Alcohol Policy

Drexel University’s policy regarding alcohol is consistent with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The consumption, distribution, or service of alcoholic beverages must be in compliance with the Pennsylvania Liquor and Crime Codes, which define the lawful consumption and service of alcohol and prescribe sanctions for violations. The consumption, distribution, or service of alcoholic beverages must also comply with University regulations and policies described below.

University and Student Events

• No person under the age of 21 shall possess or consume alcohol.
• No student, faculty member, staff member, employee, or other person shall intentionally or knowingly sell, furnish, supply, give, or provide alcohol to a person under the age of 21, or allow any person under the age of 21 to possess or consume alcohol.
• With the exception of those areas of the University having liquor licenses, no alcoholic beverages shall be sold on University property.
• No student activities money shall be used for the purchase of alcoholic beverages without the consent of the Department of Public Safety and the Dean of Students (University City Main Campus & Center City Hahnemann Campus) or the Vice Dean for Educational and Academic Affairs (Queen Lane Medical Campus).
• No alcoholic beverages shall be served at membership recruitment functions (e.g., professional societies, and special interest groups).
• No one shall advertise or promote alcoholic beverages of any kind at Drexel University. Further, no one may accept sponsorship, promotional items, or activities from companies engaged in the sale or marketing of alcoholic beverages. This statement should not be interpreted to prevent the distribution of materials whose primary purpose is to educate individuals concerning the health risks or other dangers involved in drug or alcohol abuse. Where there is some question concerning the primary purpose of such information, the University reserves the right to review and/or approve this information prior to its distribution.
• Outdoor public drinking on premises owned, leased, or controlled by the University, including walkways, buildings, residential steps or porches, unenclosed patios, lawns, and the like is strictly forbidden regardless of the age of the drinker except as specified below. With the prior written approval of the Department of Public Safety and the Dean of Students (Main Campus & Center City) or the Vice Dean for Educational and Academic Affairs (Queen Lane), alcohol may be served at outdoor events on University property in accordance with the guidelines for all events where alcohol is served. Outdoor activities involving alcohol must be limited to previously approved designated areas that are clearly marked and that are sufficiently enclosed so that access may be controlled.

All events on University property where alcohol is served must be conducted in accordance with the following provisions:

a. Alcohol may be served at asocial event to those of legal drinking age at Drexel University only with the written notice and approval of the Department of Public Safety and the Dean of Students (Main Campus & Center City) or the Vice Dean for Educational and Academic Affairs (Queen Lane) at least seven (7) days before the event.

b. The individual or organization responsible for the event must provide written notice to University Security at least seven (7) days before the event, identifying the location, date, and time of the event.

c. Except where the University provides written approval prior to the event, no fee will be charged for events where alcohol is served.

d. At student-sponsored events, no individual may possess or consume alcohol unless he or she presents a valid photo driver’s license, passport, or other acceptable photo identification issued by the state or federal government. Those who present valid identification must be identified by a stamped hand, wristband, or other form of identification. It is a serious violation of Pennsylvania law and University regulations for an underage person to present false or falsified identification for the purposes of possessing or consuming alcohol. It is also a serious violation of Pennsylvania law and University regulations for any person to give, provide, or furnish alcohol to an underage person or any person who is visibly intoxicated.

e. The host organization will appoint a responsible host representative approved by the Dean of Students (Center City) or the Vice Dean for Student Affairs (Queen Lane) to monitor the serving area entrance and serving area. Security will periodically check in with the event sponsor or representative to verify alcohol policy adherence and to see if any problems exist at the event. Security is not responsible for ensuring compliance with the University’s guidelines for events where alcohol is served; this is the host organization’s responsibility.

f. Direct access to the serving area should be limited to person(s) of legal drinking age designated as the server(s). The server(s) and/or host shall be responsible for not serving individuals who, in the best judgment of the server(s), have already had enough to drink. Those serving may not drink until their responsibility as server(s) has been completed.

g. Consumption of alcoholic beverages will be permitted only within the approved area designated for the event.

h. Non-alcoholic beverages must be available at the same place as the alcoholic beverages and must be featured as prominently as the alcoholic beverages.

i. Food items, including non-salty foods, and non-alcoholic beverages must be available throughout the event.

j. Parties, to be distinguished from receptions, at which alcohol is served will be by invitation only. A reception is defined as a social gathering of no more than two hours with a focused purpose such as honoring the recipient of an award or welcoming a lecturer to campus. For all events involving students other than receptions, a computer-generated guest list will be required of each organization sponsoring the event, listing the first and last name of the Drexel University person responsible for the guest as well as the first and last name of the guest. The list must be available for inspection at the entrance.

k. Security will verify with each event sponsor to make sure the social event has terminated. No alcoholic beverages shall be served within an a half hour of the termination of the event or after 1:00 a.m., whichever is earlier. A formal cut-off announcement will be made to that effect. The event sponsors will notify Security if a problem arises with the closing of the function.

The University expects that all of its students, whether on- or off-campus, will abide by the University’s regulations concerning alcohol and drug use. Where a student engages in conduct off-campus that violates the University’s regulations concerning alcohol and drug use and such violation results in behavior which, in the University’s sole judgment, is destructive, abusive, or detrimental to the University’s interests, the University’s Judicial Process shall apply and such matters will be processed accordingly.

The University expects that a student will not attend classes or participate in clinical practica or other university business while under the influence of alcohol or while intoxicated.

In accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, the University is required to distribute, in writing, information concerning the possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs at the University. Please refer to the policies on Alcohol and Other Drugs as stated in the Student Handbook.