Community Behavioral Guidelines
Each student at Sterling deserves to have a positive learning experience. We consider two guidelines to be critical to our functioning as an educational community. Students who do not abide by these guidelines will experience consequences that may include dismissal from the College. Behavior that threatens the physical or mental health, security, privacy, property or learning experience of other members of the community will not be tolerated.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
By enrolling in Sterling College, or by accepting employment, individuals agree to abide by college substance abuse standards and certify awareness of this policy. Possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs (including alcohol for those less than 21 years of age) is prohibited on the Sterling College campus. This policy includes being under the influence of such substances while on campus or participating in college-sponsored activities (such as classes, meetings, presentations, social events, etc.). Abuse of legal substances (including alcohol for those 21 years and older) which results in destructive behaviors will be addressed by the Dean of Community as a violation of the first guideline for Community Behavior. Supplying underage drinkers with alcohol is considered a serious offense by the State of Vermont and by Sterling College.
Students must abide by the drug and alcohol policy.
Emergency Protocol
In the event of an emergency, treat any injuries with first aid to the extent that you are qualified. All Community Advisors and Student Life staff at Sterling College are CPR / 1st Aid certified, and/or are trained as Wilderness First Responders.
If an injury appears to require immediate medical attention, call 911 to connect to the following resources:
- State Police (Derby), Fire (Craftsbury), or Ambulance (Hardwick): or
- Call the Poison Control Center 1-877-658-3456 (a toll-free number)
- Contact a Community Advisor and the Dean of Community for any emergency (medical, psychological, any situation which you feel requires professional intervention).
For contact after hours, call the College Pager: (802) 290-9931
Emergency Notification
In the event of an immediate or ongoing threat to the safety of the students, employees or campus, the community will be notified immediately through e-mail, announcements, and the Sterling College web site. Students should take responsibility for regularly checking their e-mail and attending all community meetings. In order to receive campus-wide email announcements, students must have a College email account, which is obtained prior to registration.
Missing Student Policy
Sterling College will actively investigate any report of a missing student who is enrolled at the College. If a member of the Sterling community has reason to believe that a student is missing, all possible efforts are made to locate the student to determine their state of health and well-being. This effort is coordinated by the Dean of Community, in collaboration with the Residential Life team and the missing student’s family and friends.
If not located within 24 hours, appropriate family members, associates, or a College official will make an official missing person report with local law enforcement. Sterling College will cooperate with, aid, and assist the primary investigative agency in all ways prescribed by law.