Mature Management of Alcohol

Truman State University strives to be a responsible community ... a place where individuals accept their responsibilities to other by behaving in ways which are ethical, honest, equitable, trustworthy, civil, and respectful and where well-defined governance procedures guide behavior, balancing individual freedom with communal good.

To get the most out of college one should try to balance academics, activities, and social life.  Truman State University and it's surrounding community provides a great opportunity to fulfill these three aspects.  However, one must be responsible and make informed decisions when choosing and participating in certain social events.  Mature, responsible decisions regarding social events will help enhance the student, the University, and the community.

The best way to make these responsible decisions is to be educated.  Education will allow social events to remain safe and keep strong ties with the community.

If you are having a party there are a few simple guidelines to make the social event a success ...

• KNOW THE LAW

• Always serve food

• Have non-alcoholic beverages available and visible

• Keep the noise level down as much as possible

• Limit invites/attendance to a manageable amount

• Limit amount of drinks served per person

• Ensure those who have been drinking have sober rides

• If you are monitoring the party, do not drink too much yourself and lose the ability to monitor

• Avoid open bars and if you sell alcohol or cups you must have a liquor license

• Know the signs of alcohol poisoning

• If no safe transportation is available, be able to provide sleeping arrangements for guests

• Drinking contests and games encourage over-consumption of alcohol; avoid them

• Know and respect the laws in order to ensure everyone is staying out of legal trouble

• Have your guests provide proper ID to ensure they are of legal drinking age
  (Adapted from "Having a party in the neighborhood? Make Safe Choices".  University of Missouri - Columbia's Alcohol Summit's Access to Alcohol Action Team)

Top 10 Reasons Parties Get Busted

        10. Property is vandalized or stolen
          9. Trash is thrown all over the lawn
          8. People urinate or vomit outside
          7. Intoxicated people cause a variety of problems
          6. A fight breaks out
          5. Cars are parked illegally
          4. Hosts charge a cover or sell cups
          3. The crowd is not staying inside and begins partying outside
          2. The noise gets too loud
          1. Minors are drinking
          (Adapted from "House Parties: A guide by students for students".  University of Central Missouri - Office of Violence and Substance Abuse Prevention)

Know Your Limits

Blood Alcohol Concentration Charts

Alcohol Poisoning

If someone is showing signs of these symptoms, do the following:

1. Wake the person up.  Call their name; shake them; pinch them.  If they don't respond, get help!

2. Turn and keep the person on their side so that if they get sick they will not choke on their vomit.

3. Check the person's skin.  If his or her skin is pale or bluish, cold, or clammy, get help immediately!

4. Check the person's breathing.  If it is irregular, or too slow/shallow (less than 8 breaths per minute or
   more than 10 seconds between breaths), get help!

5. Contact 911.  Stay with the person as you call 911.  Remain calm, get assistance if possible, and follow
   instructions provided by the dispatcher.

(Adapted from www.brad21.org - B.R.A.D.²¹ is an excellent resource for every student)

    IT IS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY,   
                CALL 911 WHEN IN DOUBT               

DO NOT TAKE THE LIFE OF ANOTHER INTO YOUR OWN HANDS,
LET PROFESSIONALS HANDLE IT

Links
B.R.A.D.²¹
S.T.A.R.T.
TSU Legal Assistance Page
Organizational Resources