Alcohol Guidelines for Student Organizations

It is a privilege to be a student organization that is recognized by the University of Northern Iowa. Student organizations are expected to exercise good judgment in planning and promoting their activities. All recognized student organizations are subject to the regulations concerning alcohol when hosting sponsored events on or off-campus. This includes any event an observer would associate with the student organization. Therefore, student organizations are responsible for assuring compliance with procedures and policies as outlined in the student organization handbook, the 13.18 Alcohol and Drug Policy, and the Student Conduct Code (3.02).

Expectations for student organizations:

Student organizations may only sponsor events where alcohol is present under the following guidelines:

No alcohol may be purchased with Northern Iowa Student Government funding or organizational funds.
Student organizations are prohibited from hosting fundraising events with alcohol.
No student organization shall sell alcoholic beverages.
The cost of the alcoholic beverages may not be included in any admission, meal, or entertainment charge.
No student organization shall collect a cover charge, donation, or admission fee, which entitles a guest to alcoholic beverages.
No student organization may utilize alcoholic beverages as prizes (contest, silent auction, etc.).
Events involving alcohol must be closed events with a set guest list submitted three (3) days in advance of the event to the Office of Student Involvement.
At any organization event involving alcohol, the sponsoring organization should designate at least two (2) sober representatives. After the two (2) representatives, there should be one (1) representative for every 20 additional people. A sober monitor is a willing and sober individual that will remain present and sober for the duration of the event. The sober representative’s name and contact information must be submitted to the Student Involvement Office at least three (3) days before the event.
Student organizations are prohibited from serving, selling or purchasing alcohol to minors.
The organization must take reasonable precautions to prevent underage consumption of alcohol by having the third-party vendor check attendee identification at the entrance of the establishment.
Sponsorship by corporations or businesses which produce, sell, or distribute alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Alcohol is prohibited at membership recruitment and new member activities.
Promotion and advertising materials may not include alcohol related messaging.
Student organizations must ensure that alcohol is not the focal point, the reason for, or the drawing card for an event.
Student organizations must provide food and non-alcoholic beverages free of charge when alcohol is present at an event.
All events with alcohol must occur at a third-party vendor location and all alcohol at events must be served by a licensed third-party vendor (restaurant, hotel, or similar operation).
On-campus events with alcohol must follow all applicable campus policies
Sorority & Fraternity Life organizations must submit all required information through the Chapters Resources and Forms page found on the fraternity and sorority website.