STUDENTS have been urged to scrap booze-fuelled initiation ceremonies under tough new rules at Essex University.

The students’ union’s new policy says: “The peer pressure is normally (though not explicitly) exerted on first-year members, or members new to that particular club, and may involve the consumption of alcohol, eating concoctions of various foodstuffs, nudity and any behaviour that may be deemed humiliating.

“Initiation events contribute to the negative image of the student binge drinker, which can worsen social tensions in the local community and can be dangerous to students’ health and wellbeing.”

Ashley Rudge, vice-president for welfare and community for the union, said: “We are not banning initiation ceremonies, but we are making it very clear the union does not endorse or condone them in any way. We are also making it clear to the committees of each club or society that they are responsible for the welfare of all club members and must take the necessary measures to ensure that an adequate level of safety is maintained at all times.”

The policy was passed last month, a week after the death of maths student, Timothy Jarvis, 18.

Timothy, who was from Orpington, Kent, was just days into his course at the Wivenhoe campus when he fell down a flight of stairs at his halls and died.

The union said the change in policy was unrelated to Timothy’s death and had been drafted in the summer.

However, at a public meeting, Genine Sumner, activities co-ordinator for the union, said messages about sensible drinking had been reinforced following Timothy’s death. She added: “We have urged students not to go off campus, not to do alcohol runs to Wivenhoe and not to be out drinking in Greenstead.

“We are asking them to come to campus bars and to be responsible for each other and themselves as well.”

Anyone who breaches the alcohol policy can face a disciplinary hearing, a fine, or the removal of privileges such as society and sports team membership.

In a joint statement, a spokesman for Essex University and the students’ union said: “The university and students’ union work together closely on educating our students about drinking safely and responsibly.”

Colchester’s MP Bob Russell said: “This is a very sensible suggestion. Quite how it can be enforced I don’t know, but anything that reduces harm and danger has to be applauded.”

Tim Young, ward councillor, said: “I’m glad they have looked at the policy. We have to encourage responsible drinking.”