General Description
Policy Summary:
Trinity University is committed to fostering a culture of responsibility, health, and well-being. The Safer Parties Initiative (SPIn) outlines expectations and recommended practices for off-campus events involving alcohol, aiming to reduce harm and promote accountability among student hosts and attendees.
Purpose:
The purpose of this policy is to:
- Provide student organizations and individuals with clear guidelines for hosting safer and respectful off-campus events.
- Reduce high-risk behaviors and incidents associated with alcohol use.
Scope:
This policy applies to:
- All Trinity University students hosting, co-hosting, or attending off-campus events involving alcohol.
- All recognized student organizations, including but not limited to fraternities, sororities, athletic teams, student clubs and other student groups such as University Sponsored Organizations and Registered Student Organizations.
Exceptions:
None. All students and student organizations are expected to follow this policy when
engaging in off-campus social events.
engaging in off-campus social events.
Policy Content
Trinity University is committed to supporting student well-being by fostering a culture of safety, responsibility, and informed decision-making, and by providing guidance that promotes personal growth and a respectful campus and community environment.
University policies are rooted in applicable laws and reflect our shared values of community care and mutual respect.
To support student wellness and reduce risk at off-campus residences and events, Trinity University provides guidance to encourage students to act as responsible hosts, peers, and neighbors.
University policies are rooted in applicable laws and reflect our shared values of community care and mutual respect.
To support student wellness and reduce risk at off-campus residences and events, Trinity University provides guidance to encourage students to act as responsible hosts, peers, and neighbors.
Students are expected to make responsible choices about alcohol and other drug use, as well as to care for the well-being of others.
Students should adhere to Trinity’s Student Handbook, and local, state and federal laws regardless of the event location. Students should also be reminded that the University’s Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy aligns with all applicable federal and state laws, including the legal requirement that individuals must be at least 21 years of age to possess, purchase, or consume alcoholic beverages. In addition it is unlawful to possess, distribute, and use illegal drugs.
Reports of incidents occurring off campus may be referred to the campus judicial process, as defined in the Student Handbook, if the behavior is determined to significantly impact the campus community, causes harm, violates University policy, or presents a safety concern.
Students are expected to seek help for any student who may be at risk due to alcohol or other drugs over-consumption. Students who take this responsible action will not be subject to campus disciplinary action through Trinity University's Responsible Friend Initiative, outlined with Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy
Trinity University may take action when student behavior off-campus causes harm, poses risk, or reflects poorly on the university community.
Students should adhere to Trinity’s Student Handbook, and local, state and federal laws regardless of the event location. Students should also be reminded that the University’s Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy aligns with all applicable federal and state laws, including the legal requirement that individuals must be at least 21 years of age to possess, purchase, or consume alcoholic beverages. In addition it is unlawful to possess, distribute, and use illegal drugs.
Reports of incidents occurring off campus may be referred to the campus judicial process, as defined in the Student Handbook, if the behavior is determined to significantly impact the campus community, causes harm, violates University policy, or presents a safety concern.
Students are expected to seek help for any student who may be at risk due to alcohol or other drugs over-consumption. Students who take this responsible action will not be subject to campus disciplinary action through Trinity University's Responsible Friend Initiative, outlined with Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy
Trinity University may take action when student behavior off-campus causes harm, poses risk, or reflects poorly on the university community.
Trinity University expects strongly encourages all student organizations—including clubs, societies, associations, athletic teams, club sports, fraternities and sororities, student government, and any other recognized or unrecognized groups made up of two or more enrolled students—to partner with professional staff in the Office of Student Engagement and Development to complete training related to the Safer Parties Initiative (SPIn) policy.
This partnership will provide education on responsible hosting and reinforce key components of the SPIn policy, while adhering to the University’s Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy . The Student Engagement and Development Office will maintain official records of individuals and groups that complete the SPIn training. In addition, students from these organizations are expected to work cooperatively with professional staff to review concerns and offer timely feedback to improve future training and safety practices.
This partnership will provide education on responsible hosting and reinforce key components of the SPIn policy, while adhering to the University’s Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy . The Student Engagement and Development Office will maintain official records of individuals and groups that complete the SPIn training. In addition, students from these organizations are expected to work cooperatively with professional staff to review concerns and offer timely feedback to improve future training and safety practices.
The University recommends all hosts implement the following harm-reduction
strategies:
strategies:
- Alcohol Monitoring or Alcohol Management
- Alcohol should be served in a central area and monitored at all times.
- Limit access to alcohol to reduce binge drinking and ensure safe consumption by implementing clear guidelines and responsible hosting practices. Alcohol should not be freely accessible or self-served.
- Alcohol service should be controlled and limited to one standard drink per serving.
- Drinking games, beer funnels, beer pong tables, and other practices or materials that encourage unsafe or rapid consumption of alcohol are strongly discouraged.
- Alcohol should never be served to guests who appear visibly intoxicated, and hosts are expected to intervene to prevent further consumption when necessary.
- Hosts should check IDs to help ensure that alcohol is not served to underage guests. Underage drinking and distributing alcohol to individuals under the age of 21 is a violation of Texas and Federal law.
- If serving mixed drinks, hosts are required strongly encouraged to post ingredients and estimated alcohol content to help guests make informed choices.
- Using and distributing illegal drugs is also a violation of Texas and Federal law.
- Sober monitors should be identifiable and available throughout the event. Hosts should maintain a minimum ratio of 1 sober monitor per 10 guests. Sober monitor information should be posted (phone numbers, etc.) or made available to those in attendance.
- Sober monitors should be actively circulating the event and observe for over- consumption and intervene as necessary, ensure uninvited guests are not present, help guests get home safely, and de-escalate conflicts.
- Sober monitors should assist in ensuring no unsanctioned alcohol is present, regulating event size and monitor for underage drinking and/or serving alcohol to minors.
- Sober monitors should be aware of procedures in the event of an emergency.
- Hosts should review their housing or space agreements in advance to determine:
- Whether gatherings or parties are permitted;
- The occupancy or capacity limits based on housing and fire safety regulations.
- Events should primarily be limited to Trinity University students. A small number of non-Trinity guests may attend if they are approved and escorted by a Trinity student host, who is responsible for the behavior of their guests. Hosts are responsible for checking their lease to ensure parties are permitted, and for adhering to occupancy limits outlined in their lease or rental agreement to
- Prevent overcrowding, unsafe conditions, or violations of housing policies and local ordinances.
- To help manage event capacity and support safe attendance practices, hosts are encouraged to use guest lists or provide wristbands to admitted guests. This helps regulate crowd size, ensure guests are known or accountable, and reduce unauthorized entry.
- To help reduce noise complaints and remain in alignment with Trinity’s Respect for Community policy, hosts should ensure that guests remain primarily inside the designated event area. Outdoor congregation should be minimized to maintain positive relationships with neighbors and reduce disruptions. Access to private rooms should be restricted to prevent situations that may lead to unsafe or inappropriate behavior.
- Hosts should ensure that event spaces remain well-lit throughout the gathering. Keeping lights on helps promote safety and accountability, and reduces the risk of inappropriate behavior or sexual misconduct that may occur in dimly lit environments.
- Hosts should provide water for all guests and are strongly encouraged to have food available to promote safe alcohol consumption and help reduce intoxication risks.
- Hosts should be prepared to recognize signs of alcohol poisoning or medical distress and have clear procedures in place for seeking help. This may include designating sober monitors who can respond quickly and effectively, including calling 911 or Trinity’s emergency services when necessary.
- Hosts should actively promote safe transportation options, such as group ride- shares or designated drivers. Hosts may also coordinate with sober monitors to provide or oversee safe travel arrangements.
- Unapproved items such as drugs or weapons should not be permitted and can be possible violations of local laws and University policies.
Trinity University is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and values-based campus environment. The University’s conduct policies apply to student behavior on campus, at University-sponsored events, and at any other location or time when the conduct:
- Has an adverse impact on the reputation of the University,
- Negatively affects the safety or welfare of University students, employees, or community members, or interferes with or obstructs the mission or operations of the University.
- Violations of local, state, or federal law are not condoned. The University may refer students to the campus conduct process regardless of whether external legal action is taken. The student conduct process aims to be educational, transparent, and equitable, and students are held accountable both individually and organizationally, when appropriate.
Performance Evaluation
Consequences of Policy Violation:
Students and student organizations found in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Trinity University Student Handbook. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to:
The severity of the sanction will be determined by considering the nature and circumstances of the violation, the student’s or organization’s conduct history, and the potential or actual impact on the health, safety, and well-being of the campus community.
- Formal warnings
- Educational requirements or workshops
- Fines or restitution
- Loss of campus privileges or event hosting privileges
- Disciplinary probation
- Suspension or expulsion from the University
The severity of the sanction will be determined by considering the nature and circumstances of the violation, the student’s or organization’s conduct history, and the potential or actual impact on the health, safety, and well-being of the campus community.
Terms & Definitions
Terms and Definitions:
|
Term: |
Definition: |
|---|---|
| Student Organization: | An organization at an institution of higher education (such as a club, society, association, varsity or junior varsity athletic team, club sports team, fraternity, sorority, band, or student government) in which two or more of the members are students enrolled at the institution of higher education, whether or not the organization is established or recognized by the institution. Examples of student organizations can be viewed in the The Student Organization Handbook . |
| Sober Monitor: | A student host who refrains from alcohol, mis-use of legal substances and other illegal substance use and is designated to manage safety during the event. |
| Host: | A student or group responsible for organizing, managing, or facilitating the event. |
| Overconsumption: |
Alcohol intake at levels that impair functioning or require medical attention. |
| Responsible Friend Initiative: | Trinity’s policy encouraging students to seek help in alcohol or drug related emergencies without fear of disciplinary action. |
| Standard Drink: | One standard drink contains 0.6 fluid ounces or 14 grams of pure alcohol. This is equivalent to 12 ounces of 5% ABV (alcohol by volume) beer, 5 ounces of 12% ABV wine, and 1.5 ounces of 40% ABV liquor. |
Revision Management
Revision History Log:
|
Revision #: |
Date: |
Recorded By: |
|---|---|---|
| v3.0 | 8/20/2025 2:15 PM | Pamela Mota |
| v2.0 | 12/19/2019 1:50 PM | Sheryl Tynes |
| v1.0 | 12/13/2019 8:49 AM | Christina Castillo |
Vice President Approval:
|
Name: |
Title: |
|---|---|
| Andrew Wells | Vice President for Student Affairs |