Alcohol and Other Drugs

Introduction
Middlebury College is committed to promoting individual and community health, safety, and responsibility.  We expect all students to observe local, state, and federal laws governing the possession, use, and furnishing of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances, also referred to as illegal drugs.  We have also committed to ensuring that, in accordance with the Drug Free Schools and Community Act of 1989, our policies concerning alcohol and drugs are clear, readily understood, and applied consistently and equally to all students.  When alcohol violations occur, students may face disciplinary action.  Serious incidents that put a student or others at risk of harm, as well as repeated offenses, require a more vigorous response, including referral to counseling or a treatment facility, a leave of absence, and/or disciplinary outcomes as appropriate.

Therefore, the College will:

a. Inform students of federal, Vermont, and local laws, and the policies of Middlebury College, to which they are accountable.

b. Encourage an environment of enriching extracurricular and social opportunities that includes substance-free events and healthy venues for students of legal age who choose to drink.

c. Educate members of the community through academic and student life programs and policies about the role of alcohol and drugs in our society, safe and responsible decisions around alcohol consumption, and the negative individual and community consequences of abuse.

d. Where appropriate, provide educational and health services to students who choose to use alcohol or drugs, who experience negative consequences, or who violate the commitment to individual and community safety.

Policies
All students, faculty, staff, and visitors are subject to local, state and federal laws, as well as College drug and alcohol policy rules and regulations, while on College-owned or leased properties or involved with off-campus activities sponsored by the College or a registered College organization. The College does not protect students from prosecution for drug or alcohol offenses under local, state, or federal laws, and does not interfere with legitimate law enforcement activities.  Law enforcement officers may have a legal right to search individuals, and with consent or proper documentation may search property—including College residence hall rooms—without prior notice.  The College also reserves the right to furnish the police with information regarding alleged illegal activities.

The following actions are prohibited:

1. Alcohol

a. Underage drinking.  Only persons of legal age (21 or older in the United States, and as defined by the laws of a foreign host country) may possess or consume alcoholic beverages. Legal proof of age, such as a valid driver's license, state issued liquor identification card, or a passport, may be required.

b. Purchasing, serving, or furnishing alcohol for or to a minor.

c. Selling, manufacturing, or distributing alcohol illegally.

d. Possession, production, or provision of false identification.

e. Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.  Driving on or off campus under the influence of drugs or alcohol is prohibited: fines are assessed, and driving privileges on campus will be suspended. Students who are charged by law enforcement officers with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and are awaiting the court outcome shall have their campus driving privileges suspended pending the court disposition. In those incidents where the DUI involves an accident with injuries to others, or other exceptional factors, immediate College disciplinary action may take place.

f. Violating Middlebury College Party Regulations. Party Regulations may be found in the Office of the Dean of Students and the Department of Public Safety. Small, informal gatherings held in individual rooms, suites, and small houses occupied by students of legal age, at which alcoholic beverages are consumed, do not have to be registered.  Residents of the living space will be treated as "party hosts," and held responsible for the actions of individuals in attendance.  Students are responsible for unregistered gatherings and related activities that occur in their rooms, whether or not they are present.

g. Bringing alcohol to a College event, or leaving a College event with alcoholic beverages provided at the event.

h. Possessing alcoholic beverages in unauthorized spaces. Open containers of alcohol are prohibited in public spaces, or outside on the campus grounds, unless the area has been designated for a registered or catered event.  For purposes of this policy, residential hallways are normally considered private spaces.  Students of legal age may transport open alcohol containers for personal use within residence halls, but the use of hallways for parties is prohibited.  Individual Commons may designate certain spaces in residence halls as senior commons rooms; these spaces will be considered private.

i. Possession of alcohol in first-year residence halls.

j. Possession by students of legal drinking age of kegs or common containers (e.g., punch bowls) in a residential space without advance registration with the Office of the Dean of Students. Unauthorized kegs or common containers will be confiscated along with taps. The Department of Public Safety will return confiscated kegs and taps to the vendor.

k. Engaging in drinking games and other behaviors designed for the purpose of becoming intoxicated through the abusive use of alcohol (e.g., funnels, keg stands, “around-the-world” parties, and other alcohol consumption based on speed and/or volume, etc.).

2. Drugs

a. Using, or possessing illegal drugs.

b. Using, possessing, selling, distributing or manufacturing prescription medication without a properly issued prescription.

c. Distributing, selling, or possessing with the intent to distribute illegal drugs or controlled substances.

d. Growing and/or manufacturing any illegal substance.

e. Possession of drug paraphernalia that has been used.

Alcohol Citation System
In addition to Middlebury’s disciplinary process, the College issues written alcohol citations to underage students found to be in possession of alcohol as follows:

1. First citation. The student receives a letter from the Commons dean, which constitutes an informal warning, and provides specific information about Vermont law and College rules and expectations related to alcohol use.
2. Second citation. The student receives a letter from the Commons dean, which constitutes an official warning.
3. Third citation. The student receives a formal reprimand from the Commons dean. A copy of the reprimand is sent home to parents. The student is required to meet with his or her Commons dean for consultation. Additional educational requirements and/or assessments may be required at the discretion of the Commons dean.

Any additional citations will result in further disciplinary sanctions and/or health-related referrals at the discretion of the Commons dean.

Health and Community Responsibility
Middlebury College believes that alcohol and other drug-related problems affect our entire community and that each of us has a responsibility to help safeguard the community health by respecting College policy and intervening in situations of abuse. Any member of the College community having knowledge of an individual on campus who is abusing alcohol or in possession of or using illegal drugs is urged to encourage the individual to seek counseling and/or medical assistance. All members of the community are also expected to help protect the community health by informing appropriate College staff members of instances of drug distribution and/or sales.

Involvement with or dependency upon drugs or excessive or illegal use of alcohol is viewed by the College as a health concern, as well as a disciplinary matter.  Any time a Commons dean has reasonable concerns that a student's health is being compromised by alcohol or other drug use (even in cases where no concrete evidence or direct witness is involved), a drug and/or alcohol consultation or assessment, on or off campus, may be required.  In addition, the dean may notify the student's parents or guardian of concerns about the student's drug or alcohol use.

Laws and Resources
For information specific to state and federal laws governing the use, possession, and distribution of drugs and alcohol, as well as additional resources, see Drugs and Alcohol: Policies, Laws, and Resources.

 
.