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Alcohol and Other Drug Violations and Sanctions: What to Expect

What to Expect

The College's response to alcohol or other drug violations will depend in part upon the severity of the violation. For the purposes of this policy, there are two levels of violations, categorized by frequency and severity:

  • first violation/low-level violation
  • second or subsequent violations/serious first violation

Sanctions most likely to result from alcohol and other drug violations at these two levels are listed below. Please note, these are not exhaustive lists and provide only a range of typical sanctions; other sanctions not listed here may be assigned when appropriate. Designated College administrators or the Honor Board will make their decisions based on conversation with the student and a review of the student’s past actions and will consider what is most likely to affect a positive and lasting change in a student’s behavior when assigning sanctions for alcohol or other drug policy violations.

Incident reports documenting behavior in violation of College policy, letters from College administrators, and records from Honor Board or other administrative hearings are maintained in the student’s file located in Student Affairs.

Alcohol Violations

First violation/low-level violation

For a first low-level violation, a student may receive a letter of warning that will be kept in the student’s file for one year. Should a first low-level violation occur in conjunction with other alcohol or behavior-related concerns, the student may be required to meet with a College administrator to discuss the concerns.

Possible sanctions that may be considered as well:

  • Fine
  • Official College Warning
  • Educational conversation with College administrator documented in a follow-up letter to the student
  • Online educational module

Typical notifications:

  • Possible: Parental/guardian notification
  • Likely: Provost Office notification
  • Likely: If a student is a varsity athlete—athletic coach and athletic staff notification
  • Director of Student Engagement (if a student is a member of a Greek organization)

Second or subsequent violation/first serious violation

Second or subsequent violations or serious first violations will be reviewed by a College administrator and the Honor Board to determine appropriate educational and judicial follow-up. The case may be referred to the Honor Board for adjudication. The Health Center and/or the Director of Prevention Education and Advocacy will be involved for educational follow-up. Sanctions for a second violation or first serious violation may include a minimum one-semester probation and demonstration of successful completion of alcohol education requirements or a similar activity. Students placed on probation and later reported for a possible violation of College policy, especially a moderate or serious violation, will be referred to the Honor Board and may face possible suspension from the College.

Possible sanctions that may be considered:

  • Fine
  • Probation for a semester or extension of an existing probation
  • Completion of an alcohol education program or community service followed by a reflection paper
  • Required substance abuse evaluation by a substance abuse counselor
  • Change in housing assignment
  • Restriction to classes and class-related activities (prohibited from attending social activities, entering the Student Center, residence halls, etc.)
  • Suspension from the College for a semester for a moderate to serious violation committed while on probation
  • Suspension for two semesters or longer for repeated violations while on probation or for a very serious violation while on probation

Typical notifications:

  • Possible: Parent/guardian notification
  • Likely: Provost Office Notification
  • Likely: If a student is a varsity athlete—athletic coach and Athletic Director notified
  • Director of Student Engagement (if a student is a member of a Greek organization)

Drug Use and Paraphernalia Violations

Marijuana

Marijuana is an illegal substance and is prohibited. Any student who is found to be in possession of or using marijuana will face disciplinary action and possible criminal charges. Water pipes, bongs, hookahs, and other paraphernalia commonly associated with drug use are also prohibited.

Although the State of Maryland has decriminalized the possession of marijuana in amounts less than 10 grams and has legalized the use of medical marijuana in certain cases, the possession and use of marijuana on Washington College's campus continues to be prohibited by federal law (the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989). If Washington College fails to comply with federal law, it could become ineligible for federal funding and financial aid programs for its students. Thus, possession and use of marijuana, including medical use, continue to be prohibited at Washington College including in residence halls, on College property, or at off-campus events sponsored by the College.

First violation

A first violation will be reviewed by the Honor Board and may result in a minimum of one semester of probation and demonstration of successful completion of a substance abuse education requirement or similar activity as well as a fine.

Second or subsequent violation/first serious violation

Serious first violations will be reviewed by the Honor Board and may result in more serious sanctions, including suspension for a semester or more, evidence of substance abuse counseling or other appropriate learning and development activity while away, and a two-semester or more period of probation upon return. Students reported for a second or subsequent violation of College policy during the period of probation will be referred to the Honor Board and face possible suspension or, for repeated or serious violations, expulsion from the College. In all cases, students should be aware that violations involving controlled dangerous substances (CDS) may be reported to local authorities who may file charges independently in the local court system.

Possible sanctions that may be considered:

  • Fines
  • Probation for a semester or an extension of existing probation
  • Substance abuse education activity or community service followed by a reflection paper
  • Change in the housing assignment
  • Restriction to classes and class-related activities (prohibited from attending social activities, entering the Student Center, residence halls, etc.)
  • Suspension from the College for a semester for a moderate to serious violation committed while on probation
  • Suspension for two semesters or longer or expulsion for repeated violations while on probation or for a very serious violation while on probation

Typical notifications:

  • Possible: Parent/guardian notification
  • Likely: Provost Office Notification
  • Likely: If a student is a varsity athlete—athletic coach and Athletic Director notified
  • Director of Student Engagement (if a student is a member of a Greek organization)

In addition to the possible sanctions listed above, students should also be aware of other potential consequences of drug-related convictions through the court system. If a student is convicted of any offense involving the possession or sale of illegal drugs, under the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA), the student is ineligible for federal student aid funds.
A drug-related conviction might also affect a student’s:

  • Eligibility to participate in a study abroad program
  • Eligibility for employment
  • Ability to acquire certification to work in fields of education, recreation, and with senior citizens
  • Ability to acquire professional licensure (counseling, law, health care professions, etc.)

All students should be aware that current federal statutes permit notification of parents/legal guardians of a student’s violation of College alcohol policy. Both designated College administrators and the Honor Board may recommend to the Vice President for Student Affairs that parental/legal guardian notification occur. The Vice President for Student Affairs will make a final determination of the appropriateness of notification. The Vice President for Student Affairs may also notify parents/legal guardians without a designated College administrator’s or Honor Board’s recommendation when the situation warrants notification. Each student should be prepared that parental/legal guardian notification may occur if an underage student is reported for a violation of the College alcohol or other drug policies.

Health Risks

The use of drugs and alcohol has both physical and psychological repercussions. Such substances can interfere with memory, sensation, and perception and can impair the brain’s ability to synthesize information. Regular users develop tolerance and physical dependence. Psychological dependence occurs when the substance becomes central to the user’s life and decision-making. Alcohol consumption may cause a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses may significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely. Low to moderate doses of alcohol may increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including physical attacks. Moderate to high doses of alcohol may cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person’s ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses may cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol may produce the effects just described. Repeated use of drugs and alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of substance intake can produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Substance withdrawal can be life threatening. Long-term consumption of substances, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs, such as the brain and liver. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other youngsters of becoming alcoholics.

Counseling

In order to promote an environment free of substance abuse, the College supports an active program of community awareness and education and also offers assistance with confidential counseling. Many of these counseling services are provided “in-house” at no charge to the student; other services are provided through direct referrals to outside service agencies and a regional support network. A part-time program specialist provides education, counseling, and evaluation services related to drug, alcohol, and other substance use. All services are confidential, and information will not be released without written authorization. A copy of the policy related to limits of confidentiality is available at Counseling Services. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to refer students who appear to be troubled by drug or alcohol use to Counseling Services (ext. 7261). In addition to the College’s confidential counseling services, there are several national hotlines and websites available that provide information and referral.

Hospital Transports for Intoxication

In the event a student is transported to the hospital for acute alcohol intoxication, based on observable considerations (slurred speech, inability to respond to questioning, loss of coordination/balance, unconsciousness, etc.) parental contact will be coordinated immediately. Upon discharge the student will be required to meet with the Interim Dean of Students/Title IX Coordinator within 24 hours of return and will be subject to judicial action.

Campus Resources

  • Health Services 410-778-7261
  • Counseling Services 410-778-7261
  • Mantra Telehealth 

Off-Campus/Community Resources