Alcohol Policy

In compliance with Texas state law, Rice University and its agents will not sell, serve, or provide alcoholic beverages to any student or other individual below the minimum legal drinking age. Texas law states that it is illegal for people under 21 years of age to drink or possess alcohol. It is also illegal to buy alcohol for or serve alcohol to those under 21 and for intoxicated persons to be on premises where alcohol is being served. Rice University also adheres to the provisions concerning alcohol under the Federal Drug-Free Workplace and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Acts. All state and federal laws regarding alcohol are assumed to be part of the Rice Alcohol Policy, which is in addition to any standing laws.

Alcoholic beverages will not be sold, served, provided, or consumed at any event held in public areas of university buildings or on university grounds and at which students will be present unless permission is obtained from the Office of the Assistant Dean of Student Judicial Programs at least one week in advance.

Organizations sponsoring events, on or off campus, at which alcoholic beverages will be sold, served, provided to, or consumed by students must demonstrate that reasonable precautions are taken so that no alcohol will be made available to or consumed by any individual not of legal drinking age or to any individual who is or appears to be intoxicated. Whenever alcoholic beverages are present, suitable and attractive nonalcoholic beverages should be equally accessible and featured as prominently as the alcoholic beverages.

The safety and health of students is a primary concern of the university. In order to encourage those who may be in danger from alcohol poisoning or an alcohol-related injury to get proper assistance, an intoxicated student in need of assistance or those aiding him or her in getting assistance should understand that university officials, such as the police, medical professionals, masters, or resident associates, are not required to report a student for disciplinary action whenever a violation is observed.

Confidential counseling and treatment may be more appropriate than disciplinary measures in many circumstances. This emphasis on appropriate and helpful treatment of students, of course, does not excuse those who repeatedly violate the alcohol policy, nor does it cancel the liability of those responsible for injury or harm that results from hazing.

No Rice University funds, or funds collected by the university, will be used by colleges or student organizations for the procurement of alcohol.