PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Regulation of the legal use, possession and distribution of alcohol on Eastern Washington University (EWU) property and at EWU-sponsored events.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 28B.35.120(12).
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The purpose of this policy is to further the university mission by creating a safe environment for student learning. To accomplish this, the university will support the enforcement of federal, state, and local laws, as well as its own alcohol and drug policies and procedures. The university will also encourage university functions in a controlled environment that reduces risk and creates positive experiences. This policy recognizes community standards of responsibility and accountability in the use of alcohol and the expectation that individuals have a right to learn, to work, and to live free from the disruptions and consequences of alcohol abuse by others. It is the responsibility of every member of the university community to know the risks associated with the use and abuse of alcohol and to assist the university, its faculty, staff, administrators, and students in creating an environment that promotes health-enhancing attitudes and activities.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The Washington State Liquor Control Board: Any function sponsored by faculty, staff, administrators, or students or a faculty, staff, administrator or student group(s) at which alcoholic beverages are sold or served, whether or not the function is open to the public, may be held in those areas permitted under the provisions of this policy only after a banquet permit is obtained.
Process for Developing New Rule: At Eastern Washington University, diversity of opinion and freedom of choice involves the exercise of personal responsibility that includes the obligation to make sound judgements regarding the use of alcohol. This alcohol policy was developed by a community-wide committee of faculty, administrators, students and Cheney and Spokane community members as a reasonable set of standards to enhance a positive campus environment. These rules and regulations are an important factor in the reduction of alcohol-related problems is the human capacity to act responsibly. Therefore, the university has an expectation that individuals and groups know and understand the risk and liability associated with the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Connie Gross, Special Assistant to the Board of Trustees, President's Office, SHW 214, Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA 99004-2444, phone (509) 359-6598, fax (509) 359-2006. The hearing will be conducted during a scheduled board meeting.
March 19, 2003
Laurie Flinn Connelly
Rules Coordinator
Associate to the President