Saint Louis University isn't a dry campus. So why is there a nearly zero-tolerance keg policy?

"I think that the student code of conduct says it pretty succinctly, that we don't allow large quantities of alcohol, like kegs, party bongs, those kinds of things, to be present in the residence halls or the apartments at any time," said Terisa C. Remelius, Ph.D., director of Operations and Judicial Affairs. "(But) Nowhere in the handbook are you going to find the phrase 'zero tolerance.'"

The sanctions currently in place regarding kegs and bulk quantities of liquor were implemented about two years ago. That is to say, SLU has never authorized kegs in the residence halls–but the repercussions in question have been around for two years.

"I think, that even this year from last year, we've seen a decrease in large parties," Remelius said. "But I don't know if I can tell you that the keg policy in and of itself has been the thing that decreased that number."

The Student Handbook CD states that kegs are prohibited in University-owned and operated residence halls and apartments, also specifying that the irresponsible use of alcohol will result in disciplinary action.

"Kegs, party balls, beer bongs and similar large containers of alcohol are not permitted in the residence halls/living units. If found, the alcohol and the paraphernalia (container, tapper, etc.) will be disposed of and the owner(s) brought to disciplinary review. Irresponsible use of alcohol resulting in public intoxication, disorderly conduct, vandalism or similar conduct may result in disciplinary action."

The standard ramifications for alcohol violations are a written warning and a one-hour alcohol educational; a second offense will earn disciplinary probation for a year, parental notification, an alcohol assessment and $100 fine; the third incident will result in removal from halls or apartments and disciplinary probation. Disciplinary probation means that the student cannot sign up for an apartment for a year or movement from an apartment to a traditional residence hall.

"Typically, if someone is found with a keg in their apartment, he or she is removed from that apartment. That is almost always true," said Remelius.

There are exceptions, however; the judicial office is adamant about handling every situation differently.

"We try to look at every situation in and of itself," said Remelius.

If a party gets busted where there is a keg or a quantity of hard alcohol, any violations of the alcohol policy are documented; hosts or apartment owners are notified, and all containers are dumped or seized.

"We actually confiscate kegs and keep them in a holding room at least through the judicial process," Remelius said.

The documents are sent to the Judicial Affairs Office and reviewed and all parties involved are charged equally until Judicial clarifies who is in violation of policy.

"The students can choose to go through a formal judicial hearing and basically that hearing process is a opportunity for the student to bring in witnesses, documents, pictures, emails, anything the student has at his or her disposal to say 'No, I'm not in violation of that policy,'" Remelius said.

Deanna Kauffman, associate director for Housing and Residence Life, said that there are handful of incidents each year involving exorbitant amounts of alcohol, and that this year is no different.

"Large quantities of alcohol are not conducive to responsible behavior," Kauffman said. "Kegs and large quantities of alcohol such as handles of liquor contribute to over consumption, as well as large parties that can easily get out of control."

Kauffman also stated that alcohol abuse in college students has gained additional attention recently, since six students have died from alcohol poisoning this year alone.

"We're also having a lot of concerns on and off campus about the amount that students are drinking, and obviously keeping kegs to a minimum means that we're having some sort of a handle over how much they are able to get their hands on," Remelius said.

"We've had like a dozen students transported to the hospital this year for alcohol

poisoning. I mean, it's really a huge issue for us," she said.