Though University officials do not condone underage drinking, the primary goal of the school's alcohol policy is to ensure the safety of students whether they are legally allowed to drink or not.
Under the Medical Amnesty Policy, students can seek professional medical help for excessive alcohol consumption without fear of legal or punitive repercussions. Drug-related overdoses are covered by the same policy.
The guidelines apply not only to the sick students themselves, but also to whoever sought help.
"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.
However, while students of all ages can seek medical help without reservations, incoming freshman should remember that drinking while under 21 is still illegal.
"Just because they're on a college campus doesn't mean the rules don't apply," Penn's Director of Alcohol Policy Initiatives Stephanie Ives said.
Though the amnesty policy is designed for excessive alcohol use, officials stress that most students will drink in a responsible manner.
According to annual surveys conducted by the Office of Health Education over the last several years, the majority of Penn students drink four or fewer drinks when they party.
"Moderate drinking is the norm for Penn students," Ives said, describing "moderate" as one drink per hour and no more than four in total. "The body can only handle one drink per hour."
The alcohol policy also seeks to curb excessive drinking and maintain safety at parties sponsored by student organizations.
In the past, the University has required students to register on-campus parties where alcohol is to be served and has prohibited hard alcohol -- as well as cans and kegs of beer.
After major revisions over the last year, the new policy also restricts parties to public areas -- keeping students away from private areas like bedrooms -- and increases vigilance and training for members of the hosting organizations. In addition, parties must stop serving alcohol at 1 a.m.
In seeking to curb alcohol use, the University's alcohol policy also looks to encourage social and cultural events without alcohol.
The various college houses throughout campus host many non-alcoholic social events Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights that are open to all undergraduates.
Penn guidelines - College doesn't change the fact that the drinking age is 21 - Intoxicated students who are need of help can seek medical attention without fear of repercussions - Campus organizations hosting parties with alcohol must keep parties in public areas and limit alcoholic beverages to beer -- in cans or bottles only
