Parent Handbook 2010–2011 - Berklee College of Music

and/or agencies. Additionally, the college encourages the formation of student
support groups through its Student Organizations and Activities Program. In
the case of disciplinary action, the vice president for student affairs/dean of
students (or designee), along with the director of counseling services and/or the
director of housing, when appropriate, will determine the assistance the college
can offer.
Discipline
Students who violate the college’s rules on the use, possession, and sale of
drugs and alcohol are disciplined according to the established disciplinary
policies and procedures. Sanctions include but are not limited to probation,
suspension, dismissal, and referral for prosecution.
In some cases, the college may also require a student to participate in a drug or
alcohol abuse prevention and/or treatment program which could include but not
be limited to meeting with a member of the Counseling and Advising Center
staff to assess the need for regular meetings or referral to an external
professional or agency.
When appropriate, the vice president for student affairs/dean of students, upon
recommendation of the director of counseling services, may temper any sanction
if the student agrees to participate in an on-campus or off-campus support
program. Such temperance is at the discretion of the dean and may be revoked
if, in the opinion of the dean, the student does not make a sincere effort to
actively participate in the agreed program.
While the college desires to help students who may have a drug or alcohol
problem, it will not be so tolerant of those who are found guilty of selling or
distributing drugs or alcohol. In the case of suspicion of selling or distribution of
drugs or alcohol, local authorities may be contacted.
Local, state, and federal sanctions against violations of the law may include
fines, imprisonment, or both, and the loss of federal financial aid for the year for
the first conviction.
Further, in accordance with the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, a
student who is convicted of violations of any criminal drug statute which took
place on college property or as part of a college activity must notify the Office of
the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students no later than five days
after such conviction.
Consistent with recent changes in the federal October 1998 Reauthorization of
the Higher Education Act (Section 952) and its amendment to FERPA (Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act), and as a part of a disciplinary action if
deemed appropriate, the vice president for student affairs/dean of students or
his designee may contact the parents or guardian of a student under the age of
21 who has committed a disciplinary violation with respect to the use of or
possession of alcohol or a controlled substance.
Hazing
For the most up-to-date information, visit berklee.edu.