Muhlenberg College is committed to the health, safety and well-being of each member of the Muhlenberg community. As such, the College wishes to encourage students to shape the social life of the campus in ways that foster community, promote vibrant and diverse social options, and encourage responsibility and accountability. In addition, our aim is for this policy to assist the College in creating a culture that supports students who do not use alcohol and students who choose to socialize with alcohol in a safe, legal and responsible manner on and off campus.
In our pursuit of academic excellence and student health and well-being, all members of the College community-students, faculty and staff-have a role in safeguarding a healthy learning environment. Alcohol misuse and abuse continue to be one of the leading public health issues causing harmful consequences on college campuses. To this end, we encourage students to serve as healthy role models for one another, intervene with their peers when a student's health is in jeopardy, and report incidents related to alcohol misuse that may lead to harm of individual students or our broader campus community.
Finally, members of the Muhlenberg community are expected to abide by all federal, state and local laws, including those governing alcohol consumption and distribution. Under Pennsylvania law, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase alcohol or to possess alcohol in a public space. It is also illegal for anyone to furnish alcohol to an individual under the age of 21. Other state laws governing the use of alcohol can be found here.
Alcohol Policy Violations
Students found in violation of the Muhlenberg College Student Alcohol Policy, Pennsylvania Laws and/or city ordinances will be subject to disciplinary action at the discretion of the Dean of the Students Office.
Regulations Regarding Personal Alcohol Consumption
The regulations contained in this policy apply to all students. Muhlenberg's Student Alcohol . Policy is in effect throughout the calendar year.
- The attempted or actual purchase, consumption, transportation, or possession of alcoholic beverages by a person under 21 is prohibited.
- Alcohol may not be consumed and alcohol containers may not be possessed on/in any properties leased or owned by the College by anyone who is under the legal drinking age.
- The possession or use of any item that could lead to the excessive or rapid consumption of alcohol such as drinking games or drinking related devices (including but not limited to beer bong, water pong, tap device, Beirut table, funnel, etc.) is prohibited.
- Public intoxication, including alcohol-induced disorderly conduct, property destruction, intimidation, or other infringement upon the rights or privacy of others is prohibited.
- Excessive consumption of alcohol (regardless of legal drinking age) is prohibited.
- No student shall furnish alcoholic beverages to underage persons.
- Furnishing alcohol to persons who appear to be intoxicated is prohibited.
- In accordance with the laws of the City of Allentown, no open containers of alcohol are allowed in public places.
- The College prohibits open containers outside of areas designated for a social event.
- The possession or use of alcohol at College sports events or in athletic facilities is prohibited unless it is part of a sanctioned College-approved student event to occur outside of the specific venue in which the athletic competition is played.
- No one shall be permitted to sell alcoholic beverages or alcoholic beverage tickets (including but not limited to wristbands, cups, T-shirts, bandannas, etc.), to raffle the sale of beverages as prizes or to engage in any activity including but not limited to the sale of admission tickets, which may reasonably be construed as a sale or indirect sale of such beverages.
- The purchase, storage, or use of a bulk quantity or a common source of alcoholic beverages, such as kegs or party balls, is prohibited.
- In accordance with state laws, religious uses of wine are exempt from age limitations.
- The sale, purchase, possession, and use of an alcohol vaporizing device are prohibited. Alcohol vaporizing device is defined as any machine or process which mixes spirits, liquors or other alcohol products with oxygen or any other gas to produce a vaporized product for consumption by inhalation.Regulations Regarding Social Events with Alcohol in College-Owned Housing
Regulations Regarding Social Events with Alcohol in College-Owned Housing
The regulations contained in this Policy apply to social events hosted in any Collegeowned residential property. Muhlenberg's Student Alcohol Policy is in effect throughout the calendar year.
- Alcohol may not be consumed and alcohol containers may not be possessed on/in any properties leased or owned by the College by anyone who is under the legal drinking age.
- Please note the following policies for students who reside within a traditional residence hall:
- The College prohibits open containers in the hallways and common areas of the residence halls regardless of legal drinking age.
- If the residents of a room are all 21 years old: alcohol can be stored and consumed in the room, as long as everyone is drinking responsibly.
- If it is a mix of residents that are both 21 and underage: alcohol can be consumed by those that are of age and alcohol must be stored on the side of the room occupied by the 21 year old.
- If no residents in the room are 21: alcohol may not be stored or consumed in the room.
- Please note the following policies for students who reside within suites or a MILE property (including MILE houses, 2201 Chew Street, and Village apartments).
- If residents of a suite or MILE property are all 21 years old, alcohol can be stored and consumed in the bedrooms and/or common rooms, as long as everyone is drinking responsibly.
- If it is a mix of residents that are both 21 or underage, alcohol can be consumed by the 21 year olds in the bedrooms or common rooms, but alcohol needs to be stored on the side of the room occupied by the 21 year old.
- If no residents in the suite or apartment are 21, alcohol may not be stored or consumed in the suite.
- Fraternity and Sorority Life chapter houses should refer to the alcohol policy listed in their specific housing agreement.
Regulations Regarding Events with Alcohol Occurring Off Campus
A social event is defined as an informal gathering, not associated with any particular campus group, where alcohol is present. A Student Group is defined as a Collegerecognized student organization, club, athletic team, Fraternity, Sorority, or a cohort in direct conjunction with a current academic course.
The following policy relates to Student Groups hosting events in off-campus venues. The College does not condone Student Groups to host events in non-college owned housing. If the College becomes aware of problematic or dangerous behavior at a private residence, it will take action. Students who wish to host an event in non-college owned housing assume personal liability; which may require consultation with parents' renters or homeowners insurance.
Student Group events with alcohol occurring off campus at third-party locations must follow the the following regulations:
- Student groups planning an off-campus event involving alcohol must submit any third party agreements from venues, transportation providers, etc. to the Business Office for review and approval.
- Student groups planning off-campus events involving alcohol must develop and submit a transportation plan to the Business Office for review and approval. The transportation plan must follow the College's Vehicle Transportation Policy and Trip Policy.
Regulations Regarding Events with Alcohol for recognized Student Organizations: See Student Organization Handbook.
