Alcohol use and abuse on campus: An analysis of the problem and policy recommendations

This report presents a comprehensive study of student drinking and the problems arising from alcohol abuse at Canadian universities, with specific emphasis on the University of New Brunswick and universities of similar size and structure. The report is intended to assist the University of New Brunswick in developing policy to better monitor and control the alcohol situation on campus, and work toward a better future for the University Community as a whole.;The initial chapter surveys statistical findings about drinking patterns on Canadian and American campuses and the problems that emerge from alcohol abuse. It concludes that alcohol abuse is a significant problem on most campuses, although the problem does not appear to be worsening. Later chapters review and compare the existing alcohol policies of six Canadian universities including the University of New Brunswick. As well, the Report examine universities' potential legal liability, distinguishing Occupier's Liability and Social Host Liability and reviewing a number of significant legal cases. The Report finds that legal liability is a significant issue that universities need to anticipate in policy development. It concludes with a series of recommendations to the University of New Brunswick concerning possible amendments to its present alcohol policy. It argues that the present policy, while largely adequate, requires further development and attention to more consistent enforcement. Although the need for collaborative policy-development and campus education to change campus norms must not be neglected in developing alcohol policy, an emphasis on rigorous and consistent enforcement may be the key to dealing with the problem of campus alcohol abuse.