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Substance Abuse
State and federal law, as well as University policy, prohibit the unlawful
possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students
and employees.
Cities and towns in Massachusetts prohibit public consumption of alcohol
and impose fines for violations. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation
and Recreation also prohibits public consumption of alcohol in its parks.
Harvard University is not, and cannot be considered, a sanctuary from the
existing laws. Violators of the law may be subject to heavy penalties
mandated by city, state, and federal governments. Potential penalties include
the loss of student grants and loans, fines, and prison sentences.
Getting Help
Substance abuse is harmful to your health, with effects ranging from disorientation
and fatigue to psychosis, coma, and possible death. Because of the considerable
health risks involved, resources are available to assist the Harvard community in
understanding and dealing with drug and alcohol abuse.
If you have questions or issues about alcohol and other drugs, or you think someone
you know might have a problem with them, there are many resources in the
Harvard/Cambridge/Boston area at your disposal. These resources will maintain your
or your friend’s confidentiality, so please do not hesitate to use them. You may
also consult the brochure, “Empowering You”, available at University Health Services.
Call the UHS Center for Wellness and Health Communication at (49) 5-9629 for
additional information.
"The Office of Alcohol & Other Drug Services serves as a multidimensional resource for members of the Harvard community, focusing on prevention, education, intervention, treatment, and policy initiatives. We offer a wide range of programs and services, including the Drug & Alcohol Peer Advisor (DAPA) program, a group of student-leaders who have received extensive training to respond to questions or concerns that students might have about substance use at Harvard."
Ryan Travia—Director, Office of Alcohol & Other Drug Services
University Policy
The following policy statement on drugs and alcohol is designed to address
the University’s concerns about substance abuse and to ensure that the Harvard
community complies with the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the
Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989. This policy applies
to every Harvard employee. Students should consult their school handbooks for
other applicable policies and disciplinary procedures related to student conduct,
as well as state and federal laws concerning hazing, firearms, and other important
concerns. In the absence of separate student policies about drugs and alcohol,
this policy applies:
Violations of laws relating to controlled substances or alcohol are prohibited
on Harvard premises, in vehicles provided by Harvard, at any work site or location
at which University duties are being performed by employees, or as part of any of
Harvard’s activities. This means, among other things, that employees or students
may not unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, or use controlled
substances in the workplace or on campus. Common examples of controlled substances,
as defined by law, are cocaine, marijuana, and heroin. To acquaint members of the
Harvard community with the applicable laws, the University’s Office of the General
Counsel has prepared a description of local, state, and federal laws concerning drugs
and alcohol. A copy of the memorandum is available upon request.
The University will take disciplinary action against violators, consistent with local,
state, and federal laws. Such action may include requiring satisfactory participation
in a substance abuse treatment, counseling, or education program as a condition of
reinstatement, continued employment, or studies at Harvard; suspension; termination of
employment or student status; or referral for prosecution.
Finally, to ensure Harvard’s compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act, any employee
who is convicted of a violation of any criminal drug law occurring in the workplace must
report that conviction to his or her immediate supervisor within five days. The Drug-Free
Workplace Act makes strict compliance with this policy statement a condition of employment
on all federal grants or contracts. Within ten days of learning of a drug conviction
resulting from the workplace activities of any individual engaged in work under grants or
contracts funded by a federal agency, Harvard must notify the relevant funding agency of
this conviction.
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