Preamble: Policy Principles
Massachusetts College of Art + Design is a community dedicated to the academic and personal development of its members, and is committed to educational and social programs promoting these ends. The college recognizes that the use of alcohol in the local community and the larger society can present serious problems, including harm to users and non-users and the encroachment upon values and rights considered fundamental to educational development and personal well being.

The college affirms that the fundamental responsibility for personal behavior associated with the use of alcohol rests with the individual. However, the college provides constructive leadership in delineating the rights of community members and protecting those rights from violation. In addition, the college maintains and strictly enforces rules and regulations deemed appropriate and necessary to preserving conditions essential to academic and personal well-being.

The college expects faculty, staff and administrators to be positive role models for students through their own responsible use or non-use of alcohol. The principle aims of the college policy concerning the use of alcoholic beverages on the campus include:

• Formulating and enforcing regulations for social events and individual conduct.


• Encouraging responsible, moderate and safe use of alcoholic beverages.


• Reducing pressures on those who do not wish to use alcohol in social settings.


• Providing discipline for those whose use of alcohol is associated with infringements of the rights of other community members.


• Providing information, educational programs and counseling services to support community interests and values affected by social and individual use of alcohol.


• Minimizing problems associated with alcohol use, and to assist all students in pursuing their goals for educational and personal development.


• Providing opportunities for community-wide participation in the formulation, dissemination and enforcement of regulations

Alcohol Use Regulations
As a general principle, the use of alcohol is not allowed on the MassArt campus. However, alcohol may be served at specific events and in site-specific locations, provided that certain procedures are followed and the event is registered and approved.

Alcohol will not be served or offered to students at any event which students must attend as part of their required course work.

Alcohol is prohibited in the Smith Hall student residence.

Alcohol will be allowed only at specially registered events, where students of the college are present. Controls listed below must be in place. Public Safety officers and other college officials will monitor and strictly enforce these policies.

It is recognized that there are many kinds of student events held at the college. Some events require more stringent guidelines than others. Large student events that involve outside advertising, and the sale of alcohol, will be subject to stricter controls than an opening reception for an exhibition. All events must observe the following minimum guidelines:

1. All events must be registered and approved with the Director of Student Activities and Programs (2nd floor, Kennedy).


2. Events where alcohol is served must have an approved server meet with the Director of Student Activities and Programs during the event registration process (All guests, including students, MUST be 21 years of age or older to be served or to drink alcohol in Massachusetts).


3. All drinks MUST be individually poured and served to customers or guests.


4. Appropriate signage must be displayed indicating that an ID is required for alcohol consumption.


5. All events MUST have non-alcoholic beverages available.


6. If student groups wish to serve alcohol, the following sites are appropriate ONLY after the event is registered and approved:
• Arnheim Gallery (including the corridor)
• Bakalar and Huntington Galleries (including the corridors)
• Cafeteria
• Doran Gallery (including the corridor area)
• Graduate Lounge
• Gymnasium
• Installation Station
• North Hall (including the corridor and the Screening Rooms)
• President's Gallery
• Student Life Gallery
• Tower Gallery

Events Registration
It is the policy of Massachusetts College of Art + Design that ALL events must be registered five (5) calendar days prior to the event, whether or not alcohol is being served.

This policy encompasses ALL college-sponsored events, including off-campus activities sponsored or hosted by the college. In addition, all invited groups who utilize college facilities are subject to registration procedures. Event Registration Forms are available in the Office of Student Development and in the Student Center (2nd floor, Kennedy).

Tips for Smarter Alcohol Consumption

• You must be 21 years of age to consume alcoholic beverages.
• Know your limit and stay within it. Many factors affect how much you can safely drink: how much you weigh, whether or not you are in good health, if you've had something to eat, and whether you are tired or refreshed.
• Know what you are drinking. What you drink is just as important as how many drinks you have. A frozen daiquiri, for example, contains twice the alcohol of a glass of wine. One glass of rum punch could have three or four times as much alcohol as a single beer (college-sponsored activities serve beer or wine only).

Food for Thought
Food slows down alcohol absorption. Groups which host events should remember to serve food higher in protein and carbohydrates. Cheese and nuts are good choices. A selection of alcohol free beverages allows guests to choose or alternate between drinks containing alcohol.

Designate a Driver
If there is a chance someone in your group will consume alcohol more than is safe, designate a non-drinking driver. Then rely only on that person to provide transportation.

Last Call for Alcohol
As the host, you control the bar. Close it at least an hour before the end of the event and offer your guests a new round of interesting food and alcohol-free drinks before they leave. Neither food nor coffee counteracts the effects of alcohol, but having a snack for the road buys valuable time. Only time processes alcohol out of the digestive system.

(You are a role model. Be responsible for your own actions. Think about what your are doing and how it affects those around you. Remember that under age friends look to older adults as role models. Make sure your actions set an example which emphasizes responsible behavior.)

Friends don't let friends drive drunk!
People who have been drinking too much should not be allowed to drive. Taking away a friend's keys may not be easy, but might save a friend's life. Find an alternate means of transportation such as the MassArt Student Shuttle, the MBTA or a taxi.

A good host is a good friend.
If you care enough to invite people to your event, you should care enough to make sure they get home safely. Provide transportation for those who need it. If that isn't practical, offer a place for guests to spend the night even if it means your couch or your floor.

Guidelines for Parties at Massart
To assist with student organizing, here are a few guidelines. Students should enjoy themselves, but as responsible organizers everyone should be concerned about the responsible use of alcohol. Alcohol abuse has a devastating effect on people and all aspects of their lives. No free beer, 'beer bashes' or 'chug-a-lug' contests. This only encourages irresponsible drinking.

Soft drinks should be predominantly displayed and made available free of charge. Students who have had too much to drink should be denied the purchase of alcoholic beverages.

To supplement paid security details a few students must be designated to act as counselors to students who have had too much to drink or seem to be getting out of hand. These students are not 'bouncers' or 'security' but are there to help their peers. Designated students are advised to walk away from a potentially troubling situation and have a security detail respond. Designated students must not drink alcoholic beverages prior to, or during any event.

The Events Registration Form specifies the time period when alcohol may be served.  No alcohol will be dispensed at any other time during the event.  Non-alcoholic drinks should be served after the bar closes, if possible.

When the party is breaking up, organizers should watch carefully to see if anyone has had too much to drink. In these cases, the student should not be allowed to drive and transportation should be arranged for them (see Public Safety shuttle / escort policy). In a dire emergency, a place nearby should be found for them to sleep.

When serving an alcoholic punch and a non-alcoholic punch, post a note in front of each saying which is alcoholic. Punch disguises the alcohol being used. Use only wine or champagne for an alcoholic punch.