Program Policies

Joining an alternative break is a meaningful, exciting opportunity. It also involves a lot of responsibility. Please review and consider all of our policies before joining our program.

single column policies

Substance-Free Policy Branch Out Alternative Breaks is an alcohol- and drug-free program. Substance-free trips allow participants to focus on the purpose and learning goals of the program and contribute to the safety and well-being of all participants, the group, and the community in which they are serving. They also express respect for the community and the host organizations with whom alternative breakers serve and interact. All participants and leaders in Branch Out Alternative Breaks programs are not to possess, purchase or consume alcoholic beverages and/or illegal drugs while participating in an alternative break trip.Consequences of violating the policy include: The individual who violates the policy will be asked to leave the trip after the violation, at their own expense. Individual or group meeting with Site Leaders during the trip, and meeting with Site Leaders and staff upon return to campus. Referral to the Dean of Students Office for violating the Student Code of Conduct's Alcoholic Beverage Policy, and Failure to Comply with Directions policy. Sanctions range from a warning to suspension. Our commitment to being fully engaged in our work extends beyond the time we spend on alternative breaks. Alcohol and drugs are not a part of any official Branch Out team activities, including team meetings and fundraising.

Alumni Participation Branch Out alternative breaks are student-led and intended for currently enrolled students at William & Mary. In the unusual instances when an alum graduates in the semester before their alternative break is scheduled to depart, those individuals will be allowed to participate in a trip under the following conditions: Participants must abide by all Branch Out policies and guidelines. Although their relationship to the university changes after graduation, participants will be perceived as ambassadors of William & Mary to those in their host community, and must act as such. Participants must participate fully in all pre-trip meetings and activities. Participants must acknowledge in writing that they have current health insurance coverage and provide information about that coverage to Branch Out. Students who have prepared for an alternative break but withdraw from the university before the trip will not be allowed to participate.

 Participant Responsibilities

• Before the trip:
  • Attend all pre-trip meetings with your team, missing no more than two
  • Complete any assignments or tasks assigned by your site leaders
• During the trip:
  • Take part in strong, direct service to the best of your ability
  • Engage in daily reflection conversations
  • Abide by all William & Mary and Branch Out policies, including our commitment to full engagement and abstaining from alcohol and drug use during breaks
  • Stay with the team, not visiting friends or family during the break
• After the trip:
  • Attend Branch Out’s Welcome Back dinner with your team
  • Join team reorientation efforts
  • Develop your own post-break action and reorientation plans