University of Georgia
Social Events Guidelines
Greek Life Office 
Division of Student Affairs 
Printable Version (PDF)

The Greek Life Office at the University of Georgia supports a quality social life that enhances a positive living and learning environment PRIORITIZING THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELLBEING OF MEMBERS. This policy establishes requirements for Fraternities and Sororities (“Chapters”) that are recognized by the University of Georgia Greek Life Office when hosting events with alcohol. The policy is designed to guide chapters in their execution of events with alcohol in a safe manner. The policy is also designed to complement inter/national organization risk management programs.

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The chapter must be recognized by and in good standing with the University at the time the event is scheduled to take place.

 

If the chapter organization is affiliated with a national/international organization whose risk management policy is stricter than University policy in whole or in part, the chapter must follow the more restrictive policy or provision.

 

In addition to the Policy for Events with Alcohol, chapters must follow the policies below:

•  University of Georgia Code of Conduct

•  Noise and Disturbance Ordinance (3-5-24)

  Groups may not host events with alcohol beyond Reading Day each semester or during exams

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In an activity, or event sponsored or endorsed by the chapter/organization, including those that occur on or off organizational/chapter premises:

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1.  The chapter/organization, members and guests must comply with all federal, state, and local laws. No person under the legal drinking age may possess, sell, consume, provide, or be provided alcoholic beverage.

2. The chapter/organization, members and guests must follow the federal and state law regarding illegal drugs and controlled substances. No person may possess, use, provide, distribute, sell, and/or manufacture illegal drugs or other controlled substances while on chapter/organizational premises or at any activity or event sponsored or endorsed by the chapter/organization.

3. Alcoholic beverages must either be:

   • ​​Provided and sold on a per-drink basis by a licensed and insured third-party vendor (e.g., restaurant, bar, caterer, etc.); or

   • Brought by individual members and guests through a bring your own beverage (“BYOB”) system.

4. The presence of alcohol products above 15% alcohol by volume (“ABV”) is prohibited on any chapter/organization premises or at any event, except when served by a licensed and insured third party vendor.

5. Common sources of alcohol, including bulk quantities and open sources are prohibited (i.e., amounts of alcohol greater than what a reasonable person should consume over the duration of an event). This would not include alcohol served by a licensed and insured third party vendor sold on a per drink basis.

6. Alcoholic beverages must not be purchased with chapter/organizational funds or funds pooled by members or guests (e.g., admission fees, cover fees, collecting funds through digital apps, etc.).

7. A chapter/organization must not co-host or cosponsor, or in any way participate in, an activity or event with another group or entity that purchases or provides alcohol or illegal substances.

8. A chapter/organization must not co-host or co-sponsor an event with a bar, event promoter, or alcohol distributor; however, a chapter/organization may rent a bar, restaurant, or other licensed and insured third-party vendor to host a chapter/organization event, including a fundraiser.

9. Attendance by non-members at any event where alcohol is present must be by invitation only, and the chapter/organization must utilize a guest list system

10. Any event or activity related to the new member joining process (e.g., recruitment, intake, rush, etc.) must be substance free. No alcohol or drugs may be present if the event or activity is related to new member activities, meetings, or initiation into an organization, including but not limited to “bid day” events, “big/little” events or activities, and any ritual or ceremony.

11. The chapter/organization, members or guests must not permit, encourage, coerce, glorify, or participate in any activities involving the rapid consumption of alcohol, such as drinking games.

12. Event monitors are required for all social events, including one executive board officer.

13. When alcohol is present at events, the following are prohibited: inatables, self-constructed pools or bodies of water, slip-and-slides or similar, mechanical bulls.

14. For events in facilities, the chapter/organization is responsible for the removal of all trash, debris and/or furniture from the exterior of the chapter property by 8:00 AM the following morning.

15. The chapter(s)/organization(s) must submit an Event Notification Form to the Greek Life Office at least three (3) business days prior. Events with a member to guest ratio greater than 1:1, events with a guest list of more than two (2) chapters, or events that will have amplified sound or a portion of the event outdoors require advance notification of at least fourteen (14) business days.

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Students are encouraged to make responsible decisions in life-threatening situations that result from alcohol and/or other drug abuse and to seek medical attention for someone who is in danger because of intoxication. Students should alert University officials, UGA or local police, or professional medical personnel when they or their friends are in danger. Students who call for, seek, or require emergency assistance for an alcohol or other drug related emergency may not be subject to mandatory alcohol and other drug sanctions under the Code of Conduct.

 

Responsible Department: Greek Life Office
Responsible University Senior Administrator: Associate Dean of Students
Policy Contact: Joshua Welch, Director of Greek Life – jlw33365@uga.edu

Policy Dates:

Effective Date: 01/06/2022 Date of last update: 10/18/2023 Date of last review: 10/18/2023 Date of approval: 10/18/2023

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