Changes in federal legislation prompted a task force of students, faculty, and staff to review the College's drug and alcohol policy over January to make sure we are complying with the law. The task force concluded that the College has always complied with the law, but that the policy has not always been clearly communicated. Earlier this week, every MHC student received a copy of the College's drug and alcohol policy, and details of sanctions for violations, in her mail box.
The new law requires that colleges "rigorously enforce" their drug and alcohol policies, according to Dean of the College Beverly Daniel Tatum. She said that while our policy is not new, some sanctions for failure to follow the policy have been modified. For example, Tatum explained, "in the past, if a head resident became aware of underage drinking, she might have a conversation with the student about it and refer the student to the campus Drug and Alcohol Awareness Project. Now the student's name will also be given to the dean's office, and she will receive a warning notice." This kind of provision was added, Tatum said, because federal law now requires colleges to keep track of all disciplinary violations of alcohol and drug policies in the same way we keep track of any crimes committed on campus.
Some rumors about proposed changes to the policy are not true. For example, residence hall staff will "not seek out violations or police the dorms," and parents of students who violate the policy will be notified only if students are "in a life-threatening situation." And students under age twenty-one can still attend parties where alcohol is served (as long as they don't drink the alcohol). However, breaking the rules will have consequences. According to the policy, violators are subject to sanctions ranging from a written warning to suspension or expulsion from the College, depending on the severity of the offense. Sanctions take effect on February 19.
The policy is "guided by three important concerns: the health and safety of our students, compliance with state and federal laws, and our educational mission, which includes informing students so they can make responsible life choices," according to the dean's memo to students.
Three information meetings will give community members a chance to ask questions about the policy. The two still to come will be held February 15 and 17. (See calendar section of this CSJ for details.)
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