Alcohol and Other Drug Policies

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 Office of Student Conduct.

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 kegs, the sale of alcohol, and parties involving alcohol. Students of legal drinking age may consume alcohol in their rooms, suites or apartments only.

The Stamp Student Union 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 events occurring on university premises or at university-sponsored events unless advance written approval has been obtained from the STAMP Event & Guest Services Office.

The University prohibits the possession or use of kegs, beer balls, punch bowls, and other common containers of alcoholic beverages of a similar nature on University property, except for possession and use resulting from licensed purchases by the university’s Department of Dining Services. Violation of University drug or alcohol policies, on or off-campus, may result in University disciplinary action, as provided in the Code of Student Conduct.

Promoting Responsible Action in Medical Emergencies

The health and safety of University students is of paramount concern. All members of the University community are encouraged to act in a responsible manner when an individual may require medical assistance by dialing 911 or (301) 405-3333 or seeking a University or Department of Resident Life (DRL) official. It is recognized that in situations in which either a student summoning or requiring help is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, the threat of disciplinary sanctions for violating the University’s alcohol and/or drug policy is a barrier to seeking help. As such, the University of Maryland will do all that it can to promote student health, safety, and well-being. Promoting Responsible Action in Medical Emergencies is a policy administered by the Office of Student Conduct (OSC) that will reduce barriers to seeking help in cases of alcohol- and/or drug-related emergencies by providing relief from administrative or disciplinary action on the part of the University if either a University official or other authority is contacted in a timely fashion.

1. A student in possession or under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs who summons medical emergency assistance for him/herself or on behalf of a fellow student experiencing a medical emergency will not face disciplinary charges under the Code of Student Conduct or Residence Hall Rules for the possession or use of alcohol and/or drugs, with the exception of the exclusions noted below. In lieu of disciplinary charges and as a condition of such relief, students handled under this policy will usually be required to be evaluated by the University Health Center (UHC) staff and successfully complete an approved alcohol and/or drug intervention program.
2. This policy also extends to the student for whom medical emergency assistance has been summoned.
3. A “summons” for medical emergency assistance is deemed to be contacting police, University staff or other officials designated emergency medical providers.

Biennial Reports

To comply with the regulations, every two years an Institution of Higher Education must conduct a review of its Alcohol and Other Drug program to determine effectiveness and the consistency of sanction enforcement, in order to identify and implement any necessary changes. The Department of Education recommends that IHEs conduct the biennial review in even-numbered years and focus their report on the two preceding academic years.