Alcohol Possession and Use Policy

The possession and/or use of alcohol is prohibited for students in the College of Arts & Sciences during the academic year

While within the Bethel community and the Christian community broadly there are differing opinions concerning the use of alcohol, the majority of students in the College of Arts & Sciences are under the age of 21. As a primarily residential campus, the College of Arts & Sciences attempts to create a community that facilitates an educationally powerful campus climate focused on academic engagement and interpersonal relationships. Alcohol on college campuses has been found to impede both of these goals. Therefore, Bethel students are required to refrain from the possession and/or use of alcohol, on and off campus, during the academic year. The academic year begins when students arrive on campus for official campus activities such as leadership positions, athletic participation, and work as a Bethel student employee, or when the student returns to college housing for the school year for any other purpose. The school year ends after commencement and when students have moved out of their Bethel housing for that school year. Students attending Bethel classes during the summer or who are employed by Bethel University during the summer months remain under the alcohol use restriction.

Educational programs focused on the physical, intellectual, and emotional effects of alcohol use are available to all members of the Bethel community. Those who find themselves struggling with alcohol or substance abuse or addiction can find help through the Office of Student Life, Counseling Services, or Health Services. Students who come to the Office of Student Life seeking help for alcohol-related issues will be responded to under the non-disciplinary policy.

Failure to comply with Bethel’s alcohol possession and use policy will result in disciplinary responses up to and including suspension from the university. For further explanation of disciplinary responses to alcohol possession and use, see the Disciplinary Policy and Procedures. See Alcohol and Drug Abuse Resources.