Dear Eagles,

We write to share some important information about the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 17, 2023. We sincerely hope that you enjoy the day by taking advantage of the Mile 21 activities that Boston College has planned for you on this day.

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. 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. Violations may result in an arrest, court summons, and/or a referral to the student conduct process. We urge you to make safe choices so that vital medical and emergency resources can remain available for those running the marathon. 

Safety and Compliance: Safety regulations prohibit the carrying of luggage/backpacks along the marathon route. All bags are subject to search. In addition, the flying of drones near the marathon route or on campus is strictly prohibited. No container over 1 liter in size will be allowed onto or across the course and is subject to being poured out by Law Enforcement. See the Boston Athletic Association’s full list of allowable and prohibited items, as well as spectator information. 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 April 17. Students who fail to comply with any policies will be referred to the student conduct process. Students found responsible for “failure to comply” along with a related violation generally receive higher level sanctions.

Residential Life: Open containers will not be permitted in the residence halls or outside for the entire day and students should be mindful of volume and guests at all times. Access to the Mods residential area will be restricted to only BC students that are 21+. Entry will require a physical BC ID and government issued ID, no exceptions will be made. Open containers will be permitted in the Mods from 10am-3pm only. 

Off Campus Behavior: Boston College and Boston Police received a significant number of complaints of community disturbances during last year’s Marathon. Based on last year’s issues and the alternative Mile 21 activities the University is providing, Boston Police is expected to have zero tolerance for disruptive behavior and underage drinking in the neighborhoods. It is critical that all students keep public roadways clear and be 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 activities on campus. You will not be able to cross Commonwealth Avenue after 8:00 am. 

Students living off-campus are responsible for the conduct and activities occurring at their residence at all times, including the conduct of guests, and will be held accountable for violations of the Student Code of 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. Violations may result in an arrest, court summons, and referral to the student conduct process. Off-campus students will be receiving a separate communication about expectations for Marathon Monday.

If you need help during the Marathon, please seek the assistance of the Boston College EMS, the police, or other staff. As the Commissioner’s letter points out, “If you see something, say something.” You can do this by calling 911 or speaking to a law enforcement officer along the Marathon route. If you live off campus and have an emergency, please dial 911 to be connected to your local police agency. Also, please keep in mind Boston College’s Help Seeking policy when caring for each other on this day.

Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable Marathon Monday.

Sincerely,

Corey Kelly
Associate Vice President/Dean of Students

George Arey
Associate Vice President, Office of Residential Life and Special Projects

William Evans
Executive Director of Public Safety, Chief of Police