Bates College observes all laws governing the consumption of alcoholic beverages within the State of Maine. This means that students under the legal drinking age of 21 years are not permitted to possess or consume alcohol on college property. In addition, open containers of alcohol are not permitted outdoors or in public spaces, regardless of age.

Documentation of alcohol violations focuses primarily on high-risk, disruptive, and unsafe drinking behaviors. Students should expect to be required to engage in the conduct system if they are engaging in behaviors that meet the criteria for binge drinking behaviors. Binge drinking is a pattern of drinking behaviors that result in rapid intoxication (Chaivin, 2012 & Herschel et al., 2012).

Hard Alcohol

The use of hard alcohol presents a higher risk of acute alcohol intoxication requiring medical treatment. Recognizing the increased risk to self and others, students (regardless of age) are prohibited from using or possessing hard alcohol on campus, at college-sponsored events, or during college-sponsored activities. Hard alcohol generally excludes beer, malt beverages, wine, and hard cider, and typically has an alcohol content of at least 30%. Examples of hard alcohol include vodka, tequila, whiskey, gin, rum, and brandy.

Students are held responsible for complying with Maine laws and Bates alcohol policy. For additional information, see page 8-9 of the Code of Student Conduct.

Cannabis use remains illegal under federal law and there remains evidence that the use and abuse of cannabis can impact one’s health. As such, even though adult possession and use of cannabis is not prohibited by Maine law, the College prohibits cannabis use, possession, and/or distribution of cannabis on campus except for those with a medical written certification that is valid in the state of Maine.

For those with a valid written medical certification, all other campus policies (such as the prohibition on smoking in residence halls) still apply. If medical cannabis is used in a manner that violates other campus policies, the cannabis and paraphernalia may be subject to confiscation and the student may be subject to a conduct violation.

Examples of Level I Violations:

• Possession or consumption of non-hard alcohol (beer or wine) by an individual under the age of 21
• Possession of an open container of non-hard alcohol by any student in a public location
• Possession or use of cannabis

Typical Outcomes:

Level I Violations are resolved through the Misconduct Resolution Meeting process, and typically result in a warning letter sent to the student involved. Level I Violations may also result in educational sanctions, referral to support resources, or other sanctions for minor cases of misconduct at the discretion of the Misconduct Resolution Coordinator.

As with all misconduct cases, documentation will be sent to the student, and saved in the student’s disciplinary file.

Accumulation of three Level I Violations will result in a Level II Violation.

Examples of Level II Violations:

• Possession or consumption of hard alcohol or any beverage containing hard alcohol by any student on the premises of the College, at any college-sponsored event, or while the student is engaged in a college-related activity
• Possession or use of a keg by any student on the premises of the College except where the appropriate measures are in place to prevent underage consumption of alcohol
• Use of a fake ID to purchase alcohol
• Furnishing alcohol to an individual or individuals under the age of 21
• Underage possession or consumption of alcohol combined with an additional violation such as disorderly conduct, damage to college property, or not complying with the directions of a college official
• Possession of an open container of alcohol by any student in a public location combined with an additional violation such as disorderly conduct or not complying with the directions of a college official
• Possession or use of cannabis combined with an additional violation such as a fire safety violation (i.e. smoking in a residence hall or covering a smoke detector) or not complying with the directions of a college official
• Accumulating three Level I Violations

Typical Outcomes:

First Level II Violation

Level II Violations are resolved through the Misconduct Resolution Meeting process, and typically result in a warning letter sent to the student. Level I Violations may also result in educational sanctions, referral to support resources, or other sanctions for minor cases of misconduct at the discretion of the Misconduct Resolution Coordinator.

As with all misconduct cases, documentation will be sent to the student, and saved in the student’s disciplinary file.

Second Level II Violation

A second Level II Violation is typically resolved through the Misconduct Resolution Meeting process. In addition to a warning letter, the student may be referred to the college drug and alcohol counselor, and/or assigned an educational sanction. If appropriate or necessary, the student may be referred to additional support related to the violation. 

As with all misconduct cases, documentation will be sent to the student, and saved in the student’s disciplinary file. For a second Level II Violation, a copy of the warning letter will be sent home to the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s).

At the misconduct resolution meeting, the student will be notified that an additional Level II Violation will result in Disciplinary Notice, where a one semester suspension is held in abeyance.

Third Level II Violation

A third Level II Violation will result in Disciplinary Notice, where a one semester suspension is held in abeyance. An additional Level II Violation during the Notice period results in immediate suspension.

In situations where a student has contacted Campus Safety or Bates EMS for medical treatment either for themselves or for a fellow student, neither the student calling nor the student receiving medical attention will receive a violation through the student conduct system. Students transported to the hospital in association with the consumption of alcohol or cannabis will have a conversation with a Student Affairs staff member and a letter will be sent home to their parent(s)/guardian(s). If a student is transported to the hospital more than once, college staff will explore whether a leave of absence is appropriate.

Situations involving a transport to the hospital as a result of illegal drugs other than cannabis or involving other violations (such as assault, disorderly conduct, etc.) fall outside the scope of the medical amnesty policy and may be handled through the student conduct system. 

Incidents involving operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or cannabis, involving the distribution of cannabis, or involving illegal drugs other than cannabis typically result in a referral to the Disciplinary Resolution Process. These referrals may result in suspension or dismissal and may include police involvement. 

Incidents not involving drugs or alcohol are not covered by this policy, but may be considered when determining the outcome of alcohol and cannabis violations. Similarly, alcohol and cannabis violations may be considered when determining the outcome of cases not involving alcohol or cannabis.

Unlawful possession, distribution, or use of illegal drugs and narcotics, including amphetamines, cocaine, heroin, and LSD, renders a student liable to disciplinary action, including confiscation of materials, student conduct action up to and including suspension and dismissal, and/or referral to local police authorities. Cases of this nature are typically adjudicated through the Disciplinary Resolution Process.