prohibits the following actions and behaviors:

a. Purchase, possession, or consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under age of 21.

b. Aiding and abetting an underage person in the purchase or possession of alcoholic beverages.

c. Falsification of a driver’s license or other identification in order to obtain alcoholic beverages.

d. Consumption of alcoholic beverages in outdoor areas such as public places, University Housing, and automobiles, except where designated by the University’s Tailgate Policy (see the NKU website for more information).

e. Appearing in any public place manifestly under the influence of alcohol, such that the individual may endanger themselves or other persons, damage property, or annoy persons in the vicinity.

f. Driving while under the influence or while Intoxicated.

2. Alcoholic beverages may be served and consumed at University events held off-campus according to the following guidelines, as well as in addition to the above guidelines:

a. The sale, serving, and consumption of alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited except in areas and at times and dates licensed by the Kentucky Alcohol Beverage Control Board, or similar agencies in other states.

b. Sponsoring group and organizations will be responsible for providing security to ensure that guests conduct themselves properly and to assist with the crowd control.

c. Alcohol shall not be consumed or carried in open containers on any street, sidewalk, alley, or in a motor vehicle.

d. Activity sponsors must examine the identification of all guests entering the activity.  Guests under the age of 21 shall not be permitted to consume alcoholic beverages.  If the activity is located in another state, all applicable state and local laws regarding alcohol sales, services, and consumptions shall prevail.  Sponsors must assure that official law enforcement or on-site security personnel verify the identification of all participants.

e. Littering, infringing upon the rights of others, and abuse of public or private property in connection with possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.

f. Promotion or advertising of an event shall not encourage any form of alcohol abuse, nor should events be advertised to place an emphasis on the quantity and/or frequency of use of alcohol.

g. Alcohol should not be provided as an award or prize to individuals or campus organizations.

h. Student organizations shall designate one person, perhaps an officer of that organization, to assume responsibility for assuring that there is knowledge of and compliance with these alcohol policies.  It is recommended that this person participate in the special educational programs offered by the Office of Health, Counseling, and Student Wellness.

3. Beer distributors, liquor companies, bars, and night clubs are not permitted to: (1) advertise on campus, (2) co-sponsor an event with a student organization, (3) advertise on any schedule card, athletic brochure or press guide, or other printed material, (4) provide advertising for University events presented on the radio or television

4. Northern Kentucky University does not assume responsibility for unofficial events held off campus involving individuals or groups affiliated with the University.  However, the University reserves the right to hold students and student organizations accountable for violations of federal, state, and local law by NKU students, or student organization off campus in which said violations adversely affect the University community and/or pursuit of its objectives.