Alcohol & Drug Policies

In these documents, you will find policies and expectations regarding the use and possession of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs. These policies apply to all faculty, staff, and students: 1) on University property; 2) at University-sponsored events; or 3) at events sponsored by University-recognized organizations.

The University recognizes its responsibility to provide educational and prevention programs, and also recognizes the importance of individual and group responsibility for compliance. The University of Montana does not assume responsibility for individual acts and group activities.

The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 prohibits "the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance" in the workplace. Personnel actions consistent with University policy and all applicable state and federal laws will be taken against any violator of this Act.

The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 prohibit, at a minimum, "the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees" on school and campus property or as part of any school or campus activity. Standards that are more rigid than those required by this Act may be imposed. Personnel and Student Conduct Code action will be taken against any violator of this Act.

View UM Policies Website:

University-Recognized Clubs, Organizations and Campus Events

University clubs, organizations, and campus events include, but are not limited to, sport groups, academic honoraria, athletic teams, ROTC, service organizations, sponsored parties, tailgate parties, dances, picnics, banquets, field trips, sponsored recreational events, and social functions. The possession, use, and consumption of alcoholic beverages by University-recognized clubs and organizations, and at campus events, must conform to local ordinances, state and federal laws, and policies established by the Board of Regents and The University of Montana:

All events, except for tailgate parties, held on University property that involve the service of alcoholic beverages must be scheduled with University Catering Services.
The sale of alcoholic beverages or any indirect means of collecting money to pay for alcoholic beverages is prohibited unless a licensed vendor caters the event.
A licensed vendor or University Catering Services must be used for all events involving service of donated alcohol.
University Catering Services will charge appropriate fees for the service of donated alcohol.
Club or organizational funds may not be used to buy alcoholic beverages.

Each club or organization shall adhere to the University's alcohol risk management guidelines.

Off-Campus Use of Alcoholic Beverages by University-Recognized Student Organizations

A University-recognized student organization that sponsors any gathering, meeting, or other activity off campus that involves alcoholic beverages must meet the same requirements that apply to on-campus events, with the exception of the following privileges and restrictions.

A University-recognized student organization that sponsors an event involving alcoholic beverages off University property must have the event catered by a licensed vendor. If fifteen (15) or more persons attend the event, vendor approval by University Catering Services is not required.
A University-recognized student organization that sponsors an event involving alcoholic beverages off University property is not required to have the event catered by a licensed vendor if fourteen (14) or fewer persons attend the event. However, the sale of alcohol is prohibited unless a licensed vendor caters the event. Event participants may contribute funds to purchase alcoholic beverages for the event. Students who organize and participate in this type of an event assume the responsibility for serving alcohol and monitoring its use in accordance with local ordinances, state and federal laws, and Board of Regents and University of Montana policies.
University-recognized student organizations may not apply for a special permit from the State of Montana Liquor Division.
Student officers or officials must meet with the organization's faculty advisor to ensure their risk management plan adheres to University alcohol policies and risk management guidelines.

Violations of University alcohol regulations are also violations of The University of Montana Student Conduct Code. Violators are subject to disciplinary action pursuant to the Code. The University, including ASUM, may deny privileges to a student organization or impose other sanctions for alcohol violations.

ASUM Alcohol Policy

Requirements

Groups must receive permission in advance for consumption of alcoholic beverages during ASUM-recognized student group sponsored activities and events. Consumption of alcohol during student group activities and/or events without advance permission is prohibited by the University Alcohol Policy.

Groups with Foundation accounts can use those funds for the purchase of alcohol, but only by going through University Catering and billing through a non-ASUM Index.

With advance permission, obtained by filling out an Alcohol Use Application and obtaining the required signatures, student groups can provide for alcohol to be served during group-sponsored events. The event must not primarily intended for undergraduates. The alcohol must be served by 1) University Catering; 2) a licensed vendor, such as a bar or approved caterer; or 3) a server trained by an authorized alcohol service program (e.g. TIPS training or the Missoula County DUI Task Force Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service Training Program or the Montana Department of Revenue).

Only Student Group funds through the UM Foundation can be used to pay licensed vendors or authorized servers if approval is secured prior to the event. A non-ASUM Index must be used to pay for any alcohol.

To recap:

Groups must receive advance permission for events where alcohol is present.
ASUM-recognized groups can only hire licensed vendors or authorized servers with funds from a pre-established UM Foundation account.
Billing must happen through a non-ASUM Index.
The event cannot be primarily intended for undergraduates.
Attendees of the event who are of age may then use their own money to purchase a drink.

Contact the ASUM Office Manager at least three weeks in advance to make the necessary arrangements for each event that involves the availability of alcohol.

Restrictions

There are a number of restrictions that apply to the provision of alcohol during student group events, so it is important to bear all of the following in mind:

All events, except for tailgate parties, held on University property that involve the service of alcoholic beverages must be scheduled through University Catering Services, (406) 243-4899. Alcohol can either be served by University Catering or the UM-contracted licensed alcohol vendor whose services are arranged through University Catering. The sale of alcoholic beverages or any indirect means of collecting money to pay for alcoholic beverages by student groups is prohibited. These activities can only take place through University Catering or the licensed vendor who caters an event. University Catering has first right of refusal for on-campus events.
Groups wanting to sponsor events featuring alcohol, are required to submit an Alcohol Use Application. The form requires event and risk management information and five signatures: your group faculty advisor, the Vice President for Student Affairs (University Hall 022), the Office of Public Safety (Physical Plant Bldg. 32), Environmental Health & Risk Management (Physical Plant Bldg. 32, Room 139) and the Office of the President (University Hall 109). Event insurance might be required. Contact UM Director of Risk Management and Insurance, at (406) 243-2700 if you have any questions or concerns about risk management.
Consumption of alcohol shall be in connection with a substantive event, such as a banquet, official entertainment, reception or fundraiser.
Either University Catering Services or a licensed vendor must be used for all off-campus events promoted by sponsoring student groups involving the service of alcohol.
Alcohol cannot be served for more than four hours and alcohol service must end 30 minutes prior to the event end. Non-alcoholic beverages and food must also be available.
Alcoholic beverages must not be served to minors. Adults risk criminal liability, and civil liability, when minors consume alcoholic beverages. All event participants must present ID demonstrating they are of legal age.
At events where alcoholic beverages are made available by the sponsoring student group, direct access shall be limited to designated servers and consumption permitted only within designated and monitored areas.
Drinking competitions are prohibited. Activities promoting forced consumption of alcohol are not allowed and could subject those individuals providing alcohol to civil liability.
Service must be refused to anyone who appears to be intoxicated.
Access to the event must be controlled. A plan must be implemented for controlling and limiting the quantity of alcohol served. It is the responsibility of the sponsoring student group to monitor the event for excessive consumption and to ensure that only those of legal age are being served.
The Office of Public Safety must be informed prior to an on-campus event that involves the service of alcoholic beverages.
Safe transportation to and from events should be encouraged and/or provided, including a designated driver program.
Alcohol may not be the focus of the event. The amount of alcohol may not be used as an inducement to attend or participate in an event, and event promotional material may not make reference to the amount of alcohol available for consumption, such as number of beer kegs.
Event advertisements shall mention the availability of food and nonalcoholic beverages as prominently as alcohol.
Alcoholic beverages are not to be provided as free awards to individual students or campus groups.
University-recognized student organizations may not apply for a special permit from the State of Montana Liquor Division.
Groups can use donated alcohol from a licensed provider or distributor only, whether for an on or off-campus event. Alcohol donated from a private individual or other non-licensed provider is not permitted. Any University sponsored event with donated alcohol must still follow all University Alcohol policies and an Alcohol Use Application must be submitted. On-campus events using donated alcohol will pay a corkage fee to cover costs associated with the serving of the alcohol. The current UM authorized licensed provider has the first right of refusal for donating alcohol for on-campus events before an outside source is permitted. Only a licensed provider or a server trained by an authorized alcohol service program can serve donated alcohol off campus.

Sale of Alcohol (Direct or Indirect)

Under state regulations, payment of a registration fee or entry fee to attend an event at which alcohol is provided as part of the admission fee is an indirect sale of alcohol and treated the same as a direct sale/cash bar. Any sale of alcohol requires a licensed alcohol vendor. The alcohol vendor must possess a current all-beverage license and an annually renewed catering permit.