University of Maryland, College Park Policy on Student Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse

The University of Maryland at College Park is dedicated to the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge. The illegal or abusive use of drugs or alcohol by members of the campus community jeopardizes the safety of the individual and the campus community, and is inimical to the academic learning process. The University of Maryland is therefore committed to having a campus that is free of the illegal or abusive use of drugs and alcohol. In keeping with this commitment, it is the policy of the University that the illegal or abusive use of drugs or alcohol is prohibited on University property or as part of University activities. 

In order to inform all students of their responsibilities and the possible penalties for violations of this policy, the following rules, standards of conduct, and sanctions are set forth.

DRUGS

The Code of Student Conduct prohibits, on University premises or at University sponsored activities, the

1. unauthorized distribution;
2. possession for purposes of distribution;
3. use; or
4. possession of any controlled substance or illegal drugs.

"Controlled substance" and "illegal drugs" prohibited under the Code are set forth in Schedules I through V in Article 27, part 279 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

ALCOHOL

The Code of Student Conduct prohibits the violation of published University regulations or policies regarding the possession, use or distribution of alcoholic beverages, as approved and compiled by the Vice President for Student Affairs. These policies, generally described below and subject to amendment from time to time, are available for public inspection during normal business hours in the Judicial Programs Office.

The Resident Life Alcohol Policy controls the use, possession or distribution of alcohol in campus residence halls. This policy prohibits the possession or use of alcohol by any student under the age of 21 or the furnishing of alcohol to a person known to be under the age of 21. It prohibits the possession or use of kegs, beer balls, punch bowls, and other common containers of alcoholic beverages of a similar nature, the sale of alcohol, and parties involving alcohol. Students of legal drinking age may consume alcohol in their rooms, suites or apartments only. Copies of this policy are available from the Office of Resident Life.

The Office of Campus Activities Alcohol Policy controls the use, possession or distribution of alcohol by students on University premises or at University sponsored activities. This policy prohibits the possession or use of alcohol by any student under the age of 21 or the furnishing of alcohol to a person known to be under the age of 21. Alcoholic beverages otherwise may not be possessed, consumed or distributed at University sponsored events occurring on University premises unless advance written approval has been obtained from the Office of Campus Activities. Copies of this policy are available from the Office of Campus Activities.

Fraternities and sororities are prohibited from the use of kegs, beer balls, punch bowls, and other common containers of alcoholic beverages of a similar nature on the organization's premises or on any University property at any time. In addition, the InterFraternity Council and Pan-Hellenic Association Joint Social Policy regulates the use of alcohol at social events held at fraternities and sororities. This policy, as approved by the Vice President for Student Affairs, is available for public inspection during normal business hours in the Office of Student Affairs.

Sanctions for violations of University drug and alcohol policies include expulsion, suspension, disciplinary probation, disciplinary reprimand, restitution, dismissal from University housing, housing probation, work or research projects, and restrictions on further use of University facilities. Students may be accountable to both civil authorities and to the University for acts which constitute violations of law and University policy. Disciplinary action at the University will normally proceed during the pendency of criminal proceedings and will not be subject to challenge on the ground that criminal charges involving the same incident have been dismissed or reduced.

The University encourages students who are experiencing substance abuse problems to seek assistance from resources available to them on campus, as well as from agencies and self-help groups available in the community. A list of these resources is available from the University Health Center's Office of Alcohol and Other Drug Programs, and the University Counseling Center.

The Office of Student Affairs shall be responsible for overseeing all actions and programs relating to this policy. The Vice President for Student Affairs shall conduct a biennial review of the policy and its implementation to determine its effectiveness, make necessary changes, and ensure that disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced.