Drug and Alcohol Policy
Middlebury College is concerned about illegal drug use and alcohol abuse in our society and in our community. The College regards illegal drug use and alcohol abuse as serious problems that can affect the entire College community. Members of the Middlebury community must be aware of the College drug and alcohol policy, as well as pertinent local, state, and federal laws. It is also important that all members of our community know where help is available for those who need it.
The College campus is subject to local, state, and federal laws concerning the possession, use, distribution, and manufacture of drugs, including alcohol. Students must be aware of and abide by these laws or face the possibility of legal prosecution. Middlebury College opposes the use of illegal drugs and does not provide students with a haven from the law. The College will not inhibit the legal prosecution of any member of the College community who violates the local, state, or federal law. Law enforcement officers, when in possession of the proper documents, have a legal right to search any and all buildings on the campus without prior notice. The College also reserves the right to furnish the police with information regarding illegal activities.
For information specific to state and federal laws governing the illegal use, possession, and distribution of drugs and alcohol, see the Middlebury College publication Drugs, Alcohol and You (which is mailed each year to every student).
The College opposes the possession and use of prescription drugs by persons for purposes other than those prescribed by a licensed physician. Drugs other than those prescribed by a licensed physician for legitimate health purposes may not be used or stored on College property.
1. Students of Middlebury College are also subject to the College drug and alcohol policy rules and regulations while on College premises or College-related premises or when involved with off-campus, College-sponsored events or off-campus events sponsored by registered College organizations.
a. Illegal use of alcohol (underage drinking, open containers, possession of alcohol by a minor) will result in citations and penalties ranging from warning to expulsion.
b. Students found selling, manufacturing, or possessing drugs in amounts that indicate drug sales or distribution will face penalties ranging from suspension to expulsion from school.
c. Students or organizations found illegally selling, manufacturing, or distributing alcohol will face disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.
d. Students using illegal drugs or in possession of amounts that appear to constitute “personal use” will face penalties ranging from warning to expulsion.
e. Possession of drug paraphernalia that has been used, whether at the time of confiscation or not, is against the law, and students who violate the law are subject to College discipline.
2. Involvement with or dependency upon drugs or excessive or illegal use of alcohol will be viewed by the College as a health concern, as well as a disciplinary matter. In these cases a drug/alcohol consultation or assessment may be required. In addition, in instances where a student’s name occurs repeatedly in connection with a drug or alcohol problem, even though no concrete evidence or direct witness is involved,
a dean will contact the student and meet with him or her. In these instances: (1) students may be encouraged or required to undergo a drug/alcohol assessment; (2) a student’s parents or guardian may be notified of concerns about the student’s drug or alcohol problem. In disciplinary situations and the situations of concern mentioned above, a student may be required to withdraw from the College until successful
resolution of the problem is documented to the satisfaction of the College.
NESCAC Presidents’ Statement on Abusive Drinking and Hazing
In addition to being partners in athletic competition, the 11 colleges and universities comprising the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) are united in efforts to provide safe environments in which students may mature
intellectually and socially.
Recognizing that social life plays a role in the college experience, each campus has increased its efforts to encourage students to make responsible choices. Each
school takes a strong stand against substance abuse, including alcohol. While the vast majority of students at NESCAC institutions who choose to drink alcohol do
so responsibly, each school has disciplinary and educational programs in place for students who misuse alcohol and other substances. Additionally, all of the conference schools expressly prohibit hazing.
NESCAC member institutions: Amherst College, Bates College, Bowdoin College, Colby College, Connecticut College, Hamilton College, Middlebury College, Trinity College, Tufts University, Wesleyan University, Williams College [Adopted
12/14/2000]
College Services: Information and Help
Center for Counseling and Human Relations, Extension 5141
Parton Health Center, Extension 5135
Students who are concerned about their own or a friend’s use of alcohol and/or other drugs are encouraged to seek assistance through the College’s Counseling and Human Relations Center or the Parton Health Center, both located in Centeno House. Professional staff are available when the health center is open to provide care and recommend treatment. Services provided by the Health Center and Counseling Center are confidential. Staff members of the Counseling and Human Relations Center and Parton Health Center provide supportive and educational counseling
in addition to substance use evaluations, as time allows. Staff can help students to identify and understand the signs and behaviors associated with substance abuse, as well as treatment and support options. They also provide useful information for talking with a friend about the use of alcohol and other drugs. Also available is referral information about community resources, including private counselors, selfhelp
groups, and comprehensive treatment facilities. Emergency medical treatment can be provided by the Health Center or Porter Hospital.
The director of health and wellness education provides educational materials for individuals and programs for the College community that address the many issues
surrounding alcohol and drugs. The Office of Health and Wellness Education is also located in Centeno House. All first-year students are expected to participate in and complete the on-line course AlcoholEdu. Instructions will be mailed to incoming first-year students at their middlebury.edu e-mail address.
Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Al-Anon, and Adult Children of Alcoholics groups meet in Middlebury and welcome student participation. A listing of meeting times and locations is available from the Center for Counseling and
Human Relations and the Parton Health Center.
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 the possession or use of illegal drugs by an individual on campus is urged to talk with the person
and encourage the individual who is using illegal drugs or abusing alcohol to seek counseling and/or medical assistance. As a community of scholars, we are committed to providing a safe learning environment for each other. All members
of the community are expected to help protect the community health by informing appropriate College staff members of instances of drug distribution and/or sales.
SPORTS MEDICINE POLICY FOR INJURY EVALUATION AND TREATMENT
The College policy for services provided by the Sports Medicine Department, beginning September 1, 2000, is outlined below. The department will provide services to all students who are members (on an official roster) of College intercollegiate teams. It will also treat students who are candidates for intercollegiate teams beginning one month prior to the start of their competitive season. The department will also provide the same services, as described above, to students who are members of two club sports: rugby and crew. Students who fall outside these guidelines will need to seek care at the health center, Porter Hospital, or by a doctor of the student’s choice.