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Alcoholic Beverage Policy

While recognizing that the consumption of alcohol is a reality in our society, Roanoke College is concerned that the abuse and irresponsible use of alcohol is a contributing factor to many societal and campus problems. Roanoke College does not encourage the use of alcoholic beverages by students, nor does it condone the violation of applicable laws or college policies. The college respects the right of students of legal age to consume alcoholic beverages so long as they drink responsibly and adhere to applicable laws and college policies. Students of legal age may consume alcoholic beverages in the privacy of their rooms with the door closed, and at registered social events where alcohol consumption has been approved.

Individuals who choose to consume alcoholic beverages, regardless of their age, are responsible for their behavior.            

The college also recognizes a responsibility to educate students about alcohol use and abuse, and to aid students who have a drinking problem and seek help. To address this responsibility, the college offers alcohol education programs that seek to inform students of the risks and moral implications of alcohol abuse. In addition, there are college personnel available to counsel students about alcohol problems, and local drug treatment centers where individuals may be referred for additional help. College officials will invoke the Alcohol/Substance Abuse Policy (see below) if they deem that a student is abusing alcohol to the extent that the student's behavior is either endangering themselves or others, or is detrimental to the college's mission. The college may limit or revoke the privilege of consuming alcohol on campus in the event that students do not drink responsibly.

Social Event Registration Policy (for events where alcohol is served)

College recognized clubs and organizations may register social events where alcohol is served with the expectation that all organizational policies, College policy, state, local, and federal laws are followed. Events involving alcohol may only be registered for Friday evenings and Saturdays, with few exceptions granted.  Events must be registered no later than noon on the immediate Thursday prior to the event.  A representative of the organization must submit the Social Event Registration Form located on the Dean of Students webpage. The Dean of Students Office staff in consultation with necessary campus partners will review the requests and make the determination to approve or deny registrations. The Associate Dean of Students or his/her designee will send appropriate notifications to requesting parties and responsible campus partners. Registered Social Events will require a minimum of three (3) individuals to serve as event monitors designated by the requesting organization. Event monitors will serve for the duration of the event and should avail themselves to Campus Safety or first responder contacts in the event of an emergency or law enforcement intervention.  College officials maintain the right to shut down events for any reason at their sole discretion.  

Registering organizations must understand and agree to the following terms:

  1. We are responsible for insuring that our organizational policies, Roanoke College policies and guidelines, and state, federal and local laws are followed.
  2. We will be present for the duration of the event and will assume full responsibility for guests and their behavior.
  3. This shall be a monitored event and the number of attendees shall not exceed the fire capacity.
  4. A guest list is recommended by the College and may be required by some organizations.  Roanoke College reserves the right to require a guest list for certain events at their discretion.
  5. All attendees shall be identified as to age and non-student minors (under the age of 18) shall be prohibited from attending.
  6. Only those of legal age may possess or consume alcohol.
  7. Attendees 21 years or older must be marked on the hand or be issued a wristband (available at the Dean of Students Office) to indicate they are of legal age to consume alcohol.
  8. Beer and wine are the only alcoholic beverages permitted.
  9. Non-alcoholic beverages and food shall be provided for the duration of the event.
  10. No one shall leave the premises with cups or other open or visible beverage containers.
  11. Advertising or publicity concerning this event will avoid any reference (either written or illustrated) to alcoholic beverages or alcohol consumption.
  12. Noticeably intoxicated persons shall not be allowed entry and any noticeably intoxicated individuals at the event will be required to leave. Such individuals shall be offered an escort to their residence either by a designated event monitor or by Campus Safety (to be requested by organization). The organization is responsible for ensuring the intoxicated individual is released into proper care and/or supervision.
  13. All trash shall be removed from the event space and adjoining areas immediately following the event if held in a public area or by 9:00 a.m. on the morning following the event in a private area.
  14. The organization accepts financial responsibility for any damages that occur in the event space or adjacent area that are event-related.
  15. A Monday walk-through by a campus administrator may occur.
  16. The organization and/or responsible individuals will be subject to the Student Conduct Code for any event-related violations of law and/or policy.

Alcohol/Substance Abuse Policy

Alcohol/substance abuse is evidenced by a lack of self-control which results in:

        - an individual harming or potentially harming themselves or others, or

        - an individual disrupting the mission of the college.

Alcohol and Illicit Drug Health Risks:

Alcohol and illicit drugs are toxic substances that affect the mind, body and spirit. Excessive drinking hinders academic success and can cause health risks which include damage to your body organs (liver, heart and digestive tracts); impaired physiological responses (decreased brain activity, digestion and blood circulation); and mental and emotional disorders (loss of memory, impaired judgment and personality changes). Alcohol related problems include deaths from drunk driving, use of violence, and poor judgment in personal relationship situations.

Drug abuse is dangerous and can lead to death. An overdose can cause psychosis, convulsions, coma and death. Continuous use of drugs can lead to organic damage, mental illness and malnutrition. It increases the risk of AIDS, hepatitis and other diseases related to drugs that are injected. Drug abuse can cause accidents resulting from foolish risks, "panic attacks" and acting irrationally. (Additional information concerning alcohol and illicit drug health risks may be obtained at the Student Health Center.) 

The abuse of alcohol or other substances by Roanoke College students is unacceptable. Students who appear to be abusers as identified by college officials will be placed on Substance Abuse Probation. They may also be required to undergo an assessment by a trained professional and to make use of professional help at their own expense. A further abuse incident during the period of Probation will result in Suspension or Expulsion. Students found to be substance abusers are strongly encouraged to seek professional help. College personnel in Student Health and Counseling Services are available for initial assessment and can refer students to local area treatment facilities.

Revised October 2024