To promote the well-being of students, and to provide a safe and peaceful environment for learning, social activities, and personal growth, the following policies apply to Secondary School Program students. Violation of these policies may lead to disciplinary action, which could include a probationary period, or a requirement to withdraw from Summer School housing, or a requirement to withdraw from the Summer School. If you have any questions about these policies, contact a proctor, a dean, or the program director.
1. Alcohol and Other Drugs. Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, and prescription drugs for which the student does not have a prescription, are not allowed in the SSP residences at any time. SSP students may not procure, assist others to procure, use, or possess alcohol, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, or prescription drugs for which the student does not have a prescription. They may not drink alcoholic beverages at restaurants or private venues, nor may they be in bars or the bar areas of restaurants. They may not attend parties or other gatherings where alcohol is served, whether on or off campus, even if they do not drink. SSP students found to be present at a gathering where alcohol or other drugs are being used may be subject to disciplinary action, regardless of whether or not they have been using alcohol or other drugs.
In cases involving alcohol or other drug violations by a Secondary School Program student, a subcommittee of the Administrative Board may take disciplinary action on behalf of the Board. In some circumstances this could include the requirement to withdraw from the Summer School.
The Secondary School Program maintains a “Do the Smart Thing” policy on alcohol and other drugs, and SSP students are expected to do the smart thing when it comes to these dangerous and illegal substances. Students encountering a gathering at which alcohol or other drugs are present should leave immediately, and they should report the gathering to a proctor or resident dean. Medical assistance should be sought for any sick or incapacitated student, no matter the cause, and in such a case, neither the student who seeks medical assistance for alcohol or other drug use, nor the students for whom assistance is sought, will be subject to disciplinary action (though the student may be referred for educational intervention regarding alcohol or other drug abuse.
An SSP student who fails to speak up about the presence of alcohol or other drugs, or fails to seek assistance for a sick or incapacitated student, is subject to disciplinary action, which could include the requirement to withdraw from the Summer School.
SSP students required to withdraw for disciplinary reasons must leave campus as soon as safe travel home can be arranged. They receive a grade of RQ (required to withdraw) for their courses and do not receive a refund of any Summer School fees. Such a serious disciplinary action is reportable on college applications by the student and the University (in accordance with FERPA).
Also see Letter from the Program Director and Administrative Withdrawal.
2. Day Travel. SSP students wishing to travel beyond the Boston-Cambridge area must obtain written permission from the program administration at least 24 hours in advance of the planned day trip.
3. Concerts. Secondary School Program students must receive written permission from their resident dean to attend off-campus public events such as concerts or other large gatherings (with the exception of Summer School-sponsored trips and activities). Such permission must be received by 4pm on the Wednesday before the scheduled event.
4. Motor Vehicles.
a. As driver. Secondary School Program students may not operate an automobile, motorcycle, motor scooter, or any other motorized vehicle without the written approval of the program administration.
b. As passenger. Secondary School Program students may not ride in or on any motorized vehicle operated by a person under the age of 25 without the written approval of the program administration. Visit or call the SSP office for details.
5. Bedroom and Bed Selection. During Opening Weekend, residential students are expected to wait until all roommates have arrived before deciding who settles in which bedroom and sleeps in which bed. This provides an early opportunity for roommates to establish a pattern of working together constructively. Students should seek guidance from their proctor if they ever need help resolving a dispute of any kind.
6. College-age or Older Persons. SSP students may not visit dormitories or other lodgings (including without limitation Houses and House courtyards and all off-campus housing), or social clubs, of college-age or older persons; nor may they entertain college-age or older persons in their SSP residences. They may not attend parties with college-age or older persons.
7. Overnight Guest. Overnight guests are permitted in SSP housing only with the approval of the student’s resident dean and suitemates, and only on Friday or Saturday night. An overnight guest must be 17 or younger and of the same gender as the host. (A relative of another gender may be allowed guest privileges in another suite with the permission of all concerned.) The host is responsible for the guest's behavior. Permission for an overnight stay must be obtained by 4pm the Wednesday before the scheduled visit.
8. Curfew. SSP students observe a curfew of 1am - 6am on all nights. During curfew hours, students must remain in their own dormitory buildings, unless they receive permission from their proctor by 9pm to be out of their residence.
9. Overnight Absence. A request to be away from campus overnight may be approved under exceptional circumstances. Students may not miss a class meeting. To request approval for an overnight absence, see “2024 Secondary School Program Residential Late Arrival or Overnight Absence Request” under “Forms” on the Harvard Summer School website, or pick up a form at the SSP office. Completed overnight absence request forms must be submitted to the SSP Office at least three weekdays before the planned absence starts. A word of caution: do not make or pay for travel arrangements until your absence is approved by the SSP.
10. Bullying, teasing, pranking, playing tricks on others—these behaviors can cause harm. Such acts violate the spirit and the letter of the tenets of Summer School policies on Student Conduct. In your interactions with others, be straightforward, honest, and supportive.
11. Health. Your health is important to you and to the Harvard community. Know and observe Harvard COVID-related policies, get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated, and eat sensibly. Keep your health insurance card with you at all times.
12. Smoking or vaping in any form is not permitted either on or off campus. Use or possession of tobacco, including snuff, chewing tobacco, and e-cigarettes (vaporizers), and use or possession of any product associated with tobacco and e-cigarettes, is prohibited. This prohibition includes pipes, matches, and lighters.
13. Residential students are expected to sleep in the bedrooms assigned them.
14. Gambling in any form, either on or off campus, is prohibited.