Students are expected to conform to the Federal and Maryland state laws regarding the possession of drugs and paraphernalia and the Student Code of Conduct which outlines expected standards for behavior, rights and responsibilities, student conduct policies, procedures for conduct violations, and sanctions. Included therein, as required under Federal law (the Controlled Substances Act), marijuana possession and use on campus (even if otherwise authorized by a medical marijuana license under Maryland law) is prohibited. Please refer to the College’s Medical Amnesty and Good Samaritan policy where certain violations may be granted amnesty.
Specific to illicit drugs, Article II, Section J states that the following misconduct is subject to disciplinary actions, up to and including expulsion and referral for prosecution, as provided for in this Code:
“J1. Use, possession, or distribution of narcotics or other controlled dangerous substances, and related paraphernalia on College premises, except as expressly permitted by law and College regulations.”
At the time of acceptance to the College, all new students are required to sign and return a statement acknowledging receipt of the College’s policies and regulations concerning substance abuse.
Any student convicted of violating a criminal drug statute must notify the director of Financial Aid if that student is receiving any form of federal financial aid (for example, Pell Grants). Conviction on any drug-related charge is grounds for forfeiture of federal financial aid.
Students who violate the standards of conduct shall be subject to written or verbal warning, restitution, restriction, forced relocation, work sanctions, counseling, disciplinary probation, disciplinary suspension, and/or dismissal from the College as stated in the Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities which is distributed annually to all students. The College will take disciplinary action based on reasonable available information unless the student voluntarily seeks assistance. Such action will be independent of any civil or criminal process precipitated by the same incident.
Legal sanctions under Maryland state law for possession of a controlled dangerous substance include:
| 1st offense | 2nd offense | 3rd or subsequent offense | |
| Marijuana (less than 10 grams) | Fine not more than $100* | Fine not more than $250* | Fine not more than $500* |
| Marijuana (10 grams or more)** | Imprisonment not exceeding 1 year, or fine not exceeding $1000, or both | ||
| Any controlled dangerous substance other than marijuana | Imprisonment not exceeding 4 years, or a fine not exceeding $25,000, or both |
*in addition to a fine, drug education program, assessment for substance abuse disorder, and referral for substance abuse treatment may be ordered by the court if offender is under 21 years of age.
**also includes possession of paraphernalia.
Legal sanctions under Maryland state law for distribution of controlled dangerous substances include:
| 1st offense | 2nd or subsequent offense | |
| Schedule I & 2 narcotic drugs (except PCP) | Imprisonment not exceeding 20 years or a fine not exceeding $25,000 or both | Imprisonment not less than 10 years and subject to fine up to $100,000 |
| Any other controlled dangerous substance classified in Schedule I, II, III, IV, or V | Imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $15,000 or both | Imprisonment not less than two years |
| PCP or LSD | Imprisonment not exceeding 20 years, or fine of not more than $20,000, or both | Imprisonment not less than 10 years and subject to fine up to $100,000 |
*for a list of controlled dangerous substances and their corresponding schedule, see Md. Criminal Law Code Ann. §§5-401-406.
Legal sanctions under federal law for possession of a controlled substance include:
- First conviction: Up to one year imprisonment and fine of at least $1000, or both.
- After one prior drug conviction: At least 15 days in prison, not to exceed two years, and fined at least $2500, or both.
- After two or more prior drug convictions: At least 90 days in prison, not to exceed three years, and fine of at least $5000, or both.
A summary of federal trafficking (distribution) penalties for substances covered by the Controlled Substances Act can be found on the Drug Enforcement Administration website at https://www.dea.gov/.
Students who are concerned about their use of alcohol or other drugs may speak with a counselor in the Wellness Center for an assessment. Counseling and Psychological Services at the Wellness Center are confidential and the staff therapist will recommend options for risk reduction, treatment and recovery. Students can find information on the health risks of illicit drugs here.
In accordance with the Heroin and Opioid Education and Community Action Act of 2017, all incoming students will be required to participate in heroin and opioid addiction and awareness training.
In addition, the College will obtain and store a supply of overdose reversing medication to be used in an emergency situation. Public Safety and Wellness Center personnel, as well as designated administrators, will be trained to recognize the symptoms of an opioid overdose, in procedures for administration of overdose reversing medications, and in the proper follow-up emergency procedures related to an opioid overdose. Per state law, except for any willful or grossly negligent act, campus police, or other designated personnel who have been trained in use of overdose medications and who respond in good faith to the overdose emergency of a student, may not be personally liable for any act or omission in the course of responding to the emergency.
The College will develop and implement a method for notifying parents/guardians of students of this policy at the beginning of each academic year.