Dear Boston College Student,
We write to share some important information about the Boston Marathon on Monday, October 11, 2021.
First and foremost, we are focused on the safety of the runners, all members of the BC community, and our neighbors. We expect that students will conduct themselves in a safe, respectful manner on this day and follow all Code of
Conduct and Residential Life policies. In addition, the Boston Police Commissioner has issued a letter to all Boston-area college students that can be found here. Several important expectations that we wish to emphasize include:
Alcohol: Boston and Newton Police Departments have a zero tolerance policy for public drinking, especially during the Marathon. Regardless of age, students are prohibited from enabling underage drinking, as well as engaging in drunkenness and disorderly conduct. We urge you to make safe choices so that vital medical and emergency resources can remain available for those running the marathon.
Compliance: Students must comply with the directives of police and all University officials, who will be working hard to maintain the safety of the community on October 11. Safety regulations prohibit the carrying of luggage/backpacks along the marathon route. Students who fail to comply will be referred to the conduct process. Students found responsible for “failure to comply” along with a related violation generally receive higher level sanctions.
Residential Life Guest Policy: Guest registration for the residence halls is restricted for the weekend of October 9 - 11, 2021. Students with unregistered guests in the residence halls may face removal from University housing.
Off Campus Behavior: It is critical that all students are respectful of our neighbors who live close to campus, as well as their property. All on-campus students are strongly encouraged to enjoy the Marathon on campus. You will not be able to cross Commonwealth Avenue after 7:00am. Off-campus student residences will be held accountable for violations of the Code of Student Conduct, including creating community disturbances and enabling underage drinking. Therefore, students should not expect to go into the neighborhoods to engage in underage drinking or public drinking without consequence. As stated in the Commissioner’s letter, congregating on rooftops, fire escapes and porches is
prohibited. Off-campus students will be receiving a separate communication about expectations for Marathon Monday.
COVID-19 Concerns: Although the number of on-campus cases has been good so far this semester, breakthrough cases can still occur among vaccinated members of our community. Therefore, please continue to make good decisions if you choose to socialize in groups this weekend. Large, indoor gatherings where people are not wearing masks still pose a considerable risk for spreading COVID-19.
This is also an exciting event for the Boston College community given the pivotal Mile 21 location of our campus on the Marathon route. We encourage
you to show your support for all Boston Marathon participants, especially those from the BC community. To help celebrate the festivities, the Campus Activities Board will be having the annual Mile 21 Superfan Zone event on the lawn in front of the Thomas More Apartments from 9:00am–12:00pm. Please join your fellow students for free food, giveaways and activities.
As this is an important event for the Boston community, please ensure your behavior reflects favorably on you, your family, and Boston College. Please do not put yourself in a position that could jeopardize your future. If you need help during the Marathon, please seek the assistance of the Boston College EMS, the police, or other staff. If you live off campus and have an emergency, please dial 911
to be connected to your local police agency.
Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable fall break.
Tom Mogan
Associate Vice President, Student Engagement and Formation
William Evans
Executive Director of Public Safety, Chief of Police
George Arey
Associate Vice President, Office of Residential Life and Special Projects