Safe Party Policy

This Safe Party Policy is designed to ensure the safety, well-being, and enjoyment of all attendees at parties and social events held on the campus of Coker University. The policy aims to promote responsible behavior, prevent unsafe activities, and maintain a respectful and inclusive atmosphere.

Scope:

This policy applies to all social gatherings and social events organized by students, student organizations, or any other entity affiliated with Coker University, regardless of the venue. Generally, a party is defined as any social gathering or event attended by eight (8) individuals or more.

Policy Guidelines:

Event Registration and Approval:

All parties and social events must be registered with the Office of Student Engagement or the designated campus authority at least 5 weeks in advance. To register an event, please use the Event Registration Form in The Milestone.
Event organizers must provide a detailed plan, including the date, time, location, expected number of attendees, and a description of the event's purpose and activities.
Events must adhere to University policies and local laws and regulations.

Alcohol and Substance Use:

Alcohol may be permitted at registered events, but it must comply with state and local laws and the University's alcohol policy, and is approved by the Senior Director of Student Experience.
Alcohol should only be served to individuals of US legal drinking age, and organizers should verify IDs.
The University encourages responsible drinking and may provide non-alcoholic beverage options.
The distribution or use of illegal drugs or other controlled substances is strictly prohibited.

Security and Safety Measures:

Risk Reduction Monitors:
- For events with alcohol, the host(s) or host organization(s) shall arrange for a minimum of three students, unless approved to have fewer by the Student Experience staff, to serve as and execute Risk Reduction Manager duties. The recommended ratio for Risk Reduction Managers to guests is one (1) monitor per fifteen (15) guests. One (1) Executive Board Member from the organization or host from the room is also required to be present and sober for the duration of the event. This Executive Board Member/Host may serve as one of the RRMs.
  - Risk Reduction Managers must have gone through the approved training program provided by the Division of Student Experience.
  - Risk Reduction Managers must not consume alcoholic beverages six (6) hours prior to the event, during the event, and for one (1) hour after the conclusion of the event to ensure that policies are being enforced and situations or incidents addressed responsibly.
  - Risk Reduction Managers have the significant responsibility of helping to monitor events in order to provide a safe social environment. These responsibilities may include:
    - Checking identification cards and guests list upon entry to the event. There should be a system for identifying attendees who are over the legal drinking age.
    - Responding to crisis situations, including seeking assistance from Student Experience staff, Campus Safety, or emergency personnel.
    - Responding to any disruptions that take place at the event. Risk Reduction Managers may ask guests to leave the event if they become too intoxicated and behave inappropriately.
    - Assisting in making arrangements for the safety of those who appear to be impaired.
Emergency exits must remain clear, and fire safety regulations must be followed at all times.

Guest List and Check-In:

Parties and events may be open to Coker University students and their invited guests.
Attendees must check in upon arrival, and guests must be registered in advance.
A guest list should be maintained for security and safety purposes.

Respectful and Inclusive Atmosphere:

Discrimination, harassment, and offensive behavior will not be tolerated. All attendees must treat each other with respect.
Organizers should encourage diversity and inclusivity in party themes and activities.

Noise and Curfew:

Parties must adhere to campus noise regulations and local noise ordinances.
A curfew may be imposed for events, and attendees should disperse peacefully at the designated time.

Zero-Tolerance for Violence:

Any form of violence, including physical altercations, will result in immediate intervention and appropriate consequences, which may include legal action.

Transportation and Safe Return:

Event organizers should provide information on safe transportation options for attendees, such as designated drivers, campus shuttles, or ride-sharing services.
Encourage responsible drinking and discourage driving under the influence.

Event Monitoring:

Campus security or designated staff may monitor events to ensure compliance with this policy and University regulations.

Consequences of Policy Violation:

Violation of this Safe Party Policy may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to student conduct referrals, organization/individual fines, organization/individual probation, or suspension from hosting future events.

Communication:

Event organizers are responsible for communicating this policy to all attendees and ensuring they understand its importance.

Review and Revision:

This policy will be periodically reviewed and revised to ensure its effectiveness and relevance.

By adhering to this Safe Party Policy, Coker University aims to create a safe, enjoyable, and inclusive environment for all members of the University community. Organizers and attendees share the responsibility of upholding these guidelines to ensure the success of campus events.