RESOLUTION (Adopted Aug. 27, 2018): Each NIC member fraternity will adopt and implement a policy by Sept. 1, 2019, that prohibits the presence of alcohol products above 15% ABV in any chapter facility or at any chapter event, except when served by a licensed third-party vendor. Chapter facilities and events outside the United States may have one additional year to achieve compliance. Any member fraternity that does not have a business meeting between Sept. 1, 2018, and Sept. 1, 2019, will be granted a one-year extension in adoption.
WHY?: Nearly all hazing and over-consumption deaths in the past two years have involved students consuming high-percentage alcohol beverages. The Conference felt it was critically important to act with one voice to effectively implement an industry-wide standard.
IMPLEMENTATION: Each member fraternity is charged with implementing this policy within its chapters.
FAQ
15ABV FAQ
Nearly all hazing and over-consumption deaths in the past two years have involved students consuming high-percentage alcohol beverages. The Conference felt it was critically important to act with one voice to effectively implement an industry-wide standard.
Yes, the Conference intentionally decided that this standard will apply to the entire chapter facility, including the private living spaces of students who are of the legal drinking age. Note, our research shows more than 90% of students living in fraternity houses are under 21.
For chapters inside the United States, each member fraternity will be required to implement this policy in their organization no later than September 1, 2019. Member organizations will be given a one-year extension if they need more time to have the policy ratified by the appropriate governing body, which may not meet before September 1, 2019 deadline.
Once finalized, inter/national member fraternities should send their policy language to standards@nicfraternity.org.
Each member fraternity is charged with implementing this policy within its chapters.
NIC member fraternities agree that all chapters must be members of a NIC-recognized, Standards-compliant IFC. Through the IFC chartering process, the NIC will work with each IFC over the next year to ensure that its policies align with this Standard.
This standard is designed to be a minimum expectation. When member fraternities and campuses have more restrictive policies, students and chapters will still be expected to follow these policies.
A member fraternity, IFC or campus is encouraged to build upon this and the NIC’s other Health & Safety Standards as it determines what best fits its needs and improves the health and safety of members and guests.
Check the label! The alcohol content in beer, wine and malt beverages is below 15% ABV. However, hard alcohol or spirits are above 15% ABV (30 proof). Most of the severe injuries and deaths correlated with alcohol use are related to consuming “hard alcohol.”
