Penn State fraternities adopt new policy to combat alcohol issues

Penn State fraternities adopt new policy to combat alcohol issues

University Park, Pa. — In an unprecedented effort to discourage high-risk drinking and incidents at social events, Penn State’s Interfraternity Council (IFC) has adopted a new policy for fraternity socials.

The policy is designed to combat excessive alcohol consumption, underage drinking, uninvited guests and other problems that sometimes occur at large events.

“This move is a terrific example of responsible action by our student leadership,” said Penn State President Graham Spanier. “The leaders of the community of fraternities are to be commended for addressing these issues head on.”

Under the new policy, which fraternity leaders have called “groundbreaking,” the IFC will select a third-party, private security agency from which fraternities hosting parties will hire social monitors who will verify that guests are on a mandated guest list and require photo identification for entry. Fraternities are still required to register events and guest lists days before the social function.

Luke Pierce, IFC president, said the objective monitoring of events is expected to increase accountability and reports of risk management violations, with offenders subject to sanctions from student peers on the IFC Executive Board. It also is expected to limit the size of parties and increase the overall level of safety for those in attendance.

Additionally, social functions may only be held on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays during regular weeks. Wednesday events, which were previously allowed and regulated, will be prohibited.

“There are many things our fraternities can and should be doing throughout the week, both academically and in the community,” said Pierce. “Having parties on weekdays can be a distraction from this important work, and we’re confident that our members will recognize the new policies as a key to better contributing to our community,” added Pierce.

The IFC represents the 49 recognized Penn State fraternities.