V-2.20 Interim Policy on Student Alcohol and Substance Abuse

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Policy is to establish Bowie State University’s standards for student alcohol use on campus and during student organizational activities on and off campus. Additionally, this Policy prohibits the use of controlled dangerous substances by students.

II. DEFINITIONS

A. Controlled Dangerous Substance

For purposes of this policy, this term refers to a drug which has been declared by federal or state law to be illegal for sale or use, but may be dispensed under a physician's prescription.

B. Collegiate Recovery Program

For purposes of this policy, this term refers to a program that provides support and services for students enrolled at Bowie State University who are recovering from substance use disorders (alcohol and/or drug addiction).

III. POLICY

A. Prohibited Substances

1. Alcohol

Bowie State University does not encourage or support alcohol use by students on campus. Student groups must obtain prior authorization from the Vice President of Student Affairs to distribute alcohol at student-sponsored events. Unauthorized possession, use, or distribution of alcoholic beverages is prohibited by any student or student group on campus or at University-sponsored events on and off campus and may result in disciplinary sanctions as outlined in Section B of this policy.

Alcohol use is prohibited in all residence halls owned, leased, and/or operated by the University. In accordance with Maryland law, anyone who willfully furnishes an alcoholic beverage to any individual under the age of 21 years can be charged a fine not exceeding $1000 or 60 days imprisonment or both.

2. Marijuana

The Bowie State University Student Code of Conduct Policy prohibits the use or possession of marijuana, in any form, on campus. This prohibition also applies students who possess a medical prescription. Students are also prohibited from using, distributing, or possessing any form of marijuana substance in the residence halls.

3. Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS)

The University does not condone or permit the possession, use, distribution, or sale of any controlled dangerous substance or drug paraphernalia on campus, the areas surrounding campus, in residence halls owned, operated, and/or leased by the University, or at University-sponsored events on and off campus. Drug paraphernalia includes, but is not limited to, hookahs, pipes, bongs, hollowed out cigars, and vaporizers. Students found in possession of CDS or drug paraphernalia will be subject to disciplinary sanctions as outlined in Section B of this policy.

B. Sanctions

Bowie State University is committed to providing drug education and prevention and will take appropriate disciplinary actions to provide a drug free environment in which our students may grow intellectually and socially. The University expects and encourages students, faculty, and staff who observe or suspect a violation of this policy to report the violation to the appropriate authorities. Students found responsible for violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action and sanctions that may include, but is not limited to, suspension or expulsion from the University. The following sanctions apply to the specific offenses noted:

1. Alcohol and CDS Use

Students found responsible of alcohol and drug related offenses are subject to University disciplinary action that provides for sanctions of varying severity including, but not limited to, loss of campus housing, suspension and expulsion. If the violating student is under the age of 21, campus police and the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) of the student will be notified. Severe violations of the substance abuse policy, such as possession with intent to distribute, purchasing for a minor, destruction of property, or assault and battery while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled dangerous substance may result in immediate suspension and/or arrest.

2. Marijuana Use

In accordance with Maryland State law, the sanctions listed below are guidelines for adjudicating marijuana policy violations. Disciplinary sanctions for marijuana possession and/or use may vary from the state guidelines. Each incident will be reviewed on an individual basis.

  1. First Offense: Students found in possession of marijuana will receive a final warning letter. The student will be required to complete 20 hours of Marijuana 101 with the Director of the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Prevention Center (ATOD). Additionally, the student will be required complete an intake assessment with the Counseling Center and receive a $100 fine for the first offense. If the student is under the age of 21, the student’s parents will be notified by the Coordinator of Student Conduct. The student will also be placed on disciplinary probation.
  2. Second Offense: University disciplinary action will be initiated and the student will be fined $250. If the incident occurs in housing, the student’s housing contract will be terminated immediately and the student will not be entitled to a refund. The student will also lose all campus privileges from participating in all activities on campus.
  3. Third Offense: A third or subsequent offense is punishable by a fine of up to $500 and the student will be required to attend a drug education program. The student will also be referred to receive a substance abuse evaluation and may be subject to suspension. If the incident occurs in housing, the student’s housing contract will be terminated immediately and the student will not be entitled to a refund. The student will also lose all campus privileges from participating in all activities on campus.

C. Drug Dogs on Campus

In an effort to maintain a drug-free learning environment, Bowie State University Campus Police may, in conjunction with local authorities, periodically utilize drug dogs in conducting sweeps for illicit drugs. The Department of Public Safety will arrange supervision and coordinate all canine searches with the assistance of the University’s campus safety officers and other local law enforcement agencies.

These sweeps will be performed by handlers and canines trained and certified in the detection of illegal drugs/narcotics. Canines may be allowed to make sweeps through residence halls, parking lots, and may be utilized inside of the buildings when it is deemed necessary. Searches may be conducted on vehicles, rooms, and other areas once the canine alerts that drugs may be present in that area. Upon discovery of suspected illegal drugs/narcotics, persons who are determined to be in violation of Federal, State, and Local law and/or Bowie State University’s Student Code of Conduct, and the Student Substance Abuse Policy, will face University disciplinary actions and possible arrest.

D. Prevention and Educational Programs

1. Educational and Activity Based Programs

These services offer a variety of programs designed to promote healthy living, while educating about the risks, consequences, and possible outcomes of substance use and abuse. Students will be made aware of substance-free social programs and activities, to include: a Halloween social event; alcohol awareness week; safe spring break campaign; substance abuse educational series for students referred through Code of Conduct; presentations during freshmen seminar classes; and programs through the Henry Wise Wellness Center and Counseling Services.

  1. Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug (ATOD) Prevention Center
    The ATOD Prevention Center is located in Robinson Hall, Room 117. The number is (301) 860-4127. Students have ready access to science-based information on alcohol and other drugs. Also available are pamphlets, posters and promotional materials.
  2. Substance Abuse Peer Education Program
    In this program, trained student leaders conduct programs that are aimed to:
    1. Increase awareness of the effects of alcohol and drug use;
    2. Promote the accurate identification of high risk use;
    3. Teach students how to help family members or friends with alcohol/drug problems; and
    4. Provide resources and referrals for students.

2. Substance Use Disorder Recovery Program

In compliance with State and Federal laws and regulations regarding confidentiality of student information, Bowie State University shall make information and resources on substance use disorder recovery services available to all students. This information will be easily accessible within the University’s web presence and easily located from the main page via a key search. A list of community-based recovery resources are listed below (referral and self-help treatment programs). The ATOD Prevention Center Director may also be contacted to provide a list of in-and-out-patient treatment programs in the state of Maryland.

The Wellness Center has the ability to respond to crisis situations involving alcohol or other substances, and to provide follow-up intervention, support and/or referral to local resources for treatment.

Space will be provided for programs and meetings for student interested in recovery and sobriety at no cost and as available. Such space shall be owned and operated by the University.

IV. APPENDIX

A. Policy on Parent/Legal Guardian Notification of Alcohol and Controlled Substance Violations

The Higher Education Act Amendments of 1998 included provisions amending the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (“FERPA”). Specifically, FERPA authorizes higher education institutions to disclose to a student’s parent or legal guardian information regarding “any violation of Federal, State, or local law, or any rule or policy of the institution governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance, regardless of whether the information is contained in the student’s educational records.”

Effective September 1, 2000, Bowie State University, in accordance with Federal law, implemented the following criteria for parent/legal guardian notification:

Part I:

Such disclosures are authorized only if:

  1. The student is under the age of 21; and
  2. The institution has determined that the student has committed a disciplinary violation with respect to the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance.

Part II:

In addition to part I, at least one of the criteria below must be met:

  1. The student has been found responsible for committing a violation of Bowie State University’s Substance Abuse Policy.
  2. The incident involved significant property damage.
  3. Medical attention to any person, including the student, was required as a result of the alcohol or drug-related behavior.
  4. The student operated a motor vehicle while intoxicated or while under the influence of a controlled substance.
  5. The student exhibited reckless disregard for personal safety and/or the safety of others.
  6. Evidence indicates that the student’s alcohol or drug-related behavior interfered with the academic process of him/herself or others.

If you have received this information as an enclosure with a letter informing you of the outcome of a judicial hearing, your parent(s)/legal guardian(s) will be sent a letter informing them that you have been found responsible for a violation of the Student Code of Conduct involving alcohol and/or other drugs.

B. Resources

1. Assessment and Referral Services

The Assessment and Referral Service provides students an opportunity to meet individually with a professional counselor and discuss concerns they may have about their use of alcohol or drugs, or the use of a friend or family member. These issues are explored in a non-threatening manner, and student’s confidentiality is always assured. In addition, referrals to appropriate campus or community prevention and treatment program can be arranged. To arrange for this service, contact the Henry Wise Wellness Center at (301) 860-4170 or Counseling Services at (301) 860-4164.

Group and Individual Services

These free referral services are available to students who are concerned about their use of alcohol or other drugs. Plans can be developed with individuals to help them achieve their goals.

2. Referral: Self-Help and Treatment Programs

  • Alcoholic Anonymous - (202) 966-9115
  • Al-Anon/Alateen - (800) 356-9996
  • Alcohol Referrals - (800)-ALCOHOL
  • Drug Emergency - (800)-COCAINE
  • Prince George’s County Health Dept. - (301) 808-1830
  • Gay/Lesbian Hotline - (202) 833-3234
  • MD State AIDS Hotline - (800) 638-6252
  • MD Employee Assistance Program - (410) 767-1013