Miami University Guiding Statement Regarding the Use of Alcohol

Our philosophical statement reflects Miami University’s shared values:

Miami University is a scholarly community whose members believe that a liberal education is grounded in qualities of character as well as of intellect. We respect the dignity of other persons, the rights and property of others, and the right of others to express disparate beliefs. We believe in honesty, integrity, and the importance of moral conduct. We defend the freedom of inquiry that is the heart of learning and combine that freedom with the exercise of judgment and the acceptance of personal responsibility.

The Miami University community defends the freedom of inquiry that is the heart of learning and values the exercise of judgment and the acceptance of personal responsibility.

Whereas we recognize that alcohol abuse often leads to negative consequences for individuals and communities, we also acknowledge that the moderate and responsible consumption of alcohol can be a valid lifestyle choice for some members of our community.

We are all life-long learners. In particular, students are in a period of experimentation and exploration, which is essential, natural, often productive, and sometimes risky. 

Given that reality, there is a need for education on the safe and smart use of alcohol. We expect our community members to positively intervene in circumstances where alcohol and other drugs might interfere with the true goals of the Miami community. We reflect and define our community norms. We must all work together to be sure those norms and values are clearly articulated, widely communicated, and consistently applied. 

A more comprehensive statement of the relationship between our institutional values and our perspective on alcohol use is contained in the 2015 Alcohol Task Force Report.