1. The University is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that fosters mutually beneficial interpersonal relations and a shared responsibility for the welfare and safety of others. Because alcohol can have a significant effect on that environment, the University has adopted this policy for governing alcohol use by students, staff, faculty, visitors, and guests. While University policy permits responsible consumption of alcohol at some places and times, the consumption of alcohol should never be the primary purpose or focus of an event. Alcohol-free social events are encouraged, as is the use of third party vendors when alcohol is served.
2. The acquisition, distribution, possession, or consumption of alcohol by members of the UNH community must be in compliance with all local, state, and federal laws.
3. Non-alcoholic beverages must be provided at events where alcoholic beverages are served.
4. Institutional restrictions on alcohol use on UNH property vary by location, and, in some cases, by time. Given the sensitivity surrounding the use of alcohol, those who grant approval for alcohol consumption, as required below, must submit a copy of each approval to the President for filing and record keeping purposes. With the President's consent, deans or vice presidents may designate their approval authority to others. Students should refer to "Student Rights, Rules and Responsibilities" for additional information.
4.1 University residence halls and apartment complexes. Residents of legal drinking age may consume alcohol in their rooms or apartments. Alcohol may not be consumed in common areas such as lounges, hallways, etc.
4.2 Dining halls. During periods when dining halls are not open to students and are assigned to workshops or conferences, alcohol may be served and consumed with the approval of the Vice President for Finance and Administration.
4.3 MUB, Hamel Recreation Center, Field House. Alcohol may not be consumed in these facilities.
4.4 Whittemore Center Arena, skyboxes, and skybox lounge. As a "sports/entertainment complex," state law imposes special restrictions on alcohol consumption in the Whittemore Center arena, its skyboxes, and skybox lounge. For more information, contact the Assistant Vice President for Business Affairs.
4.4.1 Arena and skyboxes. As required by law, no alcoholic beverages may be sold or consumed in arena or skybox seating at any intercollegiate or interscholastic event. Furthermore, this policy prohibits distribution, possession, or consumption of alcohol in the arena or skyboxes at any event either sponsored by a student organization or which attracts a substantial number of audience members who are under the legal drinking age. Consistent with the foregoing restrictions, alcohol may be served and consumed at a limited number of approved events in the arena and skyboxes. The Vice President for Finance and Administration must give the required approvals.
4.4.2 Skybox lounge. Alcohol may be served to private groups at a limited number of approved events in the skybox lounge. The Vice President for Finance and Administration must give the required approvals.
4.5 The New England Center and the President's residence. Alcohol may be served and consumed only in conformity with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
4.6 Academic, administrative, and classroom buildings (any UNH building not included in the previous categories). Consumption of alcohol is permitted only as part of an approved event, such as a reception for a visiting scholar or a celebration of a special accomplishment. The dean or vice president who is sponsoring the event must give the required approvals.
4.7 UNH grounds. Consumption of alcohol is permitted only as part of an approved event. Generally, approval will require the use of a third party vendor. The Office of the president must give the required approvals.
5. UNH has an interest in off-premise events held in its name. If alcohol is used illegally or inappropriately at such events, the University may take steps to protect its interests.
6. Any variation from this policy must be approved by the President upon the recommendation of the appropriate senior administrator reporting directly to the President.
7. This policy will become effective on January 17, 1998.