Alcohol Use and Drug Free Workplace

Updated: January 2022

The unlawful possession, use, purchase, or distribution of alcohol on College property or as part of any College activity is prohibited, except on occasions when the legal consumption of alcoholic beverages in a social setting is authorized or sponsored by the College. The unlawful possession, use, purchase, or distribution of illicit drugs, controlled substances1 (including marijuana, cannabis products, stimulants, depressants, narcotics, or hallucinogenic drugs), or paraphernalia–or the misuse of prescription drugs, including sharing, procuring, buying, or using in a manner different from the prescribed use, or by someone other than the person for whom it was prescribed—is prohibited on College property or as part of any College activity.

The overarching priority of the College with respect to alcohol and drugs is to help ensure the safety and well-being of Bowdoin employees, students, and visitors while complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. As part of its educational mission, the College is committed to providing guidance so that community members can comply with local, state, and federal laws, reducing substance abuse and the use of illegal drugs. We look to enhance the development of responsible behavior regarding the consumption of alcoholic beverages, and devise policies and educational information that will reduce dangerous drinking. 

The College aims to improve employee and students’ understanding of the risks associated with alcohol and drug abuse. The College’s Student Handbook outlines policies and procedures, and also reflects additional expectations for student conduct based on the College’s concerns about high-risk drinking behaviors, such as binge drinking and the rapid or competitive consumption of alcohol, and their many adverse consequences for students’ health and lives. Employees who interact with students should be familiar with how to provide assistance on campus including Student Health Services, the Counseling Center, the Office of the Dean of Students, and the Office of Residential Life.

Ultimately, the specific alcohol and drug policies established by Bowdoin College are intended to honor both the rights of the individual and the standards of the community. The following informs employees and students about relevant state and federal laws, Bowdoin’s policies associated with alcohol and drug use, and the physical and medical consequences of alcohol and drug use.

Employees are urged not only to take care of their own well-being, but to behave in an equally responsible way when engaging with students as well as with donors, alumni, and work colleagues. There may be times when health and safety concerns arise from excessive drinking or drug use, and in these situations, employees should not hesitate to seek help from Bowdoin Security, Residential Life Student Staff, medical or counseling professionals, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and/or local or state police.

OBJECTIVES

The College believes that everyone has the right to work and learn in an environment free from the effects of substance abuse. Those individuals who abuse alcohol and other drugs are a danger to themselves and others. The objectives of this policy reflect the College’s desire to create an intentional community based on principles of respect for oneself and others. The Alcohol Use and Drug Free Workplace Policy has several objectives:

  • To promote the safety and well-being of the Bowdoin community and its members;
  • To maintain a safe campus, where students can enjoy their social lives amid a comfortable and coercion-free atmosphere;
  • To provide information about alcohol and other drugs so that community members can make responsible, healthy choices;
  • To provide confidential support for community members seeking treatment for alcohol and/or drug-related problems; and
  • To be in compliance with federal statutes, Maine laws, and town ordinances that regulate the consumption of alcohol.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

In addition to College disciplinary actions, criminal penalties, and workplace hazards, specific serious health risks are associated with drug and alcohol abuse. All drugs, including alcohol, can cause marked changes in behavior and have side effects. Their influence can affect the safety and well-being of the users as well as those around them.

Alcohol is a drug that is absorbed into the bloodstream and transmitted to virtually all parts of the body. It is a depressant that causes a number of changes in behavior, though particular effects vary among individuals. Even one or two drinks will significantly affect alertness, judgment, and physical coordination, making it dangerous to drive and participate in sports, and impairing the ability to make decisions about further drinking. Small to moderate amounts of alcohol can increase aggressive behavior. Larger amounts cause physical effects such as staggering, slurred speech, double vision, sudden mood swings, and marked impairment of higher mental functions, severely altering your ability to learn and remember. Very high consumption, either long-term or in binges, can cause unconsciousness, respiratory arrest, and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much smaller amounts of alcohol will cause the same effects. Combining alcohol consumption with stimulants, such as energy drinks, can mask the effects of alcohol.  This can make it more difficult for individuals to judge their level of intoxication and can therefore lead to a higher consumption of alcohol than is safe.  Heavy drinking may cause dependency on alcohol; sudden withdrawal may produce severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions, and may even be life-threatening. Long-term heavy drinking increases the risk of developing liver and heart disease, circulatory problems, peptic ulcers, various forms of cancer, and irreversible brain damage. Women who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome, causing irreversible physical and mental effects. Children of alcoholic parents may suffer from a number of developmental and psychological problems and are a greater risk of becoming alcoholics than are other children.

As the American College Health Association says in Alcohol: Decisions on Tap: Abusing alcohol can cripple the chances for a good life. Too much drinking even once can cause pain and harm the lives of others. It can result in sports injuries, car accidents, fights, unplanned parenthood, sexual assault, and sexually transmitted diseases. Over time, too much drinking leads to slow, steady damage to the body and mind.

Controlled substances have a number of physical and mental effects, summarized in the Drug Enforcement Administration Drug Facts web site.  For more information see Controlled Substances – Uses and Effects.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE ACT

The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 requires recipients of federal monies to provide and maintain a drug-free workplace. In compliance with this federal provision, students and employees should review the College’s alcohol and illegal drug policies for a detailed description of standards of conduct, health risks, community resources for support and treatment, and institutional disciplinary and criminal sanctions.

Bowdoin has no intention of intruding into the private lives of its employees or students; however, the College does retain the right and responsibility to expect both students and employees to conduct themselves in a manner that will not jeopardize the health and safety of others. Some of the drugs that are illegal under state and/or federal law include marijuana and other cannabis products (including but not limited to edibles), heroin, hashish, cocaine, hallucinogens, and depressants and/or stimulants when not prescribed for medical care. Employers are not required to accommodate the use of medical marijuana or other cannabis products at work regardless of the form (e.g. smokable, edible, liquid, or cream).

Any student or employee under the influence of illegal drugs or who possesses or consumes controlled substances at Bowdoin is subject to College disciplinary procedures and action, up to and including dismissal from the institution. The illegal manufacture, distribution, or sale of illegal substances on the premises is strictly prohibited and will constitute an offense warranting dismissal. Any illegal substance found shall be turned over to an appropriate law enforcement agency.

As part of the drug-free awareness program, Bowdoin will continue to advise and inform students and employees of the dangers of drug use and abuse. Upon request, Bowdoin will offer non-financial assistance to students and employees seeking treatment or rehabilitation services. Referrals for assistance are available from the College Counseling Services (students) or the Employee Assistance Program (employees).

ILLEGAL DRUG AND DRUG ABUSE POLICY

Bowdoin College expects its students and employees to comply with all the requirements of federal and Maine state law. As such, the possession, trafficking, or use of illegal drugs, including the illegal distribution of prescription drugs, and/or drug paraphernalia as defined in Maine and federal statutes are prohibited and subject the violator to disciplinary action by the College as well as possible prosecution by local, state, and/or federal authorities. Federal laws, including those governing marijuana and cannabis, preempt state law and, therefore, apply on Bowdoin’s campus. The use of vaping devices, including but not limited to, mods, pens, hookahs, JUULs, and e-cigarettes, to consume cannabis products is strictly prohibited anywhere on College premises. Bowdoin students or employees who disregard the various drug laws are responsible for their actions and are not immune from the legal process by virtue of their educational or employment status.

Employees who sell illegal or prescription drugs will be subject to disciplinary action by the College, including immediate dismissal. Employees or students who are accused of placing illegal or prescription drugs in the beverages or food of others will be subject to the same disciplinary procedures as those accused of selling illegal drugs.

As part of the drug-free awareness program, Bowdoin will continue to advise and inform students and employees of the dangers of drug use and abuse in the workplace. Upon request, Bowdoin will offer non-financial assistance to students and employees seeking treatment or rehabilitation services. Referrals for assistance are available from the College Counseling Service or Employee Assistance Program.

Alcohol Service Policy

Bowdoin College Dining Service is committed to the safe and responsible service of alcoholic beverages to patrons who meet the service criteria complying with the State of Maine Liquor Laws, Rules and Regulations. All student and regular employees in a position to serve alcohol are expected to follow and enforce Maine State Liquor laws and College policy. All other College employees, not in an official service capacity, should not purchase alcohol for students or offer alcohol to students whether of legal drinking age or not.

ALCOHOL POLICY (Student Handbook)

  1. State Laws
    Bowdoin College students must comply with Maine state laws regarding the consumption, sale, purchase, and delivery of alcohol. A summary of applicable Maine law is provided below:
  2.  Individuals must be twenty-one (21) years of age or older to purchase, possess, consume or transport alcoholic beverages in Maine.
  3.  It is illegal for minors (20 years of age or younger) to purchase, possess, consume or transport liquor.
  4.  It is illegal to falsify official Maine state identification cards or any identification material for the purpose of procuring alcoholic beverages. Moreover, no person may misrepresent age verbally or in writing or practice deceit in the procurement of an identification card, possess a false identification card, or sell, furnish, or give an identification card to another for the purpose of procuring liquor.
  5.  Only licensed liquor dealers may sell alcoholic beverages in Maine. Charging admission to parties where alcoholic beverages are available for “free” or possessing liquor with the intent to sell is illegal, as are any similar arrangements having similar effects.
  6.  No person may knowingly furnish, procure, deliver, or sell liquor or imitation liquor to a minor or allow any minor under his/her control to possess or consume liquor or imitation liquor.
  7.  It is illegal to knowingly procure in any way and/or assist in procuring, furnishing, giving, delivering, or selling liquor to/for an intoxicated person. It is illegal to serve liquor to an intoxicated person if the server knows that such person is visibly intoxicated.
  8. Consumption of alcoholic beverages in a public place is illegal without a special license or permit issued by authorized Maine state officials.
  9.  No person may drink liquor while operating a motor vehicle on any public way. A driver of a vehicle is also in violation of Maine law if the driver or a passenger of the vehicle possesses an open alcoholic beverage container in a vehicle on a public way. In addition, operating a motor vehicle with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08% or higher is illegal and, for a first offense, will automatically result in a suspension of your driver’s license or permit and/or a fine of at least $500. If you are under age twenty-one, the state considers you intoxicated if you have consumed any amount of alcohol and your license will be automatically suspended.
  10. Hard Liquor
    No student, regardless of age, may possess hard liquor on College premises. Hard liquor that is found on campus by Security will be confiscated. Generally, this excludes beer, malt beverages, wine, and hard cider.
  11. Drinking Games
    Drinking games, encouraging the rapid ingestion of alcohol, are not permitted. Paraphernalia identified as intended for use in a drinking game, including tables, may be confiscated by Security and will become property of the College.
  12. Personal Responsibility
    Students influenced by alcohol are fully responsible for their actions and any damages they may cause. Individuals are also accountable for verbal or physical abuse toward other individuals or personal property. In addition, conduct violations may result in formal disciplinary action, including financial restitution for any and all damages incurred.
  13. Student Activity Fees
    Student groups cannot use student activity fees or any other College funds for the purchase of alcohol, without permission of the Office of the Dean for Student Affairs.
  14. Restricted Areas
    Drinking in public places (including common rooms, outdoor areas, residence hallways, stairwells, etc.) or outside private rooms is prohibited by College policy and Maine state law. Except under special circumstances approved by the College, alcoholic beverages are not permitted in Kresge Auditorium, Hawthorne-Longfellow Library, Pickard Theater, Morrell Gymnasium, Farley Field House, Dayton Arena, Hatch Science Library, Watson Arena, Walker Art Museum, academic or other buildings, and facilities where the primary function of the building would be intruded upon or potentially impaired through the use of individuals consuming alcoholic beverages.
  15. Parties/Social Functions
    All student-sponsored parties or social events at which alcohol will be served must complete the party registration process.

All College House events and larger events where more than 20 people will be in attendance must complete a party registration form and receive signed approval by the Office of Residential Life. Party registration forms must be submitted to the Office of Residential Life by noon on the Thursday before the event. Forms submitted after this deadline will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  Party Registration Forms may be picked up at the Office of Residential Life or downloaded here

Smaller events at which alcohol will be served and fewer than 20 people are anticipated to be in attendance must still be registered. Smaller events may be registered using the online registration portal and are due by 9 p.m. on the night of the event. The online registration portal may not be used for events in communal social spaces including the College Houses. Please find a description of the online registration process below in point C.i. Online Registration.

All parties or social events must be conducted in accordance with Maine state laws as noted above. Alcohol shall be served only to party guests who are twenty-one (21) years of age or older. Alcohol must be served in a professional manner by designated Alcohol Hosts only. Alcohol Hosts must be twenty-one (21) years of age or older. No events with alcohol are permitted in First-Year residence halls or substance-free spaces.

Except in unique and special circumstances, students may only host parties/social functions with alcohol on Friday and Saturday nights while classes are in session. Hosts must not serve alcohol before 7:30 p.m. or after 1 a.m. Events involving alcohol are not permitted during final exam and reading periods unless by special permission. All Senior Week events with alcohol must be registered.

Students interested in registering an event outside of the acceptable event hours discussed above, must submit an Application for Registration Exception Form that can be picked up at the Office of Residential Life or downloaded here. For a description of the Registration Exception process, please see point C.v. Application for Registration Exception below. Event Application Forms are due at least one week in advance of the proposed event.  Events outside the acceptable hours should in some way build campus community or school spirit and applications must include both a compelling rationale and sufficient assurance that the proposed event would not compromise the assumed academic priorities of individuals involved in or otherwise affected by the event. 

Alcohol and Event Hosts, described below, may face disciplinary action for Alcohol Policy violations that occur at parties they sponsor, and, under certain circumstances, may face criminal or civil proceedings.  Individuals responsible for organizing or hosting an unregistered event may likewise be held responsible and liable for alcohol-related violations committed by their guests and face additional sanctions for failing to register the event.

Hosts may call Bowdoin College Security for assistance with any alcohol violations or difficult situations that may arise during an event.

  1. Duties and Obligations of Hosts (College House Events and Larger Events: 20+ Attendees)
  2. At larger events (20+ people) where alcohol is present, there must be at least one Alcohol Host and at least one Event Host.   The number of Alcohol and Event hosts will depend on the size of the event and will be determined by the Office of Residential Life. 
  3. Alcohol Hosts must be 21 years of age or older.

iii. All hosts must complete in-person Alcohol and Event Host training with the Associate Director of Residential Education or their designee. These trainings are offered weekly on Thursdays at 4 p.m. and Fridays at 11 a.m. Trainings take place in the Residential Life Office in the Dudley Coe building.

  1. Hosts must register the event no later than noon on the Thursday before the event. Party registration sheets can be picked up in the Residential Life Office in the Dudley Coe Building or downloaded here. (See below for guidance on the registration process).
  2. Advertising of parties or events, whether paper or electronic, may not depict the presence or promise of alcohol.
  3. Hosts of events cannot charge admission that directly or indirectly allows or signifies access to alcohol, nor can money be solicited or collected from guests at any time during the event for the purchase of alcohol. It is illegal to sell liquor in Maine without a license.

vii. Hosts must ensure the proper ratio of food, alcohol, and non-alcoholic beverages to guests. The appropriate quantity of alcohol to be available at any given registered party or social function will be determined beforehand through consultation between alcohol and event host(s) and the Director of Residential Life or their designee. If beer is to be served from kegs, kegs must be registered with Security (i.e., keg serial numbers provided before the party). Other common sources of alcohol (including, but not limited to punch bowls, etc.) are not permitted without the permission of the Director of Residential Life or their designee.

viii. Non-alcoholic beverages must be available in quantity appropriate to the number of guests at the event. Non-alcoholic beverages must be visible, readily accessible, and sufficiently available throughout the party or event. 

  1. Food must be available in quantity appropriate to the number of guests at the event.
  2. Intoxicated individuals must not be served alcohol. Alcohol and event hosts are trained to recognize the signs of intoxication, pre-alcohol poisoning and alcohol poisoning. They are expected to contact Security if they are concerned about an individual’s health, safety, or behavior.
  3. Hosts must meet with Security to conduct a pre-party check to ensure that the event complies with the Alcohol Policy, fire code regulations, noise ordinances, and the details stipulated on the party registration form.

xii. Hosts must verify the legal age of all guests consuming alcohol, and to provide for adequate control over the distribution of alcohol at the party so that minors and intoxicated persons are not served.

xiii. Security reserves the right to visit registered events at any point in time during the event. Hosts must allow Security into the event space to conduct party checks as necessary.

xiv. Hosts must stop serving alcohol by 1 a.m.

  1. Hosts must remove registered kegs from the party space by Tuesday afternoon. If kegs are not removed by this time, they will be confiscated.

xvi. Hosts must ensure common areas are clean and restored to their original appearance following a social event.  

  1. Duties and Obligations of Hosts (Online Registered Events: Fewer than 20 attendees)
  2. Alcohol Hosts must be 21 years or older.
  3. Hosts must complete in-person Alcohol and Event host training with the Associate Director of Residential Education or their designee. These trainings are offered weekly on Thursdays at 4 p.m. and Fridays at 11 a.m. Trainings take place in the Residential Life Office in the Dudley Coe building.

iii. Hosts must register the event using the Online Registration Module by no later than 9 p.m. on the night of the event. (See below for guidance on the registration process.)

  1. Advertising of parties or events, whether paper or electronic, may not depict the presence or promise of alcohol.
  2. Hosts of parties or social functions cannot charge admission that directly or indirectly allows or signifies access to alcohol, nor can money be solicited or collected from guests at any time during the event for the purchase of alcohol. It is illegal to sell liquor in Maine without a license.
  3. The online registration module specifies the maximum quantity of alcohol allowed at an online registered event. Hosts are not permitted to supply alcohol in excess of this quantity. 

vii. Hosts must supply adequate amounts of alternative beverages and food.

viii. Intoxicated individuals must not be served alcohol. Alcohol and event hosts are trained to recognize the signs of intoxication, pre-alcohol poisoning, and alcohol poisoning. They are expected to contact Security if they are concerned about an individual’s health or behavior.

  1. Hosts must verify the legal age of all guests consuming alcohol, and to provide for adequate control over the distribution of alcohol at the party so that minors and intoxicated persons are not served.
  2. Hosts must stop serving alcohol by 1 a.m. 
  3. Security reserves the right to visit online registered events at any point in time during the event. Hosts must allow Security into the event space to conduct party checks as necessary.
  4. Registration Process:
  5. Online Registration (smaller events): Gatherings of 20 or fewer students where alcohol will be served must be registered in advance via the online registration portal. Hosts of these events must be 21 years or older and have completed Alcohol and Event Host Training with the Associate Director of Residential Education or their designee. Online registered events must be registered by 9 p.m. on the evening of the event. Only one Alcohol Host is required for online registered events. Gatherings in private rooms in the residence halls must not adversely affect the immediate environment.
  6. In-person registration (larger events): All College House events and social gatherings of more than 20 people must be registered with the Director of Residential Life or their designee. These events are registered using the hardcopy registration form that can be picked up in the Residential Life Office in the Dudley Coe building or downloaded here. Events must be registered by noon on Thursday of the week of the event. At least one Alcohol Host (21+) and one Event host are required for these events. Additional event hosts may be required depending on the size of the event. 

iii. No Registration: Small, spontaneous gatherings without alcohol may be held in residence halls, private rooms, or apartments without requiring registration. Please be courteous and respectful of other residents sharing the space. Such gatherings are, however, subject to all other regulations regarding alcohol use described in this policy.

  1. Late Registration: The College recognizes that there are legitimate occasions when a gathering of individuals may occur that would ordinarily violate the registration requirement due to the fact that the gathering was not planned or registered in advance. This circumstance should be the exception, not the rule. It is the responsibility of the individual or individuals hosting the gathering to contact the dean-on-call through Security (ext. 3314) as soon as possible and before the gathering commences, to request permission to host such a party. The dean-on-call will either approve or deny permission for the gathering, based upon Alcohol Policy regulations and other relevant considerations. Late registered gatherings are subject to the same regulations governing approved parties registered in advance.
  2. Registration Exception Form: Students interested in registering an event outside of the acceptable event hours of Friday and Saturday nights from 7:30 p.m. – 1 a.m., must submit an Application for Registration Exception Form. Students can obtain Special Event Application Forms in the Residential Life Office in the Dudley Coe building or downloaded here. These forms are due one week prior to the proposed event. In addition to fulfilling all duties and obligations described above, hosts must also provide both a compelling rationale and substantive assurance that the proposed event would not compromise the assumed academic priorities of individuals involved in or otherwise affected by the event.
  3. Outdoor Event Spaces:Several outdoor spaces on campus serve as approved event hosting locations. These spaces are subject to change but currently include Brunswick Quad, Ladd House Patio, and Osher Quad. Outdoor events may be registered in one of the above locations only twice per semester. Two outdoor events may not happen simultaneously. Outdoor events will be carefully managed in coordination with the Office of Residential Life, and there will be a one keg (or keg equivalent) cap at all outdoor events which may only be served by a professional bartender operating under a Maine liquor license Students interested in hosting an outdoor event, must submit a Special Event Application Form. Students can obtain Special Event Application Forms in the Residential Life Office in the Dudley Coe building. These forms are due one week prior to the proposed event.  Prior to the proposed event, students interested in hosting an outdoor event must also meet with the Director of Residential Life, or their designee, who will provide instructions governing the event.
  4.  Additional Requirements: In addition to the above, the following is required of all parties: 
  5. No Hard Liquor. No student, regardless of age, may possess hard liquor on Bowdoin College property, including in residences or in common spaces. Any hard liquor found on campus by Security will be confiscated. Generally, this excludes beer, malt beverages, wine, and hard cider. 
  6. Drinking Games Not Permitted. Drinking games, or other activities that encourage the rapid ingestion of alcohol, are not permitted. Paraphernalia identified as having been used in a drinking game, including tables, may be confiscated by Security and will become property of the College.

iii. Adherence to Fire Safety Codes. Due to fire safety ordinances, the total number in attendance at a party or social event must not exceed the legal capacity of the facility. Fire capacity information is available on the party registration form.

  1. Valid IDRequired. Everyone attending a party or social function where alcohol is served must carry valid identification that verifies their date of birth. Bowdoin students must also carry College ID. This is important for the individuals involved and for the protection of the event’s hosts.
  2. Ban on Alcohol as “Prizes.”Alcohol may not be used as a “prize” at any function.
  3. Pub Regulations
  4.  Jack Magee’s Pub is an officially licensed College establishment where beer and wine are sold to individuals who are twenty-one (21) years of age or older and is subject to the same state laws that govern commercial establishments in Maine. No one may bring in or remove any alcohol .
  5.   When Pub managers or bartenders request appropriate documentation of proof of age and it is not supplied, Pub personnel will refuse any sale of alcoholic beverages.
  6.  Only Bowdoin College student identification and/or an official Maine or other state identification will be accepted as verification of legal age.
  7.  If, in the judgment of any Pub bartender, an individual appears intoxicated, service will be refused.
  8.  Should the need arise, Bowdoin Security may be called for assistance. Instances of misbehavior or violations of College policies or State law by Bowdoin students may be reported to the Office of the Dean of Students for possible disciplinary action.
  9. Disciplinary Procedures

Bowdoin College is neither a police agency enforcing the law nor a sanctuary protecting those who violate laws regarding alcohol or other drugs. The College is vitally invested in maintaining an environment conducive to physical and psychological safety, intellectual development, and personal maturation. In accordance with these goals, the College acknowledges its obligation to provide clear standards of behavior regarding the use of alcohol, to determine levels of disciplinary sanction appropriate to the nature of any given alcohol-related infraction, and to address consistently violations of alcohol regulations that come to its attention.

Although any alcohol-related violation is subject to disciplinary consequences, the College is most urgently concerned with those behaviors and accompanying attitudes that threaten the physical or psychological safety or well-being of self or others, infringe upon the rights of others, or are otherwise disruptive to the community. Following established guidelines, members of the Office of the Dean of Students will determine disciplinary action resulting from conduct violations, with possible referral to the Judicial Board and, in some cases, criminal or civil authorities. Sanctions imposed by the College may range from a reprimand letter for a relatively minor first-time violation, to immediate suspension or dismissal for egregious violations or a pattern of multiple offenses. Students may also be expected to pay restitution for any and all damages occurring as a result of their behavior.

Bowdoin College Security Officers will note and report all alcohol and drugs violations that come to their attention whether observed at parties or other social events, in campus public spaces, or during routine “walk-throughs” of residence halls. All other members of the community (proctors or other students, faculty, administrators, or support staff) may call attention to suspected violations of the Alcohol Policy and are expected to play an appropriate role in enhancing the safety and well-being of members of the community. Reports of violations or suspected violations of the Alcohol Policy will be made to the Office of the Dean of Students.

Above all, it must be emphasized that Bowdoin students are responsible for their personal behavior as well as the conduct of their guests. The ingestion of alcohol or other drugs in no way constitutes an excuse for behaviors that violate College policy, federal or Maine state laws, or otherwise infringe upon the rights of others.

  1. Assessment and Treatment

Since alcohol is a psychoactive substance that presents the possibility of addiction and other negative physical and psychological consequences, the College feels a responsibility to provide assessment and treatment (within certain parameters) to those individuals whose alcohol-related behaviors indicate the potential for such consequences. Such individuals who come to the attention of the College will be referred, usually by the Office of the Dean of Students or the Office of Residential Life, to either Bowdoin’s Health Service or Counseling Service for a substance use evaluation. This evaluation may result in a recommendation for treatment, which could take place individually or in a group, either on-campus or at an outside agency, depending on the particular circumstances and needs of the individual.

Students are encouraged to seek education about alcohol and the effects alcohol has on the body. Programs and resources are available through Health Services, Counseling Services and Residential Life.  Further, the College maintains a relationship with a consulting Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, who is available to students. Students who receive disciplinary sanctions related to an alcohol-related infraction will be required to participate in an alcohol education program and meet with a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor as deemed appropriate.

VIOLATION OF THE ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS POLICY

Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action in accordance with College policies and procedures covering the conduct of faculty, and staff, up to and including dismissal (consistent with the local, state, and federal laws described below). As a condition of employment, all employees must abide by the terms of this policy.

Student violations will be handled in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct Rules and Regulations.

An employee or student who violates the College’s Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy, is subject both to the College’s sanctions and to criminal sanctions provided by federal, state and local law.

COUNSELING AND TREATMENT

Alcohol and drugs can interfere with academics, friendships, jobs, family, and most importantly, one’s health, as well as create legal problems including warnings, citations, arrest and jail. A variety of resources exist for drug and alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation programs. For information concerning these College and/or community resources, staff and faculty should contact the offices listed below or contact their supervisor or human resources.

Employee Resources
Cigna Employee Assistance Program (EAP), (877) 622-4327 (login company code: bowdoineap). EAP counselors are trained to deal with a wide range of psychological, interpersonal, marital, and family issues, and are prepared to make appropriate referrals for difficulties related to health, financies, or legal issues. The EAP is staffed by mental health professionals trained in psychiatry, psychology, social work and counseling who are prepared to assist individuals experiencing difficulties related to the use of alcohol or drugs.

These services include problem assessment, in person and virtual counseling (up to 8 sessions per issue fully paid by the College). You do not need to be enrolled on Cigna's health plan to avail yourself of these services. Once registered on myCigna.com, simply log in and go to the EAP link under the Review My Coverage tab.

Student Resources
Bowdoin College Health Services, (207) 725-3770

Bowdoin College Counseling Services, (207) 725-3145
Geno Ring, LDAC, (207) 319-4104

Community Resources
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator

Alcoholics Anonymous Maine hotline, (800) 737-6237

Al-Anon Family Groups, (888) 425-2666

Mid Coast Hospital Addiction Resource Center (ARC) (800) 244-3805
ARC offers confidential treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. Walk-ins are welcome at two locations, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Brunswick (373-6950) and Damariscotta (563-2311).

St. Mary’s Health System, Lewiston (207) 777-8710
Behavioral & Mental Health Services, including inpatient treatment for those with mental health concerns and substance addiction/dependence

MaineGeneral Health Residential Treatment for Substance Abuse Disorders, Augusta (207) 621-7218 (Women’s Program) or (207) 547-3065 (Men’s Program). Offers residential treatment.

Pen Bay Medical Center, Psychiatric and Addiction Recovery Center (PARC), Rockport (207) 921-8390
A drug and alcohol rehabilitation program with a focus on mental health and substance use treatment. An in-patient unit provides acute in-patient psychiatric and medical detoxification treatment for patients 18 years of age and older. Also provides a continuum of behavioral healthcare services for all ages with over 30 outpatient locations throughout Maine.