Alcohol & Drugs

Student Alcohol Policy

Unless otherwise permitted by the policy on Alcohol Use and Marijuana Prohibition Policy for University Events or for students over 21 years of age living in a Designated Legal Consumption Residence (DLCR), all students and guests of a student are prohibited from using, being in the presence of, selling, transferring, or possessing alcoholic beverages in any campus building or property controlled by the University or as any part of a University-sponsored activity.

All students, regardless of age, are prohibited from engaging in drinking games or drinking contests in any form in any campus building or property controlled by the University or as any part of a University-sponsored activity.

Alcohol advertisements and signage are not permitted in any campus building or property controlled by the University (including residence halls or leased residential properties). Materials and social media posts must not encourage any form of alcohol abuse or place any emphasis on quantity or frequency of use. The consumption of alcoholic beverages must not be portrayed or implied in any materials or social media posts as the focus of any function. Alcohol may not be portrayed as a solution to personal or academic problems, or as necessary for social, sexual or academic success.

Persons and their belongings will be subject to search by Suffolk University Police if they are suspected of bringing alcohol, in violation of University policy, into any campus building or property controlled by the University (including residence halls or leased residential properties) or of being under the influence of alcohol, and may not be allowed into the building or property with a suspected package.

Students are strongly encouraged to call for medical assistance (on-campus: call 617-573-8111; off-campus: call 911) for themselves or for another student who they believe is dangerously intoxicated or is experiencing medical issues because the student is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. See the Medical Amnesty Policy.

Prohibited Items

• Alcohol beverage containers (empty, full, or decorative), including, but not limited to, shot glasses or beer steins, unless stored or used in accordance with policy in a Designated Legal Consumption Residence.
• Drinking game devices, funnels and alcohol bladders.
• “Common Carriers" including, but not limited to, kegs, beer balls, containers of “BORG” and trash can punches.
• Other items if University staff determine, in their reasonable discretion, that the items are being used or displayed in violation of the Alcohol Policy.

Designated Legal Consumption Residences

The University may assign Designated Legal Consumption Residence (DLCR) status to residential spaces in which all of the residents in those spaces are over the age of 21 and are enrolled in the Law School (JD, LLM, or SJD) or CAS/SBS Graduate programs. In doing so, the University may designate rooms, floors or entire residence halls as a DLCR. Notice of this designation will be made by the Office of Residential Life & Housing.

The University may designate as a DLCR spaces that include other students who are over the age of 21, provided that the space is occupied by a majority of law and graduate students.

The University reserves the right to revoke the DLCR designation at any time, whether or not such revocation is related to violation of University policy by those residing in the DLCR. The University also reserves the right to decline the DLCR designation even if residents are over the age of 21 and have not violated University policy.

All residents of the DLCR must complete mandatory alcohol awareness training, even if they are in the Law or Graduate programs. Failure of all students in the designated space to complete the training will result in revocation of the DLCR designation, even if some residents within the space have completed the training.

In DLCR-designated areas, persons 21 years of age and over may possess or use alcohol in the privacy of their residence hall rooms provided that:

1. All persons in the DLCR-designated residence hall room or space are 21 years of age or older.
   
   AND
   
   
2. All University policies are followed, including, but not limited, to those governing guests, “common carrier” restrictions, hazing and noise.

Persons under the age of 21 years may not be in a residence hall room or space where alcoholic beverages are contained and/or are being consumed. Students under the age of 21 who may have visitor(s) 21 years of age or older are not allowed to have alcohol in their room based on the guest’s age; students 21 years of age or older may not have alcohol in their room with underage guests.

Regardless of DLCR designation, alcoholic beverages are not permitted in any public areas including, but not limited to, residential hallways, lounges, stairwells, and lobbies.

Students, guests and spaces remain subject to all policy enforcement actions by the University, including necessary searches and confiscations, regardless of DLCR designation.

DLCR-designated Apartment-Style spaces

DLCR-designated apartment-style spaces are subject to the DLCR policies. In addition, the following applies to DLCR-designated apartment-style spaces:

• Within an individual apartment, if all assigned residents are 21 or older, alcohol may be kept anywhere in the apartment, including the common area refrigerator.
• Within an individual apartment, if all assigned residents are not 21 or older, alcohol may not be kept in the common areas, including the common refrigerator. However, within an individual apartment, if all assigned residents of a bedroom are 21 or older, alcohol may be kept in that bedroom.
• Within an individual apartment, alcohol may be consumed in the common area if EVERYONE PRESENT IS 21 OR OLDER. For these purposes, the definition of "present" will include all persons who are in the apartment, whether in the common area or the individual bedrooms or bathrooms, at the time that the alcohol is being consumed.
• Within an individual apartment, alcohol may be consumed within the privacy of a bedroom if everyone present in that room is 21 or older.

Enforcement of Alcohol Policy in University-sponsored housing

While the University respects the privacy of student rooms, that privacy is conditional. Staff may respond and take appropriate action if and when students or their guests create a disturbance, become a nuisance, or appear to present a danger to themselves or others. If a staff member has reasonable cause to suspect a violation of the alcohol policy, they may inspect all bags, etc. that enter University property; confiscate all alcoholic beverages, cans, and bottles; make searches of rooms including without limitation refrigerators; and take the steps necessary to enforce the alcohol policy. Students will be held responsible for any infractions that occur in their rooms and may be held collectively accountable for infractions that occur in common areas of the residence hall or campus where the students are present. Students will be held responsible for the actions of their guests. The enforcement described within this paragraph applies to all University-sponsored housing, regardless of whether a space is designated as a DLCR.

Additional alcohol awareness information and health and counseling resources

Student Drug Policy

All students and guests of a student are prohibited from possessing, using, consuming, manufacturing, selling or distributing illegal drugs as defined under federal or Massachusetts law – which includes marijuana -- being intoxicated as the result of using such illegal drugs, or being in the presence of illegal drugs or marijuana in any campus building or property controlled by the University (including residence halls or leased residential properties) or in connection with any University-sponsored event.

Marijuana: On November 8, 2016, Massachusetts became the fifth state to vote to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. However, marijuana remains a Schedule I Controlled Substance, and possession of marijuana therefore remains illegal, under Federal law. Therefore, Suffolk University's policy remains unchanged: the possession, use, consumption, transfer, manufacturing, sale or distribution of drugs, including marijuana, by students or guests of a student is prohibited. The policy complies with the requirements of the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. Under this federal law, as a condition of receiving federal funds, an institution of higher education such as Suffolk University must certify that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on campus and as part of its activities and programs. Under federal law, this includes any amount of marijuana.

Drug paraphernalia is also prohibited in any campus building or property controlled by the University (including residence halls or leased residential properties). Drug paraphernalia is defined as any equipment, product, material and/or ingredients that is/are used or modified for making, using, or concealing illegal drugs, including, but not limited to, pipes, smoking masks/screens, bongs, hookahs, vape pens or roach clips. Certain scales, grinders, vials, and baggies may also be considered drug paraphernalia.

Students are not permitted to use, sell, transfer or possess medication prescribed to another person or sell or transfer their own medication to another person.

Persons and their belongings will be subject to search by Suffolk University Police if they are suspected of bringing illegal drugs into any campus building or property controlled by the University (including residence halls or leased residential properties) or of being under the influence of illegal drugs, and may not be allowed into the building or property with the suspected package.

Students are strongly encouraged to call for medical assistance (on-campus call: 617-573-8111; off-campus call 911) for themselves or for another student who they believe is dangerously intoxicated or is experiencing medical issues because s/he is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. See the Medical Amnesty Policy.

Additional drug awareness information and health and counseling resources.

Student Sanctions for Alcohol and Drug Violations

Students are required to review and abide by the University's policies on alcohol and other drugs.

Often, students ask what the sanctions are for violating the Student Alcohol and Drug Policy. Sanctions are often a combination of educational and punitive sanctions with the goal being that the University first strives to educate students about acceptable behavior while also holding students accountable for their misconduct. In determining sanctions, the following may be considered: a student’s present demeanor, past disciplinary record, the nature of the misconduct, and the severity of any damage, injury or harm resulting from the misconduct or other factors.

If found responsible for violating Suffolk’s alcohol and drug policies, a non-resident student may lose residence hall visitation privileges. Guests who are not Suffolk University students and who violate any University policy while visiting University housing may lose visitation privileges permanently.

Only in an environment free of substance abuse can Suffolk University fulfill its mission of developing the professional, social, cultural and intellectual potential of each member of its community.

Study Abroad Notice

Students participating in study abroad or travel programs must abide by local laws regarding alcohol and drug use. Inappropriate student conduct while participating in study abroad or travel programs, including but not limited to intoxication, providing alcohol to others, etc. may result in disciplinary action.

Professional Live-on Staff

Professional live-on staff are those employees residing in University-sponsored housing whose primary relationship with the University is employment. The residences of professional live-on staff are not subject to the Student Alcohol Policy.

Students seeking emergency treatment for alcohol and/or drug-related medical emergency will not be subject to University disciplinary action for the sole violation of using alcohol or other drugs. This policy shall extend to a student seeking help for another student.

In situations of medical emergencies caused by alcohol and/or drug use, the primary concern is the health and safety of the individual(s) involved. Students are strongly encouraged to call for medical assistance (on-campus call: 617-573-8111; off-campus call 911) for themselves or for another student who they believe is dangerously intoxicated or is experiencing medical issues because they are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Students experiencing an alcohol and/or drug-related medical emergency may receive medical amnesty through the Suffolk University Student Conduct System when they are concerned about themselves, or when student by-standers or other persons (not University staff) are concerned about them, and seek medical assistance from SUPD or Residence Life & Housing staff (or from local police if off-campus). Medical amnesty may be extended to students who seek help from SUPD or Residence Life & Housing staff (or from local police if off-campus) for another student provided they remain with the student experiencing the medical emergency until medical assistance arrives. Medical amnesty applies to the using alcohol and/or drugs and does not extend to other violations of the Community Standards including, but not limited to, distribution of alcohol or drugs, vandalism or assault. Students granted medical amnesty may be required to complete educational or other sanctions. The University reserves the right to inform parents/guardians when students receive medical amnesty.

Students whose pattern of behavior suggests the ongoing use of alcohol and/or drugs may not be granted medical amnesty.

Survivors of alleged violations of the Policy & Procedures on Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence, and Stalking who are alleged to have violated the Student Alcohol and Drug Policy at the time of the sexual misconduct incident may be granted amnesty for their use of alcohol or illegal drugs.

Only in an environment free of substance abuse can Suffolk University fulfill its mission of developing the professional, social, cultural, and intellectual potential of each member of its community.

Students are required to review and abide by the University's policies on alcohol and other drugs.

Suffolk University is a community dedicated to the academic, professional, social, cultural and intellectual development of its members and is committed to educational and social programs that promote such development. Personal and communal responsibility with regard to the University’s alcohol and other drug policies is essential in ensuring that Suffolk’s environment is conducive to student learning and development. Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be accepted as an excuse for conduct that violates the Community Standards or other University policies. Those believed to have violated this policy will be referred to the Student Conduct System (CAS & SBS students), the Law School Student Disciplinary Procedure (Law Students) or Human Resources (Employees.)

Suffolk University requires the observance of all laws and regulations that pertain to alcoholic beverages and other controlled substances as outlined in federal, state and municipal laws. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to be familiar with and to comply with these laws.

No marijuana products may be served or used at University events (see the University’s Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act - Student Notification.)

University Regulations for Events with Alcohol

The regulations for use of alcoholic beverages at programs and events sponsored at the University and/or by University departments and organizations are designed to allow for the responsible use of alcoholic beverages while providing safeguards for the University and its faculty, staff and students.

Scope of this policy:

This policy applies to events held on the Boston campus of Suffolk University and certain university events held off-campus events as defined below.

Definitions:

A university event shall mean any gathering sponsored by university offices, departments or organizations using university funds (including those derived by student activity fees) and/or purporting to represent the normal functions of the university, including but not limited to academic fora, student recruitment, advancement, and student life.

On-campus shall mean any building or open space owned or leased by Suffolk University.

Off-campus shall mean venues or spaces not otherwise owned or leased by Suffolk University.

1. Registration of Events

All on-campus University events with alcohol must be registered as follows:

• With the exception of events sponsored by student organizations in the Law School, all events with alcohol shall be registered through the University Conference and Events Office as part of the process for obtaining alcohol through the University's caterer as required in section 6, below.
• Events Sponsored by student organizations in the law school must be approved by, and registered with, the Law School Dean of Students Office via the Alcohol Registration Form. 
• Additional registration may be required as determined by applicable University offices.

Registration of events is required on the following schedule:

Events where alcohol is served but not sold: 3 days in advance
Events where alcohol is sold: 14 days in advance.

The University Conference and Events office, or the Law School Dean of Students Office, as appropriate, shall inform SUPD of all registered events with alcohol.

2. Staffing Requirements for Events

All on-campus University Events with alcohol must be staffed by the University caterer. In addition, all events sponsored by student groups where alcoholic beverages are served or sold must have a designated host who is considered the individual responsible for the event. The name of the designated host must be provided as a part of the registration.

The designated host must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age. In the case of student clubs and organizations, the designated host will usually be the staff or faculty advisor to that student group. In the case of the Law School, the host will be the person so designated by the governing body of the organization. The designated host agrees to assume the following responsibilities:

• Act as the responsible overseer of the event in general.
• Remain at the event for its duration.
• Cooperate with any investigation of a violation of this policy and other applicable University policies by the Suffolk University Police or University administrator. This includes providing written accounts of any incident observed by or reported to the designated host.

3. Events Requiring University Police Detail

Based on a review of the event and expected attendance during the registration process, University Police may assign officers to events (on-campus or off-campus) at which alcohol is available. The SUPD Chief of Police (or designee) and/or the University Risk Manager shall determine whether a police detail will be required for any event where alcohol is served. The cost of the Police Detail is the responsibility of the office or group hosting the event.

4. Athletic Events

Use of alcoholic beverages is prohibited at all athletic events, both intercollegiate and intramural.

5. Recruitment Events

Alcoholic beverages may not be served at undergraduate recruitment events. This exclusion does not apply to undergraduate admission events at which the majority of attendees are over the age of 21.

6. Events Sponsored by Student Organizations

Because student groups are funded, in total or in part, by student activity fees, special attention must be given to any use of those funds for the purchase of alcoholic beverages. Therefore, alcohol may not be served at an event sponsored by a student organization in the Sawyer Business School, College of Arts and Sciences (including the Student Government Association, Graduate Student Association, and MPA Association), or by the Student Bar Association (SBA) of the Law School, as well as those student organizations the SBA funds, unless an exception is made for one or more of the following reasons:

a. The event is specifically designed for a student population over 21 years of age; or

b. The Office of Student Leadership and Involvement or Law School Dean of Students, working in conjunction with the Office of Risk Management, provides written approval of the event and its sponsor agrees to comply with the regulations in this document covering events with alcohol.

7. Obtaining the Alcohol to be Served

Alcohol served at on-campus events must be purchased through the University’s caterer. Donations of alcohol for events must be approved in advance by the Office of Risk Management and the University caterer. The University caterer must serve any donated alcohol.

8. Type of Alcohol

Events on-campus approved for alcoholic beverages (whether served or sold) must limit the alcoholic beverages to beer and wine. The Office of Risk Management may allow an exception to the beer and wine limitation for events where the majority of attendees are non-students and over the age of 21.

9. Prohibition on Marijuana Products

No marijuana products may be served or used at on-campus or off-campus University events (see the University’s Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act - Student Notification.)

10. Prohibition on Rapid Consumption Devices and Drinking Games

The use of devices intended for rapid consumption of alcohol, including but not limited to funnels, vaporizers, and beer bongs is prohibited. Drinking games are also prohibited.

11. Time Limits on Serving Alcohol at On-campus Events

On-campus functions where alcoholic beverages are served at no charge are to have a serving time limit of two (2) hours. Exceptions to this apply in the following cases:

• Dinner functions may have a serving time of up to (4) hours;
• Law School functions designed to serve both day and evening students may have a serving time of four (4) hours to allow faculty and students of both divisions to attend.

On-Campus functions where alcohol is sold are to have a serving time limit of four (4) hours.

12. Sale of Alcohol at On-Campus Events

Any on-campus event at which alcohol will be sold must be arranged through the University’s caterer and the University caterer must staff the event. Additional fees for the required temporary alcohol sale license will apply. The minimum price for a serving of beer shall be $5 and minimum price for a serving of wine shall be $6. An individual will only be allowed to purchase two alcoholic beverages at one time.

13. Event Location, Disposal and Removal of Alcohol

On-campus events with alcohol may only take place in commonly used function space where food and beverages may be served. Event space must be reserved through the Office of Conferences and Events. All alcohol in opened containers must remain in the approved event location and must be disposed of at the conclusion of the event. Under no circumstances may left over alcohol be removed at the conclusion of the event by guests.

14. Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

• Non-alcoholic beverages, in addition to water, must be available at the same place and for the same duration of time as the alcoholic beverages. For on-campus events, free non-alcoholic beverages must be available.
• Food items such as snack food, hors d’oeuvres or full meals must be available for the entire time that alcoholic beverages are being served. If the alcoholic beverages are available at no charge, the food items must be free as well.

15. Advertisement and Promotion of Events with Alcohol

• Alcoholic beverages may not be used to promote or induce potential members to attend any membership programs of any club, athletic team, organization, fraternity, sorority or other university group.
•  Alcohol consumption contests are not permitted.
• Alcoholic beverages may not be given as a contest or competition prize.
• Unless granted an exception by the Conference and Events Office or Law Dean of Students Office (for law student events), advertisements for events shall not mention the availability of alcoholic beverages. Promotional materials will not make references to the quantity of beverages (such as number of kegs of beer) nor mention “open bar” or the availability of “drink tickets.”

16. Establishing Proof of Age for Events with Alcohol

A. On-campus Events: Individuals who are twenty-one years of age and older who wish to consume alcoholic beverages at approved on-campus events must present proof of age by providing a valid driver’s license, a valid passport or other government-issued identification.

Following the establishment of drinking age, a wristband may be affixed to the individual’s wrist as identification for the purpose of consuming alcohol.

For events where most guests are reasonably expected to be over the age of 21, an acceptable form of identification will be used to determine that drinking age has been established.

B. Off-campus Events: Where an event is held at a venue supplying alcohol to attendees, the University will confirm that the venue checks for proof of age. For events held at a venue where the University supplies the alcohol, the University will follow the procedures for on campus events as detailed in paragraph 16. A.

17. Off-campus University Events

A. Off-campus University events with alcohol that are supported by University funds, including those sponsored by student organizations, must comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including the University’s contract process

B. The Office of Student Leadership and Involvement or Law School Dean of Students Office, working in conjunction with the Office of Risk Management, may establish additional rules and procedures for Off-campus University events sponsored by student organizations

C. In accordance with paragraph 3 of this policy, off-campus University events may be subject to staffing by Suffolk University Police

D. In accordance with paragraph 19 of this policy, Off-campus University events not sponsored by student organizations and not intended for student attendees may be excepted from portions of this policy by the Office of Risk Management

18. Non-University Groups Hosting Events with Alcohol On-Campus

In order to serve alcohol at an event being held at the University, non-University groups must comply with all use-of-space policies and requirements of Suffolk University. Non-University groups should consult with the University Conference and Events Office for more information. The SUPD Chief of Police (or designee) and/or the University Risk Manager reserve the authority to require an SUPD police detail at events held by non-University groups.

19. Exceptions to this policy; clarifications

The University Risk Manager, in consultation with appropriate University Administrators, may grant exceptions to the policy in extraordinary circumstances. In situations where it is unclear how this policy related to a certain event, the University Risk Manager, in consultation with appropriate University Administrators, shall determine how the matter is to be resolved. In both situations, the decision by the University Risk Manager is final and not subject to appeal.

Policy Revised January 2007; August 2019; August 2021

Policy Created October 1991.

Please use these resources for your reference.  There are many health and wellness resources on the web, however these resources are reliable and provide the most current information on college health topics.

Alcohol

College Drinking, Changing the Culture: research-based information on issues related to alcohol abuse and binge drinking among college students.

Rethinking Drinking: You can take a look at your drinking habits and how they may affect your health.

Centers for Disease Control (CDC): General information about the effects of alcohol on health.

NIAAA: Homepage for the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism

Alcoholics Anonymous: Looking for a meeting in the Boston area?

Cold & Flu

Flu Facts: MA Department of Public Health

Quick Quiz: Is it a Cold or the Flu?

Health Information Resources

Eating Disorders & Body Image

National Eating Disorder Association

National Association for Males with Eating Disorders

Center for Mindful Eating

Marijuana & Other Drugs 

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Includes University of Michigan's Monitoring the Future data (2018) and basic info on the extent of use, health effects, and treatment options.

National Institute on Drug Abuse for Students

GenerationRx: Medication safety resources and information for teachers and students (K-college). Student understanding of medication safety issues, particular the dangers of abusing prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Mental Health (Depression, Anxiety, etc.)

Feeling Depressed

Feeling Anxious

Through Half of Us, mtvU and The Jed Foundation want to initiate a public dialogue to raise awareness about the prevalence of mental health issues and connect students to the appropriate resources to get help.

ULifeline: An anonymous, confidential, online resource center, where college students can be comfortable searching for the information they need and want regarding mental health and suicide prevention. Suicide Prevention Resource Center: Specific resources just for college students.

Gambling

CollegeGambling.org: Developed by the National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG) as a tool to help current and prospective students, campus administrators, campus health professionals, and parents address gambling and gambling-related harms on campus.

National Council on Problem Gambling

Nutrition

American Dietetic Association: Eating Right

Sexual Health

Scarleteen: The highest-ranked website for sex education and sexuality advice online for 15-25 year olds.

http://www.itsyoursexlife.com OR www.gytnow.org provides the facts on STDs, testing, and protection; talking tips to help young people communicate with their partners, parents, and health care providers; and a testing center locator provided by the CDC.

Alice!: tons and TONS of information on college sexual health. Ask questions or find an answer to a question. A SUPER favorite!

Planned Parenthood: Info on sexual health, contraception, emergency contraception, etc.

American Sexual Health Association: ASHA is America's authority for sexual health information.

Centers for Disease Control Sexual Health & Topics page

Boston Area Rape Crisis Center: 24/7 hotline 800-841-8371. Free, confidential services to survivors, their friends and families, and professionals ages 12 and older

RAINN:  The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network is the nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE and the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline at rainn.org,

http://www.cdc.gov/ViolencePrevention/sexualviolence/index.html
Centers for Disease Control Violence Prevention

Sexual Violence (Sexual Assault, Rape, Harassment)

Title IX at Suffolk University: Policy and Procedures on Sexual Harassment, Relationship Violence, and Stalking. The policy also tells students what they can do if this happens to them or a friend.

Boston Area Rape Crisis Center: 24/7 hotline 800-841-8371. Free, confidential services to survivors, their friends and families, and professionals ages 12 and older

RAINN:The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network is the nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE and the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline at rainn.org,

Centers for Disease Control

Sleep

National Sleep Foundation

Sleeping Smart (for college students)

Understanding Sleep (National Institutes of Health)

MIT's Community Wellness Downloads (mindfulness and relaxation audio files)

Stress

Managing Stress (Medline Plus)

Coping With Stress Checklist (Mental Health America)

Meditation (Mayo Clinic)

Relaxation Techniques (Mayo Clinic)

Student Health 101 (College Health eMagazine)

Student Health 101 is a free e-publication for all Suffolk University students. Monthly issues highlight a variety of college health and wellness topics.<

Tobacco

Massachusetts Bureau of Community Health & Prevention--Quit Nicotine/Tobacco

The BACCHUS Network's information on tobacco prevention and cessation

American Cancer Society. Includes FAQ about tobacco and cancer.

Stay Away From Tobacco: American Cancer Society's webpage on tobacco and cancer

Centers for Disease Control. Tobacco specific information, including data and statistics, science-based strategies, national, state, and local programs, and other publications.

Only in an environment free of substance abuse can Suffolk University fulfill its mission of developing the professional, social, cultural and intellectual potential of each member of its community.

Students are required to review and abide by the University's policies on alcohol and other drugs.

General Policy

The University prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by employees and students. The University complies with all local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to alcohol and illicit drugs. In addition, the University complies with the regulations of both the Drug Free Work Place Act of 1988 and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989.

Communications

As required by the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, the University will provide an annual written statement to students covering: a) standards of conduct concerning drugs and alcohol; b) federal, state, and local legal sanctions governing the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol; c) health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol; d) a description of counseling and treatment programs available for alcohol and drug abuse; and e) University disciplinary sanctions imposed for unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol.

Standards of Conduct

The University prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and the unauthorized illegal possession, use, or distribution of alcohol on University property or as any part of a University-sponsored activity.

Federal, State, and Local Legal Sanctions Governing the Unlawful Possession or Distribution of Illicit Drugs or Alcohol

Local, state, and federal laws make illegal use of drugs and alcohol serious crimes. Conviction can lead to imprisonment, fines, and assigned community service. Courts do not lift prison sentences in order for convicted persons to attend college. A felony conviction for such an offense can prevent students from entering many fields of employment or professions.

The minimum age for the sale or purchase of alcoholic beverages in Massachusetts is 21 years of age. All state laws apply at the University. Cities and towns in Massachusetts, specifically Boston, prohibit public consumption of alcohol and impose fines for violation. Massachusetts has criminal penalties for the use of controlled substances or drugs, with penalties varying with the type of drug. In general, narcotic, addictive, and drugs with potential for abuse carry heavier penalties. Driving while intoxicated in Massachusetts is a serious offense and there are strict penalties for those convicted, including driver’s license removal and imprisonment.

Possession of drugs is illegal without valid authorization. Under federal law, distribution of drugs to persons under age 21 is punishable by twice the normal penalty with a mandatory one year in prison; a third conviction is punishable by mandatory life imprisonment.

These penalties apply to distribution of drugs in or within 1,000 feet of a college or school. Federal law sets greatly heightened prison sentences for the manufacture and distribution of drugs, if death or serious injury results from the use of the substance. While penalties for possession are generally not as great as for the manufacturing and distribution of drugs, possession of a relatively large quantity may be considered distribution. Under both state and federal laws, penalties for possession, manufacture, and distribution are much greater for second and subsequent convictions. Many laws dictate mandatory prison terms and the full minimum term must be served. Massachusetts makes it illegal to be in a place where heroin is kept and to be in the company of a person known to possess heroin. Anyone in the presence of heroin at a private party risks a serious drug conviction. Sale and possession of drug paraphernalia is illegal in Massachusetts. Persons convicted of drug possession under state or federal law are ineligible for federal student grants and loans for up to one year after the first conviction, and five years after the second; the penalty for distributing drugs is loss of benefits for five years after the first, 10 years after the second, and permanently after the third conviction.

Students should review the following state laws regarding alcohol and other drugs which are available on the Massachusetts General Court website:

• Chapter 138: Alcoholic Liquors
• Chapter 90: Section 24. Driving While Under Influence of Intoxicating Liquor
• Chapter 94C: Controlled Substances Act 

Drugs of Abuse

Abuse Information about drugs of abuse is available U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration Drugs of Abuse 2011 Ideabook [PDF].

Support Services

The University Counseling, Health and Wellness Department provides help to students regarding alcohol and other drug use and provides assistance for referrals to outside agencies and programs.

Disciplinary Action

The University holds students accountable for violations of this policy through the Student Conduct System. Possible sanctions for violations include, but are not limited to, warning, disciplinary probation, loss of housing, suspension, dismissal or participation in educational workshops.

Biennial Review

Every two years, the University will review its drug and alcohol policy to determine its effectiveness, implement changes and ensure that disciplinary sanctions are consistently applied and enforced.

Only in an environment free of substance abuse can Suffolk University fulfill its mission of developing the professional, social, cultural and intellectual potential of each member of its community.

Students are required to review and abide by the University's policies on alcohol and other drugs.