B. Alcohol Use

Elon University Position Statement on Alcohol Use (revised Spring 2016): Elon University recognizes alcohol misuse negatively impacts the community, personal well-being, and academic achievement. Therefore, our position on alcohol is one of education and accountability. We expect students to uphold the Honor Code and make wise and healthy decisions about alcohol use, including the choice not to drink. Students whose behaviors diminish the success or safety of themselves or others will be held accountable.

The vitality of the academic community relies on each member taking personal responsibility for his or her actions regarding alcohol use and safeguarding the well-being of others. 

• The University welcomes and supports the decision of students not to drink.
• Elon emphasizes education about risks, choices and personal responsibility regarding the use of alcohol. Students are expected to make conscious choices that do not diminish the academic or social success, or personal safety, of themselves or others.
• The University observes laws regarding alcohol use, particularly those that address underage drinking, and holds students accountable for their choices.
• Students whose drinking creates a risk of danger to the health and safety of themselves or others are subject to suspension and/or loss of other University privileges.

Alcoholic beverages may be possessed and/or consumed only by individuals 21 years of age or older in their residence or an approved location.

Innocent Bystander Policy:  Elon understands and supports students being social and wanting to spend time with each other. This may lead to situations where underage students are in the presence of alcohol possession and/or use that violates University policy. In order to hold the responsible students accountable, while supporting those who are not violating policies, the Innocent Bystander policy may be enacted at the time alcohol policy violations are identified. Students in the presence of alcohol policy violations will not be charged with an alcohol policy violation if either of the following is included in the incident report:

(a)    there is no physical indication the student has been drinking (slurred speech, odor of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, etc.), AND a reasonable number of students take responsibility and attest the student is not in violation, or

(b)   the student requests and passes an “Alco-Sensor” test at the time of the incident.