The minimum drinking age in Massachusetts is 21. To be served or provided an alcoholic beverage, you must demonstrate proof of minimum drinking age by presenting a valid form of identification as determined by the state of Massachusetts. If you make false statements about your age, transfer or abuse your Harvard University ID for the purpose of illegal alcohol sale or consumption, or make alcohol available to someone underage, you are subject to Summer School disciplinary action, including probation or the requirement to withdraw from Summer School.

Harvard expects its students and employees to maintain an environment that is safe and healthy. The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on Harvard property or as a part of any Harvard activity are violations of University rules as well as the law. Possession, use, or distribution of certain non-prescription drugs, including marijuana, amphetamines, heroin, cocaine, and non-prescription synthetics; unauthorized possession, use, or distribution of prescription drugs; procurement or distribution of alcohol by anyone under 21 years of age; and provision of alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age are violations of the law and of Harvard policy. Students should also be aware that under Massachusetts law, a social host may under certain circumstances be held liable for injuries caused by a guest who consumes alcohol and then harms him/herself or a third party. Making false statements about one’s age or transferring or falsifying one’s identification with the intent of purchasing alcohol also are violations of the law and of Harvard policy. The University holds its students and employees responsible for the consequences of their decisions to use or distribute illicit drugs or to serve or consume alcohol.

All students are expected to comply with any and all Summer School rules governing possessing or serving alcohol. If you are of legal drinking age in Massachusetts and you wish to serve alcohol, you must follow these additional rules:

1. When alcohol is present, it must be served in an illuminated area separate from service places for nonalcoholic beverages but near enough to make the choice clear. Nonalcoholic beverages and food must always be available when alcohol is served;

2. Alcohol may not be served or consumed in public areas of a student residence; and

3. Beer kegs are forbidden in Harvard Summer School residences. Failure to follow these rules may result in disciplinary action, including requirement to withdraw.

Medical and psychiatric help on a confidential basis is available at Harvard University Health Services for residential students with drug or alcohol problems. Any member of the University may use this service on an emergency basis, day or night. When emergency medical help is sought by or on behalf of an intoxicated or drug-impaired student, the Summer School will favorably weigh such efforts in considering any possible disciplinary consequences with respect to the use or provision of alcohol or drugs.

Note: All students should familiarize themselves with the additional rules with respect to drugs and alcohol for Secondary School and Pre-College students in this handbook under the headings Additional Rules for Secondary School Program Students and Additional Rules for Pre-College Program Students. Any student who contributes to a situation in which any Summer School rule is violated is subject to discipline by the Administrative Board or one of its subcommittees.