A committee assembled in December by Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Penny Rue ‘mdash; composed of student and department representatives ‘mdash; met for the first time on Feb. 10 to review and provide reccomendations for the revision of UCSD’s alcohol policy, first composed in 1987 and later revised in 2003.
Recent difficulties in planning and promoting campus events have called into question the relevance of current regulations, particularly regarding advertising and sponsorship clauses, which includes a provision stating ‘The availability of alcohol at events shall not be advertised.’
A.S. Associate Vice President of Programming Garrett Berg served as the committee’s single undergraduate representative.
‘Countless organizations, including the Alumni Association and even ‘mdash; if I remember correctly ‘mdash; the chancellor’s office have violated this policy,’ Berg said in an e-mail. ‘This policy should be lifted almost entirely, allowing events to advertise alcohol service as long as it includes a phrase such as ’21 [and up] bring valid, government-issued ID.”
A.S. councilmembers criticized the administration last quarter after the Loft, a University Centers-managed campus venue, was allowed to run a promotional campaign for a wine-tasting event that appeared to break advertising regulations in accordance with the disputed alcohol policy. The campaign was a topic of discussion at the committee’s meeting.
‘To consider alternatives regarding the current policy language prohibiting the reference of alcohol service in event announcements, the committee will look at the policies of other universities that permit such references,’ Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Life and committee chair Gary L. Ratcliff said in an e-mail.
Committee members discussed revising convoluted or unclear areas of the policy, focusing heavily on restrictions.
‘The policy currently prohibits alcohol-related sponsors if the event serves alcohol, but it allows it if the event does not serve alcohol,’ Berg said. ‘This just seems incredibly contradictory and, quite frankly, confusing.’
At the meeting, the UCSD Real Estate Office ‘mdash; represented by Associate Director of Real Estate Development Ginger Truschke ‘mdash; emphasized a need for policy clarification regarding campus vendors licensed to serve alcoholic beverages. Business Affairs Associate Controller Sally Brainerd and campus police representative Lt. David Rose recommended that the Use of Alcoholic or Malt Beverage Request Form be updated to increase clarity of the document, citing a trend in requests that contain incomplete information.
Rose told the committee that his office processes 600 to 700 permit requests per year; in response, a subcommittee was formed to review the permit form and consider revisions.
The safety and wellbeing of students remained a priority throughout the discussion. Director of Student Policies and Judicial Affairs Tony Valladolid requested the presence of a student health representative for alcohol education.
The focus of discussions about safety and security, especially regarding the Sun God Festival, worried Berg.
‘I was surprised, especially considering the enormous changes we were forced to make last year,’ Berg said. ‘We were suddenly discussing the merits of selling shot glasses, alcohol service at venues like [Porter’s Pub] and Round Table, and even alcohol service at the event itself. While it was only the first meeting, I am worried that Sun God may once again be singled out.’
Graduate Student Association Vice President of Campus Affairs Alex James said he was pleased with the progress made a
t the committee’s first meeting, especially in discussion of revising the policy’s tone.
‘There is no overarching driving principle of what the policy is doing,’ he said. ‘Originally, it seemed to discourage drinking. The new focus is encouraging responsible drinking ‘hellip; it will be better for students.’
The committee plans to meet bi-weekly throughout the review process.
Readers can contact David Harvey at [email protected].