The college will make a good faith effort to maintain a drug-free workplace and campus, focusing primarily on prevention through education, early intervention, and providing referral services to employees and students with substance abuse problems.
In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the reauthorization of the higher education act of 1965, as amended by the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Of 1989, this policy also includes the following:
—See Board Policy Manual, GEN: 416 (policy revised and approved: 3/25/10), HR: 4040, HRD: 1105, (policy revised: 12/06)
The College of Southern Maryland is committed to providing and maintaining an environment for faculty, staff, and students that is drug-free, healthy, safe, and secure. Faculty, staff, and students are expected and required to report each day in an appropriate mental and physical condition, free of any illegal drugs and alcohol and capable of fulfilling their daily duties. The college supports all local, state, and federal laws related to drug and alcohol abuse, including but not limited to the Drug-Free Workplace Act and The Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act.
Although the college recognizes drug and alcohol dependency as an illness and a major health problem affecting society, it also recognizes drug and alcohol use as a potential health, safety, and security problem. The college offers a variety of drug and alcohol abuse education and prevention programs throughout the year. It encourages students and employees to attend these programs and to take advantage of the resources provided to the college community by the Safe Communities Center.
The Board of Trustees authorizes the sale and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages under the following circumstances:
No alcoholic beverages may be brought to or consumed on any college campus, any college-owned or leased facility, or within any instructional setting, except as outlined above.
The president is authorized to develop and administer procedures which will implement this policy.
—See Board Policy Manual, GEN: 411 (policy revised and approved 3/25/10)
(specifically regarding tobacco, drugs, and alcohol)
B20) Smoking, using tobacco or e-cigarette products in unauthorized areas
B23) Illegal or unauthorized use, possession, manufacturing or dissemination of alcohol, or public intoxication
B24) Possession, use or distribution of an illegal drug, controlled substance, or look-alike drug
Alcohol is the most frequently abused drug. Ethyl alcohol, the form of alcohol found in beer, wine, and liquor, is a psychoactive drug. It is classified as a central nervous system depressant, although its effects are often misinterpreted as stimulating.
Low doses of alcohol significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to safely operate a motor vehicle. Moderate to high doses cause marked impairments in higher mental functions and alter a person’s ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses can cause respiratory depression and death.
About one in ten people will find it difficult to control consumption, will have continuing problems associated with its use, and will develop the disease of alcoholism. Even those who do not eventually develop alcoholism can experience and/or cause considerable harm to themselves, others, and the community. Individuals with a family history of chemical dependency face a higher chance of developing alcoholism or other forms of drug addiction.
Women who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, alcohol use has been found to be significantly related to the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancy, fighting, assaults, vandalism, and the incidence of acquaintance rape and other crimes.
Drugs included in this classification include opium, morphine, codeine, heroin, oxycontin, methadone, Percodan, Percocet, and other opium derivatives and synthetics.
Narcotics are the most physically addictive illicit drugs. The first or second administration of narcotics results in a tremendous euphoric feeling that cannot be repeated due to the rapid development of tolerance to the drug. This leaves the user with high cravings and low benefits from continued drug use. The user must continue ingesting the drug in order not to develop withdrawal symptoms. A major physical risk associated with the use of narcotics is sudden death resulting from respiratory arrest. Other risks include infection due to IV drug use. Psychologically, cravings for narcotics can be severe.
Drugs included in this classification include cocaine (e.g. coke, crack), methamphetamine, Ritalin/Adderall, amphetamines (speed), high doses of caffeine and other stimulants. Cocaine has been known to cause sudden death by causing the heart to beat in an abnormal rhythm resulting in a heart attack. The heart attack can be sudden and unexpected and can occur at anytime when a person is using cocaine. Stimulants can cause a person to become emaciated, resulting from an increased metabolism and an extremely decreased appetite. Psychologically, cocaine and most amphetamines are extremely addictive and affect the pleasure center of the human brain. Stimulant intoxication can lead to visual, auditory, and tactile hallucinations and delusional type thinking. After a person develops dependence upon cocaine or an amphetamine, sudden or gradual cessation in use can cause markedly diminished interest or pleasure in most daily activities. Fatigue, insomnia, and feelings of worthlessness are also common and can possibly result in suicide attempts.
These drugs form a distinct category of their own because the effects produced are unlike any other drugs. Ketamine (“special k”) and phencyclidine (PCP) act similarly to a hallucinogen, in some respect. In other respects they act similarly to that of a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant as well as a CNS depressant. Among their side effects are delirium, visual disturbances, hallucinations, and severe violence. Some evidence of long-term memory disorders and psychological disturbances resembling schizophrenia also has been linked to the use of these drugs.
Drugs in this classification include LSD (acid), mescaline (peyote), mushrooms (psilocybin), amphetamine variants (ecstasy), and other hallucinogens. The greatest short-term risk associated with ecstasy is dehydration and overheating. Additionally, consequences that ecstasy may have on the brain include depression, anxiety, and effects on the brain’s ability to think and store memories. The greatest risk associated with LSD use is a “bad trip.” A bad trip can occur at any time, even occurring in individuals who have used the drug many times. A bad trip is a psychological reaction to the ingestion of LSD and is primarily based upon the user’s mind set and environment at the time of administration. A bad trip can result in extreme paranoia, panic attacks, and a loss of self-control. The most extreme outcome of a bad trip can be permanent psychosis or even death.
Inhalants include a wide variety of breathable chemicals that produce mind-altering results. The three major subcategories of inhalants include volatile solvents, aerosols, and anesthetics. The most commonly abused inhalants are gas, glue, paint and nitrous oxide (including whippets). A major physical consequence in inhalant use is sudden death occurring from heart beat irregularities. Inhalants produce an inebriation effect with associated bizarre thoughts, dizziness, numbness, and a lack of coordination. The intoxicated person will have problems performing even the most mundane tasks, and serious accidents can result. Long-term effects can include brain damage, poor concentration, and memory loss.
Drugs in this classification include: marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), hashish, and hashish oil. Physical risks of marijuana use include damage to the lungs, chromosomes, and reproductive system. The most severe consequences of cannabis use affect brain functioning. Chronic marijuana use can result in changes in perception, motor activity, sensation, emotional response, motivation, memory, and states of awareness.
Drugs in this classification include Rohypnol and other barbiturates, benzodiazepines, Xanax, Valium, GHB and other depressants including ethyl alcohol. Depressants produce rapid tolerance. Severe withdrawal, including seizures and death, can occur if depressant use is immediately stopped.
Depressants also can cause sudden death by respiratory arrest or by stroke resulting from a marked increase in blood pressure. Mixing alcohol with other depressants can be lethal.
Nicotine is the powerfully addictive substance in tobacco that can “hook” a user in as few as three cigarettes. Short-term health effects related to smoking can include wheezing, coughing, frequent colds, and decreased senses of smell and taste smoking can also trigger asthma symptoms. Long term health effects can include chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, or cancer of the mouth, throat, bladder, pancreas, or kidney.
— Source: University of Maryland’s “Student Alcohol and Other Drug Policy Resource Guide”
Scope: This policy applies to all incoming students and employees.
Policy: The college will develop and offer heroin and opioid addiction and prevention awareness training for incoming students and will train Public Safety Officers, and other designated personnel, on how to recognize and respond to the symptoms of an opioid overdose.
STUDENT TRAINING
The College will provide in-person heroin and opioid addiction and prevention awareness training to all incoming, full-time students. Where in-person training is impracticable, the College will provide electronic heroin and opioid addiction and prevention awareness training.
CSM will provide education resources that alert and educate all incoming, part-time students regarding heroin and opioid addiction and prevention. For more information, please view CSM’s Online Opioid Training and Prevention Module.
The College will obtain and store Naloxone or other overdose-reversing medication to be used in an overdose emergency situation at the La Plata, Leonardtown, Prince Frederick and Regional Hughesville campuses.
CSM will provide training for Public Safety Officers or other designated personnel on how to recognize the symptoms of an opioid overdose.
The College will adopt procedures for the administration of Naloxone or other overdose-reversing medications and will adopt proper follow-up emergency procedures.
As specified by State law, except for any willful or grossly negligent act, Public Safety Officers or other designated personnel who have been trained and who respond in good faith to the overdose emergency may not be held personally liable for any act or omission in the course of responding to the emergency.
CSM will annually report to the Maryland Higher Education Commission each incident that required the use of naloxone or other overdose-reversing medication.
Review: This policy is effective July 1, 2017
Reference: Education Code, Sections 11-1201 through 11-1204
For more information contact: Director, Student Affairs, ext. 4746
Students and employees at the College of Southern Maryland are subject to federal, state, and local laws for the possession and distribution of illegal drugs.
Federal law states that it is unlawful to possess controlled substances, including marijuana, cocaine, LSD, PCP, heroin, designer drugs, etc. (1) 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.
In February 2000, a law was enacted to categorize gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), also known as a “date rape drug,” as an illegal drug. This means that anyone possessing, manufacturing, or distributing GHB may face up to a 20-year penalty.
For other illegal drugs, the penalty for simple possession is a fine of at least $1,000 and/or imprisonment 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. Additionally, any person who violates this law shall be liable for an amount up to $10,000 in civil penalties.
In addition to federal laws, the State of Maryland has its own laws dealing with distribution, manufacturing, and possession of controlled substances. For instance, any person who unlawfully manufactures or distributes any narcotic drug may be fined up to $25,000 and may be imprisoned for up to 20 years for a first offense. (2) students and employees are subject to state and local laws for drinking and obtaining alcohol. It is illegal in the State of Maryland for any person under 21 to drink alcohol. (3) it is also 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 them. (4) it is also illegal in most situations to furnish alcohol to a person under 21. (5) the penalty is a fine of up to $500 for a first offense, and up to $1,000 for repeat offenses.
It is important to remember that although the State of Maryland now has laws “decriminalizing” the use and possession of small amounts of marijuana (less than 10 grams), it is still a civil offense under state law subject to fines and other penalties. In addition, State of Maryland law provides protection from state criminal prosecutions and civil fines for users of marijuana prescribed for medical reasons. However, marijuana possession and use is still illegal under federal law and smoking of marijuana in a public place is still illegal under Maryland law even for medical marijuana users. Therefore, college policy has not changed and the college will not tolerate or condone use or possession by employees or students. Such use of marijuana can be subject to federal prosecution and result in a student code of conduct or college policy violation.
Students should also be aware that marijuana use may still negatively impact your future employment, as many employers require drug testing. A conviction may also negatively impact your ability to obtain federal financial aid.
In addition, state law dictates that it is illegal 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. (6) It is also illegal to consume alcohol on any public property or highway unless authorized by the governmental entity which has jurisdiction over the property, with penalties including a fine of up to $100. (7) Students and employees are also subject to state and local laws governing drinking and driving. A person may not drive or attempt to drive while impaired or under the influence of alcohol. (8) individuals under 21 with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of only .02 (approximately one drink) will be charged with a violation of restricted license and result in suspended license until the age of 21. (9) Any individual with a BAC of 0.08 will be presumed to be driving under the influence of alcohol. An individual with a BAC of .08 or more shall be determined to be under the influence of alcohol per se. (10) any of these violations will result in fines, imprisonment, or both. It is also unlawful to drive while impaired by any controlled dangerous substance whether or not it is illicit (prescribed or unlawfully obtained). (11) a person can still be charged with these violations even though they possess a driver’s license from another state.
1. Federal law 21 USCA /sections 841 and 844 To 845a (1990)
2. Md. Code Criminal Art. Section 5-608
3. Md. Code Criminal Art. Section 10-114
4. Md. Code Criminal Art. Section 10-113
5. Md. Code Criminal Art. Section 10-117
6. Md. Ann. Code Art. 2B, Section 19-204
7. Md. Ann. Code Art. 2B, section 19-204
8. Md. Code Transportation Art. Sections 21-902
9. Md. Code Transportation Art. Sections 16-113(b)
10. Md. Ann. Code Transportation Art. Sections 21-902
11. Md. Code Transportation Art. Sections 21-902 (c) and (d)
Campus Well
SCampus Well is now available to CSM students. This monthly online health and wellness magazine is designed and catered for students. Each issue provides a wealth of resources on nutrition, career advice, monthly recipes, contests, and more. View the issues and sign up to receive Campus Well each month to your inbox.
Personal Counseling services
Your time at college can be a positive and rewarding experience. However, it can also be a time of stress and challenge. To make the most of your college experience, CSM Counseling Services are available at all campuses to help you deal with your stresses and challenges. Counseling is confidential and free of charge to all currently enrolled CSM students.
Counseling at CSM is short-term with eight sessions per semester. It is a wellness approach to ensure mental health and well-being as well as confidence in academic achievement. Services include:
Fitness and Aquatics Centers
CSM offers free access to our fitness centers and pools on all three campuses for CSM credit and non-credit continuing education students taking 45 or more hours. Just bring your OneCard to access the facilities!
Smoke/ Tobacco Free College and Workplace Policy
The college is a smoke/tobacco-free college and workplace. All locations shall be entirely smoke free effective with the start of the Spring Semester 2017. This policy prohibits smoking and the use of all tobacco products within the boundaries of all College locations including all buildings, facilities, indoor and outdoor spaces and lots, walkways, sidewalks, sports venues, college vehicles and private vehicles parked or operated on College property. This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff and other persons on campus, regardless of the purpose of their visit.
The board authorizes the president, or her designee, to promulgate further detailed policies, procedures and guidelines consistent with this policy.
CSM employees and students should check with their insurance provider(s) for additional information and resources.
ALANON World Service (and ALATEEN)
1-888-4al-anon (1-888-425-2666)
www.al-anon.org
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Call for meeting times and places
1-800-492-0209
www.aa.org www.somdintergroup.org
Calvert County Department of Social Services
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
443-550-6900
Calvert County Health Department
Substance Abuse Services
Mental Health Clinic
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
410-535-5400 or 410-535-3079
crisis hotline -
410-535-1121
Charles County Department of Health Substance Abuse Services
301-609-6600
Adolescent unit 301-609-6600
Alcohol program 301-609-6600
Mental health 301-609-6700
www.charlescountyhealth.org/
Charles County Department of Social Services
La Plata, MD 20646 301-392-6400
College of Southern Maryland Counseling Services
counselor@csmd.edu
Jennifer Fossell, LCSW-C
College of Southern Maryland
Leonardtown Campus, Building A, Room 204-E
Prince Frederick Campus, Building B, Room 109-B
240-725-5328 (LEON)
443-550-6169 (PRIN)
jfossell@csmd.edu
Kellie I. Jamison MSW, LCSW-C
College of Southern Maryland
La Plata Campus, AD Building, Room 205F
301-934-7577
kajamison@csmd.edu
Jude House
Bel Alton, MD 20611
301-932-0700
Www.judehouse.org
Maryland Community Service Locator
www.mdcsl.org
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD)
New York, NY 10017
1-800-nca-call
www.ncaddmaryland.org
Safe Communities Center College Of Southern Maryland
La Plata Campus, PE Building, Room 105
301-934-7732
301-870-3008, ext. 7732
St. Mary’s County Department of Social Services
Leonardtown, MD 20650
240-895-7000
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA)
1-877-samhsa-7
www.samhsa.gov
Tri-County Youth Services Bureau
Prince Frederick, MD
443-975-7357
Lexington Park, MD
301-866-5992
Waldorf, MD
301-645-1837
www.tcysb.org
Walden Behavioral Health
Charlotte Hall, MD 20622
301-997-1300 or 888-912-7366
24-hour hotline
301-863-6661
www.waldensierra.org
Scope: This policy applies to all students, employees, and visitors.
Purpose: The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) seeks to provide a safe and healthful learning and working environment for its students, employees, and visitors. The college recognizes that smoke is offensive to many non-smokers and there is evidence suggesting that passive smoke inhalation is harmful. It is the policy of CSM to follow all federal, state, or local laws regarding smoking. The smoking policy is in addition to any such laws that may be in effect.
The college is a smoke/tobacco-free college and workplace. All locations shall be entirely smoke and tobacco free effective with the start of the Spring Semester 2017. This Smoke/Tobacco-Free College and Workplace Policy prohibits smoking and the use of all tobacco products within the boundaries of all College locations including all buildings, facilities, indoor and outdoor spaces and grounds owned, rented, operated, and/or licensed by the College. This policy applies to parking lots, walkways, sidewalks, sports venues, college vehicles and private vehicles parked or operated on College property. This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, and other persons on campus, regardless of the purpose of their visit.