Drug and Alcohol Policies

Drug Policy

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 are grounds for severe sanctions, including expulsion, and may result in referral to authorities for prosecution. The possession of drug paraphernalia is also a violation of both state law and College policy. Students who violate either of these policies will be subject to any of the following sanctions, depending upon College officials' assessment of the severity of the violations:

Assessment of substance abuse problem (cost to be borne by student)
Required substance abuse treatment program (cost to be borne by student)
Mandatory drug testing program (cost to be borne by student)
Housing probation (if student lives in College housing)
Dismissal from College housing (if student lives in College housing)
College probation
Loss of financial aid
Suspension from the College
Dismissal from the College
Referral to law enforcement agencies

Alcohol Policy

Maryland Institute College of Art is committed to enforcing Maryland state law and College policies that prohibit persons under the age of 21 from possessing or consuming alcohol and actively discourages those 21 years and older from abusing alcohol. Accordingly, the unauthorized possession or use of alcoholic beverages on College-owned or controlled property, including student residences, is expressly forbidden. For specific policy regarding alcohol in oncampus housing, students should consult their housing agreement and the separate Residence Life Guide. Students who violate this policy will be subject to the following sanctions depending upon College officials' assessment of the severity of the violation(s):

Alcohol education
Assessment for alcohol abuse program
Required alcohol abuse treatment program
Housing probation (if violation occurred in College housing)
Suspension from the College
Dismissal from the College
Referral to law enforcement agencies

When 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 program, or an alcohol abuse treatment program.

Also, if alcohol is found in the possession of underage students, staff will require that the alcohol be disposed of in the presence of the staff member.

Student Openings and Parties

Because the majority of MICA students are not of legal drinking age, alcohol is not allowed at student events, including undergraduate and graduate student openings. With appropriate authorization, alcohol may be served at some 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 involve strict supervision of the event by student hosts and designated staff or faculty and adherence to the alcohol policy.