University of Delaware
Official Student Handbook 1995-1996
Living on Campus
Alcoholic Beverages in the Residence Halls
1. Students under the age of 21 may not possess or consume alcohol on campus.
2. Students of legal age may possess and consume alcoholic beverages
on an individual basis in the privacy of their residence hall room.
Students cannot avoid legal obligation by moving underage drinking
into individual residence hall rooms or to another area of campus.
3. Possession of an open container or consumption of alcoholic
beverages in any areas other than individual rooms is forbidden.
4. The possession and consumption of alcohol may not infringe upon the
privacy and peace of other individuals. In all such situations, the
consumption of alcoholic beverages will be considered as aggravating
rather than mitigating the situation.
5. If you wish to live with a roommate(s) who does not use alcoholic
beverages you may indicate it on your housing preference forms.
Requests will be honored if possible. A student may request to move to
a different residence hall room based on roommate incompatibility
(including alcohol use). Following attempts to resolve the conflict, a
room change request must be submitted to Housing Assignment Services
staff, and will be honored if space is available.
All provisions of the Faculty Senate Policy Concerning the Use of
Alcoholic Beverages by Students, which is found in the Student
Policies section of this Handbook on pages 54-56, apply to the use of
alcohol in residence halls. The following specifics pertain to
residence halls.
A. Policy Enforcement and the Law
1. You are responsible for ensuring that your behavior and that of
your guests does not violate policies, laws or the rights of others.
2. Students, as responsible members of the residence hall community,
should bring policy violations to the attention of the violators
and/or members of the residence hall staff or to the University
Police.
3. The Office of Residence Life staff will address students' behavior
when policy violations occur and will act to correct the situation
and to avoid a reoccurrence. University judicial charges can result
from policy violations.
4. Members of the University and local police forces have the power of
arrest and can and do arrest students for violations of the law both
inside and outside residence halls. Conviction for violation of an
alcoholic beverage law will lead to a permanent criminal record
which may prohibit admission to professional school and reduce job
opportunities. State and local laws include the following:
a. Underage use of alcoholic beverages is a criminal offense. The
drinking age in the State of Delaware is 21 years.
b. Providing alcohol to someone who is underage is a crime.
c. Sale of alcoholic beverages without a license is a criminal
offense.
d. Possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a public
place in Newark, Delaware (including lounges, group bathrooms,
hallways, etc.) is a criminal offense regardless of age
B. Parties Involving Alcohol in Individual Rooms or Apartments
Students of legal age may hold small parties in their individual
rooms or apartments for guests of legal age. The function must be
limited in size and must not move into public areas, including
corridors. The behavior of participants must not infringe upon the
rights of others.
1. Residents of the room are responsible for ensuring that the size of
the party is small enough to be contained within the room or
apartment. The party will be considered in violation of policies if
those in attendance spill into the hallway.
2. Students are responsible for all aspects of their parties,
including limiting attendance, paying for any damages in public
areas or the individual room, and ensuring that federal, state, and
city laws, as well as University policies, are upheld.
3. Parties may not be advertised publicly. Invitations must be
limited to individuals whom the residents specifically want to
attend the function.
4. Residents who host parties in their rooms or apartments must be in
attendance at the event at all times.
5. Sponsors must take necessary action to respond to any complaints
received as a result of their party. Should problems arise which
cannot be handled by the resident, initiative must be taken to gain
assistance from members of the Residence Life staff and/or
University Police.
6. Sale of alcoholic beverages in individual student rooms is
prohibited.
7. Students must follow specific policies developed within residence
hall areas (e.g., Christiana, Pencader, College Towne/Conover).
8. Kegs of beer and beer balls are prohibited.