Student and Student Organization Alcohol Policy

I. Scope:

This policy applies to all George Mason students and George Mason University student organizations, as defined in University Policy 6000, except for Law School Student Organizations (LSSOs).

Alcohol possession and use in residence halls is governed by the Office of Housing and Residence Life Handbook.  Law School Student Organizations (LSSOs) are governed by a local protocol established by the Antonin Scalia Law School. University tailgate events hosted by GMU Athletics are governed by established tailgating procedures.

II. Policy Statement:

A. Alcohol Policy for Students:

George Mason University prohibits the possession, distribution, sale, and consumption of alcohol by students while they are on campus or while participating in classes (including online classes), except that students who are over the age of 21 may engage in the following activities involving alcohol:

1. Students enrolled and actively participating in programs and classes that involve learning about and consuming alcohol as part of the curriculum (e.g., Wine and Craft Beverage Management Minor).
2. Students in residence halls may possess and consume alcohol in compliance with the policies set forth in the Office of Housing and Residence Life Handbook.
3. Students may consume alcohol at on- and off-campus events sponsored by George Mason University or a student organization when the guidelines established in this policy, related policies, and the Student Code of Conduct are followed.

Students who are under the age of 21 may not possess, distribute, or consume alcohol on- or off-campus, and may be referred to the Office of Student Conduct for any known violations.

B. General Requirements for Student Organization Events that include Alcohol:

1. Service of alcohol must comply with all state and local laws, including age verification.
2. Events held at George Mason facilities must abide by UP 1135: Food and Beverage Event Policy and its associated procedures.
3. Student Activity Fee (SAF) and Student Funding Board (SFB) funds must not be used for events that include alcohol.
4. Any service of an alcoholic beverage must be through a cash bar arrangement (i.e., with payment being made directly by attendees to the licensed bartender or caterer) or through an alcoholic beverage ticket or other limited access mechanism. Unlimited alcohol (i.e., “open” bar) is prohibited.
5. Events that include alcohol must also include food and non-alcoholic beverages.
6. Promotional messages for events that include alcohol must advertise a purpose that is not solely about drinking.

III. Definitions:

Student Activity Funds (SAF): monies collected through mandatory study activity fees or otherwise allocated to student organizations by University Life.

Student Funding Board (SFB): a departmental organization (advised by a Student Involvement staff member), that reviews funding applications submitted by RSO’s. These funds allow GMU students to host events and programs organized by their RSO.

Student Organization: all student organizations that are included in UP 6000  and/or defined by the Code of Student Conduct, excluding LSSO’s.

IV. Responsibilities:

All students, student organizations, and employees are responsible for upholding this policy and must report any violations immediately to campus police and the Office of Student Conduct.

University Life is responsible for administering student training that includes information about this policy.

V. Compliance:

Students and student organizations who violate this policy will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and may face disciplinary action, up to and including potential dismissal.
Student organizations may also become ineligible for SAF and SFB funding and/or suspension.

Employees who are aware of and fail to report violations of this policy may face disciplinary action.

VI. Timetable for Review:

This policy, and any related procedures, shall be reviewed every three years or more frequently as needed. 

VII. Amendments:

Amendments will be approved by the Senior Vice President and COO and the Provost and Executive Vice President.

VIII. Dates:

This policy was approved and became effective August 24, 2026.