Alcohol And Drug Use Policy

This policy statement on drugs and alcohol is designed to address the University's concerns about substance use and abuse and to ensure that all members of the Lesley community comply with the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989.

Violations and Standards of Conduct

It is unlawful for persons under 21 years of age to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Federal and state laws also make illegal the non-medical use, possession, or sale of drugs as well as the inducement of others to use, possess, or sell drugs. It is a violation of Massachusetts law to be knowingly in the presence of anyone illegally possessing drugs, or to be in a place where controlled substances are illegally kept or deposited. Penalties in Massachusetts range from fines or suspended sentences and parole to up to ten years imprisonment for first offenders.

Violation of any law governing the purchase, consumption, sale or distribution of alcohol or control substances will neither be tolerated nor ignored by Lesley University.

Lesley University cannot protect students from arrest or prosecution resulting from violations of drug or alcohol laws. Moreover, whenever necessary, the University will cooperate with law enforcement authorities with regard to the unlawful use, possession, sale or dispensing of alcohol or controlled substances anywhere on the Lesley campus.

Disciplinary Actions

State and federal law prohibits the possession, use, or sale of drugs for non-medical purposes, as well as the inducement of others to use, possess or sell drugs for non-medical purposes. It is also unlawful for persons under 21 years of age to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Violations of any law relating to controlled substances or alcohol are prohibited on the Lesley campus and will neither be tolerated nor ignored. Lesley's disciplinary actions may include satisfactory participation in, or completion of, a treatment or education program, suspension or dismissal from Lesley or referral for prosecution.

Legal Sanctions

Delivery of alcoholic beverages to person under 21 years of age may be punishable with a fine of up to $2,000 and six month-imprisonment, or both. Anyone who misrepresents his/her age, or falsifies an identification, to obtain alcoholic beverages is punishable by a fine of $300. A first conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol carries a penalty of a $1,000 fine, a one-year license revocation, up to two-years in prison, and mandatory participation in an alcohol rehabilitation program.

Health Risks

Substance abuse may be harmful to your health. The effects of using illegal drugs include, but are not limited to anxiety, depression, insomnia, hallucinations, hyperactivity, and loss of appetite, convulsions, coma, and possible death. Alcohol consumption can also result in changes in behavior including impaired judgment and coordination, aggressiveness, depression, and memory loss. Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence and damage to vital organs.

Counseling and Treatment

Lesley supports the efforts of its students to seek help and advice regarding actual or potential drug and alcohol problems. Students with problems, questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Affairs or the Counseling Center.

Mandatory Reporting of Convictions

Provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 require that as a condition of employment all Lesley University employees engaged in the performance of Federal grants and contracts abide by the terms of the University's Drug Policy and inform the University of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than 5 days after such conviction. Furthermore, the University is required to notify the appropriate Federal agency within 10 days after receiving such notice from an employee or otherwise receiving actual notice of such a conviction. The University is required, within 30 days of receiving notice, to take appropriate action against any employee who is so convicted and/or may require such employee to participate satisfactorily in an approved drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program as a condition of continued employment.

If you have any questions regarding this reporting requirement, you are strongly encouraged to speak with the Director of Human Resources for more information.

Alcohol Use for Lesley University Events

All members of the Lesley community are expected to abide by the University's Alcohol Use Policy for University Events as well as the Massachusetts laws governing the legal drinking age of 21 and the sale, purchase and serving of alcoholic beverages. Violations of this policy will be handled through the procedures set forth in the Community Standards of Conduct.

Specific Policy Guidelines

No alcoholic beverages may be served at any University sponsored or supported activity, on or off campus, at which the majority of attendees is expected to be individuals under the age of 21.

Individuals sponsoring an event are responsible for insuring that all city, state, federal, and campus regulations concerning the use of alcohol are observed.

Alcohol may be served at University sponsored functions, either on or off campus, where the majority of the attendees are expected to be individuals over the age of 21 within the following guidelines:

• Groups, which intend to serve alcohol at University sponsored or supported functions, either on or off campus, must register the event with and obtain permission from the Vice President for Finance.
• A bartender must be hired to serve all alcoholic beverages at any University sponsored event. Individuals may be required to show proper identification before being served.

Sponsors of the event accept responsibility for:

• Identifying all persons not of drinking age and insuring that these individuals are not served.
• Insuring that non-alcoholic beverages are available as well as readily available food.
• Insuring that alcohol is not served to any person who is intoxicated.
• The consumption of alcoholic beverages is only permitted within the approved area designated for the event.
• No social event shall include any form of drinking contest in its activities or promotion.
• Advertisement of any Lesley University event where alcoholic beverages are served shall note the availability of non-alcoholic beverages as prominently as alcohol. Alcohol should not be used as an inducement to participate in a campus event.