Alcohol & Drugs

Alcohol & Drugs

Alcohol and Drug Policy for Students in the College of Arts & Sciences and Sawyer Business School

Law Students please review the Alcohol Policy for Law Students.

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 Student Alcohol and Drug Policy 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. Any student found to allegedly violate this policy will be subject to the Student Conduct System.

General Provisions

Suffolk University enforces all federal and state laws and city ordinances regarding the possession, use, and sale of alcoholic beverages, including those prohibiting drinking by individuals under 21 years of age. The law also forbids falsifying age and identification cards. Suffolk University enforces all federal and state laws and city ordinances regarding the possession, use, and sale of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia. Where federal and state laws and city ordinances may conflict, federal law is enforced.

Student Alcohol Policy (CAS & SBS)

The use, sale, transfer, or possession of alcoholic beverages in any campus building or property controlled by the University or as any part of a University-sponsored activity (including residence halls or leased residential properties, student activities, etc.), regardless of age, is prohibited by any student or guest of a student. Intoxication of person, or being in the presence of alcoholic beverages in any campus building or property controlled by the University (including residence halls or leased residential properties), regardless of age, is prohibited by any student or guest of a student. No alcohol beverage containers (empty, full, or decorative), including, but not limited to, shot glasses, drinking game devices, or other items affiliated with the consumption or possession of alcohol are allowed in any campus building or property controlled by the University (including residence halls or leased residential properties), regardless of the owner’s age.

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 and frequency of use. The consumption of alcoholic beverages must not be portrayed 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 suspected of bringing alcohol into any campus building or property controlled by the University (including residence halls or leased residential properties) or persons suspected to be under the influence of alcohol will be subject to search by Suffolk University Police 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 whom 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.

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.

Exceptions to this policy may be granted for University-sponsored and approved events.

Additional alcohol awareness information and health and counseling resources

Student Drug Policy (CAS & SBS)

The possession, use, consumption, transfer, manufacturing, sale or distribution of illegal drugs, including marijuana, is prohibited by any student or guest of a student in any campus building or property controlled by the University (including residence halls or leased residential properties).

Intoxication of person or being in the presence of illegal drugs in any campus building or property controlled by the University (including residence halls or leased residential properties) is prohibited by any student or guest of a student.

Marijuana: The federal government regards marijuana as a Schedule I Controlled Substance, and possession of marijuana remains illegal under Federal law. Suffolk University prohibits the possession, use, consumption, transfer, manufacturing, sale or distribution of marijuana.

On November 8, 2016, Massachusetts became the fifth state to vote to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. 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 suspected of bringing illegal drugs into any campus building or property controlled by the University (including residence halls or leased residential properties) or persons suspected to be under the influence of illegal drugs will be subject to search by Suffolk University Police 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 whom 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

Often, students ask what the sanctions are for violating the Student Alcohol and Drug Policy. Sanctions are generally 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, hearing officers may consider students’ 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.

Students who do not complete educational sanctions, educational programs, reflection papers, workshop attendance or fines by the due date will be responsible for a $25 non-compliance fine for each item in addition to the previous fine (if applicable). Students will still be required to complete the original sanction(s) in addition to paying any non-compliance fines.

If found responsible for violating 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.

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

Medical Amnesty Policy for Students in the College of Arts & Sciences and Sawyer Business School

Law Students: Please contact the Law School Dean of Students Office at 617-573-8157 for more information about Medical Amnesty for Alcohol or Drug Violations

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 whom they believe is dangerously intoxicated or is experiencing medical issues because s/he is 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 students or their friends 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 use of 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.

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

Multi-Service Eating Disorder Association

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:

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.