Urban College of Boston is committed to promoting student learning in a stable and peaceful environment. Students are responsible for conducting themselves in a manner that is appropriate and non-threatening to others. Specifically, students should refrain from disruptive behavior, theft, falsification of records, possession of weapons, destruction of property, hazing, physical and verbal abuse, and acts of harassment towards anyone. Students who violate this code of conduct are subject to expulsion, suspension, or other penalties. Additional information is available in the Student Handbook .
College Statements, Policies and Disclosures
- Urban College of Boston complies with the requirements of: Policy on Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- The Jeanne Cleary Disclosures of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act
- Hazing (Mass. General Laws, Chapter 269, Sections 17, 18, 19)
- Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 Voter Registration Act (Mass. General Laws, Chapter 51, Sect. 42E)
- Massachusetts Clean Indoor Air (Mass. General Laws, Chapter 270, Sect. 22)
- Student Absences Due to Religious Beliefs (Mass. General Laws, Chapter 151C, Sect. 2A)
- Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Urban College of Boston strives to achieve a healthy living, learning, and working environment. As part of this commitment and pursuant to the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Community Act Amendments of 1989, the College also complies with all local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to alcohol and illicit drugs. The unlawful manufacture, dispensing, possession, use, or distribution of alcohol or illicit drugs by students or employees on the College’s property is prohibited.
Violation of this policy will result in actions ranging from mandated participation in drug counseling and rehabilitation programs to dismissal. For complete policy details, refer to the Student Handbook .
Policy and Rules
Urban College of Boston does not condone the illegal or otherwise irresponsible use of drugs and alcohol. In accordance with federal and state law, the College prohibits the unlawful possession, sale, use, or distribution of alcohol on its property. The Boston Police Department has the primary authority for the enforcement of state and federal laws pertaining to alcohol and drugs at the College as well as the respective law enforcement officers at alternative learning sites.
All members of the Urban College of Boston are responsible for knowing and acting in accordance with the applicable laws and College policy concerning the purchase, possession, consumption, and sale of alcoholic beverages.
Standards of conduct apply to all on-campus activities and to off-campus activities that are considered to be sponsored by the college, such as field trips and college-sponsored professional meetings attended by employees.
Health Risks
The negative physical and mental effects of the use of alcohol and other drugs are well documented. Use of these drugs may cause blackouts, poisoning and overdose, physical and psychological dependence, damage to vital organs, as well as an inability to learn and remember information and psychological problems. For more information about the health risks associated with the misuse of alcohol and illicit drugs, please visit https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/commonly-abused-drugs-charts.
Prevention and Education
As required under the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, Urban College of Boston uses multiple strategies to provide comprehensive education regarding alcohol and other drugs. The College will continue to distribute materials to students and provide educational workshops/training as a means of prevention. Student Services personnel can provide referrals to other agencies and organizations for individuals experiencing substance abuse or those affected by persons with substance abuse issues.
Student Responsibilities and Sanctions
Urban College of Boston remains cognizant of its responsibilities to the civil authorities. Operating within this framework, students who seek information, advice, or counseling regarding drugs are urged to contact the Director of Student Services and Support at 617-449-7380 or studentservices@urbancollege.edu. Complete confidentiality will be maintained. Also, the Student Services staff is prepared to refer students to appropriate professionals (medical, legal, psychiatric, etc.) according to the needs of the individual student. Contact will be held in complete confidence.
The unlawful manufacture, distribution, and possession of controlled substances (illegal drugs and paraphernalia) are prohibited by both state and federal law and are punishable by severe penalties. Urban College of Boston prohibits such conduct.
Violation of this standard will be considered a serious offense. Students who violate state or federal laws may be referred to local law enforcement authorities for prosecution. “Any student found possessing, using, selling, or involved in any way with narcotics, psychedelic drugs or chemicals, or dangerous drugs on this campus, unless prescribed by a physician, will be subject to disciplinary action. Additionally, violation of this policy will result in actions ranging from mandated participation in drug counseling and rehabilitation programs, to dismissal. Students who hold part- time jobs within the institution are covered by both student and employee policies.
Drugs and Federal Aid
In addition to these provisions, the Higher Education Amendments of 1998 included a new student eligibility provision. It provides that, effective July 1, 2000, a student is ineligible for federal student aid if convicted, under federal or state law, of any offense involving the possession or sale of a Controlled Substance (generally meaning illegal drugs, but not including alcohol or tobacco). The period of ineligibility begins on the date of the conviction and lasts until the end of the statutorily specified period. The ineligibility period begins on the conviction date and lasts until the end of the statutorily specified period. The student may regain eligibility early by completing a drug rehabilitation program that meets certain statutory and regulatory requirements (including two unannounced drug tests) or if the conviction is overturned.
Employee Drug-Free Workplace Policy
Urban College of Boston is a drug-free workplace. The College does not tolerate the unlawful manufacture, dispensing, possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and/or alcohol by employees on the College’s property, or as part of its activities.
Urban College does not conduct random drug or alcohol testing but does reserve the right to test for drugs and/or alcohol for cause. Should the College have a reasonable suspicion that an employee is under the influence of illicit drugs or alcohol, or if the employee is in an accident that causes damage to Urban College’s property, the employee may be required to submit to drug/alcohol testing and/or mandatory referral into a substance misuse assistance or rehabilitation program. Refusal by an employee to comply with the applicable requirements may be grounds for immediate dismissal from employment.
- The first offense will result in a minimum of conduct and/or probation, and referral to substance misuse education.
- Subsequent offenses will result in more severe sanctions, which are to be decided upon by the Vice President of Academic Affairs to allow the flexibility that is needed to consider the particular circumstances of each individual case.
Employee Sanctions - Alcohol and Drugs
The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance by employees on the College’s premises, or while conducting business on behalf of the College, is prohibited. Violations of this prohibition by employees may result in the imposition of sanctions under applicable policies up to and including termination of employment. The severity of the disciplinary action for violations of this policy shall be determined on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, employees may be referred to an appropriate substance misuse assistance or rehabilitation program.
Tobacco- and Smoke-Free Policy
Urban College of Boston commits to being a smoke-free and tobacco-free campus to support the health and well-being of the College’s students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Per page 11 of the Tenant Handbook provided by Colliers International New England, LLC (which manages the China Trade Center - 2 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116 - that houses the College), “China Trade Center is a smoke-free building. Smoking is not permitted in any area of the building. As a smoke free environment, smoking is not permitted within 50 feet of any entranceway into the building.” In addition to maintaining a smoke-free environment, the College also bans the use of any tobacco products on all property owned, controlled, or leased by the college, as well as any tobacco-related advertising or sponsorship. The policy applies to products including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, vape pens, hookah, and smokeless tobacco.
Summary of Legal Sanctions for Alcohol and Drug Abuse
The illegal use of drugs and alcohol is a serious crime under local, state, and federal laws. Courts do not lift a prison sentence so that a convicted person may attend college or continue a job. A felony conviction for a drug or alcohol offense can also prevent a person from entering many professions or other areas of employment. State and Local ordinances in Massachusetts prohibit public consumption of alcohol and impose fines for violation. Massachusetts laws prohibit the sale or delivery of alcoholic beverages to a person under age 21. A fine and/or imprisonment may be imposed. Misrepresenting one’s age or falsifying an identification to obtain alcoholic beverages is also punishable by a fine. Fines, revocation of driver’s license, possible prison sentence, and mandatory alcohol rehabilitation may be imposed for a conviction of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Penalties in Massachusetts for the illegal use of controlled substances or drugs vary with the type of drug. In general, narcotic, addictive, and drugs with a high potential for abuse have heavier penalties.
Possession of drugs is illegal without valid authorization. Even though penalties for possession are generally not as severe as those for the manufacture and distribution of drugs, possession of a relatively large quantity may be considered distribution. Under both state and federal laws, penalties for possession, manufacture, and distribution are much greater for second and subsequent convictions. Many laws dictate mandatory prison terms, and the full minimum term must be served.
It is illegal in Massachusetts to be in a place where heroin is kept and to be “in company” of a person known to possess heroin. Anyone in the presence of heroin at a party or dormitory suite risks a serious drug conviction. The sale and/or possession of “drug paraphernalia” are illegal under Massachusetts law.
A person convicted of drug possession under state or federal law is ineligible for federal student grants up to one year after the first conviction and five years after a second conviction, and permanent loss after a third conviction.
Under federal law, distribution of drugs in or within 1000 feet of a college or school to a person under age 21 is punishable by twice the normal penalty, with a mandatory sentence of one year in prison. A third conviction is punishable by mandatory life imprisonment.
Severe prison sentences are set under federal law for the manufacture and distribution of drugs if death or serious injury results for the use of the substance.
Reporting
Students who need help or support for an addiction may get assistance by contacting the Director of Student Services and Support, (617) 449-7380 or studentservices@urbancollege.edu .
Employees who need help or support for an addiction may get assistance by contacting Human Resources, (617) 449-7430.
To report the illegal sale, use, or manufacture of drugs or alcohol on campus: dial (614) 449-7037 to make an anonymous report.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program
Urban College of Boston offers prevention educational materials about intervention and support for minimizing and addressing concerns related to alcohol and other drugs.
Student Success staff personnel provide referrals to other agencies and organizations for individuals experiencing substance abuse or those that are affected by persons with substance abuse issues.
Informational brochures on drug and alcohol abuse, as well as topics on AIDS transmission and other sexually transmitted diseases, are also available to students.
Free Alcohol, Drug, and Other Rehab Sources
Whittier Street Health Center
1290 Tremont Street
Boston, MA - 02120
(617) 427-1000
After Care Services Inc.
2 Lexington Street
Boston, MA - 02128
(617) 569-4561
Fenway Community Health Center
Substance Abuse Treatment Program
142 Berkeley Street
Boston, MA - 02116
(617) 247-7555
Boston Rescue Mission
OP Counselling
39 Kingston Street
Boston, MA - 02111
(617) 482-8819
Boston Children’s Hospital
Adolescent Substance Abuse Program
300 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA - 02115
(617) 355-2727
Bay Cove Human Services
Methadone Services
66 Canal Street
Boston, MA - 02114
(617) 371-3030
Boston Alcohol and Substance Abuse Programs Inc.
29 Winter Street
Boston, MA - 02108
(617) 482-5292
(617) 569-2089
Rehabilitation and Health Inc.
East Boston Substance Abuse Treatment
52 White Street
Boston, MA - 02128
(857) 577-8193
Safety and Security
Preparing the Annual Disclosure of Crime Statistics
Urban College prepares an annual report to comply with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. The report is prepared in cooperation with the local law enforcement agencies surrounding our main campus and alternative learning sites.
The full report shall be accessible online on the college website: https://www.urbancollege.edu/. An annual email notification is sent to all enrolled students, faculty, and staff that provides the specific website page to access this report. Copies may also be requested from the Office of Enrolment Services. All prospective employees may obtain a copy from Human Resources and the website address will be attached to the College employment applications. Additional information on crime reporting and procedures is available in the Student Handbook .
Notification of a Missing Student
If a member of the college community has reason to believe that a student is missing, they should immediately notify the Boston Police Department by calling 911 and notify the President by calling (617) 449-7037. The Boston Police Department will investigate, generate a missing person report, enter relevant student data into an appropriate database, and involve other law enforcement agencies as necessary.
Should the Boston Police Department confirm that the student is missing, the college will notify the student’s emergency contact no later than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing by the Boston Police Department. If the missing student is under the age of 18 and is not an emancipated individual, the college must notify the student’s parent or legal guardian in addition to any other designated contact person within 24 hours of the determination that the student is missing.
In addition to providing an emergency contact, students have the option to confidentially identify an individual to be contacted by the college in the event the student is determined to be missing. A student’s missing person contact information will be confidential and will be accessible only by authorized campus officials and law enforcement in the event of a missing person investigation. It may not be disclosed outside of a missing person investigation.
Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, or Stalking
The College is obligated to investigate all allegations of sexual violence, even if the alleged victim chooses not to file a formal complaint and/or participate in the investigation. Additionally, a complaint filed in another forum, including a criminal or civil complaint, shall not delay the college’s investigation of a complaint of sexual violence. The college shall promptly and thoroughly investigate all such allegations in accordance with the Policy on Affirmative Action’s Complaint Procedure and shall provide the victim with periodic updates on the status of the investigation. For complete policy details and to report complaints of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, refer to the Student Handbook .
|
