Based on its commitment to ensure the safety and health of its students and employees, the Cleveland Institute of Art seeks to maintain work and learning environments free of the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession or use of a controlled substance or the abuse of alcohol. Drug and alcohol abuse affects the responsible conduct of business, teaching, and learning, and will not be tolerated. 

The Institute recognizes its obligation to provide student support services and information regarding the use and abuse of alcohol, and it affirms that the choice not to drink, exercised by students of legal drinking age, is as socially acceptable as the choice to drink; that excessive drinking or drunkenness is not condoned; and that being drunk is no excuse for misconduct or infringement upon the rights of others. Students are therefore required to observe Institute guidelines for responsible and legal consumption of alcoholic beverages.

The Institute will conform to all state and local laws controlling the sale and use of alcoholic beverages. It is illegal to sell, provide or serve beer, wine or liquor to anyone who is under the age of 21. Students who do not comply with local or state laws or Institute procedures will be subject to disciplinary action by the Institute.

In regard to the use of alcohol:

• Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in studios or classrooms

• Attending class or working in any studio while under the influence of alcohol is not permitted

• The consumption of alcoholic beverages at the Cleveland Institute of Art is subject to the STATE OF OHIO LIQUOR LAW and certain provisions of the OHIO PENAL CODE. The mini- mum legal age for any beer/wine/alcohol purchase, service, and consumption is 21 years.

• The alcohol policy applies equally to all Institute students, faculty, staff and guests during the time that they are on the premises. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to make appropriate decisions concerning consumption of alcohol at Institute events and while operating a vehicle.

• Public intoxication on Institute premises will not be tolerated.

• Alcoholic beverages are not to be served to persons under the legal drinking age or to persons who appear intoxicated. Photo identification and proof of age is required.

• Alcoholic beverages found in the possession of an underage individual will be confiscated and disposed of.

• Underage students found in possession of, using or manufacturing illegal identification that alters their age or their identity will be subject to disciplinary action and the document confiscated.

Alcohol at Campus Events

Alcohol is not permitted at any departmental events that do not include an approved means to check for and indicate that an attendee is eligible to be served alcohol.

The serving and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises of the Institute is permitted only at approved registered events or events otherwise officially sponsored by the Institute. Individuals wishing to serve alcohol at their event must submit appropriate paperwork to the Dean of Student Affairs.

If the event is approved, organizers MUST follow the following rules:

• Events will require professional servers. Non-alcoholic beverages and food must also be available at all events where alcohol is served.

• The sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited except at specific events for which a temporary license has been secured by the Cleveland Institute of Art

• Consumption of alcoholic beverages at an event is permitted only in the area designated on the approved event registration form

• Organizers must prescribe to the 0-1-3 rule for responsible alcohol consumption: 0 drinks for underage students; 1 drink per hour and a maximum of 3 drinks per event for eligible consumers.

• No social event shall include any form of “drinking contest” in its activities or promotion, nor should the presence/serving of alcohol be the focus of advertising for an event

• Make provisions to ensure that excessive drinking does not take place

• The alcohol policy must be posted at all registered events at which alcohol is served

• Student events must be staffed with security personnel approved by the Dean of Student Affairs.