This information is offered to assist students, faculty, and staff who are planning events on or off campus which involve the use of alcoholic beverages. The University neither encourages nor prohibits the use of alcohol, and whether or not an individual uses alcoholic beverages remains a personal decision. However, all organizers of University sponsored events at which alcohol is served are held responsible for complying with both the laws of the State of Oregon and the University of Portland’s Policy on Alcohol Possession and Use, and need to submit for approval any proposal to serve alcohol at a function.
Scheduling, setting up catering contracts, and other considerations are important in determining how much time is necessary for advanced planning, but the Vice President for Student Affairs, or his/her designee, makes the final decision on whether or not a proposed event may include alcohol. At least a month’s notice is preferred and, at the discretion of the approver, applications may not be considered if they are submitted less than a full week prior to the scheduled event. Contact the Office of Student Affairs (503-943-8532) with any specific questions you might have.
The laws of the State of Oregon which pertain to the use and serving of alcoholic beverages are very extensive and for some circumstances quite complex. These laws and related regulations are administered by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC), which is also the State's licensing agency. The following information is offered only as a brief summary. More detailed information is available from the Office of Student Affairs. Here are some pertinent highlights:
The University of Portland expects that all members of the University community and their guests who choose to lawfully use or serve alcoholic beverages will do so in a responsible manner. The primary purposes of the University's policies governing the on-campus use of alcoholic beverages and of its related programs and services are:
In light of the above-stated purposes and in compliance with state and federal laws, all University students are expected to comply with the following policies regarding the possession and use of alcohol.
The following guidelines are an application of the University Policy on Alcohol Possession and Use to follow when organizing an event with alcohol. For more information as you begin your planning, check with the Office of Student Affairs (503-943-8532).
The Vice President for Student Affairs, or his/her designee, acts on behalf of the University in exercising sole discretion as to whether alcohol may be allowed during any university event. The size and type of event, potential conflicts with other calendared events, and compliance with state laws are some of the factors which enter into this judgment. All events are expected to promote the responsible use of alcohol.
Fees collected from students within a club or group may never be used directly to purchase alcohol. Caterers are typically engaged to provide and dispense alcohol for university events, since only people with special dispenser permits for the service of alcohol from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) may serve alcohol at an event.
All contracts between the University of Portland and vendors providing services such as catering, sound and lights, or security, must be signed by an Officer of the University. The event planning worksheet and approval form for serving alcohol at a University event must be completed and approved by the Vice President for Student Affairs, or his/her designee, before a contract with a specific caterer/licensed bartender who will supply and dispense the alcohol can be considered.
The University of Portland’s primary concern is for the health and welfare of its students and guests. Security arrangements must be made for all events involving large numbers of participants, especially when alcohol is served. Typically, if an event is on campus, University of Portland Campus Safety officers should be present. In certain off-campus venues, other security may be used, although UP Campus Safety officers are often asked to be present as well. In all cases, a method of responding to a visibly intoxicated or belligerent guest must be carefully thought out, including possible medical attention or removal from the event. A report of such incidents should be made to Campus Safety and/or to the Office of Student Affairs.
The focus of any advertisement should never be on the availability of alcohol at an event. Advertising for University events may not include brand names of specific alcoholic beverages, nor be promoted primarily as an opportunity to drink alcohol. Proof of Legal Drinking Age It is the responsibility of the licensed bartender/server to check for proof of age for anyone who wishes to drink alcoholic beverages. If the event organizers are made aware of any underage drinkers or any attempts to use falsified identification to obtain alcohol at an event, they are responsible for making this known to the security officer hired for the event and/or to the Office of Student Affairs following the event.
It is important to know the number of people invited when providing alcohol for an event. A general guideline in determining how much alcohol may be made available to participants is that your event should provide enough alcohol to offer only one standard drink (a glass of wine, a beer, or a mixed drink) per hour per person. With larger groups, wristbands with a limited number of removable tabs are a good way to monitor the amount of drinks an individual has been served. Other Beverages Non-alcoholic beverages must be made available in quantity, prominence, and accessibility at least equal to that of the alcoholic beverages to be served.
Sufficient food must be available for the number of guests anticipated whenever alcoholic beverages are to be served.
The Office of Student Activities regularly coordinates informational programs about the use and effects of alcohol. The University Health Center also provides prevention education for all students, and counseling services for anyone struggling with alcohol abuse. Educational information regarding the risks associated with alcohol and other substances and strategies for responsible use can be found on the Health Center’s webpage and/or through contacting the Wellness Education and Prevention Coordinator (503- 943-7134). All members of the university are invited and encouraged to avail themselves of these resources.