Lifebook: Rules & Regulations

All academic buildings and practice sheds are open 7:00am daily until 10:00pm daily. After closing time at 10:00pm, students may not be in any academic building, including the Bunkhouse, Science Building, Theater, Little Red School House, Lively Stones, any of the individual or group practice sheds or the first floor of Groton Place, except the dining hall during Late Night hours. The Chicken Coop building is permanently closed and off-limits to all students at all times.

Boston University Tanglewood Institute’s Alcohol Policy specifies:

• There are to be no alcoholic beverages anywhere on West Street Campus.
• The University reserves the right to conduct inspections in appropriate circumstances in order to enforce its policies and to confiscate any beverages on University property in violation of this policy.
• Proper identification must be presented to University personnel upon request.

Boston University Tanglewood Institute’s Alcohol Policy will be in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at all times. Moreover, the University’s standards of personal conduct substantially exceed the minimum expectation of civil law and custom. Students found in violation of Massachusetts law will also be subject to University disciplinary action. Students found in violation of Boston University Tanglewood Institute’s Alcohol Policy or engaging in misconduct related to the abuse of alcohol, whether on or off campus, will be subject to immediate dismissal from Boston University Tanglewood Institute.

The legal drinking age in Massachusetts is 21 years. This means that you may legally consume, possess, transport, or procure alcoholic beverages only if you are 21 years of age or older. Anyone under 21 years of age who knowingly makes false statements of his or her age in order to purchase or in any way procure alcoholic beverages is subject to dismissal from Boston University Tanglewood Institute and also subject to a fine by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Anyone 21 years of age or older who procures alcoholic beverages for, or serves or sells alcoholic beverages to, anyone under 21 years of age, is subject to dismissal from Boston University Tanglewood Institute, a fine of $2,000, up to six months imprisonment, or all of these. Also, be advised that in the Town of Lenox it is illegal for anyone to consume alcoholic beverages in public (e.g., sidewalks, streets, and parks).

Bicycles are permitted on the West Street Campus. Students may keep their bicycles in areas of their residence or outdoor areas specifically designated for bicycle storage. Storage space is limited; students may need to keep their bicycles in their rooms and be mindful not to interfere with their roommate’s space. At no time may any bicycle be placed on a fire escape, hallway or stairwell, or chained to a railing, banister, fence, or campus facility. Bicycles left or locked in inappropriate locations may be removed at the owner’s expense. To prevent theft, students should lock their bicycles when not in use.

Due to potential fire hazards, open flames, lighted candles, and burning incense are not permitted anywhere on West Street Campus whether inside or outside a residence or any other campus facility.

Students are prohibited from placing any garbage, trash or other receptacles, vehicles, bicycles, or other articles (including instruments) in the halls or other common areas or passageways of buildings, and especially not on the first floor of Groton Place. Boston University Tanglewood Institute reserves the right, at the expense of the student, to remove personal property stored or placed in common areas. Such property shall be understood to have been abandoned and shall not be returned to a claimant without satisfactory proof of ownership and payment of all expenses of removal or storage. Common areas include bathrooms. Personal items such as clothing and toiletries may not be left or stored in the bathrooms. Articles left will be discarded.

There is a dedicated instrument storage room near the dining hall for students to store instruments in during meals. Students must put smaller instruments (violins, violas, oboes, bassoons, trumpets, etc.) on provided shelving. Celli must be lined up along the walls in a tidy manner. Instruments must not be placed in the taped-off walkways.

One of the highlights of your summer experience will be your attendance at the many concerts held on the Tanglewood grounds. Access to these performances is a privilege and should be taken advantage of as much as possible! As guests of Tanglewood, whether indoors or on the lawn, all affiliates of Boston University Tanglewood Institute have the shared responsibility of upholding the highest standard of personal conduct.

Concerts here are so uniquely moving not only because of the incredible music, but because of the experience that all audience members share. To protect and nurture that shared experience for yourself and others around you, here are outlined a few rules and guidelines to follow. While we can’t always control everything around us, we can certainly modify our own behavior and influence those in our circle to move ever closer to an enjoyable concert experience.

Seating

For concerts at the Koussevitzky Music Shed or Seiji Ozawa Hall, your passes are for lawn seating only. Due to our unique affiliation with the BSO, ushers will make every effort to find available seats for students in Section Y of the shed, and throughout the hall at Ozawa, if seating is available. To take advantage of this opportunity, please queue up in the designated area and wait patiently for the usher to show you your seats. For more information about concert seating, please visit the above section “Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) Concerts.”

Conduct

When you are on the Tanglewood grounds, you are a guest of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and a representative of BUTI. Disorderly conduct or any behavior not conducive to BUTI policy may result in your dismissal from the grounds and loss of your Tanglewood grounds pass. Please avoid making unnecessary noise or causing a disturbance during a concert, whether you are in the hall or on the lawn. If, for any reason, you are asked to leave by an usher, a member of the Tanglewood staff, or a member of BUTI staff, please leave quietly.

Electronic Devices

Cell phone and tablet use during concerts is prohibited. These devices, while seemingly innocuous, can provide a great disturbance to other concert guests around you, and can infringe on their individual experience. Cell phones should be placed on silent, non-vibrate mode and should be stored in a bag or pocket. You may use devices during intermission, and after the final piece of the concert. If you wish to take notes, please plan in advance to bring paper and pen/pencil.

Visiting Artists Backstage

You will sometimes have the exciting opportunity to meet artists backstage after their performance. When, how, and whether to meet audience members is determined by each individual artist, and what may be appropriate with one performer, may not be permissible with another. We encourage you to meet with the artists, if they are available, but you must follow the instructions given by Tanglewood staff members posted at the stage doors.

Sneaking backstage or disregarding the instructions of the Tanglewood staff may result in the loss of your Tanglewood grounds pass and further disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from Boston University Tanglewood Institute.

Students are required to adhere to curfew policy, even when attending a concert. In the event a student arrives back to campus on a BUTI bus after curfew, an exception to the curfew policy will be made. Students walking back to campus from a concert are required to meet curfew policy. Visiting backstage with an artist does not excuse or exempt you from the curfew policy in any way.

On-campus residents are subject to the following curfew policy:

• Sunday – Thursday: 10:30pm
• Friday – Saturday: 11:30pm

To meet curfew, residents must be in their assigned residence and room by or before that evening’s curfew, and must stay in their assigned room until a Resident Assistant is able to confirm their presence. Once residents have been checked by a Resident Assistant, they may go to other areas within their assigned residence.

If a concert at Tanglewood extends beyond curfew, students must return on a BUTI shuttle bus. Students arriving back to campus after curfew on a BUTI bus who subsequently return directly to their room will not be penalized for missing curfew.

Violations of the curfew policy are considered very serious matters and will result in sanctions that may include a letter of warning, a curfew restriction, a community service assignment, and the loss of visitor privileges. Students who repeatedly violate the curfew policy may be subject to dismissal from Boston University Tanglewood Institute.

Also see “Noise Policy/Quiet Hours” for additional information regarding conduct in dorms at night.

No food deliveries are permitted to the West Street Campus after 10 P.M. This includes, but is not limited to, pizza, UberEats, GrubHub, etc. Food delivered after 10 P.M. will be disposed of or recycled. Please also see the “Visitor Policy.”

It has been the University’s practice to allow students to decorate the exterior portion of their room doors with posters, banners, fliers, brochures, and other materials. Occasionally, items are placed on the exterior of room and apartment doors that identify individuals. These items may or may not be offensive to the identified individual(s). The posting of materials on the exterior of room and apartment doors is permitted. However, it is expected that student expression will be respectful of others, will be exercised in good taste, and will not be in violation of the right of other persons to be free from invasion of their personal privacy. Students living in University residences are entitled to expect that those with whom they live will demonstrate respect for privacy of individuals.

The general policies of Boston University provide that the University campuses and University activities are not a sanctuary from federal, state, and local laws. The policies of the University prohibit the unlawful use, possession, sale, distribution, or manufacture of controlled substances or alcohol on University property or as part of University activities.

Boston University recognizes that alcoholism, drug addiction, and substance abuse may represent illnesses or conditions that require professional counseling, assistance, or treatment. Faculty, students, and staff with problems related to or stemming from alcohol and substance abuse or dependency are encouraged to utilize any services provided through the University or other sources of assistance. However, neither addiction nor abuse excuses any member of the University community for violating the rights of others, or for neglecting or performing inadequately academic or job-related responsibilities.

Violators are subject to punishment up to and including dismissal from Boston University Tanglewood Institute, as well as to criminal prosecution under state and federal laws. This includes use, possession, sale, distribution, or manufacture of illegal drugs, any misuse or distribution of controlled substances or alcohol, and enabling or encouraging any other student or person to misuse an illegal or controlled substance. Students will be held accountable for the presence of the odor of marijuana in their assigned residence if detected by two or more members of the University staff.

In the residences, possession of drug paraphernalia or items that may be utilized for illegal drug use is prohibited and will lead to punishment up to and including dismissal from Boston University Tanglewood Institute. Drug paraphernalia includes but is not limited to items such as vapes, roach clips, bongs, any type of water pipe, or any object filled with water through which smoke is drawn.

Since its founding in 1869, Boston University has been dedicated to equal opportunity and has opened its doors to students without regard to race, sex, creed, or other irrelevant criteria. Consistent with this tradition, it is the policy of Boston University to promote equal opportunity in educational programs and employment through practices designed to extend opportunities to all individuals on the basis of individual merit and qualifications, and to help ensure the full realization of equal opportunity for students, employees, and applicants for admission and employment. The University is committed to maintaining an environment that is welcoming and respectful to all.

Boston University prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex or gender, age, national origin, ethnicity, shared ancestry and ethnic characteristics, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, military service, marital, parental, veteran status, or any other legally protected status in any and all educational programs or activities operated by Boston University. Retaliation is also prohibited. Please refer questions or concerns about Title IX, discrimination based on any other status protected by law or BU policy, or retaliation to Boston University’s Executive Director of Equal Opportunity/Title IX Coordinator, at titleix@bu.edu or (617) 358-1796. Boston University’s full Notice of Nondiscrimination is available at https://www.bu.edu/policies/boston-university-notice-of-nondiscrimination/. 

The coordination and implementation of this policy is the responsibility of the Executive Director of Equal Opportunity. The officers of the University and all deans, directors, department heads, and managers are responsible for the proper implementation of equal opportunity and affirmative action in their respective areas, and they are expected to exercise leadership toward their achievement. It is expected that every employee of Boston University will share this commitment and cooperate fully in helping the University meet its equal opportunity and affirmative action objectives.

Boston University has developed detailed procedures, described in its Complaint Procedures in Cases of Alleged Unlawful Discrimination or Harassment, by which individuals may bring forward concerns or complaints of discrimination and harassment. Retaliation against any individual who brings forward such a complaint or who cooperates or assists with an investigation of such a complaint is both unlawful and strictly prohibited by Boston University.

We are fortunate to have use of facilities at Tanglewood Main Grounds, Berkshire Country Day School’s Brook Farm Campus, Town of Lenox Morris Elementary School, and Trinity Episcopal Church. Since we will be guests in these facilities, we have established strict guidelines for their use. Students are only permitted in the buildings and on the grounds of the schools for scheduled classes or rehearsals. Students cannot use the facilities without a Boston University Tanglewood Institute faculty or staff member present. Students are not permitted to use the schools as practice facilities. Eating and drinking inside the buildings are not allowed. Consistent with our smoke-free campus policy, smoking will not be permitted inside any buildings or anywhere on the grounds of any off-campus facilities used by BUTI.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ensures confidentiality of your education records and restricts disclosure to or access by third parties, except as authorized by law. You have the right to inspect your educational records, with certain exceptions. If you wish to inspect your records, you need to submit a formal request to the University Access Officer in the Registrar’s Office. An appointment will be made within 45 days of the date of the request.

If you believe your education records are inaccurate or misleading, you may request an amendment. If you wish to request an amendment, you need to complete the appropriate form available from the University Registrar’s Office. If it is determined that the record will not be amended, you will be notified of your right to, and procedures for requesting, a hearing.

The University has designated certain types of personally identifiable information as “Directory Information.” This includes your name, local address and telephone number, email address, college of registration, degree program and major and minor, dates of attendance, full- and part-time status, and degrees, honors, and awards received. Your local address and telephone number are also contained in an annual directory published by the University, and are accessible on an electronic directory. Both the printed and electronic directory are intended for the use of the University community. If you wish to restrict release of this information at any time, you may do so on the Student Link or by completing a Personal Data Update Form available in the Registrar’s Office. The Student Activities Office (Associate Director, GSU, 775 Commonwealth Avenue) and the Athletics Department (Director, 285 Babcock Street) may release information on students who participate in officially recognized activities and sports. If students wish to restrict release and/or publication of this information, they should contact the Student Activities Office and the Athletics Department directly.

The University, in compliance with the law, will disclose personally identifiable information without your prior consent under certain circumstances, including but not limited to, the following:

• To University officials, staff, and others engaged in activities on behalf of the University
• In compliance with a lawful subpoena;
• To officials of another institution where you are enrolled or seek to enroll, or where you received services in connection with placement or participation in internships, practica, affiliations and other programs related to your courses or program at the University;
• To authorized representatives of institutions from which you have received financial aid or applied to for financial aid.

You have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education Family Policy and Regulations Office, Federal Office Building, No. 6, Rm 3021, Washington, DC 20202, if you believe that Boston University failed to comply with the Act’s requirements.

Firearms, explosives, fireworks, chemicals, projectile devices, and other dangerous substances, articles, and weapons are strictly prohibited in and around the residence facilities and elsewhere on the Boston University Tanglewood Institute campus. Under state law, only law enforcement officers may carry firearms on campus. In addition to state law and University regulations banning firearms on campus, a Massachusetts state law imposes a one-year mandatory jail sentence for carrying any gun without the necessary Firearms Identification Card (FID) or a License to Carry a Firearm obtained from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Please also see “Weapons.” The Fire Department forbids use or storage of toxic and flammable materials in residences. Consequently, materials such as cleaning solvents, gasoline, kerosene, and the like are prohibited. Students discovered with any of these devices in their possession, room, or automobile will be subject to punishment up to and including dismissal from Boston University Tanglewood Institute.

Any student who, without reasonable cause, activates a fire alarm system, thereby producing a false alarm, or who damages any fire safety equipment or discharges or tampers with fire safety equipment without a fire present, will be subject to punishment up to and including dismissal from BUTI as well as subject to criminal prosecution. The student is also liable to civil action for damages, as described in the paragraph entitled “Dismissible Infractions” in the Terms and Conditions of the Residence License Agreement. In the event of a fire alarm (fire, false alarm, or drill), all individuals must vacate the building immediately through the nearest exit. On the way out, students should knock loudly on the doors to alert other students. No one should reenter the building until instructed to do so by a Boston University Tanglewood Institute staff member. If a staff member is not in the building at the time the alarm sounds, any student present should begin the evacuation of the building and notify the Resident Assistant in the Student Life Office in Groton Place at (617) 353-3386.

Fire safety is taken very seriously at Boston University, and all students are expected to cooperate in keeping the residences as safe as possible. For this reason, the following activities are forbidden, and those engaging in them should expect serious consequences:

Setting fires of any kind for any reason; tampering with any fire safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, fire alarm boxes, smoke detectors, and sprinkler heads (such as hanging objects from sprinkler heads, and so forth); malicious activation of a fire alarm; propping open fire doors for any purpose other than emergency evacuation; use of roofs and fire escapes for any purpose other than for escape from a fire or threat of a fire; accidental activation of a smoke detector or fire alarm resulting from hall sports, water fights, and so on; lighting candles, open flames, and incense burning anywhere on West Street Campus inside or outside a residence or any other campus facility; using space heaters or other types of heating coils.

Gambling is not permitted anywhere on West Street Campus, and is considered to be a serious violation of Boston University Tanglewood Institute rules and regulations.

Students should utilize the Groton Place western stairwell only for the purpose of accessing the third floor student residence on move-in day. After moving in, this stairwell will be closed and off limits to students. To access rooms on the third floor, students should utilize the eastern stairwell. Students may not enter or congregate around the staff residence on the second floor of Groton Place.

Hall meetings are mandatory and held every Monday at 10:30pm in each residence facility.

It is recommended that students and family consider extending homeowner’s insurance or instrument insurance to cover the potential loss or damage of instruments or property should something unforeseen happen.

All students will be issued a key to their room (and other keys as needed) at the time of registration and move in. All students are responsible for turning in their key(s) at the end of their program and before leaving campus. If a student’s key(s) are not turned in at the end of their program, the student will be charged $10 for each key. Unauthorized possession, duplication, or use of keys that permit access to BUTI facilities is strictly prohibited. If a key is lost or stolen, it should be reported immediately to the Resident Assistant in the Student Life Office on the first floor of Groton Place. Students will be charged $10 for all replacement keys.

In some cases, students will be issued an instrument, instruments, and/or accessories (“Instrument”) by BUTI. Examples include, but are not limited to, harps, auxiliary instruments, and percussion. By utilizing an Instrument issued by BUTI, the student (if 18 or older) or the student’s parent/legal guardian (if the student is under 18) assumes full financial responsibility for the Instrument, and agrees to reimburse BUTI for the total cost of repair or replacement if the Instrument is lost or damaged (beyond normal wear-and-tear, as determined by BUTI). Students are not permitted to attempt to repair an instrument, and should immediately report damage to a faculty member or ensemble manager.

For personal safety and in consideration of our neighbors, students are not permitted to walk on Hawthorne Street or any other street in Lenox or Stockbridge or in neighboring communities where there are no sidewalks. When walking to and from the Tanglewood grounds, students are to use the sidewalk on the south side of West Street (the West Street Campus side) only. Ride hailing and taxi services, such as Uber and/or Lyft, are not permitted except with the written permission of our Manager of Transportation for travel to and from airports, train, and bus stations outside shuttle hours.

Please refer to the Student Life Medical Forms for the Boston University Tanglewood Institute medical policy. These are available to download through the website. All medical forms must be completed and submitted prior to student arrival for their program.

All vehicles on the West Street Campus should be registered with the Transportation Manager in the Student Life Office and should be parked in the upper campus parking lot near the main entrance. Vehicles may not be parked in the Groton Place circular drive, in fire lanes, on the grass, or on dirt roads.

Students wishing to stay off campus overnight should plan visits well in advance. To receive permission to leave campus overnight, a student (or parent/guardian) must do all of the following:

 

• Complete a Student Absence Request form at least 48 hours in advance of the requested time away. This form can be obtained on the BUTI website (Student Life Forms).
• Have a parent/guardian submit the form. If a parent/guardian is not picking up the student, the other person must be specified by the parent/guardian.

 

The completed form from the student’s parent/legal guardian must be received by the Manager of Student Life no later than 48 hours in advance of the student’s requested departure date. This procedure must be followed each time a student wishes to be absent from campus overnight. Students who receive permission to leave campus overnight are required to sign out at the Student Life Office in Groton Place prior to their departure and sign back in upon their return. Boston University Tanglewood Institute staff is not responsible for facilitating the student’s departure or return.

Physical violence, verbal abuse, obscene or harassing telephone calls and/or texts, emails and/or other forms of online harassment, stalking, bullying including cyberbullying, and any similar actions are strictly forbidden, and will not be tolerated. Students engaging in such behavior will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from Boston University Tanglewood Institute.

While students may put up posters, pictures, and other decorative and expressive items in their rooms, students are reminded that they are responsible for any damage caused by putting up such material. Students may not put up posters, banners, fliers, brochures, or other material outside of their rooms except for certain bulletin boards and other specific locations designated by the student life staff for posting of informational and expressive material by students. Additionally, this material must be not be offensive or disrespectful to other residents.

The safety and health of our student body is our highest priority. BUTI adheres to Boston University Protection of Minors Policy which includes background checks and special training for all faculty and staff.

An atmosphere conducive to study and sleep is necessary in the residences and on the campus. The general expectation is that the residences will be quiet except for reasonable noise generated from approved, time-limited activities.

Quiet Hours:

 

Begin 10:00 P.M., every day (9:00 P.M., every day in Groton Library and on Groton Porch)

End 7:30 A.M. Monday-Saturday 9:00 A.M. Sunday

 

Synonymous with BUTI’s commitment to student health, quiet hours begin at 10:00 P.M. daily and are in place to maintain an environment conducive to quiet study and sleep. Particularly in residence halls, students must respect the living space of roommates and neighbors. During quiet hours, no practicing or loud activities are permitted.

During quiet hours, students may congregate in the following locations if on campus: Groton lobby, Groton cafeteria, dorms, or outdoors within the Designated Boundaries, as defined by this ­map. Students are not permitted in academic spaces (including sheds, shells, or classrooms), on the back porch of Groton, or on campus beyond the designated boundaries.

If you choose to walk to campus following a concert and arrive after quiet hours have started, you may not trespass through the Morris Elementary School property. Students may NOT walk along Hawthorne Road at any time. Students must use the sidewalk along West Street and enter campus at the main entrance.

Students are allowed access only to the residence halls in which they reside. Entry into other dormitories for activities such as hanging out, rehearsing, practicing, or picking up music is not permitted. Moreover, students are prohibited from lingering in the bedrooms of other students within their own residence hall. However, congregating in common areas or within students’ own residence hall is allowed.

Beyond students, only designated staff, or a student’s parent/guardian are permitted inside residence halls. Violations of the Residence Hall Visitation Policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from BUTI.

Fire escapes and roofs are not to be used for any purpose other than for escape from a fire or threat of a fire.

Student Life Staff will inspect student rooms approximately once per week. Students are expected to keep rooms in an orderly fashion, and are responsible, at a minimum, for the following:

• Wet or damp items (including towels) must be hung appropriately
• Food must be stored in sealed and closed containers
• Wastepaper baskets should not be overflowing
• Floors should be clear of debris and obstructions
• BUTI reserves the right to inspect a student’s room or belongings at any time, for any reason.

Boston University is committed to the principle that no employee, student, or applicant for employment or admission should be subject to sexual harassment. The University strives to provide workplaces and learning environments that promote equal opportunity and are free from illegal discriminatory practices, including sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment is a violation of federal and state laws and of University policy, as is retaliation against any individual who in good faith files a complaint of sexual harassment or cooperates in the investigation of such a complaint. Upon receipt of a complaint of sexual harassment or retaliation, Boston University will undertake a fair and thorough investigation, with due regard for the rights of all parties. Every reasonable effort will be made to protect the confidentiality of the parties during the investigation. After an investigation, any person who is found to have sexually harassed or retaliated against another will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination of employment and, if a student, expulsion from Boston University.

Definition of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is defined as sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and any other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, whether intentional or unintentional, where:

• an individual’s submission to or rejection of the conduct is made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of employment or of status in a course, program or activity, or is used as a basis for an employment or academic decision; or
• the conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance, academic performance, or educational experience, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating, or offensive working, educational, or living environment.

 

Examples of Conduct Which May Constitute Sexual Harassment

It is not possible to list all circumstances that might constitute sexual harassment. In general, sexual harassment encompasses any sexually related conduct which causes others discomfort, embarrassment, or humiliation, and any harassing conduct, sexually related or otherwise, directed toward an individual because of that individual’s sex. Sexual harassment also includes sexual violence, including sexual acts perpetrated against a person’s will or a person incapable of giving consent. All such conduct is subject to this policy whenever it occurs in a context related to the employment or academic environments, or if it is imposed upon an individual by virtue of an employment or academic relationship.

A determination of whether conduct constitutes sexual harassment is dependent upon the totality of the circumstances, including the pervasiveness or severity of the conduct. The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination lists the following examples of conduct which may constitute sexual harassment:

Unwelcome sexual advances—whether they involve physical touching or not;

 

• Sexual epithets, jokes, written or oral references to sexual conduct, gossip regarding one’s sex life;
• Comment on an individual’s body, comment about an individual’s sexual activity, deficiencies, or prowess;
• Displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures, or cartoons;
• Unwelcome leering, whistling, brushing against the body, sexual gestures, or suggestive or insulting comments;
• Inquiries into one’s sexual experiences; and
• Discussion of one’s sexual activities.

In order to constitute sexual harassment, conduct must be unwelcome. Conduct is unwelcome when the person being harassed does not solicit or invite it and regards it as undesirable or offensive. The fact that a person may accept the conduct does not mean they welcome it.

As a university, Boston University, its employees, and students also must be aware of the need for freedom of inquiry and openness of discussion in its educational and research programs and must strive to create and maintain an atmosphere of intellectual seriousness and mutual tolerance in which these essential features of academic life can thrive. No university can or should guarantee that every idea expressed in its classrooms or laboratories will be inoffensive to all; pursued seriously, education and scholarship necessarily entail raising questions about received opinions and conventional interpretations. Boston University does guarantee, however, that credible accusations of inappropriate sexual remarks or actions will be investigated promptly, thoroughly, and fairly.

Complaints

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that is prohibited under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. If you have questions concerning the application of Title IX, please contact the Executive Director of Equal Opportunity, 19 Deerfield Street, Fl. 2, tel. 617-353-9286, who serves at the University’s Title IX Coordinator.

If you wish to file a complaint of sexual harassment, you are strongly encouraged to contact immediately the appropriate person listed below:

West Street Campus

If you are comfortable doing so, you may speak with any Resident Assistant, faculty member, or contact the Student Life Office directly (staffed 24/7).

Faculty, staff, or applicants for employment

Contact the Executive Director of Equal Opportunity in the Equal Opportunity Office, 19 Deerfield Street, Fl. 2, 617-353-9286.  Employees may also contact their Human Resources Consultant at Human Resources, 25 Buick Street, (617) 353-2380, or at Medical Campus Human Resources, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Crosstown Center Building, Suite 400, 617-638-4610.

Applicants for admission

Contact the Executive Director in the Equal Opportunity Office, 19 Deerfield Street, Fl. 2, 617-353-9286.

Employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement

Specific provisions of the agreement may provide additional options for addressing a sexual harassment complaint.

Nothing in this policy is intended to limit the authority of Boston University to take appropriate disciplinary action against any individual who violates University rules or policies, whether or not the conduct constitutes sexual harassment under law or University policy.­

State and Federal Agencies

In addition to the above, you may file a formal complaint with the government agencies listed below:

Faculty, staff, applicants for employment, or students

Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination
One Ashburton Place, Room 601
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
617-727-3990

Faculty, staff, or applicants for employment

United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
John F. Kennedy Building, 475 Government Center
Boston, Massachusetts 02203
617-565-3200

Students, applicants for admission, faculty, staff, or applicants for employment

Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
33 Arch Street, Suite 900
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
617-289-0111

Boston University is committed to fostering a safe learning and teaching environment for all members of the University community and preventing sexual misconduct. All forms of sexual misconduct, including rape, acquaintance rape, sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, stalking, and sexual harassment are violations of Boston University’s policies, whether they happen on campus or off campus. For full information on Boston University policies on Sexual misconduct, including information on Title IX policy, please visit Boston University’s Safety website (Web address: https://www.bu.edu/eoo/sexual-misconduct-title-ix/policy-and-procedures/). This site includes detailed definitions of various types of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment.

Boston University faculty, staff, and students are required to abide by these guidelines.

Reporting

If you are the victim of sexual misconduct, you are encouraged to report the incident (see ‘Reporting’: https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?BostonUniv&layout_id=2). At West Street Campus, you are encouraged to report an incident to Student Life Staff, located at the Student Life Office in Groton Place. You may also reach out to any faculty member or administrator. All employees of Boston University are required to report any incident of sexual misconduct.

If you are the victim of sexual misconduct and wish to seek a confidential resource, the recommended resource is:

Sexual Assault Response & Prevention Center (“SARP”)
www.bu.edu/sarp
930 Commonwealth Ave.
24-hour hotline: 617.353.SARP (7277)
By email: sarp@bu.edu

West Street Campus is a smoke-free campus. Smoking, vaping, edibles, and chewing tobacco products are prohibited inside all buildings including residence facilities, the dining hall, and all classrooms as well as throughout the outdoor grounds, along the walled entrance to the campus, practice sheds, and recreational areas on campus. Smoking is not permitted in the buildings or on the grounds of Morris Elementary School, Berkshire Country Day School Brook Farm Campus, or Tanglewood. Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action.

Additionally, any device such as hookah pipes, shisha pipes, bongs, roach clips, e-cigarettes or any type of water pipe, or any object filled with water through which smoke is drawn is also prohibited. Items which are known to be used with illegal drugs will be treated as such (please see “Drug Paraphernalia”).

This policy applies to any tobacco or non-tobacco products. Non-tobacco or aromatic smoking products are also prohibited everywhere on campus.

The use of sports and recreational equipment (such as Frisbees, balls, Rollerblades, skateboards, hockey sticks, and the like) is not permitted inside any of the West Street Campus buildings.

Please do not hang anything from the sprinkler heads in the residence areas of Groton Place and the Dining Room. It may activate the sprinkler and cause severe water damage.

As some activities occur off campus, daily bus service is provided for all academic events that are not within walking distance. Rowdy, noisy, or other inappropriate behavior on the bus will not be tolerated. Students who are late to an academic obligation due to missing a scheduled bus are subject to the following penalties:

1st Offense: Warning

2nd Offense: $5 Fee

3rd Offense: $10 Fee, and an unexcused absence for the class

4th Offense: $20 Fee, and additional punishments

Students are only permitted to travel on a BUTI bus, BUTI airport shuttle, designated Student Life vehicle, a BUTI charter bus, or with a parent/legal guardian. Students wishing to travel with an adult other than their parent/legal guardian must submit a signed Permission to Drive Student form at least 48 hours in advance.

Students are not permitted to drive their own personal vehicles and must submit their keys to the Student Life Office on registration day. Students are also prohibited from hitchhiking, using car-share services including Uber and Lyft, using a taxi service (except for pre-approved travel to or from an airport), or using public transportation.

If a student needs to travel outside of walking distance from campus, they should contact their Resident Assistant to arrange for transportation.

Throwing objects from windows or roofs and at University buildings is extremely dangerous and violates University regulations. Students throwing objects from windows or at University buildings will be subject to serious disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from Boston University Tanglewood Institute.

Respecting the rights of other students presupposes that in the close and diverse society of residence life, student expression of opinion will be respectful of others and will be exercised in good taste and decency. Bigotry, hatred, and intolerance have no place in the residential or musical community. In displaying or distributing expressions of opinion, students are expected to show respect for the aesthetic, social, moral, and religious feelings of others upon whom their views may be imposed. Students living in the residences are entitled to expect that those with whom they live will demonstrate tolerance for diversity and respect for privacy.

As we wish to respect all of our neighbors in the Lenox area, trespassing on neighboring grounds is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Morris Elementary School, outside of scheduled academic activities;
Privately-owned homesteads.

Vandalism is strictly prohibited.

The visitor policy ensures that all students living in West Street Campus residences are provided an environment that is conducive to study and the pursuit of academic and personal growth. There are two categories of visitors:

Nonaffiliated visitors include family, friends, anyone not enrolled in a Boston University Tanglewood Institute workshop/program(s)/seminar, and anyone not employed by Boston University Tanglewood Institute for the current season.

Affiliated visitors include all students enrolled in a Boston University Tanglewood Institute workshop/program(s)/ seminar, and persons employed by Boston University or Boston University Tanglewood Institute.

All nonaffiliated visitors must check in with a member of the student life staff in the Student Life Office on the first floor of Groton Place upon their arrival on campus each time they visit. All nonaffiliated visitors driving a vehicle on campus must register their vehicle with the same office at the time they check in. All nonaffiliated visitors and affiliated visitors who do not have an assigned residence on West Street Campus must leave West Street Campus by 10:00 P.M. each night and should not plan to arrive on campus before 8:00 A.M., Monday through Saturday, or before 9:00 A.M. on Sundays. (Exceptions may be made to this policy for those conducting official University business or affiliated visitors with approval from the Manager of Operations.) Nonaffiliated and affiliated visitors who do not have an assigned residence on West Street Campus are not permitted to stay overnight in any West Street Campus facility.

Students shall be responsible for the conduct of their visitors (visitors in all instances include family, friends, or relatives), who must respect and comply with all University rules and regulations while in the residence facility or on campus. Students will also be responsible for the activity and conduct of their visitors that takes place while they are in the residence facilities or on campus. Any breach by any such visitors shall be deemed a breach by the student. Violations of this policy will result in sanctions that may include a letter of warning, loss of visitor privileges, and dismissal from Boston University Tanglewood Institute.

Please review the “Residence Hall Visitation Policy” for further information on visitor regulations.

Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited on West Street Campus. Included in this category are studded wristbands, nunchakus, all firearms, mace, pepper spray, replica weapons, paintball guns, and blades. Also included is any object which normally would not be considered a weapon, but by alteration, modification, or redesign would be readily recognized or considered as such by any reasonable and prudent person. Students discovered with any of these devices in their possession, room, or automobile will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from Boston University Tanglewood Institute. Firearms, fireworks, explosives, chemicals, and dangerous weapons are not permitted on West Street Campus.

Window screens and locks are provided on windows for protection, safety, and convenience. They are not to be removed or tampered with. Window screens and locks may not be raised or moved. Students removing screens or locks from windows are subject to University disciplinary action and/or financial penalty to include fines and replacement costs.

Students who withdraw from the program after the official tuition refund date (please see the Tuition Refund Schedule) or a student that is dismissed from the program for any reason, will receive a grade of “W” on their official transcript for the program and will be held responsible for 100% of the cost of the program. Note that tuition deposits are non-refundable.

Students who have received a scholarship are required to meet all of the requirements of the program(s) for which they are enrolled. Scholarship students who choose to leave BUTI prior to the end of the program will be reviewed to determine whether or not the scholarship awarded will be revoked. This will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Scholarship students dismissed from the program for any reason by BUTI Administration, automatically lose 100% of their scholarship award. Students are responsible for the full cost of the program in the case of a revoked scholarship.