Substance-Free Environment-
Freeborn Hall Terms and Conditions of Residence 2025-26
University of California, Berkeley
Thank you for your interest in the Substance-Free Environment (SFE) at the University of California, Berkeley. We are very excited to offer this housing option to new and returning students. This information will, in addition to defining the concept of SFE, (1) provide rationale for the establishment of the environment, and (2) explain the philosophy of living in University housing on the Berkeley campus. It is very important to remember that, by choosing to live in the Substance-Free Environment, you agree to abide by policies set forth in the University Housing Contract and the Terms and Conditions of the SFE.
What is the Substance-Free Environment?
The Substance-Free Environment is a designated living area in the residence halls at the University of California, Berkeley (Freeborn Hall, Unit 1), in which residents and their guest(s) agree not to possess, use, or distribute alcohol, illegal/ and or dangerous drugs, marijuana, tobacco or other smoking materials. Residents mutually agree to keep the community free of all aforementioned substances. Residents are also encouraged to be active in creating, planning, and executing substance-free programs, events, and activities.
Rationale for a Substance-Free Environment
Many studies have shown that the use and abuse of alcohol and/or other drugs on college campuses is a major problem. We are also acutely aware of how smoking and being exposed to second-hand smoke can be detrimental to many people. People who don’t actually use these substances can often be affected by them. Therefore, our primary reason for establishing the Substance-Free Environment is to provide a living option for students who have made the decision to lead substance-free lives. The possession, sale, use or distribution of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited in all University housing. Smoking is prohibited inside all residence halls and alcohol may only be consumed by residents who are 21 years of age and older in the privacy of their room. The critical difference between the SFE and our other residence halls is that students who choose this option will be required, regardless of age, to abstain from using any of the substances mentioned above while inside or outside of the building.
Numerous studies have shown that substance-free environments are more conducive to studying, stimulate more creative educational and social programming activities, promote healthier lifestyles, and reduce negative peer pressure. It is our belief that at the University of California, Berkeley, the substance-free environment produces similar results. Also, we believe that the SFE demonstrates that college students can have an excellent living experience free from the influences of drugs and alcohol.
It is critical that you give proper consideration before accepting your SFE contract. Residing in this environment will require a unique commitment on the part of each student. Please think carefully about whether this is a commitment you are willing to make.
All Residents of the Substance-Free Environment are required to abide by the following guidelines.
Substance-Free Environment contract holders and their guest(s) agree not to possess, use, or distribute:
- Alcohol
- Illegal and/or dangerous drugs
- Tobacco and other smoking materials
- Marijuana
Substance-Free Environment contract holders must inform their guest(s) of the above regulations and must assume responsibility for the conduct of their guest. Substance-Free Environment contract holders are encouraged to create, plan, and execute substance-free programs, events and activities.
Substance-Free Environment contract holders must abide by all Residence Hall Conduct Regulations as outlined in the current edition of the Residential Code of Conduct.
The code is posted online at: reslife.berkeley.edu/conduct/residential-code-conduct/
Residential Life Mission Statement
The mission of Residential Life is to facilitate student transitions into the academic and social communities of the University of California, Berkeley and promote student growth, leadership, and social justice.
We believe that the Substance-Free Environment is an exciting living/learning opportunity for new and continuing students. Residents of SFE will benefit from their active participation in the environment socially, as well as academically. This housing option represents another example of how Residential and Student Service Programs is committed to supporting students’ ultimate mission — to be successful at and to graduate from the University of California, Berkeley project is sponsored and supported by Residential Life.