Community Standards & Disciplinary Procedures for Students
Welcome to EF Boston!
We’re excited to have you as part of our international community. While you're here, it's important to understand and follow the standards that help keep our campus safe, respectful, and supportive for everyone. If you have any questions or difficulty understanding the information in this document, please don’t hesitate to speak with a member of the EF staff we’re happy to help.
By joining EF, you agree to uphold the responsibilities outlined here. Violations of these standards may result in disciplinary action, including fines or dismissal from the program at your own expense.
Being part of this academic community is a privilege that comes with individual responsibility. Our Community Standards are guided by three key principles:
• Respect for Academic Integrity
• Respect for People
• Respect for Property
Let’s work together to create a positive and inclusive experience for everyone.
If the rules and responsibilities outlined in this document are broken, the progressive discipline process will be followed:
Ruleviolation Disciplinaryaction
1st offense Behavioral contract
2nd offense
Behavioral contract, first and second warnings sent to your Admissions Office at home and parents.
3rd offense Loss of EF accommodation or expulsion from the program.
Please note that even as a first offense, a serious violation of EF policy could result in multiple warnings, immediate expulsion from EF accommodations, or expulsion from your program. Violent behavior or the use of illegal drugs will result in an automatic expulsion and visa termination.
Academics
Students must attend at least 80% of their classes to maintain their visa status. Falling below this threshold will result in an academic warning, and students who fail to meet their visa’s attendance requirements may be asked to leave the program.
Classes begin on time, and students who arrive late will be marked absent. Level progression is determined at the teacher’s discretion. English must be spoken at all times during class. For more details, please refer to the full EF Attendance Policy in the Student Handbook, Welcome Packet, or the notice posted outside the Academic Office. Students with questions should speak with their teacher.
Alcohol
Alcohol is not allowed on the Campus or at EF Host Homes. The legal age for drinking and buying alcohol in the United States is 21. It is against the law for people over the age of 21 to purchase or provide alcohol to a person under the age of 21. The state also prohibits drinking in public areas or in places where there is no alcohol permit. Any alcohol found on the
Community Standards & Disciplinary Procedures for Students
EF Campus will be confiscated. Any evidence of drinking is considered a violation and will result in a warning Even if you are not drinking but are found in a room where students are drinking, you will be held accountable as though you were consuming alcohol.
Drugs
The possession, use, distribution, or sale of drugs is illegal in the United States. Massachusetts has specific laws regarding marijuana in the state; however, EF follows the Federal Law and prohibits recreational drug use on Campus. Any student found in possession of illegal drugs, unauthorized use of prescription medication, or paraphernalia (ex., Water pipes, bongs, grinders, etc.) on EF property or in EF accommodation will be immediately expelled from the EF program. If drugs are found in a dorm room or at an EF Activity, all students present will be held accountable.
Smoking & Open Flames
In Massachusetts, the legal minimum age to purchase tobacco products is 21 years old.
Smoking including the use of vaporizers is strictly prohibited inside all areas of the EF Campus. This policy also applies to candles, incense, and any other open flame, all of which pose serious fire hazards. Any evidence of smoking or open flame indoors will result in a formal warning and a $100 cleaning fee. Students who choose to smoke must do so only in the designated outdoor smoking area and use the ashtrays provided.
Firearms & Weapons
The possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives (including firecrackers) is strictly prohibited. Any student found with these items will be expelled from the EF program. Additionally, weapons of any kind including but not limited to hunting knives, swords, paintball guns, and replica firearms are not allowed on school grounds.
Identification Card
Your EF ID cards should always be worn around your neck while on Campus Please swipe your card at the security desk when entering and exiting the building. Students must turn their ID cards over whenever asked by EF Boston security and staff. You are not permitted to share your EF ID card with anyone else. Doing so will result in a disciplinary warning.
Behavior
Respect for others is fundamental to our community. Students must not engage in any behavior that causes emotional or physical harm to individuals or groups. Discrimination, violence, harassment, intimidation, and retaliation are strictly prohibited. Any student physically assaults another person will be expelled from the EF program.
All EF Boston students are expected to treat EF Boston personnel (faculty, staff, and security) with respect. Any form of physical or verbal harassment toward EF Boston personnel will not be tolerated.
Minor Student Curfew & Travel Policy (Ages 17 and Under)
All minor students (17 years old and younger) must follow a nightly curfew of 10:00 PM . You are required to check in at the front desk between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM each night using your EF student ID. Exceptions to curfew are only permitted for official EF activities or with a Curfew Permission for Minors form, which must be completed by a parent or guardian and approved in advance by the School Director. This form can be requested at the Administrative Office or the Reception Desk. Failure to meet curfew will result in a formal warning.
Community Standards & Disciplinary Procedures for Students
Minors are not permitted to travel independently. Any travel plans must be approved in advance through a Travel Permission for Minors form, completed by a parent or guardian and approved by the School Director. Overnight travel is only permitted with family members aged 25 or older; minors may not travel overnight with adult students
If you are unsure about your travel plans or have any questions, please speak with the School Director or Housing Director before making arrangements.
Safety
Your safety is our top priority while you are living and studying in Boston. Please keep the following guidelines in mind:
• When traveling at night, always walk in groups whenever possible.
• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in busy or unfamiliar areas.
• Avoid unlit or isolated areas after dark, including parks and alleys especially in the downtown area.
• Keep your valuables (such as phones, tablets, and jewelry) secure and out of sight. Do not carry large amounts of cash.
For your safety, you should only access areas of the EF building that are designated for students. The roof and marked emergency exits are strictly off -limits except during actual emergencies. Unauthorized access to these areas may result in disciplinary action.
Please refer to the EF Campus Connect app for emergency updates, safety notifications, and campus alerts.
Theft
Theft is a serious offense and is illegal under U.S. law. Any student caught stealing on or off campus may be subject to police investigation and immediate expulsion from the EF program.
EF is not responsible for the damage, theft, or loss of personal belongings belonging to students or their guests.
Damage
Respect and take pride in our Campus! Students are expected to care for EF property and clean up after themselves in classrooms and common areas. Damaging, destroying, or stealing EF property including furniture, books, carpets, games, decor, walls, doors, and windows is strictly prohibited. Those responsible for damage will be required to cover the cost of cleaning, repairs, or replacement
Emergency Alarm & Evacuation
The building is equipped with an emergency alarm and fire system. When the alarm sounds, everyone must leave the building immediately, regardless of time of day or weather conditions. Proceed calmly down the stairs and out the nearest exit to the backyard and wait for further instructions. Do not leave Campus until instructed to do so. Any student found violating the Emergency Alarm & Evacuation policy will lose their EF accommodations or be expelled from EF. If you see a fire, please call 911 and activate the nearest fire alarm pull station. In the event of any other emergency please call the EF Emergency phone (+1-857-919-6222) or 911.
Unlawful Sex
In the state of Massachusetts, it’s against the law to have sex with someone under the age of 16, even if both people agree to have sex. For any sexual activity to happen, everyone needs to consent or say yes, willingly and freely. You have
Community Standards & Disciplinary Procedures for Students
the right to feel safe and comfortable and can exercise this right by saying ‘yes’, ‘no’ and ‘I’m not sure, so let’s take a break’. If you have any reason to believe the person you are with is not willing to have sex with you, you must walk away. If you feel uncomfortable or threatened, notify Security or a member of Team EF immediately.
Parking
If you wish to park on campus, please register your car at the Admin Office for an available spot. Unsafe driving in the parking lot may result in loss of parking privileges.
Living at EF International House (residence )
Students are expected to respect and maintain their rooms. All provided furniture, including beds, closets, dressers, study tables, chairs, and air conditioners, must remain in the room at all times. Outside furniture is not permitted, and EF furniture may not be moved from common areas. Beds must remain bunked.
Students should report any damage to the Administration or submit a maintenance request using the QR code on the “Evacuation Plan” posted in each dorm. If damage occurs and no one takes responsibility, the cost of repairs will be equally divided among all residents of the dorm room.
Respect for Property and Bed Assignments
Students are required to always lock their doors and to avoid leaving valuables out or unattended. We also encourage students to lock valuables in the storage area insides their closet – a lock is available at the EF store for $6.
Each student is assigned a specific bed letter (A, B, C, or D), which corresponds to designated closet and drawer space. Students are only permitted to use the storage spaces that correspond with their assigned bed letter. A change in bed letter must be approved in advance by the Director of Housing.
Using additional closet or drawer space without approval may result in disciplinary action, as it disrupts the shared living environment and impacts incoming students. Please note that cleaning staff will remove and donate any remaining items from the storage spaces of departing students.
Allowing a student to sleep in a bed in your room or sleeping in a bed in a different room will result in a $50 cleaning fee
Cleaning
Students are responsible for keeping their rooms and common areas clean and organized. Shared bathrooms and common areas are cleaned daily, while dorm rooms are cleaned weekly according to the set schedule. Floors, tables, and shared spaces must remain free of personal belongings, and students should dispose of trash in the designated trash room as needed.
Appliances & Cooking
Hot pots, refrigerators, hot plates, toasters, coffee makers, rice cookers, irons, and space heaters are prohibited in dorm rooms. These items are fire hazards and will be confiscated if found in dorm rooms. Fridges, microwaves, and tea kettles are available in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floor lounges. A hot water tap for tea or ramen is available on the first floor near the Academic Office.
Community Standards & Disciplinary Procedures for Students
Room Checks
EF staff including Resident Advisors and Security are authorized to enter dorm rooms at any time to ensure the safety, wellness, and comfort of all students.
Resident Advisors will conduct weekly Wellness Checks to connect with students and confirm that rooms are clean, safe, and in good working order.
A room may be considered unclean or in poor condition if it includes:
• Trash or food left out for extended periods
• Excessive clutter covering shared table or floor, blocking pathways, or exits
• Overflowing laundry or dirty linens
• Unsanitary bathrooms or shared spaces
Any unauthorized items found during a room check will be removed and held at the Administrative Office. Students who consistently fail to maintain a clean and hygienic room may face disciplinary action
Residence Quiet Hours
An atmosphere of mutual respect and consideration must be maintained 24 hours a day. Consider using headphones and taking calls in one of the student lounges. Do not hang out, talk, or play music in the hallways.
All students are required to be quiet to observe Quiet Hours:
• Sunday – Thursday: 10:00 PM until 8:00 AM
• Friday and Saturday: 11:00 PM until 10:00 AM
• All lounges close at 10 PM, except the Lecture Hall, which closes at 12 AM, and the 1st & 2nd floor lounges, which are available 24/7 as long as rules are respected
• Other students are not allowed in your room during Quiet Hours
At 10 PM nightly:
• No males are permitted on the fourth floor
• Outside guests and students who live with a host family must depart Campus
• Please also be aware that the school is situated in a residential neighborhood – respect our community by keeping the noise down at night.
Check Out Process
Before checking out of the dorm at the end of the course, students must clean their room, place all linens and towels outside their door for collection, and return the room key and Student ID to the Front Desk. Check out time in the dorm is Saturday between 9:00am-10:00 AM. There is a $50 fee for lost or unreturned keys and a $100 late check out fee. Please be considerate of our arriving students.
Students residing in a Host Home should return their Student ID on their last day off class. All outstanding student bills or fines must be settled with EF and the student’s host family, if applicable, before this time
Team EF wants you to enjoy your time here to the fullest learn a lot and have fun, too. The EF Community Standards intend to create a safe, warm, and welcoming environment for all members of the Campus Community, including students and staff.
Community Standards & Disciplinary Procedures for Students
Consequences for student misconduct may result in warnings, fines, loss of guest privileges, community service, termination of accommodation, termination of the EF program, or a combination of these consequences. You will be dismissed from your EF Boston program if you receive three written warnings Please also understand that a serious offense of any Community Standard may result in immediate termination from the program. If your course is terminated, you will not receive a refund and will not be allowed to go to another EF campus.
As an EF student and a visitor of both the State of Massachusetts and the United States, you are required to comply with the above rules and policies of EF, the City of Boston, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the United States.
Thank you again for choosing EF and welcome to Boston We are so glad you are here!
I understand the EF International Language School Community Standards for Students. I realize that disciplinary actions may be imposed on me should I fail to follow the above policies.
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