POLICIES AFFECTING STUDENTS

University Student Alcohol and Drug Policy

Towson University, recognizing that drug and alcohol abuse present a serious threat to individual health and community safety, strives to maintain a campus free from the illegal use and abuse of alcohol, and from the use, possession or distribution of illegal drugs. Students are expected to comply with all federal, state and local laws and university policies. Students who use, possess and/or sell illegal drugs, including the illegal use of alcohol, are considered in violation of Towson University’s Code of Student Conduct and shall be subject to university discipline independent of any criminal or civil prosecution that may result from violations of state or federal laws. In addition to the university policy on substance abuse, all employees of the university, including student employees, are subject to the Maryland Governor’s Executive Order 01.01.1991.16 on the Drug-and-Alcohol-Free Workplace. The university reserves the right to conduct drug testing consistent with applicable federal and state laws.
Students are strongly encouraged to help create a campus community free from the negative effects of substance abuse and alcohol abuse.

Alcohol Policy

The purchase, possession, transportation, storage and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the Towson University campus is permitted only in accordance with Maryland state, county and municipal laws, and university policy, as outlined below. Alcoholic beverages being served or sold by groups and organizations should refer to Procedures for Events with Alcohol printed in this publication.

1. It is prohibited for any person under the age of 21 to purchase, possess or consume alcoholic beverages. Any person consuming alcohol must be able to produce valid identification upon request.
2. It is prohibited for any person under the age of 21 to knowingly and willingly make any misrepresentation or false statement as to his or her age.
3. It is prohibited for any person or organization to purchase, serve or sell alcoholic beverages to an individual who is under 21.
4. In university housing, it is prohibited for any person, regardless of age, to possess open containers of any alcoholic beverage in a public place in university housing, public areas or anywhere outside of a student room or apartment.
5. Public intoxication is prohibited. Those conditions considered to indicate intoxication include but are not limited to: affected manner or disposition, speech, muscular movements, general appearance or behavior as apparent to the observer.
6. It is prohibited for any person or group to purchase alcoholic beverages for consumption by individual(s) who are known to be under age.

1. It is prohibited for students to request and/or accept delivery service of alcoholic beverages.
2. It is prohibited for a vendor or business establishment, of any kind, to deliver alcoholic beverages to the Towson University campus. Exceptions can be granted for establishments contracted with the university for official university functions.

Alcohol Advertising Policy

Towson University prohibits the promotion or advertising of alcohol products, including brand names, logos or mascots. Advertising with brand names from products such as malt beverages, beer and wine products is therefore prohibited.
All on-campus advertising (for any on- or off-campus event or activity) which advertises the availability of alcohol for any event or activity must adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Advertisements may not have alcohol as their main focus, nor may alcohol be the main focus of the event/activity.
2. All advertisements, fliers and materials must state that all individuals shall be of legal drinking age to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages.
3. Those producing advertisements are encouraged to use the Towson University logo "Think Before You Drink" by placing it on the individual advertisement.
4. All such advertising must be approved by the assistant vice president, Student Involvement and Transitions, or designee.

FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL LAWS AND PENALTIES

State Alcohol Laws

• It is illegal in the state of Maryland to purchase, possess or drink alcohol if you are under the age of 21.
• It is illegal for a person under 21 to falsify or misrepresent his or her age to obtain alcohol, or to possess alcoholic beverages with the intent to consume.
• It is illegal to purchase or otherwise supply alcohol to students who are under age 21.

Penalties for the above violations are a $500 fine for the first offense, and up to a $1000 fine for repeat offenses.

• In the state of Maryland, a person may not drive or attempt to drive any vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol. A blood alcohol level (BAL) of .07 may result in a charge of Driving While Impaired (DWI); a level of .08 may result in a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge. Drinking and driving charges are not restricted to these BAL limits.

Local Alcohol Laws

• It is illegal in Baltimore County to possess alcohol in an open container in any parking lot of any shopping center or retail store, unless given permission by the owner. The penalty is a fine of up to $100.
• It is illegal in Baltimore County to consume alcohol on any public property or highway. The penalties include a fine of up to $100 and/or imprisonment for up to 30 days.

Controlled Dangerous Substances/Illegal Drug Laws

Federal law states that it is unlawful to possess any controlled substance, including marijuana, cocaine and heroin. If the substance is cocaine, or contains a cocaine base, the penalty for simple possession is a fine and/or imprisonment from five to 20 years. For other illegal drugs, the penalty for simple possession is a fine of at least $1,000 and/or imprisonment for up to three years. The penalties increase if the possession includes intent to manufacture, distribute or dispense a controlled substance, especially if done near a public or private elementary, vocational or secondary school, or a public or private college or university. Any person who violates this law shall also be liable to the U.S. government for an amount up to $10,000 in civil penalties.

In addition to federal laws, violations of state of Maryland laws regarding the distribution, manufacturing and possession of controlled substances may result in penalties of up to $25,000 and imprisonment for up to 20 years for a first offense.

It is also unlawful to drive while under the influence of any Controlled Dangerous Substance, whether legal or illegal (prescribed or unlawfully obtained.) An individual can be charged with a violation despite possession of an out-of-state driver’s license. Violations may result in suspension of the driver’s license.

Penalties

Students violating federal, state or local drug and alcohol laws are subject to the Towson University Code of Student Conduct found in this publication, which includes a complete listing of penalties associated with violations, and procedures for reporting substance abuse. The university will take disciplinary action based on reasonable available information, and will follow the policies and procedures of the university and the University System of Maryland Board of Regents. Such disciplinary action may include, but is not limited to, parental notification, mandatory counseling and suspension or dismissal from the university or from university housing.

All students suspected of substance abuse violations may be referred to the Office of Student Conduct & Civility Education. The student will be subject to a due process hearing in accordance with the institutional disciplinary guidelines. Disciplinary action by the university will normally proceed independent of whether criminal charges related to the same incident have been processed and sustained. Violations of state and federal laws regarding alcohol and drugs will be handled in ways which ensure the guarding of any evidence, the protection of the civil rights and handicapped rights of the accused, the treatment and rehabilitation of students, and the notification of the necessary administrative and legal authorities. The university encourages voluntary counseling and may require participation in an approved treatment program.

Any student directly associated with the University System of Maryland who uses or becomes involved with illegal drugs without proper medical supervision shall be subject to suspension or dismissal from the university system, as may be deemed appropriate.

Last updated by Substance Education Concerns Committee, spring 2000.