Policies and Protocols

Students participating in Off-Campus programs often find themselves in situations where alcohol consumption is not only legal, but also considered culturally appropriate.  However, students must remember that they are prohibited from the “manufacture, possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs and alcohol” per Messiah University's Alcohol, Illegal Drugs, and Tobacco Policy (“Alcohol Policy”). See also Study Abroad Contract, II E (2). Also, students must be aware of the heightened risks of consuming alcohol in unfamiliar cultural environments (e.g., vulnerability to sexual assault, theft, injury, etc.), and when participating in programs that require physical agility and dexterity, such as the environmental science and wilderness camp education programs.  Additionally, some international settings have strong religious and cultural norms against alcohol use of which students should be made aware.

Therefore, in addition to the terms of Messiah University's Study Abroad Contract, which students sign and affirm, they agree to the terms of the Alcohol Agreement for Off-Campus Programs, as listed below:

1. I will not consume alcohol while participating in the Off-Campus Program to which I have been accepted, in recognition of the unique risks involved with this behavior.
2. I fully understand that I am considered a Messiah University student while participating in an off-campus program. Therefore, I must adhere to Messiah University's Community Covenant and all policies included in the Messiah University Student Handbook, especially the Alcohol Policy, for the duration of my off-campus experience.
3. If I violate the Alcohol Policy, or any other aspect of the Community Covenant or Student Handbook, while participating in an off-campus program I understand that I will be sent home at my own expense without receiving a refund of any fees.
4. In the event that I violate this Agreement and return to Messiah University's main campus, I recognize that sanctions for violating the Alcohol Policy may range from a letter of reprimand to expulsion, depending on circumstances.