Parties

House Party Policy

What is a Party?

A party is a gathering of 10 or more people happening after 10 PM on either Friday or Saturday nights, whether or not alcohol is served.
Parties must be registered with the Academic Coordinator by Wednesday afternoon at 3 PM. Only students living in Cabot can register parties in the House.
Student organizations that wish to host events must receive approval from JR Bagley, Associate Director of Student Organizations and Resources, at least two weeks before the scheduled event. Until he signs off, we cannot approve the event.
Recognized student groups affiliated with Cabot students may be permitted to host social events in common areas during reading period at the discretion of the House, subject to college rules. Please speak with Ken to discuss.

When Does Cabot Allow Parties?

Cabot allows students to reserve some common rooms or to have private gatherings in suites on Friday and Saturday evenings until 2 AM. Cabot will be enforcing College guidance regarding room capacities for all events. Parties are allowed beginning February 13, 2026. Parties Cannot be Held on These Dates:

January 30 - February 7: First Two Weekends Back.
March 14 - March 22: Spring Recess.
April 24 - April 25: Visitas Weekend.
April 30 - May 16: Reading & Final Exam Periods

Cabot House Party/Gathering Regulations

The attached form is to be used by all Cabot students planning to have a party/gathering in their suite/residential space. Before the initial meeting can be scheduled, a completed version of the attached form must be submitted by email to cabothousedean@fas.harvard.edu and ac_cabot@fas.harvard.edu by 3:00 PM on the Wednesday before the party (and should be signed by all suite members).
Once the form has been submitted, students must meet with the Academic Coordinator. If Michelle is not available, then students will meet with the Resident Dean. Following that meeting, all students hosting will meet with at least one of the Tutors on Call scheduled for the date of their event. That meeting must take place by 1:00 PM on Friday.
Hosting unregistered parties can lead to disciplinary action.
Parties can be hosted in suites, but not hallway singles. There can be only one party per floor per building per night.
If any information listed on your form is untrue, your party may be cancelled, and your ability to host future parties may be revoked.
You may not host a party if you are sick. If you or any member of the hosting suite is ill, cancel. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.
You are responsible for your guests (whether they are Harvard students or not) and their behavior, including physical damage to your room or the House.
The legal drinking age in Massachusetts is 21. It is a violation of Massachusetts law for anyone under 21 years of age to possess alcohol and for anyone of legal drinking age to provide alcohol to someone under 21 years of age. Violations will be subject to College sanctions and state law. It is up to you, the host(s), to monitor the conduct of your guests.
Disciplinary action will NOT be taken against those who ask for or receive medical help related to alcohol consumption; the violation of other College rules (for example, damage to persons or property) will be considered.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages, including water, must be provided at any party at which alcohol is served. If either runs out and alcohol remains, the party is over.
Smoking is not allowed in any Harvard College building, including courtyards. You are responsible for enforcing this rule during your party and for addressing any violations.
Cooperate with your neighbors. Tutors are officers of the University and may require, in the event of policy infractions, that you deliver your University identification card.
Parties can only be held on Fridays and Saturdays and must end by 2:00 AM. Weeknight parties are not permitted. As host(s), it is your responsibility to ensure that people exit, your party, as well as the House, quietly. It is recommended that guests begin dispersing and clean up commence at least 30 minutes before the stated time to ensure compliance with the quiet hours policy.
Parties should occur within a suite and not overflow into the hallway. Hallway/suite doors may not be propped open.
You are responsible for collecting and removing all trash, including that in surrounding public areas (hallways, stairwells, etc.) when the party is over. Report any damage to Mike Russell, the Building Manager by scanning the QR code in your room/suite. Damage in the area will be assumed to have been caused by guests and will be the responsibility of the host(s). If necessary, clean the floors, especially those in public areas. Use recycling bins for bottles, paper and other materials. You are responsible for recycling your cans, bottles, and paper products. This is a Cambridge City law.

Important Phone Numbers

Tutor on Call: 617-512-6088.
Evening Van Service (7 PM-3 AM): 617-495-0400.
Operations Center (For Repairs): 617-495-5560.
Cabot Security (4 PM-8 AM Fridays): 617-496-2344.
Securitas: 617-496-9370.
Harvard Police: 617-495-1212.
HUHS: 617-495-5711.
Fire: 911.

Strategies for Being a Good Host

Notify your neighbors about your plans to host a party and provide a phone number they can call before filing a complaint with Securitas or HUPD.
Encourage your guests who are of age to drink responsibly. When consumed irresponsibly, alcohol poses a serious health and safety risk.
Ensure your guests get home safely. Request a rideshare or a cab, or the Harvard University Shuttle at 617 495-0400 if necessary.
Anticipate “crashing” by outsiders attracted by music or word of mouth. Ask friends to be ready to assist you in asking uninvited and unwanted guests to leave. If you experience overcrowding, don’t forget that the Tutors On Call are ready to help.
Affix this page to the door during the party for quick reference to the numbers listed below:

Important Phone Numbers:

Tutor on Call: 617-512-6088.
Securitas: 617-496-9370.
Harvard Police: 617-495-1212.
HUHS: 617-495-5711.
Fire: 911.

Responding Safely to Alcohol Intoxication

Signs of Life-Threatening Intoxication:

Person has passed out, is asleep, and cannot be awakened, or can only be slightly awakened for a few moments.
Person’s breathing is very slow, and perhaps irregular.
Person’s pulse is either very weak, very slow, or very fast.

Do's:

Do keep the person comfortable, but not by giving them another drink.
Do position a drunk person on her/his side or stomach if they go to bed, or is passed out. Be sure the person is not lying on their back because if vomiting occurs, they could choke and suffocate.
Do keep the person from driving, biking, or transporting themselves anywhere alone.
Do keep your distance if the person gets agitated. Some people who are usually gentle-natured may become violent when intoxicated.
Do talk to the person about their behavior under the influence of alcohol later on, in a private place. Don’t be surprised if you encounter denial or irritation.
Do call HUHS Urgent Care at 617-495-5711, Mental Health at 617-495-2042 or Harvard Drug and Alcohol Peer Advisors (DAPA) at 617-496-0133 if you need follow-up information or resources on how to deal with this situation.

Don'ts:

Don’t leave the person alone, for safety reasons.
Don’t give any drugs or medication (not even aspirin) to the person to try to sober them up.
Don’t give the person food in attempts to “absorb the alcohol.” This will increase the risk of vomiting.
Don’t give the person coffee, tea, or other stimulants, as you’ll just have a wide-awake, agitated drunk person.
Don’t give the person a cold shower. They could fall, or the shock could make them pass out.
Don’t try to exercise the person in hopes of “burning off the booze.” This will not help, and could cause injuries.