Recommendation #4:
We recommend that the Student Handbook be reorganized to give clarity and prominence to rules and sanctions regarding alcohol. We further recommend that these rights and responsibilities be discussed by hall staff and elected leaders with all students at initial residence hall meetings at the beginning of each semester. [follow-up: Dean of Students]

The Commission has codified student rights and responsibilities as follows:

STUDENT HANDBOOK ALCOHOL SECTION
The Campus Standard: The Colby community -- students, faculty, staff, trustees, overseers, alumni -- is committed to maintaining a residential atmosphere that supports personal growth and learning; assures individual rights and the well-being and dignity of others; promotes understanding and respect; and fosters the opportunity to making lasting friendships. To this end, where alcohol is used, it must be used responsibly and abuse will not be tolerated.

Colby's policies governing the possession, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages (which are set forth in Appendix V of the Student Handbook) are consistent with Maine State Law. Students are personally responsible for compliance. The legal drinking age in Maine is 21.

Rights:
The community has determined that resident students have the following rights:

• to live in a clean, sanitary environment sufficiently quiet to allow for rest and study;
• to have access to one's room without the presence of "live-in" occupants not assigned by the College;
• to be able to work, study and sleep in one's room without interference from the social activities of one's roommate(s);
• to exercise free speech -- which does not include the right to harass, injure, or silence others;
• to have adequate security for one's person and possessions;
• to have a system of grievance; and,
• to have the option of living in a substance-free residence hall.^*

Responsibilities:
To assure these rights, all students have the following responsibilities:

• to resolve differences with others in a controlled, civil manner and in a timely fashion;
• to conduct oneself in such a manner that does not violate the rights of others;
• to adhere to College regulations and to honor the legitimate requests of the College and its appointed agents;
• to take all reasonable means to protect from theft or damage, personal property and the property of others including that of the College;
• to treat all members of the community with dignity and respect;
• to be accountable in social situations, including choices with respect to alcohol;
• to be aware of College policy and Maine State Law with regard to alcohol and other drugs;
• to protect and promote the health and safety of others, as well as one's self, and to lend assistance to others in need of help because of substance abuse; and,
• to avoid substance abuse and refuse to tolerate substance abuse in others.

Accountability:
Security officers, hall staff, and representatives of the Dean of Students Office are required to issue written citations for rule infractions, including violations of College alcohol policy. Students receiving citations will subsequently be called for a conference with the Dean of Students or a member of the staff. Typical offenses associated with alcohol abuse include, but are not limited to the following:

• Drunk and disorderly conduct.
• Party rule infractions.
• Excessive noise that violates quiet hours or otherwise infringes upon the rights of others.
• Creating offensive messes -- e.g. vomit -- in space used by others.
• Disrespectful or intimidating or harassing behavior.
• Failure to comply with the legitimate authority of hall staff, dean of students office, security officers, or others.
• Vandalism, theft, or misuse of College or private property.
• Verbal or physical assaults.

For these and other related offenses, the Dean of Students or the Judicial Board or a Dean's Hearing Board will, depending upon the severity of the infraction and the past disciplinary record, impose one or more of the following penalties:^**

• Warning
• Notification of parents or guardians
• Disciplinary probation, for one or more semesters or through graduation which could include loss of privileges as a party host
• Removal of extracurricular activities
• Expulsion from housing, without refund
• Fines and/or community services
• Suspension for one or more semesters or for an indeterminate period
• Expulsion with no recourse for re-admission

Students must be aware that sanctions for misconduct arising from the abuse of alcohol will be more severe if the student is under the legal drinking age, the incident was associated with a drinking game, or if the student has a previous disciplinary record.

In the most serious cases, the dean will act upon the recommendation of the Student Judicial Board or a Dean's Hearing. In cases where there is no dispute of the facts related to the charge or charges, the dean may impose sanctions. The dean may also refer the student to alcohol counseling as a condition of continued enrollment or for re-admission following a suspension.