Campus Policies

Middlebury does not tolerate unlawful hazing, discrimination, harassment, sexual assault or related retaliation. Middlebury’s policies treat these matters seriously, and we encourage students who experience or witness any of these behaviors to speak up and contact their dean, Public Safety, or Middlebury’s Civil Rights and Title IX Office.

Civil Rights and Title IX Coordinator
Butterfly Blaise Boire
Service Building 213
802-443-2147
bboire@middlebury.edu 

The College also has a threat assessment and response protocol. Other College policies relating to student conduct are detailed in the Middlebury College Handbook.

Medical Amnesty Policy

Middlebury’s Medical Amnesty Policy is intended to encourage students to seek swift medical assistance for themselves and others without fear of penalty. Our primary concern is the health and safety of our students. We urge students not only to take care of their own well-being but to behave in an equally responsible way with their peers. There may be times when safety concerns arise from a student’s excessive drinking or drug use, and in these situations, students should not hesitate to seek help from the Student Life staff, Public Safety, medical or counseling professionals, and/or local or state police out of fear of disciplinary action.

Under this Medical Amnesty Policy, neither the student in distress nor the student or organization seeking assistance will ordinarily be subject to disciplinary action for the possession, provision, or consumption of drugs or alcohol. This policy refers to isolated incidents only, and does not excuse or protect those who flagrantly or repeatedly violate the Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy, nor does it preclude disciplinary action arising from violations of other Middlebury policies. However, in cases involving additional policy violations, Middlebury will consider the positive impact of reporting an incident as well as the health and safety needs of the involved student(s) when determining the appropriate course of action. 

Non-Discrimination Policy

Middlebury prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on any protected personal characteristic, including sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and other statuses protected by law. The College also prohibits all forms of sexual harassment and assault. See our complete Non-Discrimination Policy, which includes investigation and resolution procedures. Students who wish to report discrimination or harassment should contact the Civil Rights and Title IX Office or their residential deans. Students involved in the complaint process will be treated with the utmost sensitivity, dignity, and respect.

If you experience conduct you think might be sexual assault, Middlebury has emergency and other resources that can provide medical care, counseling, information, and other services and accommodations. All students are encouraged to report sexual assault incidents to the College and/or to law enforcement agencies. Middlebury will offer, and upon request, provide assistance to students who wish to contact law enforcement agencies.

Green Dot Program

In addition to advocacy services for those impacted by power-based personal violence, the Middlebury community is actively engaged in violence prevention strategies. As a Green Dot school, Middlebury provides training and programming to students, faculty, and staff about bystander intervention and proactive behaviors that promote healthy relationships with friends, family members, and romantic partners.

Hazing Policy

Middlebury is committed to fostering a safe and respectful campus environment. That includes educating our community members on the dangers of hazing and being transparent in our reporting of hazing incidents. Middlebury believes that all students, faculty, and staff should be able to participate in student organizations such as clubs, teams, organizations, and other student groups without fear of the harm and intimidation that comes with hazing; therefore, Middlebury prohibits hazing activities, whether by an individual or an organization, in accordance with state and federal laws. See more at Middlebury’s Policy Against Hazing.

The Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA), federal legislation signed into law in December 2024, amends the Clery Act and mandates colleges to report hazing incidents, publish anti-hazing policies, and create transparency around violations. It requires higher education institutions participating in programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to comply with, among other things, enhanced reporting guidelines and hazing prevention education requirements in order to achieve this goal of transparency. Each institution must compile and publish on their public website a Campus Hazing Transparency Report (CHTR) that summarizes findings concerning any student organization found to be in violation of the institution’s standards of conduct related to hazing. See more about Middlebury’s CHTR. 

Threat Assessment and Response Policy

Middlebury is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus and workplace environment. As part of this commitment, Middlebury has established a Threat Assessment and Management Team (TAM Team), which is empowered to assess risk and, in cooperation with other College teams or offices as appropriate, formulate an appropriate response in situations where an individual’s behavior and/or statements generate concern that they may present a threat to the health or safety of others. The TAM Team seeks to mitigate potential risks before they result in harm. Any student who believes that an individual has committed or may commit an act of violence, is engaging in behavior or making statements that generate concern about the potential for violence, or otherwise may pose a threat to the health or safety of any member of the College community should call the Department of Public Safety immediately at 802-443-5911. Individuals may also make a report to residential deans or any member of the TAM Team. In case of an emergency, students should call 911.

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs Policy

All Middlebury policies have been crafted to comply with federal and state laws and to ensure student and community safety. The legal age to consume or be in possession of alcohol or tobacco in Vermont is 21. We encourage students to familiarize themselves with the specific restrictions around alcohol and drugs for all students, not just those below the legal drinking age (see “Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs”).

In addition to prohibiting underage drinking and tobacco use, these policies also prohibit the following:

• Possessing alcohol as a minor (someone not of legal drinking age).
• Providing alcohol to minors.
• Walking in public with an open container of alcohol.
• Bringing alcohol into an academic space.

There are also specific regulations for students of legal age who wish to host parties or informal gatherings with alcohol. Only persons of legal age (21 or older in Vermont, and as defined by the laws of a foreign host country) may possess or consume tobacco, tobacco products, tobacco substitutes, or tobacco paraphernalia, including e-cigarettes. Legal proof of age, such as a valid driver’s license, state-issued liquor identification card, or passport, may be required.

The use, possession, sale, or distribution of illegal drugs, including prescription drugs without a prescription, is prohibited at Middlebury and is a violation of Vermont state law and federal law. Despite recent changes to Vermont state law, cannabis remains illegal under United States federal law and our policy reflects this. Discovery of illegal drugs, and/or of drug paraphernalia with evidence of use, is taken very seriously. Violations of Middlebury’s Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs policy will result in sanctions. 

Student wellness and overall health inform the College’s responses to the use of alcohol and other drugs. As such, the primary goal of the conduct system is to educate and engage students by providing information, tools, and space for facilitated reflection. The College utilizes evidence-based educational opportunities to support informed decision making regarding students’ personal and academic success, as informed by Middlebury’s Community Standards.

Smoking Policy

Smoking is prohibited in all buildings at Middlebury, including residence halls and individual student rooms. This includes e-cigarettes and cannabis.

Smoking shall not take place within 25 feet of areas where smoke is likely to enter buildings. This includes building entranceways, near open windows, and especially near building air intakes. This policy not only reflects Vermont state law but also our concerns for the safety of all members of the community. Smoking creates a significant fire hazard, and secondhand smoke can have debilitating effects on the individuals who inhale it, including our custodial staff, who may be required to work in spaces that others could contaminate with smoke. If students are found to have been smoking in their rooms, they can expect a significant monetary fine, as well as disciplinary action.