Alcohol policy revised for 05-06
Challenges arise; policy tabled until further review
Kari Thompson
Issue date: 11/12/04 Section: News
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The Alcohol Policy Review Committee (APRC) appointed in Sept. has completed its revisions of the student alcohol policy. After the proposed changes were approved by Senate at its Nov. 9 meeting, the policy was presented to the Student Life student-faculty committee at its meeting on Wednesday Nov. 10.
The policy must be in line with Faulkner County and Arkansas laws. Because of this, the policy only applies to those over the legal drinking age of 21; the proposed policy does not allow for underage drinking in any way.
The biggest change to the policy comes through the separation of public and private spaces around campus. Drinking will not be allowed in any public space, such as academic buildings, playing fields or parking lots, because Faulkner County does not permit display or consumption of alcohol in public.
However, "persons over the age of 21" will be allowed to consume alcohol in private areas which include student rooms, lounges and hallways of Hendrix housing. During events scheduled on the Master Calendar, students will be able to drink alcohol in the Brick Pit, Hulen ballroom, and the Cottage.
The proposed policy would be in place at the start of each academic year. After two weeks, each residence hall will vote on whether or not drinking should continue to be allowed in its own lounges and hallways.
Though not explicitly stated, clubs and organizations can choose whether or not to allow alcohol at their particular events. Some activities, like conference athletic events or Student Activity sponsored events, will always be alcohol free. Organizations are not obligated to adopt one alcohol policy for the whole year but can choose which events should be alcohol free as appropriate.
During the Student Life meeting, Dr. Joyce Hardin, Dean of Students, raised concerns about safety and comfort for those living in the residence halls. She expressed that the proposal might encourage students to hang out in hallways instead of going directly to one location that can accommodate large groups. Excessive people in the hallways of residence halls make it more difficult to leave the building quickly in case of an emergency.
The policy must be in line with Faulkner County and Arkansas laws. Because of this, the policy only applies to those over the legal drinking age of 21; the proposed policy does not allow for underage drinking in any way.
The biggest change to the policy comes through the separation of public and private spaces around campus. Drinking will not be allowed in any public space, such as academic buildings, playing fields or parking lots, because Faulkner County does not permit display or consumption of alcohol in public.
However, "persons over the age of 21" will be allowed to consume alcohol in private areas which include student rooms, lounges and hallways of Hendrix housing. During events scheduled on the Master Calendar, students will be able to drink alcohol in the Brick Pit, Hulen ballroom, and the Cottage.
The proposed policy would be in place at the start of each academic year. After two weeks, each residence hall will vote on whether or not drinking should continue to be allowed in its own lounges and hallways.
Though not explicitly stated, clubs and organizations can choose whether or not to allow alcohol at their particular events. Some activities, like conference athletic events or Student Activity sponsored events, will always be alcohol free. Organizations are not obligated to adopt one alcohol policy for the whole year but can choose which events should be alcohol free as appropriate.
During the Student Life meeting, Dr. Joyce Hardin, Dean of Students, raised concerns about safety and comfort for those living in the residence halls. She expressed that the proposal might encourage students to hang out in hallways instead of going directly to one location that can accommodate large groups. Excessive people in the hallways of residence halls make it more difficult to leave the building quickly in case of an emergency.