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Alcohol & Drug Policies:

What Every Student Should Know!

The University of Massachusetts hopes to help make your living and learning experience a rewarding and positive one. Students who choose to drink alcohol are expected to do so responsibly and in accordance with campus regulations, State laws and Town ordinances. Similarly, our policies take seriously all drug violations in our campus residence halls and in the community. This includes the improper use, possession, sale, or distribution of controlled substances. University policy also prohibits the possession of drug paraphernalia. This web site answers some basic questions and highlights our campus policies, sanctions and resources.

What are the possible consequences for violating the campus ALCOHOL policies?

What are the possible consequences for violating the campus DRUG policies?

What do the sanctions really mean?

Good Samaritan Protocol

BASICS Program

II.D.10.a Underage drinking/possession: In accordance with Massachusetts law, you must be 21 or older to drink or possess alcoholic beverages. If all residents of a room are under 21 years of age, no alcoholic beverages are allowed in the room at any time.

II.D.10.b. Open container in public space: Possession of an open container of alcohol is prohibited in all common areas of residence halls including, but not limited to, public corridors, stairwells, bathrooms, kitchen units, and lounges. Note: Residents over the age of 21 may consume alcohol in their rooms, whether the door is open or closed.

II.D.10.d. Large volume: The amount of alcohol which a student may possess and/or store is limited to twelve (12 oz) bottles/cans of beer, two (750 mL) bottles of wine, or one bottle of hard liquor (1L).This applies to each resident in a room who is 21 or older. Other quantity-dispensing containers, including but not limited to kegs and beer balls, are prohibited in all areas of the residence halls.

II.D.10.e. Providing alcohol to an underage drinker: Providing alcohol to anyone under the legal drinking age is prohibited.

II.D.10.f. Possession of alcohol paraphernalia: The possession and/or use of drinking paraphernalia or products that promote the abuse of alcohol and/or put the user in a position to consume alcohol irresponsibly is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to funnels, taps, and beirut/beer pong tables.

II.D.10.g. Unlawful gathering serving alcohol: Due to the potential for noise violations and illegal alcohol consumption, large gatherings are prohibited in the residence halls. A group of more than 10 people in a residence room in which alcohol is present (regardless of room size) will be considered a large gathering. Progressive large gatherings (i.e. round robins) and/or any gatherings that spill out into a common space are prohibited and may be viewed as a violation of the alcohol policy.

II.D.10.h. Intoxication: Intoxication, defined as being under the influence of alcohol or any other psychoactive drug to any extent which requires the attention of University staff or which causes a disturbance or is a danger to persons or property is prohibited. You may be reluctant to seek medical help for an individual experiencing severe intoxication or a serious injury after consuming alcohol. However, it is imperative that you call for medical assistance since these emergencies are potentially life threatening. UMass Amherst has developed the Good Samaritan Protocol to ensure that the health and safety of all community members remains our first priority.

II.D.10.i. Possession of empty alcohol containers: Possession of empty alcohol containers (i.e. liquor bottles, wine bottles, and/or beer cans) is prohibited in residence halls by students who are under 21 and may be viewed as evidence of possession and/or consumption of alcohol. In addition, students are not allowed to use alcohol containers, whether full or empty, as decorations within their residence hall room.

II.D.10.j. Engaging in drinking games: Creating, offering, and/or engaging in drinking games or other behaviors designed for the purpose of rapid and/or excessive consumption is prohibited. At no time should activities which encourage excessive drinking and/or lead to the endangerment of the individual served take place in the residence halls.

Drug Policies

II.B.4.a. Improper use, possession, sale or distribution of controlled substances: The improper use, possession, possession for the purpose of sale, or distribution of any controlled substance, as defined in Mass, G.L.c. 94C, Section 34.

Note: All sanctions are cumulative. Consequently, students who already have a judicial history may receive more severe sanctions. Sanctions may also be enhanced based on the severity of the behavior and the impact on the community. For example, should a student be underage, possess a large volume of alcohol, be engaging in a drinking game and possess a funnel, that student would receive a higher sanction.

Parental Notification : If any student is found to be in violation of the University alcohol and drug policies for possession of a keg or large volume, for dispensing alcohol to a minor, or for possession or distribution of controlled substances, the parents or legal guardians of dependent students under 21 will be notified. If any student violates the University alcohol policies for underage possession or open container in public space for a second time, the parents or legal guardians of dependent students under 21 will be notified. The University may waive parental notification in unusual circumstances if a student makes a bona fide showing that such notification will create significant hardship.

*Suspension: A specified period of time during which you cannot participate in any University-sponsored activities. You will be barred from all University premises. You will lose academic credit for a suspension that takes effect during a semester. It may be recorded on your transcript.

Good Samaritan Protocol

Intoxication and Good Samaritan

Intoxication, defined as being under the influence of alcohol or any other psychoactive drug to any extent which requires the attention of University staff or which causes a disturbance or is a danger to persons or property, is prohibited.

Good Samaritan Protocol

It is imperative that someone calls for medical assistance when an individual experiences severe intoxication or a serious injury after consuming alcohol. Sometimes people may be reluctant to seek medical help because of potential judicial consequences for themselves or the person in need of assistance. Since these emergencies are potentially life threatening, UMass Amherst has developed the Good Samaritan Protocol to ensure that the health and safety of all community members remains our first priority.

The Good Samaritan Protocol seeks to increase the likelihood that UMass Amherst community members will call for medical assistance when faced with an alcohol-related medical emergency. The Good Samaritan Protocol promotes education for individuals who receive emergency medical attention related to their own use of alcohol in order to reduce the likelihood of future occurrences. However, serious or repeated incidents will constitute a higher degree of medical concern and may jeopardize the student’s status at the university or may result in judicial action.

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BASICS (Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students)

BASICS is a “drinker’s checkup” that helps you examine your use, identify changes that could work for you and reduce your risk of future problems. It’s not therapy or substance abuse assessment.

Students are required to attend BASICS after a first, low-level violation of UMass Amherst’s alcohol and drug policy. Second offenders are referred to BASICS 2, which continues the assessments and conversations. Those sanctioned to BASICS for drug violations will complete e-TOKE, an additional online survey.

If you’re seen medically for an alcohol-related incident, you may be referred to BASICS. And, you can always take part in BASICS on your own.

What happens in BASICS?

BASICS involves two 50-minute sessions, scheduled one to two weeks apart. At the first session, you’ll meet with a prevention specialist to talk about your use of alcohol and other drugs, and complete an online questionnaire.

At the second session, you’ll receive a personalized substance use profile. Your prevention specialist will discuss the feedback, compare your results to other UMass Amherst students and offer ways to reduce your risks.

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Additional Publications

The following additional publications are available in the Dean of Students Office:

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