Suffolk University is a community dedicated to the academic, professional and personal development of its members and is committed to educational and social programs that promote such development. Personal and communal responsibility with regard to the University’s Student Alcohol and Drug Policy is essential in ensuring that Suffolk’s environment is conducive to student learning and development. Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be accepted as an excuse for conduct that violates the Community Standards. Any student found to allegedly violate this policy will be subject to the Student Conduct System.

General Provisions
Suffolk University enforces all state laws and city ordinances regarding the possession, use, and sale of alcoholic beverages, including those prohibiting drinking by individuals under 21 years of age. The law also forbids falsifying age and identification cards. Suffolk University enforces all state laws and city ordinances regarding the possession, use, and sale of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Student Alcohol Policy
The use, sale, transfer, possession, intoxication of person, or being in the presence of alcoholic beverages in any campus building or property controlled by the University (including residence halls or leased residential properties), regardless of age, is prohibited by any student or guest of a student. No alcohol beverage containers (empty, full, or decorative), including, but not limited to, shot glasses, drinking game devices, or other items affiliated with the consumption or possession of alcohol are allowed in any campus building or property controlled by the University (including residence halls or leased residential properties), regardless of the owner’s age.

Alcohol advertisements and signage is not permitted in any campus building or property controlled by the University (including residence halls or leased residential properties).

Persons and their belongings suspected of bringing alcohol into any campus building or property controlled by the University (including residence halls or leased residential properties) or persons suspected to be under the influence of alcohol will be subject to search by Suffolk University Police and may not be allowed into the building or property with the suspected package.

Students are encouraged to contact Suffolk University Police for assistance when persons who are suspected to be under the influence of alcohol may be a danger to themselves or the community.

Student Illegal Drug Policy
The use, sale, transfer, possession, intoxication of person or being in the presence of illegal drugs in any campus building or property controlled by the University (including residence halls or leased residential properties) is prohibited by any student or guest of a student. Drug paraphernalia is also prohibited in any campus building or property controlled by the University (including residence halls or leased residential properties). Drug paraphernalia is defined as any equipment, product, or material that is use or modified for making, using, or concealing illegal drugs, including, but not limited to, pipes, smoking masks/screens, bongs or roach clips. Certain scales, vials, and baggies may also be considered drug paraphernalia.

Students are not permitted to use, sell, transfer or possess medication prescribed to another person.

Persons and their belongings suspected of bringing illegal drugs into any campus building or property controlled by the University (including residence halls or leased residential properties) or persons suspected to be under the influence of illegal drugs will be subject to search by Suffolk University Police and may not be allowed into the building or property with the suspected package.

Students are encouraged to contact Suffolk University Police for assistance when persons who are suspected to be under the influence of illegal drugs may be a danger to themselves or the community.

Student Sanctions for Alcohol and Illegal Drug Violations
Often, students ask what the sanctions are for violating the Student Alcohol and Illegal Drug Policy. Sanctions are generally a combination of educational and punitive sanctions with the goal being that the University first strives to educate students about acceptable behavior while also holding students accountable for their misconduct. In determining sanctions, hearing officers may consider students’ present demeanor, past disciplinary record, the nature of the misconduct, and the severity of any damage, injury or harm resulting from the misconduct or other factors.

Students who do not complete educational sanctions such as Choices, AlcoholEdu, Innerview, Etoke, Students’ Guide to Living in Boston/Neighborhood U video, reflection papers, workshop attendance or fines by the due date will be responsible for a $25 non-compliance fine for each item in addition to the previous fine (if applicable). Students will still be required to complete the original sanction(s) in addition to paying any non-compliance fines.

If found responsible for violating alcohol and drug policies, a non-resident student may lose residence hall visitation privileges. Guests who are not Suffolk University students and who violate any Office of Residence Life and Housing policy while visiting University housing may lose visitation privileges permanently.