Download MARYLAND INSTITUTE COLLEGE OF ART

MICA KEEPS STUDENTS INFORMED
Federal and state regulations require that students be informed of Maryland Institute
College of Art’s policy and accompanying disciplinary sanctions regarding alcohol and
other drugs; the applicable legal sanctions under local, state, or Federal law for the
unlawful possession or distribution of illegal or illicit drugs and alcohol; the health risks
associated with the use of illegal or illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol; and the
counseling and treatment programs offered to students through the College.
ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG SERVICES AND REFERRALS
Maryland Institute College of Art students may seek help with alcohol or other drug
difficulties in several ways. The Health Center, the Counseling Center, and the Office of
Student Affairs can help students in finding appropriate assistance.
HEALTH CENTER
Medical care for students is provided at MICA Student Health Services, located in the
MICA Wellness Center at 1501 Mount Royal Avenue (next to Bunting Center). Students
interested in discussing drug- or alcohol- related problems are encouraged to stop in or
call Health Services at 410-225-7325 for either counseling or referral.
COUNSELING CENTER
The College counselors, Pat Farrell-McLaughlin, MSW, LCSW-C, Joe Kachik, PhD, and
Jeff Klug, MA, LLPC, are available to talk with students experiencing alcohol- or drugrelated difficulties. While the College counselors can provide short-term assistance to
students, they maintain contact with appropriate support services in the community to
which they can refer students. Confidentiality is always maintained. Phone number:
410-225-2367
OFFICE OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
The Office of Student Affairs provides crisis intervention and counseling with students when
necessary. The Vice President of Student Affairs maintains a resource directory to assist
students in making appropriate choices regarding assistance and treatment. Phone
number: 410-225-2422
ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG EDUCATION PROGRAMS
The Office of Student Affairs and the Counseling Center offer educational programs on
a variety of alcohol- and drug-related topics. These topics vary from year to year and
may include the relationship between artists and alcohol and/or drugs, recreation
without alcohol, and coping with family members with addictions. Written material on the
effects of alcohol and drugs is distributed throughout the year. Interested students
should contact a College counselor, MICA Student Health Services, or the Office of
Student Affairs.
Students may choose to contact various organizations directly. The following
organizations may assist students:
•Alcoholics Anonymous 410-663-1922
•AL ANON Groups 410-832-7094
•“First Step to Recovery” Drug Abuse Hotline
1-800-905-8666
•Narcotics Anonymous (meeting times and locations) 1-800-317-322
•National Institute on Drug & Alcohol Treatment
Referral Service 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
•Family and Children’s Services
203 W. Lanvale Street
Baltimore, MD 21217
(sliding fee scale) 410-366-8145/410-366-1980
•NA Recovery Web Page www.na.org
MARYLAND INSTITUTE COLLEGE OF ART REGULATIONS
ILLEGAL AND ILLICIT DRUGS
The use, possession, or sale (or possession with intent to sell) of illegal or illicit drugs or
narcotics is expressly prohibited by Federal, state, and local laws and regulations, as
well as College policy. Possession and/or use of illicit drugs by students is grounds for
severe sanctions including expulsion, and may result in referral to authorities for
prosecution. The possession of drug paraphernalia (including hookahs, bongs, needles
not for prescribed use, and other such items) is also a violation of state law as well as
College policy.
Students who violate this policy will be subject to any of the following sanctions, among
others, depending upon College officials’ assessment of the severity of the violations:
•Assessment for substance abuse problem
•Required substance abuse treatment program
•Mandatory drug testing program
•Housing probation (if student lives in College housing)
•Dismissal from College housing (if violation occurred in College housing)
•College probation
•Loss of financial aid
•Suspension from the College
•Dismissal from the College
•Referral to law enforcement agencies
HEALTH RISKS
Substance abuse is now recognized as the number one public health problem in the
United States. Approximately 30% of all admissions to general hospitals and 50% of all
admissions to psychiatric hospitals are substance abuse-related. Substance abuse
accounts for approximately 550,000 deaths annually. This figure includes deaths from
stroke, diseases of the heart and liver, and deaths from tobacco use, as well as alcoholand drug-related suicides, homicides, and accidents. Early detection can minimize or
prevent the devastating consequences of substance abuse. See also the attachment
describing the effects of controlled substances and alcohol.
ALCOHOL
Maryland Institute College of Art is committed to enforcing Maryland state law and
College policy which prohibits people under the age of 21 from possessing or
consuming alcohol, and actively discourages those 21 and over from abusing alcohol.
Accordingly, the unauthorized possession or use of alcoholic beverages on Collegeowned or -controlled property, including student residences, is expressly forbidden.
Students who violate this policy will be subject to the following sanctions depending
upon College officials’ assessment of the severity of the violation(s):
•Warning of disciplinary probation
•Alcohol education
•Assessment for alcohol abuse program
•Required alcohol abuse treatment program
•Housing probation (if student lives in College housing)
•Dismissal from College housing (if violation occurred in College housing)
•Disciplinary probation
•Suspension from the College
•Dismissal from the College
•Referral to law enforcement agencies
Where the College believes that there may be a problem of alcohol abuse, students
may be encouraged or required to participate in alcohol education, an assessment
process for a possible alcohol abuse problem, or an alcohol abuse treatment program.
For MICA’s complete Alcohol and Drug Policy and information, please visit
http://www.mica.edu/About_MICA/Policies_and_Handbooks/Institutional_Policies/Alcohol_and_Drugs.html
STUDENT EXHIBITION OPENINGS AND PARTIES
Because the majority of undergraduate students are not of legal drinking age, alcohol
will not be served at most student events including undergraduate student exhibition
openings.
With the appropriate authorization, alcohol may be served at College-sponsored or sanctioned activities, but only to persons who provide verifiable proof of age. The
serving of alcoholic beverages in all such instances must receive the specific written
approval of the Vice President for Student Affairs and will require strict supervision of
the event by hosts, designated staff, or faculty, and adherence to the alcohol party
policy.
THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL
Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses
significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely,
increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate
doses of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including
spouse and child abuse. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments
in higher mental functions, severely altering a person’s ability to learn and remember
information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with
other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will
produce the effects just described.
Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is
likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors,
hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. Long-term
consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor
nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the
liver.
Women who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol
syndrome. These infants can have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental
retardation. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at
greater risk than other youngsters of becoming alcoholics.
FEDERAL, STATE, AND CITY LEGAL SANCTIONS
ILLICIT DRUGS
Students and employees at Maryland Institute College of Art are subject to Federal,
state, and local laws for the possession and distribution of illegal drugs.
Federal law 21 USC, sections 841 and 844–845a (1990), states that it is unlawful to
possess any controlled substance, including marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, for any
illegal purpose. If the substance is cocaine, or contains a cocaine base, the penalty for
simple possession is a fine and/or imprisonment from 5 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 3 years. The penalties increase if the possession includes intent to
manufacture, distribute, or dispense a controlled substance, especially if done so 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 also be liable to
the United States for an amount up to $10,000 in civil penalties.
In addition to the Federal laws, the State of Maryland has its own laws pertaining to
distribution, manufacturing, and possession of controlled substances. Md. Ann. Code
Art. 27, section 286 (1989), states that any person who unlawfully manufactures or
distributes any controlled dangerous substances may be fined up to $25,000 and may
be imprisoned for up to 20 years for a first offense.
Also, in Baltimore City, under Article 19, section 58C of the City Code, it is illegal to
loiter in a certified drug-free zone, with penalties of imprisonment of up to 30 days and a
fine of up to $400.
See also the attachment by the Federal government detailing the Federal penalties and
sanctions for trafficking and illegal possession of a controlled substance.
FEDERAL PENALTIES AND SANCTIONS FOR ILLEGAL
POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE
(From the Federal Register, Vol. 55, No. 159, August 16, 1990)
21 U.S.C. 844
1st conviction: Up to one year imprisonment and fined at least $1,000, or both.
After 1 prior drug conviction: At least 15 days in prison, not to exceed 2 years, and fined
at least $2,500.
After 2 or more prior drug convictions: At least 90 days in prison, not to exceed 3 years,
and fined at least $5,000.
Special sentencing provisions for possession of substance with a cocaine base:
Mandatory 5 years in prison or more, not to exceed 20 years, and fined a minimum of
$1,000, or both if:
(a) First conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds 5 grams.
(b) Second crack conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds 3 grams.
(c) Third or subsequent crack conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds 1
gram.
21 U.S.C. 853(a)(2) and 881(a)(7)
Forfeiture of personal and real property used to possess or to facilitate possession of a
controlled substance if that offense is punishable by more
than one-year imprisonment.
21 U.S.C. 881(a)(4)
Forfeiture of vehicles, boats, aircraft, or any other conveyance used to transport or
conceal a controlled substance.
21 U.S.C. 862
Denial of Federal benefits, such as student loans, grants, contracts, and professional
and commercial licenses, up to one year for first offense, up to five years for second
and subsequent offenses.
16 U.S.C. 922(g)
Ineligible to receive or purchase a firearm.
It is illegal in the State of Maryland (Md. Ann. Code Art. 27, sections 400 to 403B) for
any person under the age of 21 to falsify or misrepresent his or her age to obtain
alcohol, or to possess alcoholic beverages with the intent to consume them.
It is also illegal in most situations to provide alcohol to a person under 21, or to obtain
alcohol on behalf of a person under 21. The penalty is a fine of up to $500 for a first
offense, and up to $1,000 for repeat offenses.
MISCELLANEOUS
Revocation of certain Federal licenses and benefits, e.g. pilot licenses, public housing
tenancy, etc., are vested within the authorities of the individual Federal agencies.