Community Standards of Behavior
5. Responsible Use of Tobacco, Alcohol, and Other Drugs
5.0 A commitment to promoting the health and safety of all members of the Brandeis community, combined with the University's obligation to uphold local, state and federal laws, requires clear policies on the possession and use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs. Members of the community who sponsor or host programs assume responsibility for compliance with the policies outlined below, and are required to be familiar with guidelines for event sponsorship.
Brandeis University recognizes that use or abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs may present conditions that require professional counseling, assistance, or treatment. If any member of the community is at risk because of use or abuse of these substances, many individuals and programs on campus are available to provide immediate or longer-term assistance. The Alcohol and Drug Counselor/Educator is located in the Brandeis University Health Center. Assessments and counseling are available for students who want to learn more about their own use of substances, reduce or eliminate their use, or have concerns about a friend or family member's use. Substance abuse counseling is a free service and is confidential. For information contact the Health Center. The University's brochure, Maintaining a Drug Free Environment, contains related information about laws, policies and resources for the community, and can be obtained through the Office of Human Resources, Gryzmish 118.
A student is expected and required to:
5.1 Smoking and Tobacco Use: Cigarettes and other tobacco products present clear health risks to members of the community, both for users and those experiencing secondhand smoke. All Brandeis campus buildings are completely smoke-free. Smoking is prohibited in all University buildings (including the residence halls), in outside areas adjacent to the entrances of University buildings, and in University vehicles. Members of the community who choose to smoke are expected to dispose of these materials in proper receptacles, and without risking harm to the campus environment. Those who use any tobacco products must show respect for the community, and are expected to comply with reasonable requests from other members of the community regarding their exposure to second-hand smoke.
5.2 Alcohol Use: Brandeis University upholds and supports local, state, and federal laws with regard to alcoholic beverages. Students of legal drinking age may choose to drink within stated campus guidelines, and in accordance with procedures for event sponsorship. Students are expected to obey the law and all University policies regarding the possession, consumption, and serving of alcoholic beverages, and every student is responsible for his or her own conduct. Behavior while intoxicated which causes public disturbance, damage, or nuisance will not be tolerated. Students placing themselves in personal danger, and/or causing an undue burden to the community will be addressed appropriately. Brandeis students are reminded that they are responsible for the conduct of their guests.
The following general policies apply:
- a. No student under the legal drinking age of 21 is allowed to possess or consume alcoholic beverages on campus (see also Section 5.3).
- b. In compliance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, members of the University and its agents may not serve or provide alcoholic beverages to any student or other individual younger than the legal drinking age of 21.
- c. Alcoholic beverages may not be provided at any public event on University property at which there are underage individuals unless there is advance approval by University officials and reasonable precautions are taken to assure that alcohol is served only to those of legal drinking age. Individuals dispensing alcohol assume serious liability if alcohol is served to anyone who is not of legal drinking age, or anyone who is of age but is intoxicated. Alcohol will not be served at any time to individuals who are or appear to be intoxicated.
- d. The sponsor of the event is responsible for providing food and non-alcoholic beverages at any event where alcohol is served. Sponsors should consult with Conference and Events Services and the Department of Student Activities to plan any event at which alcohol will be served, to assure that the event complies with campus policies and the laws of Massachusetts. Sponsors of events bear full responsibility and liability for adherence to these policies. For information check with the Department of Student Activities.
- e. In compliance with local laws, alcoholic beverages may not be sold or served at any function requiring an admission charge without a valid liquor license for that event (see also Section 5.4 regarding purchase of alcohol on campus). The University's liquor license covers the Stein, Faculty Club, Sherman Function Hall, Levin Ballroom and Alumni Lounge, and events in these facilities may include alcohol if properly arranged through Conference and Events Services. In all other facilities, the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited without a temporary license from the City of Waltham.
5.3 Alcohol in the Residence Halls. Brandeis students living in the residence halls share the responsibility for upholding community standards (see Section 10 for additional guidelines for the residence halls). The following policies regarding alcohol apply specifically to the residence halls:
- a. No student under the legal drinking age of 21 is allowed to possess or consume alcoholic beverages in University residence halls. No alcohol is permitted in private residence hall rooms or in any public spaces in first-year or sophomore areas (including the Castle, East, Massell, North, and Rosenthal Quads). In all other areas, use of alcoholic beverages must comply with the guidelines outlined in Section 5.2 above.
- b. Alcoholic beverages may not be consumed in any public area (inside or outside of the residence halls) unless part of an authorized event in conformance with the University regulations regarding events at which alcohol is served or present.
- c. Any student or group of students wishing to sponsor a party with alcohol in the residence halls must request permission for the event from the Quad Director responsible for that area by submitting a Private Residence Party Registration Form at least five working days before the event is to take place. The sponsor of the event is responsible for providing food and non-alcoholic beverages at any event where alcohol is served. See also Section 10.12 and the Party Registration Form regarding social gatherings and parties in the residence halls.
- d. Large quantities of alcoholic beverages (e.g., kegs, beerballs, and cases of liquor) are not permitted in residence halls. Items used with the intention of "excessive consumption" are prohibited. These items may include, but are not limited to funnels, ice luges, etc.
5.4 Age Verification for Purchase or Consumption of Alcohol on Campus: Beer and wine are available for sale to students of legal drinking age at some University events and at the Stein and Faculty Club. One of the following pieces of identification is required to accompany a current and valid Brandeis ID for students and their guests: a valid, original Massachusetts driver's license; a valid passport; a valid, original Massachusetts state liquor identification card; or a valid, authentic Massachusetts state identification card.
5.5 Drugs, Drug Paraphernalia, and Other Substances: The use of illicit drugs or the abuse of legally-obtained drugs can cause serious and permanent harm to one's health and ability to function, and to the community. A student is expected and required to observe the fact that the manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, sale, or use of marijuana or its derivatives, or any other illegal narcotic, stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogen, is prohibited. Possession or use of bongs, pipes, or other drug paraphernalia is prohibited. Misuse of prescription drugs is also prohibited (see brochure on Maintaining a Drug Free Environment for state and federal laws).