Although University officials advocate a drug-free social life, they are aware of the realities of undergraduate drinking. In order to ensure the safety of Penn students who decide to drink whether underage or not the University has an alcohol policy in place.
One component, the Medical Amnesty Policy, seeks to minimize the health risks associated with heavy alcohol consumption. If students are overly drunk or in danger of alcohol poisoning, they can receive medical assistance without fear of being punished for underage drinking. Drug-related overdoses are covered under the same conditions.
This policy applies to both the student in danger and any friends who call requesting medical attention.
"No student seeking medical treatment for an alcohol or other drug-related overdose will be subject to University discipline for the sole violation of using or possessing alcohol or drugs," according to the Alcohol Policy Initiatives Web site.
Though they are prepared for the worst-case scenario, University officials do not expect that students will drink in an irresponsible manner.
In fact, according to statistics from the Office of Health Education, the majority of students who drink consume four or fewer alcoholic drinks when they party, which is considered by the office to be low- or moderate-risk behavior. In addition, many students choose not to drink at all.
Posters with the slogan "Four of Fewer" are part of a larger Alcohol Policy Initiatives campaign to educate undergraduates about the myths and realities of college drinking.
"It's important not to buy into the stereotypes that college life is all about drinking heavily and hooking up with people," said Stephanie Ives, director of Alcohol Policy Initiatives. "Heavy consumption of alcohol or drugs is not the norm, and the people that [students] see engaging in high-risk behaviors are very visible, but that doesn't mean everybody is doing it."
She added, "It's important that they take a very critical look of what is going on. ... They shouldn't allow misperceptions to lead them into higher risk drinking behaviors."
Providing social and cultural activities without alcohol is part of the University's policy, as well. The various college houses sponsor an array of non-alcoholic social events on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights that are open to all undergraduate students.
University officials caution that students who choose to drink at other social events should set limits, so that their time out remains safe and enjoyable. Standard precautions include drinking non-alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated and not drinking on an empty stomach, according to the Office of Health Education.
Another precaution when drinking around strangers is to not leave drinks unattended and to be mindful of the drinks' contents.
The University Alcohol Policy also prohibits kegs of all sizes in undergraduate college houses. In addition, on-campus parties sponsored by student organizations that are planning to serve alcohol must be registered with Alcohol Policy Initiatives, which is housed in the Office of the Vice Provost for University Life.
