Stevenson University recognizes the health, social, and emotional problems that can be caused by the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol or other legal drugs by members of the Stevenson community. This policy sets forth the University’s expectations and applies to students, faculty, staff, and where relevant, guests on University property or at University-sanctioned events off campus.
This policy is also provided in accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.
Standards of Conduct Regarding Unauthorized Drugs
The Stevenson University community affirms unauthorized drug use to be contrary to the goals of the University. The use, possession (including constructive possession), manufacture, distribution, dispensing, and solicitation of controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, look-alike drugs, unauthorized legal drugs, and over-the-counter drugs/medications or prescription drugs in excess of the recommended or prescribed dosage(s) is strictly prohibited on Stevenson University property, Stevenson sponsored travel, or in connection with any program or activity sponsored or endorsed by Stevenson University.
A list of controlled substances can be found on the website of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (www.dea.gov). Regardless of whether a controlled substance has been legally approved by a state or locality, drugs that are federally controlled (including marijuana) are prohibited under this University policy.
Under no circumstances may an employee, including a student employee, report to work or perform work on behalf of the University while impaired by legal or illegal drugs. Suspicion of impairment while on duty may result in an immediate referral for drug testing.
Standard Sanctions for Unauthorized Drugs
Students found in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to fine, alcohol/drug education, suspension, removal from residence, or expulsion from the University.
Employees found in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination from employment.
Standards of Conduct Regarding Alcohol
The health and safety of members of the Stevenson University community are the primary concerns of the University. It is the University’s policy to uphold the alcohol laws of the State of Maryland. Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted only by those who are at least 21 years of age. Alcoholic beverages are not to be furnished to or consumed by minors.
Members of the Stevenson community and guests are expected to accept responsibility for their actions, to obey the law, and to police their own behavior. Individuals who violate the law, in addition to being subject to criminal penalties, will be subject to University disciplinary measures. These specific policies that follow apply to Stevenson University events both on and off campus.
- Except as permitted by the following paragraphs, the possession, use or distribution of alcohol by students, faculty, staff, and guests on University property or in connection with any University activity is strictly forbidden.
- All University-sponsored events where alcohol is served, either on or off campus, must be approved by the Vice President, Student Affairs; Vice President, Human Resources; or Chief of Staff in the President’s office 30 days prior to the event. The Event Application Request for Service of Alcoholic Beverages will serve as a formal application for approval.
- All individuals attending the event must be of legal drinking age. Student organizations may request an exception to this guideline if the primary purpose of the event is other than a social drinking party and the majority of the guests are of legal drinking age.
- The organization’s adviser or an alternative faculty/staff member must be present for the duration of the event.
- Campus Safety must be present for the duration of the event.
Alcohol may only be served by a licensed caterer trained to serve alcohol. Caterers must provide proof of license and training certification to the University prior to the event. A list of approved caterers is included with the Event Application Request for Service of Alcoholic Beverages.
Proper proof of age must be provided to the server.
Kegs, multi-liter containers, and pitchers used for the serving of alcohol are not allowed at student-sponsored events.
At events where alcohol is served, substantial food and non-alcoholic drinks must be provided. During late night events, the service of alcohol will stop one hour prior to the ending time of the event.
Under no circumstances may an employee, including a student employee, report to work or perform work on behalf of the University while impaired by alcohol. Suspicion of impairment while on duty may result in an immediate referral for blood-alcohol testing.
It is recognized that this document cannot address, in specific fashion, all possible social situations that may occur. Where these procedures are not specific on a particular point, individual and organizational hosts are expected to conduct their social events and themselves in the spirit of social responsibility consistent with these procedures
Rules Specifically Applicable to University Housing
Residents of legal drinking age may drink alcohol in their residence hall apartment or suite only if they are not in the presence of residents or guests who are under 21 years of age. Absolutely no alcohol is permitted in any shared space in a residence hall room/suite/apartment where underage students reside. Alcohol may not be served or consumed in any common areas of the University’s residential facilities including, but not limited to, hallways, lounges, quad areas, and parking lots. Guests are expected to abide by the University’s rules while visiting Stevenson housing.
Students will be held responsible for the conduct of their guests. The Residence Life staff will confiscate or require underage residents to dispose of alcohol they observe being brought or having been brought into the residences and to stop consumption of alcoholic beverages in all common areas. Kegs, beer balls, and other multi-liter containers are not permitted in Stevenson residence halls. The Residence Life staff will inform students of University policy, clarify if they are violating the University’s policy, and counsel them regarding the consequences of their behavior, both in terms of health and safety risks and legal consequences. Students in violation of the Residence License Agreement or University policy will be held accountable. The Residence Life staff is to report offenders to the Office of Student Conduct. The students involved will meet with a Student Conduct representative to determine appropriate sanctions if warranted. Any student failing to meet with a Student Conduct representative upon request may be subject to termination of the Residence License Agreement for failure to comply with directions of a University official
Standard Sanctions for Alcohol Violations
Students found in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to fine, alcohol/drug education, suspension, removal from residence, or expulsion from the University.
Employees found in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination from employment
Reporting Use and Misuse
Each member of the Stevenson community is encouraged to report all suspicions of unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol, or of alcohol abuse, to the appropriate University authorities.
University Assistance
Staff of the Wellness Center are available to provide suggestions for securing drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation.
Employees who need help with drug or alcohol addiction are encouraged to contact the University’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Information about the EAP can be found on the Hunan Resources portal page or by contacting Human Resources directly.
Annual Notice Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Policy
In order to ensure that members of the Stevenson community continue to be aware of this policy, a notice of this program will be distributed each year to all faculty, staff and students advising them to review the policy on the University’s website.
Biennial Review
At least every other year, Stevenson will review its drug-free workplace policy to, among other things:
- Determine its effectiveness and implement any needed changes;
- Ensure that the disciplinary sanctions described above are consistently enforced.
Health Risks Associated with Alcohol, Marijuana, and Other Drugs
Students and employees of Stevenson University should be aware that use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco can have significant health risks. To learn more about the potential impacts of their usage, visit https://www.stevenson.edu/student-life/health-wellness/drug-alcohol-prevention/.
Smoking Policy
Stevenson University is committed to a policy of creating a smoke-free environment in all its facilities and in providing a healthy, comfortable environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests. Smoking or vaping of any substance in any way is not permitted in any building on campus. In order to create a healthier environment:
- All areas within 15 feet of building entrances are designated smoke-free zones.
- The space between the Dawson Academic Center and the Manuszak Center buildings on the Greenspring Campus will be designated smoke-free due to the close proximity of these two buildings.
- Cigarette receptacles will be placed 15 feet from building entrances.
- Proper signage will be posted indicating “Smoke-Free Zones”.
- Enforcement will be by self-governance of the campus community.
Smoking reduction and cessation education will be offered during the academic year by The Wellness Center.
(Updated June 2023)