Alcohol Policy

SLU-Madrid's policy on alcohol follows the University's, which sets parameters to reflect students' awareness and concern for themselves and each other. The University encourages students to consider all the implications of drinking and to arrive at a conscientious decision about how they will personally use alcohol. The University prohibits any drinking patterns that lead to behaviors detrimental to the health and welfare of the individual, other students, or the University community. Persons who choose to consume alcohol, whether on or off campus, do so with the knowledge that they are responsible for their actions and behavior at all times. 

Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Low doses impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a vehicle safely. Low to moderate doses increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts and impairs decision-making abilities. Alcohol has been found to play a significant role in sexual assaults and relationship violence on college campuses. In more than three-quarters of college rapes, the offender, the victim or both had been drinking. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause impairments in higher mental functions that can severely alter a person's ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence.

Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol include severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations and convulsions. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol also can lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and liver.

Spanish law forbids the consumption or sale of alcohol to persons under the age of 18 (Article 30.2 de la ley 5/2002 de 27 de junio sobre Drogodependencias y otros Trastornos Adictivos). Thus, no person under the age of 18 may purchase or attempt to purchase, or have in his or her possession, any alcoholic or intoxicating beverage on campus or at SLU-Madrid activities. In addition, no alcoholic beverage may be served or sold to anyone under 18 years of age on campus or at SLU-Madrid activities. All students must present valid photo identification or comply with age verification procedures at events where alcohol is served or sold. Students found presenting false identification or taking other steps to acquire alcohol as a minor will be subject to disciplinary action and risks criminal prosecution.

Social activities are expected to have clear purposes, other than the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Only on exceptional occasions expressly approved by the Director of SLU-Madrid (special events, alumni receptions, commencement celebrations) and under strict supervision is the consumption of alcohol permitted on campus. The sale of alcohol on campus is restricted to licensed providers. SLU-Madrid will take reasonable steps to protect the rights of others threatened by illegal, immoderate or underage drinking. Any student misconduct due to drinking will be sanctioned following the procedures outlined in the Student Rights and Responsibilities and Community Standards.

All arrangements for food and beverages that include alcohol, for on-campus events must be clearly detailed when submitting an event organization form. This form must have the appropriate signatures and be presented to the Office of Finance. Any restrictions related to the use of alcohol will be communicated to the person who signed the form, who takes on the responsibility for ensuring that the SLU-Madrid Alcohol policy is enforced and faces disciplinary sanctions if it is not.

Finally, in accord with University policy, SLU-Madrid will sponsor programs and develop guidelines to help community members understand the advantages of a healthy lifestyle, the consequences of use and abuse of alcohol, the moral implications of alcohol use, and the importance of personal and community responsibility.

In accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, the University requires SLU-Madrid to communicate annually to its students information that includes the University Alcohol and Drug Policies, counseling and assistance programs, University and legal sanctions, health risks and uses and effects of controlled substances. All students should become familiar with this information. 
 
For assistance and information on issues relating to alcohol, please contact the Counseling Center at 91 554 58 58, Ext. 230, counselingcenter-madrid@slu.edu.

[Last update: Nov. 8, 2024]