A downloadable PDF of the handbook is currently being updated.

Alcohol Policy

Statement of Policy

The purpose of this policy is to outline the rules and regulations regarding alcohol use on campus. Its purpose is to promote a safe and healthy environment, ensure compliance with state and federal laws, reduce alcohol-related harm, and support student well-being. This policy covers legal drinking age requirements, restrictions on possession and consumption, guidelines for events involving alcohol, consequences for violations, and available support resources for those struggling with alcohol use.

Rhodes College follows federal and state law as it pertains to alcohol:

  • Individuals under 21 may not possess and/or consume alcohol.
  • Individuals may not sell, give, or serve alcoholic beverages or permit alcohol to be served to persons under 21. TN Code § 57-5-301 (2021) By law, the sale of alcoholic beverages includes any situation in which there is a charge for entertainment or service and alcohol is freely available.
  • The conduct constituting a violation of this section involves supplying, giving, furnishing, selling, or permitting an underage person to buy or obtain a product or substance that is unlawful for the underage person to possess
  • Individuals may not drive or operate a vehicle on or off campus while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (Student Handbook – Drug Policy).
  • Alcohol possession or consumption in common areas of residential rooms/units is not permitted where all residents assigned to the room/unit are not 21 or older. This includes, but is not limited to: kitchen, living room, bathroom, etc.
    • Residents 21 or older are required to keep alcohol in their individual bedroom.
  • Individuals, regardless of drinking age, are not permitted to leave alcohol unattended in common areas, including but not limited to lobbies, recreation rooms, study rooms, etc. 

As a private institution, Rhodes College has its own policies and guidelines regarding alcohol consumption and behavior:

  • Alcohol in Public Areas- Individuals may not possess open containers of alcohol, including secondary containers (i.e., cups, tumblers, water bottles, borgs, etc.) on College property,  outside of an approved College event where alcohol is being served, such as in academic buildings, the library, parking lots, outdoor quads and spaces, athletic fields, roadways, and administrative buildings.
    • Carrying alcohol from one on-campus venue to another is strictly prohibited, this includes, but is not limited to, bottles, cans, kegs, cups, or other containers.
    • An approved college event is a program, activity, or gathering officially sanctioned by the college.  These events are registered through the Rhodes Event Management System.  For more information about college events, refer to the Events Office page on the Rhodes website.
  • Students who have guests/visitors will assume responsibility for their guests’ actions/behavior.  Guest/visitors must comply with the Guest and Visitors Policy.
  • Binge drinking is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, beer bongs or funnels, kegs, and other common containers and mass sources.
  • Drinking games are prohibited.
  • Students may not have alcohol shipped to the College, regardless of age.
  • Shared Responsibility Statement: Students who are found to be present in an environment where illegal alcohol consumption is present will be held responsible for a “Shared Responsibility Alcohol” violation. Students may face disciplinary actions even if they are not directly consuming alcohol but are in an environment where underage drinking occurs. 

Scope of Policy

This policy applies to:

  • All Rhodes College students,
  • All students present in college-owned, leased, or controlled property (including residence halls),
  • Students participating in College-sponsored events (on and off campus),
  • Registered Student Organizations and athletic teams,
  • Off-campus conduct (students)

Reporting Violations

Violations of this policy can be reported through the following methods:

  1. Office of Community Standards
  2. Office of Residence Life
  3. Campus Safety Department:
  4. Online Reporting Forms:
    • Report an Incident – People who witness an alleged violation of the Standards of Conduct or the Honor Code can select the appropriate form to submit their report.
    • Silent Witness Reporting Form - People who witness or are aware of suspicious activity are encouraged to report this information. To this end, we are providing a completely anonymous method of sharing information with the College. So whether you saw it, heard it, or merely heard about it, you can help us keep the campus safe by telling us.
    • Report a Student of Concern - Rhodes College seeks to foster a community of care and support that relies on the involvement of all College community members. This report has been provided to encourage faculty, staff, students, and other community members to share concerns about students who may be struggling with personal or emotional difficulties or who may be exhibiting concerning behavior.

Definitions:

  • Alcohol: Any beverage containing ethyl alcohol (ethanol), including beer, wine, and spirits.
  • Possession: Having physical control over or access to alcohol, regardless of intent to consume.
  • Distribution: Providing, selling, or giving alcohol to another person.
  • Intoxication: A state in which a person’s mental and physical faculties are impaired due to alcohol consumption.
  • Underage Drinking: Consumption or possession of alcohol by any person under the age of 21.
  • College-sponsored Event: Any activity conducted, supported, or promoted by the college or its affiliates.

Violations and Sanctions:

Violations of this policy include, but are not limited to, alcohol possession or consumption if under the age of 21, providing alcohol to underage students, or alcohol intoxication or substance induced behavior that places a student or others at risk in terms of health and safety issues. Students found in violation will:

  • Dispose of all alcoholic beverages in their possession or the alcoholic beverages will be confiscated and disposed of by a College staff member;
  • Verbal or written warnings
  • Alcohol education or counseling
  • Parental notification (for students under 21)
  • Community service
  • Probation, suspension, or expulsion
  • Loss of privileges
  • Employment disciplinary actions up to termination (e.g., student workers, Resident Assistants, etc.)

In situations in which an alcohol policy violation occurs in a group setting, the determination of each individual’s responsibility for the violation will be determined on a case-by-case basis, including, but not limited to, the following factors:

  • The location and quantity of alcohol,
  • The student’s ability to exercise control over the situation, or
  • Whether or not students in the incident take responsibility for the procurement or consumption of the alcohol.

Alcohol Awareness, Education, and Resources:

Rhodes is committed to providing students with information about alcohol and confidential referrals for professional assistance if needed. An awareness of the negative effects of alcohol consumption may assist you in your efforts to make safe and responsible choices about alcohol. 

Educational programs will be organized and conducted annually to promote continued awareness and encourage an attitude of genuine concern and care for others. 

  • Red Ribbon Week (annual) - October
  • Student Ally Training (annual online training)
  • eCheck-Up (online training, available with the Office of Community Standards)
  • Alcohol Awareness Month (April)

For more information regarding alcohol consumption for individuals needing medical assistance, see the Amnesty Policy.

Information concerning responsible use, indications of abuse or addiction, and resources for assistance are available for you or someone you care. Students seeking support for alcohol-related or other substance-related issues have access to the following CONFIDENTIAL campus resources:

  • Student Counseling Center - Business hours (8:30am to 5:00pm, Mon-Fri): Call (901) 843-3128 or immediately walk in to the Student Counseling Center in the Moore Moore Building (next to the Refectory) for a crisis session.
    • After Hours or on weekends: Any Rhodes student who requires urgent or emergency counseling services outside of regular office hours can call 1-855-850-4301.
  • The Office of the Chaplain supports the religious and spiritual life of the Rhodes College community. Students can contact the Office of the Chaplain for advising, pastoral care, conversation, story-sharing, life planning, or to discuss spiritual and religious needs. To make an appointment, email your availability to chaplain@rhodes.edu, or call 901-843-3815. 

In Memphis, Tennessee, individuals seeking community support for alcohol-related issues have access to several resources:

  • Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.): A.A. offers free mutual-support meetings for individuals aiming to achieve sobriety. Local A.A. meetings in Memphis can be found through their official website.
  • SMART Recovery: This organization provides free mutual-support meetings focusing on self-management and recovery training. Information on local meetings is available on their website.
  • Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Resources: The University of Memphis hosts a CIT Center, offering resources and support for crisis situations involving substance abuse. More information can be found on their website.

These organizations provide various forms of assistance, including support groups, educational materials, and crisis intervention services, to help individuals address alcohol-related challenges.