In 2008 the Valparaiso University School of Law Student Bar Assiciation Alcohol Policy was created. It prohibited hard alcohol at SBA sponsored events, decreased the available use of SBA funds for alcohol, and required sober monitors at events where SBA funds were expended. Will it spur professionalism amongst students, will it spawn a responsible, healthy atmosphere, and will it lead away from the abuse of alcohol as a form of release for Valparaiso University School of Law students? While only time will answer those questions, a short inquiry into the history, creation and passage of the Alcohol Policy revealed the efforts of SBA to promote the prudent use of student activity dollars.
“It began two years ago with a perception shift within the SBA” cites SBA Vice President, Paul Kulwinski. “We realized, beginning with the leadership of Sebastian Smelko, that we were spending too much on alcohol. The SBA took a literal approach to its name.”
Records revealing the amount of money spent on alcohol in past years are difficult to find, yet, according to Director of Student Relations, Joe Baruffi, preliminary research reveals that over one-third of SBA dollars went towards the tap at alcohol centered events, or where alcohol was served.
“In addition,” cites Kulwinski, “while new groups were forming on campus, we were handing out SBA money to groups to pay for current groups and their drinking habits.”
That internal shift to create a fiscally prudent SBA, beginning under Smelko, continued into the transition to new leadership under Laura Wishhart in 2008. But while changes were being made internally, external perceptions would accelerate the creation of the Valpo Law Alcohol Policy.
“Last year over twelve Valpo law students were cited with DUI’s that I know about,” said Baruffi. “Beyond that, a few divorces as a result of alcohol abuse as well. Historically, the President of Valparaiso University has said no to using student activity fees for booze, but Dean Conison has stood up for the law students year after year, emphasizing we are responsible adults.”
As it turns out, Valpo Law is one of the few law schools in the country that allows student fees to be used to purchase alcohol. In an effort to stave off prohibition, and to continue their efforts to promote a responsible, healthy atmosphere both fiscally and physically, the SBA came forward to the administration with the Alcohol Policy.
The policy states that the main purpose of an event can no longer be drinking. Furthermore, “[it] limits the use of SBA dollars to wine and beer purchases” says Kulwinski. At events where SBA money is used to sponsor any part of the activity, no hard liquor is allowed to be served at all regardless if there is a cash bar. For example, if your organization holds an event at a bar, no attendees may purchase hard liquor from the bar, even with their own funds. “However,” says Kulwinski, “if you communicate with SBA early enough before your event, there remains the possibility
The new policy places responsibility upon the event’s sponsoring group, requiring 1 sober person for every planned 50 attendees. In addition, the event planners must provide alcohol alternatives, further de-emphasizing the use of alcohol as the center of attention. Event planners are also encouraged to advertise the purpose of the event, and if alcohol is to be served, advertise it in neutral terms, such as “refreshments will be available.”
The latest addition to the policy is that no more than the stated amount, $85, that may be spent per keg, yet with prior approval from the SBA that is subject to change as well.
Reaction from student group Presidents appears to be in support. “The only time we might order alcohol is if we have a little bit of wine with dinner” said Nick Poteres of the Hellenic Law Association. “It really doesn’t affect us.”
“I do not feel that serving alcohol will break or make any event” mentioned Bridgitt Anderson, President of the Black Law Student Association. “I also think that the new policy serves as a way for the school to push organizations to fundraise.”
Meanwhile, Mike Duffy of Jus Vitae aired a concern, “I wonder to what degree the “van renting policy” of having students drive tanked students home presents potential liability to the school. When the van is rented, is the school or student liable, and if the school is, whose tuition dollar is used to pay out the judgment?”
Liability appears to be a lingering concern for some student group presidents who question the need to advertise and offer sober drivers to those students and their friends who attend and make the personal decision to imbibe. And that question of liability is one that all are hoping is not answered by the Porter County Courts.
“The use of student activity fees is everyone’s,” said Baruffi. “Perhaps in the future we will need to vote as students, as to what exactly it can be used for. But for now, I’m seeing a culture change amongst students, where we are developing a sense of professional use of alcohol at professional events.”
Nathan Vis is a 2L and can be reached at forum@valpo.edu
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