Alcohol and Other Drugs

UMassD Alcohol and Drug Policies

Did you know that UMass Dartmouth has a detailed set of Alcohol and Drug Policies that all students are expected to know and follow during their time here?

These policies were recently revised, so make sure you are well-versed in the current version.

If cited for a policy violation, "I didn't know it was against the rules!" is not an acceptable defense and will not excuse you from sanctions or other consequences.

Alcohol and other drug use influences your college experience, whether or not you choose to drink or use drugs.

Surveys show that the majority of UMass Dartmouth students drink in moderation, or not at all, but inaccurate beliefs about peers' drinking and a culture of high-risk drinking persist and affect us all.

Social media perpetuates the image of non-stop partying, but in reality:

  • 20% of UMass Dartmouth students are non-drinkers (have never consumed alcohol).
  • Another 13% drink infrequently (have not consumed within the past 30 days).
  • 67% of students have had alcohol in the past month. Most average 4-5 drinks when they party.

If drinking or drug use is becoming a problem for you or for someone you know, learn how to recognize the signs and where to go for help. You can check your drinking online or make an appointment with the Counseling Center.

Students who look out for one another make better decisions. The top five safe drinking practices used by UMass students are: using a designated driver, staying with the same group of people while drinking, eating before and/or during drinking, keeping track of how many drinks being consumed, and sticking with only one kind of alcohol while drinking.

Being part of a caring community means making agreements with friends and establishing a game plan together. Friends working together can even intervene on behalf of people they don’t know.

Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency. Know the signs:

  • Unconsciousness (person cannot be woken)
  • Excessive vomiting
  • Vomiting while passed out
  • Slow or irregular breathing
  • Cold or clammy skin
  • Skin discoloration (skin may appear bluish, grayish, or ashen)
  • Chills
  • Seizures

If you notice these signs and symptoms, get help. Call for emergency help immediately!
On-campus, dial 508.999.9191 (or 9191 from a campus phone)
Off-campus, dial 911

Remember: minutes matter. Even a small delay in getting help can have dire consequences. UMass Dartmouth has a Medical Amnesty Policy that prevents you and the student in need of assistance from getting in trouble if you seek help in an alcohol or drug-related emergency.

High-risk drinking impacts an individual, their circle of friends and the university community.

In a recent survey, UMass Dartmouth student reported many personal effects of drinking:

  • 34% forgot where they were or what they did
  • 33% did something they later regretted
  • 22% had unprotected sex
  • 16% drove after drinking