Student Handbook 2017-18 > Policies and Procedures – Non-Academic > Alcohol and drug policies

Alcohol and drug policies

Drug free schools and communities act

Students at Olin College must be aware that their behavior with respect to alcoholic beverages is constrained by two sets of rules: Massachusetts state law and the college’s own policies which reflect its concern for the health and well-being of its students. The alcohol and drug policies below.

Persons who violate the college’s policy regarding alcohol or other drugs are subject to appropriate disciplinary action, counseling, probation, suspension, dismissal and referral to proper law enforcement authorities for prosecution.

Massachusetts state law subjects an individual to fines ranging from $300 to $1,000, loss of driver’s license and/or imprisonment for the following acts:

• Sale or delivery of alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age;
• Possession, purchase, delivery, or transportation of alcohol by anyone under 21 years of age; and
• Misrepresentation or falsification of identification in order to purchase alcohol.

The law further states that anyone who wishes to purchase alcohol must show, upon request, a valid Massachusetts driver’s license indicating that he or she is 21 years of age or older.

The Drug Free Schools and Communities Act also requires that a description of health risks associated with drug use and alcohol abuse be distributed to Olin students. Potential health risks resulting from alcohol and drug abuse include but are not limited to the following:

Resources are available to assist Olin students in understanding and dealing with drug and alcohol abuse. The National Institute on Drug Abuse provides a confidential information and referral line that directs callers to cocaine abuse treatment centers in the local community. Contact Health Services in Hollister Hall for free materials on drug use.

Alcohol policy

Olin College is committed to encouraging and facilitating responsible student decision making. The college recognizes that responsible decision making concerning alcohol use is especially crucial to the health and safety of students, respect for college property and the educational mission of the institution. Alcohol abuse among students has been shown to have serious negative effects on the students’ abilities to reach their educational goals. While students have the primary responsibility for maintaining their academic progress and their overall health, Olin College seeks, in its programs, services and activities, to enforce the responsible use of alcohol on its campus and among its community members. To achieve this goal, and to monitor and regulate alcohol-related behavior, Olin has adopted the following policy and regulations.

Students at Olin College must be aware that their behavior with respect to alcoholic beverages is constrained by three sets of rules: Massachusetts state law, the town of Needham’s bylaws and the college’s own policies that reflect its concern for the health and well-being of its students. In Massachusetts, an individual must be 21 years of age to possess, consume, transport or carry alcohol.

Massachusetts state law (Sample of relevant sections)

Massachusetts state law subjects an individual to fines ranging from $300 to $2,000, loss of driver’s license, and/or imprisonment for the following acts:

• Sale or delivery of alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age;
• Possession, purchase, delivery, or transportation of alcohol by anyone under 21 years of age;
• Misrepresentation or falsification of identification in order to purchase alcohol;
• Possession of the open container of alcohol in public.

The law further states that anyone who wishes to purchase alcohol must show, upon request, a valid Massachusetts driver’s license, Massachusetts Liquor Identification card, passport, or Military Identification card indicating that he or she is 21 years of age or older. Individuals who operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol are subject to criminal prosecution in addition to disciplinary action by the college.

In addition to the above, courts are increasingly willing to hold those who serve intoxicating beverages liable for damage or injury caused or suffered by the individuals to whom the beverages were served. This could include the college; organizations that sponsor events where alcohol is served; the officers, members, and advisers of such groups; and the individuals who serve the beverages. This also could include liability for alcohol served at private parties and/or in residence halls.

Medical amnesty

The Olin community values the health and safety of its members and supports an environment that encourages students to help others who are in need of assistance. This policy has been established to encourage students to take responsible action when another student or guest is at risk due to the consumption of alcohol and/or drugs.

Students for whom medical or staff assistance is necessary due to being dangerously intoxicated and/or under the influence of drugs will be granted amnesty from the college disciplinary process in accordance with the terms of this policy. The Olin student/guest who calls the Department of Public Safety on behalf of a student/guest in need will like-wise be granted amnesty provided:

• The caller is an Olin student/guest, and
• The caller remains with the Olin student/guest in need until a Public Safety Officer and/or campus official arrives.

Olin recognizes the caller and student in need may involve than one person.

Consistent with putting the student’s health and safety first, the college will approach repeated incidents as a serious health risk. While amnesty from the disciplinary process may be applied, a meeting with the dean of student affairs may result. In extreme situations parents or guardians, in consultation with the student, may also result. Students involved in an alcohol and/or drug-related emergency for which amnesty is granted are subject to mandatory educational or developmental interventions. An Olin student/guest who summons assistance for a student in need will receive amnesty on an ongoing basis consistent with the terms of this policy. The college’s response to these incidents is independent of any action taken by local law enforcement.

Medical amnesty applies only to alcohol or other drug-related medical emergencies. Medical amnesty does not apply to other conduct violations such as, but not limited to: assault sexual assault, harassment, hazing, vandalism, operating under the influence, property damage, or distribution of illicit substances.

Possession or consumption of alcohol by an underage individual

The college strictly prohibits the possession or consumption of alcohol by individuals under the Massachusetts legal age of 21 years old. Additionally, it will be considered a violation to transport or carry alcohol if the individual is under the legal age of 21 years old.

Providing alcohol to underage individuals

The college strictly prohibits students from providing alcohol to individuals under the Massachusetts legal age of 21 years old. The policy includes allowing underage students to consume alcohol in an on or off-campus residence. Please see the Guest Policy to understand the college’s expectations for students who host guests in their residence.

Drinking paraphernalia/drinking games

Drinking paraphernalia constitutes items that are being used, or could be used in connection with any drinking game or the rapid, mass, or otherwise dangerous consumption of alcohol of any type. This includes, but is not limited to, items such as funnels and table tops used in conjunction with drinking games. The college reserves the right to immediately and permanently confiscate all drinking paraphernalia.

Open container policy

Alcohol may not be possessed or consumed in outdoor areas of the college. Additionally, open containers of alcohol may not be possessed or consumed in residence hall hallways. On occasion, special authorization for specific locations may be obtained for outdoor or indoor consumption through the Student Affairs office.

Permissible quantities of alcohol

The college prohibits the possession of quantities of alcohol that are larger than what is reasonable for personal consumption. The following are the general guidelines for the maximum amount of alcohol permitted in on-campus residences for those 21 years of age or older: twelve 12-ounce coolers, malts, or beers; or two 750 ml. bottles of wine; or one liter of hard liquor up to 80 proof. The total amount of alcohol in a residence hall room or suite may not exceed the total amount permitted for the residents of the room or suite, age 21 or older. The college reserves the right, in its sole discretion, and given the specific circumstances of a given incident, to determine the volume of alcohol which constitutes a violation of this policy.

Central source

The college prohibits the possession, use and/or distribution of any central source of alcohol unless it has been previously approved by Student Affairs. A central source may include (but is not limited to) such items as a keg, pony keg, beer ball, or punch bowl. The college reserves the right, in its sole discretion, and given the specific circumstances of a given incident, to determine the volume of alcohol which constitutes a central source. Factors including, but not limited to, an excessive number of students in a given area using the same source of alcohol and/or the intent to consume and/or distribute alcohol for the purposes of mass and/or rapid consumption.

Alcohol delivery

The commercial delivery of alcohol to Olin College, to individual students or student groups is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to college residence halls and/ other college buildings.

Exceptions to this policy may only be made for events that have been approved for the delivery of alcohol by Student Affairs and Operations. These approved and college-sanctioned events must take place in previously approved college venues.

Event registration policy

The college recognizes certain venues where organized social events may occur. In review of each proposed event, the college takes into consideration such elements as the timing, location, number of participants, and quantity of alcohol. The applicable regulations are determined by the venue to which the event is assigned. If the requirements of the event registration process are not met, the student and/ or organization will be considered in violation of this policy.