Legal Notices

1. The Family Educational  Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) afford eligible students certain  rights  with respect to their  education records.  (An “eligible student’’  under  FERPA is a student who is 18 years of age or older or who attends a post- secondary  institution.) These rights  include:
2. The right to inspect  and review the student’s education records  within 45 days after the day the College receives  a request for access.  A student should submit  to the Registrar, dean, head of the academic  department, or other  appropriate official, a written request that  identifies  the record(s) the student wishes to inspect.  The College official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where  the records  may be inspected. If the records  are not maintained by the school official to whom the request was submitted, that  official shall advise the student of the correct  official to whom the request should be addressed.
3. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records  that  the student believes is in accurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights  under  FERPA. A student who wishes to ask the College to amend  a record should write to the College official respon- sible for the record,  clearly identify the part of the record the student wants  changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the College decides not to amend  the record as requested, the College will notify the student in writing  of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing  regarding the request for amendment. Additional information  regarding the hearing  procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
4. The right to provide written consent  before the university discloses personally   identifiable information  (PII) from the student’s education records,  except  to the extent that  FERPA authorizes disclosure  without consent. The College discloses education records  without a student’s prior written consent  under  the FERPA exception   for disclosure  to College officials with legitimate educational interests. A College official is a person  employed  by the College in an administrative, supervisory,  academic,  research, or support  staff position (including law enforcement unit person- nel and heal th staff); a person  serving  on the board of trustees; or a student serving  on an official committee, such as a disciplinary  or grievance committee. A College official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside  of the College who performs  an institutional service or function  for which the College would otherwise use its own employees  and who is under  the direct control of the College with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records,  such as an attorney, auditor,  or collection agent  or a student volunteering to assist  another College official in performing his or her tasks.  A College official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs  to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional  responsibilities for the College. Upon request, the College also discloses education records  without consent  to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
5. The right to file a complaint  with the U.S. Department of Education  concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address  of the Office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education,  400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202.

1. FERPA permits the disclosure of PII from students’ education records, without consent  of the student, if the disclosure meets certain  conditions found in 99.31 of the FERPA regulations. Except for disclosures to College officials, disclosures related to some Judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, disclosures of directory information, and disclosures to the student, 99.32 of FERPA regulations requires the College to record the disclosure. Eligible students have a right to inspect and review the record of disclosures.  The College may disclose PII from the education records without obtaining prior written consent  of the student:
2. To other College officials, including faculty, within the College whom  the College has determined to have legitimate educational interests. This includes, in certain cases, contractors, consultants, volunteers, or other  parties to whom the College has outscourced institutional services or functions, provided that  the conditions listed in 99.31(a)  (1)(i)(B)(1) -(a)(1)(i)(B)(2) are met. (99.31(a)(1)).
3. To officials of an other school where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled if the disclosure  is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer, subject to the requirements of 99.34. (99.31(a)(2)).
4. To authorized representatives of the U.S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney  General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or State and local educational authorities, such as a State postsecondary authority that is responsible for supervising the College’s State-supported education programs. Disclosures  under this provision may be made, subject  to the requirements of 99.35, in connection with an audit or evaluation  of Federal- or State-supported education programs, or for the enforcement of or compliance with Federal legal requirements that  relate to those  programs. These entities may make further disclosures of PII to outside entities that  are designated by them as their authorized representatives to conduct any audit,  evaluation, or enforcement or compliance  activity on their  behalf (99.31(a)(3) and 99.35).
5. In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received, if the information is necessary to determine eligibility for the aid, determine the amount of the aid, determine the conditions  of the aid, or enforce the terms and conditions  of the aid. (99.31(a)(4)).
6. To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the College, in order to: (a) develop, validate, or administer predictive tests;  (b) administer student aid programs; or (c) improve instruction. (99.31(a)(6)).
7. To accrediting organizations to carry out their  accrediting functions. (99.31(a)(7)).
8. Information the College has designated as “Directory Information” under  99.37.  (99.31(a)(11)).
9. To parents of an eligible student if the student is a dependent for IRS tax purposes. (99.31(a) (8)) Parents may also obtain non-Directory Information if the College has a signed release  from the student on file. Students may obtain a release from the Registrar’s  Office or other  appropriate office.
10. To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. (99.31(a)(9)).
11. To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency, subject  to 99.36. (99.31(a)(10))  In certain circumstances parents may also be notified when their student is involved in a health or safety emergency.
12. To a victim of an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or a non-forcible  sex offense, subject to the requirements of 99.39. The disclosure may only include the final results of the disciplinary proceeding with respect to that  alleged crime or offense, regardless of the finding. (99.31(a)  (13)).
13. To the general public, the final results of a disciplinary  proceeding, subject  to the requirements of 99.39,  if the College determines the student is an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense and the student has committed a violation of the College’s rules or policies with respect to the allegation  made against him or her. (99.31(a)(14)).
14. To parents of a student regarding the student’s violation of any Federal,  State,  or local law, or of any rule or policy of the College, governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance if the College determines the student committed a disciplinary violation and the student is under the age of 21. (99.31(a)(15))  In certain circumstances parents may be notified by the College if their student’s residency or student status has been revoked or may be in jeopardy of being revoked.

At its discretion, the College may provide Directory Information without the consent  of the student. For these purposes, Directory Information includes:  Student name, current enrollment, address, e-mail address, telephone number, class year standing, full-time or part-time status, schedule of classes, photograph, date and place of birth, major and minor fields of study,  dates  of attendance, degrees and awards  received,  including Dean’s List and graduation honors,  most recent previous educational institution attended, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height  of members of athletic teams. In certain  circumstances, students may ask the College to withhold Directory Information by notifying the Registrar in writing  within two weeks after the first day of class for each semester. Requests for nondisclosure, unless disclosure is required by law, will be honored  by the College for only one academic semester; therefore, authorization to withhold Directory Information must be filed each semester in the Registrar’s  Office.

Stonehill College is not responsible for students’ personal property. Students are strongly  encour- aged to have personal property  insurance for their belongings. This type of insurance may be available and covered under applicable  homeowners’ insurance policies or it is available as separate insurance coverage from many providers. Students and their parents should check their current insurance policies for coverage and consider additional  coverage, if necessary.

Stonehill College maintains a number of directories and address  lists to facilitate  personal  contact between students, faculty, staff, alumni,  and volunteers. These directories or address  lists may not be reproduced, stored  in a retrieval system,  or transmitted in any form or by any means  without the prior written permission of the Vice President for Student Affairs, or designee. Any use of the addresses or other  information  such as mailing labels or e-mail distribution lists for any multiple mailing without the prior written permission of the Vice President for Student Affairs, or designee, is prohibited. 

Demonstrations must be registered twenty-four (24) hours  in advance and must be approved  in writing by the Vice President for Student Affairs, or designee. All demonstrations must be peaceful and orderly. Demonstrations may be organized  and led only by members of the Stonehill College community. Demonstrations or other forms of expression may not compromise the rights of other members of the College community, nor interfere with the general operation of the College. Free speech is a cherished foundation of academia. Forms of expression, however, may not discriminate against or harass  individuals on the basis of race, gender, disability, age, marital  status, sexual orientation, religion, color, gender,  disability, national  origin or other personal  characteristics. Stonehill College maintains the right to enforce all rules of conduct  and to immediately dispatch Campus Police or request outside law enforcement assistance to respond  to any criminal or violent acts.

No student or person  representing any company is permitted to offer any product  or service for purchase on the Stonehill College Campus without prior approval from the Director of Student Activities, in consultation with the Vice President for Student Affairs. In addition, students may not operate a business on campus or from their  residence hall room without the express written consent of the Vice President for Student Affairs or his or her designee.

In compliance with the EADA, Stonehill College provides information on men’s and women’s athletic programs, including the number of participants by gender for each varsity team,  operating expenses, recruiting expenditures, athletically-related student aid, and revenues. The annual report is available from the Athletics  Office located in the Merkert College Center.  General information regarding the College’s student financial assistance programs, tuition and fees, and refunds is available from the Student Financial Services Office located in the Duffy Academic Center.

Stonehill College complies with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66A, Fair Information Practices. Questions regarding this law can be addressed to: Registrar, Stonehill College,

320 Washington Street, Easton, MA 02357.

The Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act is a federal  law that provides for the tracking  of convicted, registered sex offenders enrolled  as students at institutions of higher education, or working or volunteering on campus. Members of the campus community may obtain information  concerning Massachusetts registered sex offenders online at www.state.ma.us/sorb or by contacting any of the following:

• Sex Offenders  Registry Board, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, P.O. Box 4547, Salem, MA 01970

• Easton Police Department, 46 Lothrop Street, North Easton, MA 02356

• Stonehill College Campus Police, 320 Washington Street, Easton, MA 02357

Massachusetts Law requires that the following information be issued to students, student groups, teams and organizations:

Chapter  269: Section 17. Hazing; organizing or participating; hazing defined.

Section 17. Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing, as defined herein, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than one year, or both such fine and imprisonment.

The term “hazing” as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen, shall mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private  property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental  health of any student or other  person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other  substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other  person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including  extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section to the contrary, consent shall not be available as a defense to any prosecution under  this action.

Chapter 269: Section 18. Failure to report hazing

Section 18. Whoever knows that another person  is the victim of hazing as defined in section  seventeen and is at the scene of such crime shall, to the extent that  such person can do so without danger or peril to himself or others, report such crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever fails to report  such crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars.

Section 19. Each institution of secondary  education and each public and private institution of post secondary  education shall issue to every student group, student team or student organization which is part of such institution or is recognized by the institution or permitted by the institution to use its name or facilities or is known by the institution to exist as an unaffiliated student group, student team or student organization, a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen; provided, however, that an institution’s compliance  with this section’s requirements that  an institution issue copies of this section  and sections  seventeen and eighteen to unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations shall not constitute evidence of the institution’s recognition or endorsement of said unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations.

Each such group, team or organization shall distribute a copy of this section and sections  seventeen and eighteen to each of its members, plebes, pledges, or applicants for membership. It shall be the duty of each such group, team or organization, acting through its designated officer, to deliver annually, to the institution an attested acknowledgment stating that such group, team  or organization has received a copy of this section  and said sections  seventeen and eighteen, that  each of its members, plebes, pledges, or applicants has received a copy of sections  seventeen and eighteen, and that such group, team or organization understands and agrees  to comply with the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen.

Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post secondary  education shall, at least annually,  before or at the start of enrollment, deliver to each person who enrolls as a full time student in such institution a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen.

Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post secondary education shall file, at least annually, a report with the board of higher  education and in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education, certifying that  such institution has complied with its responsibility to inform student groups, teams  or organizations and to notify each full time student enrolled by it of the provisions of this section  and sections  seventeen and eighteen and also certifying that said institution has adopted a disciplinary  policy with regard  to the organizers and participants of hazing, and that such policy has been set forth with appropriate emphasis in the student handbook  or similar means of communicating the institution’s policies to its students. The board of higher education and, in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education shall promulgate regulations governing the content and frequency of such reports, and shall forth with report  to the attorney general  any such institution which fails to make such report.

The legal drinking age in Massachusetts is 21 years of age. A person over 21 years of age may not buy alcohol for a person under 21 years of age, unless their relationship is that of parent and child or husband and wife, and even in those  situations liquor must be bought at a package  liquor store, not a restaurant or tavern. Whoever furnishes any such beverage or alcohol for a person under 21 years of age shall be punished by a fine of not more than $2,000 or by imprisonment for not more than one year or both. Alcohol may not be purchased or attempted to be purchased  by a person under  21 years of age. A person may not lie about his/her age to purchase alcohol, present false identification, or make arrangements with someone older to buy alcohol for him/her. Any person who knowingly makes a false statement as to the age of a person  who is under  21 years of age in order to procure a sale or delivery of such beverages or alcohol to such person under 21 years of age, either for the use of the person under 21 years of age or for the use of some other person, and whoever induces a person  under 21 years of age to make a false statement as to his age in order to procure a sale or delivery of such beverages or alcohol to such a person under twenty-one years of age, shall be pun- ished by a fine of $300. Any person without a license to serve alcohol may not serve someone  under 21 years of age, unless their relationship is that of parent and child or husband and wife. Any person who furnishes any such beverage or alcohol for a person  under  21 years of age shall be punished by a fine of not more than $2,000 or by imprisonment for not more than  one year or both.

Any person  who transfers, alters, or defaces an identification card, or who  makes, uses, carries, sells, or distributes a false identification card, or furnishes false information in obtaining such a card, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not more than $200  or by imprisonment for not more than three months.

It is unlawful for a person under 21 years of age knowingly to drive a car with alcohol in it unless accompanied by a parent. To do so may result in a fine of up to $50 or suspension of the driver’s license for three months, or both. Persons may not drive while drinking from an open container of an alcoholic beverage. Violators shall be punished by a fine of not less than  $100  nor more than  $500. Persons  may not drive while under the influence  of alcohol or any intoxicating substance. Violators shall be punished by a fine of not less than  $500  nor more than  $5000  or by imprisonment for not more than two and one-half years, or both such fine and imprisonment. If a police officer has reasonable grounds to believe a person is driving under  the influence, a breathalyzer test  may be given. If the person arrested refuses to submit   to such test  or analysis, after having been informed  that his license or permit to operate motor vehicles  or right to operate motor vehicles in the Commonwealth shall be suspended for a period of at least 180 days and up to a lifetime loss, for such refusal, no such test or analysis shall be made and he shall have his license or right to operate suspended in accordance with this paragraph for a period of 180 days. Conviction for a first offense be punished by a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $500 or by imprisonment for not less than 30 days nor more than two years, or both, and for a second offense by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than five years or in a house of correction  for not less than 30 days nor more than two and one half years, or by a fine of not more than $1000, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

Massachusetts has criminal penalties for use of controlled  substances, or drugs, with penalties varying with the type of drug. In general, narcotic,  addictive, and drugs with a high potential for abuse have heavier penalties. Possession of drugs  is illegal without valid authorization. While penalties for possession are generally not as great  as for manufacture and distribution of drugs, possession of a relatively large quantity may be considered  distribution. Under both State and Federal laws penalties for possession, manufacture and distribution are much greater for second and subsequent convictions.  Many laws dictate mandatory prison terms and the full minimum term must  be served. Massachusetts makes it illegal to be in a place where heroin is kept and to be “in the company” of a person  known to possess heroin.  Anyone in the presence of heroin at a private party or dormitory suite  risks a serious drug conviction.

Sale and possession  of “drug paraphernalia’’ is illegal in Massachusetts. Under Federal law, distribution of drugs to persons under the age of 21 is punishable by twice the normal penalty with a mandatory one to three  years in prison depending on the class of drugs; a third conviction is punishable by mandatory life imprisonment. These penalties apply to distribution of drugs  within 1,000 feet of a college or school. Federal law sets greatly heightened prison sentences for manufacture and distribution  of drugs if death or serious injury results from the use of the substance.

The Higher Education Act of 1965  as amended suspends aid eligibility for students who have been convicted under federal or state law of the sale or possession of drugs, if the offense occurred during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving federal student aid. For more information contact Stonehill’s Student Financial Services Office at 508-565-1088 or the Federal Student Aid Information, Center  at 1-800-4-FED-AID  (1- 800-433-3243).

A student who  has been convicted  of possession  or sale of illegal drugs  while receiving  federal  Title IV financial aid loses eligibility for federal  and state  government  financial aid (including   Title IV, HEAgrant, loan, or work-study assistance) for a period of time specified in the law (HEA Sec. 484(r) (1)); (20 U.S.C. 1091(r)(1)).  The period of ineligibility depends on whether the conviction was for possession  or sale of (including conspiring  to sell) illegal drugs. 

Stonehill College offers institutionally funded  financial aid and participates in federal  and state  government financial aid programs, including  those  authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education  Act.Detailed  financial aid information  is available from Financial Aid.

As a Catholic College founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross, Stonehill College believes in the inherent dignity and worth of every person.  As such, the College is committed to providing a multicultural environment free from discrimination for its students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Therefore, Stonehill College prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, gender,^[1] gender identity, sexual orientation, or other legally protected status in admission to, access to, treatment in or employment in its programs and activities, except where such conditions may constitute bona fide qualifications for the programs or activities in question. 

Nothing in this statement shall require Stonehill College to act in a manner contrary to the beliefs and teachings of the Catholic Church.

The following person has been designated to handle student inquiries regarding the College’s non-discrimination policy:

Thomas V. Flynn, Esq., General  Counsel Stonehill College, Easton, MA 02357 (508) 565-1413

Inquiries  concerning the application of non-discrimination policies may also be referred to:

^[1] College policies and procedures related to gender-based discrimination and harassment comply with Title IX of the Higher Education Amendment of 1972 (“Title IX”), including its implementing regulations at 34 CFR 106, and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (“Clery Act”) as amended by the Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act of 2013 (“VAWA”).

Updated on March 3, 2021

Stonehill College assumes no liability for the delay or failure in providing  educational or other  services  or facilities due to causes  beyond its reasonable control. Causes include, but are not limited to power failure, fire, strikes  by College employees  or others,  damage by natural  elements, and acts of public authorities. The College will, however, exert  reasonable  efforts, when it judges them  to be appropriate, to provide comparable services, facilities, or performance; but its inability or failure to do so shall not subject  the College to liability. These requirements may change  while a student is enrolled  in a program  and may vary from state  to state  or country  to country.  Although  the College stands  ready to help its students learn about  requirements and changes  in them,  it is the student’s responsibility to initiate  the inquiry.

Stonehill College will endeavor to make available to its students a fine education and a stimulating and congenial  environment. However,  the quality and rate  of progress of an individual’s  academic  career  and professional  advancement upon completion  of a degree or program  are largely dependent on his or her own abilities,  commitment and effort.

In many professions and occupations, there  are requirements imposed  by federal  and state statutes and regulatory agencies  for certification  or entry into a particular field. These requirements may change  while a student is enrolled  in a program  and may vary from state  to state  or country  to country.  Although  the College stands  ready to help its students learn about  requirements and changes  in them,  it is the student’s responsibility to initiate  the inquiry.