10 Ways Fraternities Can Make Their Parties Safer

Fraternity parties are a cornerstone of college life, offering students a chance to unwind, bond with peers, and create lasting memories. These events, often filled with music, laughter, and camaraderie, have the potential to bring an entire campus community together.

However, issues such as alcohol overconsumption, lack of clear boundaries, and a general lack of security measures can create environments where attendees may feel unsafe or vulnerable. In this article, we’ll take a look at real, actionable tips for fraternities to make their parties safer.

Limit Party Attendance

Overcrowded spaces can lead to situations where it’s harder to keep track of everyone, and that’s when accidents can happen. Limiting the number of attendees means that the environment remains manageable and allows party hosts to pay closer attention to their guests. Only let in people you trust.

Have a Rotation of Sober Monitors for Every Party

Designating a set of sober monitors for every party is a simple but highly impactful safety measure. These individuals should remain completely sober throughout the event and actively monitor the party for potential red flags, such as situations involving excessive inebriation, conflicts, or anyone looking unwell.

The key is to rotate this responsibility among fraternity members for every party so the responsibility doesn’t feel burdensome to a single individual or small group. Make sure those assigned as sober monitors are easily identifiable to attendees, whether through specific T-shirts, lanyards, or badges, so guests know who to approach for help if needed.

Serve Alcohol Responsibly

Fraternities should take an active role in controlling the availability and distribution of alcohol to guests. Rather than providing unlimited, self-serve alcohol, consider hiring bartenders or assigning responsible members to oversee distribution.

This way, guests won’t overserve themselves. Plus, you’ll always have the opportunity to safely cut someone off if they seem to be overindulging. Serving alcohol in smaller portions and avoiding high-alcohol-content beverages such as pure liquor can also help prevent overconsumption.

Offer Alcohol-Free Beverage Options

Not everyone drinks alcohol, and it’s important to consider all your guests by providing alcohol-free beverage options. Stock water, soda, and other nonalcoholic drinks in ample supply so everyone has something to enjoy.

You could even get creative by offering mocktails or specialty nonalcoholic beverages to make these options feel just as festive as their alcoholic counterparts. Plus, normalizing the availability of alcohol-free options means no one feels pressured or excluded due to their preferences.

Enforce Strict ID Checks

Enforcing strict ID checks at the door should be nonnegotiable at your party. Underage drinking poses legal issues and puts younger attendees at greater risk of harm. Designate a trusted group of fraternity members to thoroughly check IDs and verify the age of each guest before you allow them in.

Make it clear in your event invitations that IDs will be required so partygoers come prepared and know your commitment to safety. This is an easy way to protect your fraternity as well as your guests.

Keep a Sharp Eye Out for Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment can take many forms, from inappropriate comments to unwanted physical contact. Fraternity members should be honorable enough to intervene appropriately and respectfully.

Here, your sober monitors are your lead defense and can help mediate situations. If you see someone inebriated being taken out by someone they didn’t come in with, don’t be afraid to step in. It’s better to have made a simple assumption than to let someone get hurt.

Lock and Secure Unused Rooms

Another important aspect of maintaining safety at parties is securing all rooms and spaces that aren’t part of the event. Unsupervised or unlocked areas can become opportunities for risky behavior or unsafe situations.

Before the party begins, conduct a walkthrough of the house with your fraternity members to identify which rooms should remain off-limits. Lock doors to these areas and clearly mark restricted spaces with visible signs to avoid misunderstandings. This simple precaution prevents potential issues like theft, property damage, or unsafe situations from arising in areas that aren’t monitored during the event.

Be Mindful of Possible Drug Use

While providing alcohol responsibly is a common focus, it’s equally important to be alert about the possibility of drug use or tampering. Drugs, especially when used covertly or combined with alcohol, can lead to highly dangerous and unpredictable situations.

While you can’t control the behavior of others, you can have clearly labeled, easily accessible trash cans and recycling bins so guests can properly dispose of drinks they no longer want. Additionally, train members to recognize signs of drug use or intoxication and step in when someone appears to need help.

Have a First Aid Kit Available

Accidents happen, and it’s essential to be prepared for any scenario by having a well-stocked first aid kit on hand. Place the kit in a location that’s easily accessible to designated members.

It’s also a good idea to familiarize key members with basic first aid practices and emergency procedures, including when to contact emergency services. Remember, if you’re faced with an overdose situation or alcohol poisoning, never be afraid to call emergency services. They’re here to help you, not report you for making a mistake, and know better than anyone that a young life is most important.

Enforce “See Something, Say Something” Rules

Your fraternity can only be as safe as your collective willingness to act when something seems off. If members or guests notice troubling behavior or potential risks, encourage them to speak up immediately. This starts with cultivating a culture of accountability from the beginning and regularly reinforcing that it’s everyone’s responsibility to look out for one another.

Create a system where concerns can be reported discreetly, such as an anonymous tip line or through designated trusted individuals for reporting incidents in real time. Prompt action can often de-escalate situations before they worsen for the safety and comfort of everyone present.

Fraternities can make parties safer in many ways for the betterment of the campus community. However, outside events can sometimes still result in potential safety risks, from sexual harassment to alcohol overconsumption.

If you or someone you love has been victimized, reach out to the Law Firm of Tamara N Holder today. Our team of Title IX attorneys is here to support and lift you up during your fight for justice.