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Chapter Alcohol Policy

The Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association® (WFAA) and its board of directors support the position that the university has taken with respect to creating an environment that reduces or eliminates the adverse consequences of alcohol misuse. The purpose of this policy is to maximize safety and minimize the opportunity for liability that the university, university staff, volunteers, and/or the alumni association could encounter should an accident occur at an off-campus alumni event.

Staff and volunteers must understand that the best protection against tragedy and legal liability is to use care and discretion in planning events. If an instance arises in which a guest has consumed too much alcohol, staff and/or volunteers should notify the manager of the facility and ask him or her to handle the situation.

Considerations for events with alcohol that are held on or off UW–Madison property:

  • Food must be provided or available for purchase at events where alcohol is being served.
  • Nonalcoholic beverages must also be offered at events.
  • Serving alcoholic beverages to minors is prohibited, and to individuals who arrive intoxicated, or individuals who become intoxicated at the event.
  • Alcoholic beverages must be served by a qualified, third-party alcohol server. They must not be served by any volunteer or staff person representing WAA.
  • Alcoholic beverages must not be served in a self-service style or by any other uncontrolled means.
  • Alcoholic beverages must not be offered in a manner that promotes them as “free” or “without cost.”
  • Serving alcohol at student focused events is prohibited. For example Send Off’s and scholarship receptions.

Alumni Events Held at Locations Other Than the University of Wisconsin-Madison

Alcohol may be served at events that are hosted, sponsored, and/or supported by the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association, provided that the alcohol is sold and served by a third-party vendor (a caterer or restaurant operation) that is authorized and licensed to serve alcohol. Under no circumstances will “bring your own beer/alcohol” (BYOB) events be allowed.

Alumni Events Held on University of Wisconsin-Madison Property

Events held on University of Wisconsin-Madison property must follow established university policies and state laws, which are outlined below.

All alcohol served within this policy should be served by a caterer previously approved by the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association and the chief executive officer of the university. Consumption of alcoholic beverages on University of Wisconsin lands and in its buildings is regulated under Wisconsin Administrative Code UWS18.06 (13):

  • The use or possession of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on all university premises, except in faculty and staff housing and as permitted by the chief executive officer, subject to statutory age restrictions. The chief executive officer may generally permit the use or possession of alcoholic beverages by promulgating institutional regulations in consultation with appropriate staff, or in specific instances by written permission.
  • This regulation extends to laboratories and individual offices. A university employee must agree to be present at and supervise any event where alcoholic beverages are served. Alcoholic beverages may not be served or consumed in academic, administrative, or research areas during usual business hours.