While the LSU Code of Student Conduct generally does not have specific governance over students’ general off-campus behaviors (please consult Student Advocacy and Accountability for specifics on the LSU Code of Student Conduct), the Baton Rouge community perceives students as university representatives. If illegal or inappropriate behaviors are reported by a community entity or others, students can experience some disciplinary sanctions by the university. Furthermore, if the majority of guests at an off-campus party are members of a university-sponsored group or organization, university officials may consider the party to be a group-sponsored event which is subject to university policy regulations.

What can I do to prevent my party from becoming an unruly gathering?
By following these tips below, students can successfully host a party or celebration event while still maintaining peaceful and positive relations with their neighbors:
 

Before the party

• Inform your neighbors that a party is going to take place, especially if there will be many vehicles and loud music.
• Write a guest list. You are responsible for all guests so be prepared to turn people away if attendance expands beyond your list.
• Ask your guests to respect your neighbors’ property and the common areas in your neighborhood such as boulevards, entry gateways, and cul-de-sacs.

During the party

• Avoid parking problems and consider the parking and driving needs of your neighbors.
• Periodically, go outside and monitor the level of noise coming from your party.
• Organize a street patrol crew to discourage people from illegally parking.
• It is illegal to sell alcohol or require a cover charge at your party.
• It is illegal to serve alcohol to guests under the legal drinking age of 21.
• Serve food and have a variety of non-alcoholic beverages available.
• Take steps to ensure that all guests have a sober ride home.
• Discourage guests from wandering away from the property.

As the party ends

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  If guests are too drunk to drive, find another solution, such as allowing them to stay at your home or asking a sober party attendant to drive them. The host can be liable for damage or harm caused by intoxicated guests.

• Remove all garbage from the yard and street immediately. Drive the neighborhood streets the next morning to resolve any problems caused by your guests.
• If guests stay the night, make sure that they park in an orderly manner so their cars are not blocking streets, sidewalks, or driveways.

Damages Caused by Guests

It is very important to monitor the behavior of your guests during parties and regular visits. If you are renting, Louisiana law states that you can be liable for damages caused to the property by guests. The law requires that renters repair damages caused by guests, too.

General Guidance for Hosts

Pay attention to information regarding the primary and second-hand risks associated with alcohol and other drugs. Many students are not aware that they can die from consuming too much alcohol. Consuming alcohol or using other drugs negatively impacts students’ physical and psychological health, safety and security, academic success, and life experiences. You also can be placed at serious likelihood of harm by associating with others who engage in high-risk behavior. Make mature decisions to prevent harm to yourself and others.

Attending Parties and Gatherings

Party hosts have a responsibility to develop good neighborhood relations when moving into a new residence. Generally, new neighborhood residents, especially students, are encouraged to meet their neighbors, exchange contact information, and notify other residents about upcoming social events that will be hosted at their home.

If you are invited to a party in a neighborhood, realize that you have responsibilities as a partygoer to help your friends and acquaintances maintain good relationships.

Here are some tips to assist with maintaining good relations. These tips can also help you maintain safety and security if you drink alcohol.

• Respect everyone’s property by not littering or trespassing on other’s property.
• Park legally on neighborhood streets. Blocking sidewalks, streets or other’s driveways is against city-parish ordinance.
• Keep the noise to a minimum when going to and from a party.
• If you choose to drink, consume alcohol at the party only instead of while going to and from a party.
• Dispose of all alcohol in garbage cans before you enter your or another’s vehicle. Alcoholic beverage containers should not be left in the street. Driving or riding with an open alcoholic beverage container is illegal in the state.
• If alcoholic beverages are being sold illegally or illegal drugs are being used, leave the party immediately.
• Always use the restroom at the party. Public urination is illegal, unsanitary, and inconsiderate.
• Encourage friends who have consumed too much alcohol to stop drinking.
• If a party guest consumed too much alcohol, ask a sober guest to drive him/her or find another solution.