Wofford College’s alcohol policy has always stated that “organizations or individuals sponsoring an event may not distribute alcoholic beverages to attendees, including free alcoholic beverages.”
As a result of numerous fraternities disobeying the rule through the back room of their respective houses, administration has made a change to the policy to ensure that no alcohol is present for distribution at the event.
This change targets the storage of alcohol in any place that an event is held. Alcohol has never been allowed to be stored in the houses, but this update serves as clarification for what that means.
“No alcoholic beverages may be stored in the houses,” the policy reads, “including storing alcohol in common containers such as coolers or refrigerators before, during, or after an event.”
The Instagram account @oldrowwofford helped to make the policy known to students after a tip from an IFC president. The account also gathered numerous responses via an anonymous poll.
“Admin hates the ‘college experience,’” one said.
“Huge Wofford L. Hope that alums who donate or (our) trustees don’t stand for this,” another said.
Several others suggested the fraternities disaffiliate from the College.
Ashley Owens, assistant dean of students for leadership programs and fraternity and sorority life and dean of the senior class, has issued a statement elaborating on what the policy means for students.
“Students ages 21 and older may continue following the college’s bring your own beverage policy, which only allows beer and wine in plastic bottles or aluminum cans,” Owens said.
Students must not bring more than six, 12-ounce bottles or cans of alcohol per person.
These must be sealed containers for personal consumption only. They may not be stored in common coolers or refrigerators.
“Small, personal coolers are allowed in the Greek Village for alcohol check-in,” the policy reads. These are coolers that have a capacity for six cans.
In accordance with the new policy, students may not share drinks in these containers.
In addition to the storage policy, Greek organizations must also increase the number of SPMs, or sober party monitors, in accordance to how large the party is.
“Each organization should provide at least four SPMs for each social event,” the policy reads. “At least two SPMs must be current, active undergraduate members of the organization, allowing for a new or associate member to serve as the additional monitors, if desired.”
Organizations are also encouraged to increase SPMs by one for each 50 party attendees present.
All students that plan to serve as SPM will have to undergo risk-management training with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, per the new updates. The next training will be Wednesday, Sept. 7, from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
OFSL clarifies the rationale for the changes to be as follows: “The Stewart H. Johnson Greek Village is a place where the college wants organizations to flex their programming skills and for our students and their guests to have fun, grow as individuals, connect with peers outside of their academic experiences and develop lifelong friendships. Policies and procedures that govern this space are designed to encourage students to do so in a safe and responsible manner.”
