Code of Student Conduct, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and Other Policies

Code of Student Conduct

Every community has certain regulations and traditions that every member is expected to abide by and uphold. A college community is no exception. The McDaniel College community, perhaps even more than others, depends upon mature and responsible members.  Only in such a community can an atmosphere be established that will contribute to the liberal arts education.

Discipline administered by the agencies of McDaniel College is limited to incidents of student misconduct that adversely affect the College community. Students who attend McDaniel College must recognize that some conduct so exceeds the bounds of permissible behavior that they may be asked to pursue their education in some other environment. Such an individual forfeits all fees that have been paid.

McDaniel College expects that individuals will respect the rights of others.  Students and student organizations responsible for misconduct may be disciplined. Misconduct taking place on another campus in connection with any college-related activity is considered on campus. A college-related activity includes any activity sponsored by, paid for or supervised by the College or any organization recognized by the College. Any student responsible for misconduct on another campus or at college related functions is subject to College discipline.  

The College will hold students accountable under the Code of Student Conduct for acts committed off campus in cases of serious misconduct, conduct that demonstrates flagrant disregard for the rights of others, and/or conduct that threatens the College’s relations with the community.

The Code shall apply to a student’s conduct if the student withdraws from the College while a disciplinary matter is pending. Standards of conduct apply on campus as well as on electronic media, including cyberspace. Students who live off-campus are subject to all policies in the Code of Student Conduct and violations may lead to revocation of permission to live off-campus. Any undergraduate student found to have committed or to have attempted to commit the following misconduct, which is not meant to be all-inclusive, is subject to the disciplinary sanctions found in the Student Conduct Process section of this Handbook. Any graduate student found to have committed or attempted to commit the following misconduct, which is not meant to be all-inclusive, is subject to the disciplinary sanctions levied by the Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies, or by the dean’s designee, in consultation with the Graduate Academic Policy and Standards Committee.

1. Dishonesty, such as cheating, plagiarism, violation of the Honor Code, or knowingly furnishing false information to the College.
2. Forgery, alteration, or use of College documents, records, or instruments of identification with intent to defraud.
3. Intentional obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, or other College activities, including public service functions and other authorized activities.
4. Harassment or intimidation of an individual (including but not limited to harassment or intimidation based on race, religion, creed, ethnicity, age, gender, disability, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, nationality, or veteran status).
   • Harassment includes any written, oral or physical acts (including electronically transmitted) that is reasonably perceived as hostile; causes bodily harm; or unreasonably interferes with the learning or living environment. Particularly if questionable behavior is repeated and/or if it continues after the offending party is informed of the objectionable and/or inappropriate nature of the behavior. Harassment can be a single incident, or a series of repeated incidents.
5. Physical or verbal abuse or conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person. Note: Physical abuse includes assault and fighting and all persons engaging in a fight are subject to disciplinary action regardless of who started the fight. The burden of proof will fall upon the students to demonstrate that they took every measure to withdraw from and deescalate the situation. Students should not contribute to or perpetuate a physical assault.
6. Stealing, concealing, defacing, or damaging, tampering (or intending to or attempting to) with College property or the property of others.
7. Unauthorized entry to or use of College facilities, including both buildings, the roofs of buildings and grounds. Unauthorized use of keys.
8. Possession, use, sale, manufacturing, or distribution of marijuana or a controlled substance (drugs) or drug paraphernalia. Conspiring, co-conspiring, or facilitating in drug selling, distribution, and manufacturing.
9. Unauthorized possession, use, or storage (anywhere on campus) of weapons, including but not limited to:
   • Firearms, bb guns, soft pellet guns, air soft guns, paint ball guns, air rifles, and facsimiles of such weapons or any object or instrument which has been designed or altered to appear to be a weapon, or which can reasonably be construed or used as a weapon (dependent on the circumstances of its use, possession or display)..
   • Electronic control devices, i.e. Tasers and stun guns
   • Ammunition, explosives, combustibles, fireworks, laser guns, dangerous chemicals, all types of martial arts weaponry, any device capable of casting a projectile or other weapons (e.g. metal knuckles, throwing stars, dirks, swords, nunchakus)
   • Knives including, butterfly knives, assist opening or spring loaded knives, dirks, bowie knives, switchblades, box cutters or knives with blades more than 3 inches in length.
     
     The use of any such item that harms or threatens, or reasonably causes fear to others is not permitted.

     The following items are permitted by those 18 years or older:

     a. Single one-side blade manual opening pocket knives, with a blade length less than 3 inches

     b. Personal protection “pepper spray” no larger than 0.54 oz. (15 grams)

     Kitchen knives that are used for kitchen applications and are stored in a kitchen area are permitted.
10. Setting fires (including candles), tampering with fire-protection equipment, or activating or attempting to activate false alarms.
    • Interfering with the safety and/or health of a member of the College community (e.g. intentionally causing the evacuation of a College building for reasons known to be false; obstructing emergency evacuation of any facility on College property
    • Willfully disregarding any emergency or fire alarm evacuation signal
    • Hindering the duties of emergency services
    • Misusing, altering, or tampering with any security or fire safety equipment; setting fires.
11. Failure to appear on official requests before one of the duly constituted disciplinary agents of the College.
12. Violations of any policy, rule and any other regulations that may be enacted or published, including COVID-19 protocols, and violations of municipal, state, or federal laws.
13. Disorderly conduct. Any unreasonable or reckless conduct by an individual or student group that is inherently or potentially unsafe to other persons or property. Any behavior by an individual or student group that disrupts the peace or interferes with the normal operation of the College or College-sponsored activities. Disorderly conduct includes, but is not limited to: reckless driving; interrupting or interfering with the carrying out of the duties of a College or public official; vomiting and/or urinating in public.
14. Lewd, indecent or obscene conduct or expression.
15. Participating in an on-campus or off-campus demonstration, riot, or activity that disrupts the normal operations of the College and/or infringes on the rights of others; leading or inciting others to disrupt scheduled and/or normal activities within any building or area.
16. Violation of the College Alcohol Policy
17. Failure to comply with directions of College officials acting in performance of their duties, including but not limited to:
    • Refusing to furnish identification upon request
    • Abusing, disrespecting, or harassing College officials.
18. Violation of the Hazing Policy
19. Abuse of the Student Conduct Process, including but not limited to:
    • Tampering with the student conduct process or filing frivolous appeals
    • Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information before a hearing board, individual hearing officer, or Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) or designee, in consultation with the Graduate Academic Policy and Standards Committee. 
    • Initiating a student conduct complaint in bad faith.
    • Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under the Code of Student Conduct
20. Gambling, which may include bets on live or online activities or unauthorized raffles, lotteries, sports pools.
21. Violation of the McDaniel College Policy Against Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct and Other Forms of Interpersonal Violence
    • All possible violations related to an incident addressed by the McDaniel College Policy Against Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct and Other Forms of Interpersonal Violence will be adjudicated under that policy, not the Student Conduct Process.

1. Access to Higher Education—Within the limits of its facilities, the College shall be open to all students who are qualified according to its admission standards. The College’s policies prohibit discrimination in admission on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, and disability.
2. Classroom Expression—The professor in the classroom and in conference encourages free discussion, inquiry, and expression subject only to the responsibility to maintain order and reasonable academic progress. Students are free to take reasoned exception to the data or view offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion, but they are responsible for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled. Disruptive classroom behavior may result in dismissal from class and disciplinary action.
3. Freedom of Inquiry and Expression—Students and student organizations are free to examine and to discuss all questions of interest to them and to express opinions publicly and privately. They are free to support causes by orderly means which do not disrupt the regular and essential operation of the institution. At the same time, it should be made clear to the academic and the larger community that in their public expressions or demonstrations students or student organizations speak only for themselves, and not for the institution.

Students are allowed to invite and to hear any person of their own choosing. Routine procedures required by the institution before a guest speaker is invited to appear on campus are designed to ensure that there is orderly scheduling of facilities and adequate preparation for the event, and that the occasion is conducted in a manner appropriate to an academic community. Institutional control of campus facilities will not be used as a device of censorship. It should be made clear to the academic and larger community that sponsorship of guest speakers does not imply approval or endorsement of the views expressed, either by the sponsoring group or the institution.

4. Student Participation in Institutional Government—As constituents of the academic community, students are free, individually and collectively, to express their views on issues of institutional policy and on matters of general interest to the student body. Students may run for elective office. Students may, through their Student Government Association, formulate and implement policies and may petition the administration for reconsideration of policies. The administration will notify the SGA of planned policy changes. Such policies shall not be inconsistent with federal, state, or local laws and are subject to review by the College administration.
5. Grievances—Unless an already established appeals procedure exists, students may petition the College administration for review and reconsideration of a policy decision or implementation. The student should first discuss the issue with the College official responsible for the decision. If the matter is not satisfactorily resolved, the student has the right to appeal to the official’s supervisor and divisional vice president.
6. Honor Code—McDaniel College is committed to the ideals of personal integrity and community honor in all aspects of campus life, including academic endeavors, use of the library and other facilities, and respect for community and personal property. Since the rights of the honest majority must be protected against the actions of individuals acting dishonestly, the Honor and Conduct Board addresses violations within the College community committed by undergraduates. The Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies or the dean’s designee addresses violations committed by graduate students, consulting as necessary with faculty, program coordinators, and/or the Academic Policy and Standards Committee. See http://catalog.mcdaniel.edu/index.php?catoid=42. 
7. Student Media—Student media shall be free of censorship and advance approval of copy. Editors will be free to develop their own editorial and advertising policies and news coverage. Editors and business managers of student publications will be protected from arbitrary suspension and removal.

College-published and -financed student media will state on the editorial page or in their regular announcements that the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the College or student body.

The role of College student media, the standards to be used in their evaluation, and the limitations on external control are governed by the Media Board. The editorial freedom of student editors involves the corresponding obligation to be governed by the canons of responsible journalism and media management. These entail the responsibility to avoid libel, undocumented allegations, attack on personal integrity, techniques of harassment, and innuendos. The Media Board adheres to The Code of Ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists (revised 1996), FCC regulations, and individual organization codes of ethics.

Unrecognized publications may be distributed on campus insofar as the publication complies with the same standards of responsible journalism required of recognized publications.

8. Off-Campus Freedom of Student—College students are both residents of the United States and members of the academic community, and therefore enjoy the same freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, right to petition and practice religion that others enjoy. As members of the academic community, they are subject to the obligations which accrue to them by virtue of this membership. Faculty members and administrative officials ensure that institutional powers are not employed to inhibit intellectual and personal development of students exercising their rights.

9. Privacy—Except under extreme emergency circumstances (imminent danger of life, safety, health, or property), or as required by law enforcement officials, premises occupied by students and the personal possessions of students will not be searched unless appropriate authorization at McDaniel College is provided by the Dean of Students or designee. The application for authorization must specify the reasons for the search and the objects or information sought. The student should be present, if possible, during the search. When the College or state officials seek access to a student’s room to determine compliance with regulations relating to multiple dwelling units, the occupant will be notified of such planned entry not less than 24 hours in advance. Law enforcement officials with a court-ordered search warrant may search a student room without notice. The College reserves the right to gain access to student rooms for the purpose of enforcing College regulations. The College reserves the right to install and operate surveillance cameras in various locations of College property. Surveillance cameras are not monitored on a regular basis. The College’s phone mail system is the property of McDaniel College. The College reserves the right to access recorded messages when it investigates complaints regarding harassment or other violations of College regulations. Such access must be authorized by the Dean of Students or designee.
    
10. Access to and Release of Student Records—McDaniel College complies with The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). In accordance with FERPA, students have certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights are:
     
    1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the College receives a request for access. A student should submit to the registrar, dean, or head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The College official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the College official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
    2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.  A student who wished to ask the College to amend a record should write the College official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the College decides not to amend the record as requested, the College will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
    3. The right to provide written consent before the College discloses personally identifiable information from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.  The College may disclose education records without a student’s prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure:

       •              to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for the College.

       A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted as its agent to provide a service instead of using College employees or officials (such as an attorney, auditor, reporting or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a person assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.

       •              the parent/guardian of a student who claims the student as a dependent based on the IRS Code of 1986 Section 152. McDaniel College values the role of parents/guardians as partners in the education of our students. Our institutional philosophy is to encourage communication between students and parents/guardians about the student experience at McDaniel. To that end, the College may notify parents/guardians of dependent students when they have knowledge of situations adversely affecting a student. Such situations include academic deficiency (warning, probation, dismissal) and those exceptions permitted under FERPA regarding alcohol and illegal drug policy violations. Accordingly, parents/guardians of dependent students should direct questions to the Office of Academic Life or Campus Life.

       Students must complete a form before attendance at the student’s first class, certifying whether the student is a dependent for federal tax purposes and if not a tax dependent, whether the student consents to the disclosure of personally identifiable information to their parents/guardians. The student is responsible for updating this form with the Registrar’s Office to reflect any changes in the student’s tax dependency or the student’s consent to the disclosure of personally identifiable information. The College has the right to rely on the student’s initial certification and/or consent to the disclosure of personally identifiable information unless the student has submitted an updated form to the Registrar’s Office. 

       •              to officials of another school or school system in which the student seeks or intends to enroll.

       •              to appropriate parties in a health and safety emergency.

    4. The right to elect to opt out of the release of a student’s directory information.  The College may release directory information without the student’s written consent. Directory information includes the student’s name, address (home, campus, and email), telephone number (home and cell), dates of attendance, previous institutions(s) attended, class year, major field of study, enrollment status, awards and honors, (includes Dean’s List), degree(s) conferred (including dates), past and present participation in officially recognized sports and activities, height and weight of athletes, hometown and state, and photographs. Students may elect to opt out of the release of directory information—the relevant form is available at the Registrar’s Office.
        

    5. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:

       Family Policy Compliance Office

       U.S. Department of Education

       400 Maryland Avenue, SW

       Washington, DC 20202-5901

11. Student Right-to-Know— In accordance with the Student Right-to-Know Act of 1990, a graduation rate report is available from the Office of Registrar or in the Office of Academic Life.

Student Conduct Records

Students will have their student conduct record(s) maintained for seven years after their graduation date or withdrawal date except in cases of suspension and expulsion which will be kept indefinitely.

Records Requests:

Students requesting to have their student conduct records released to other colleges or universities should contact the Office of Campus Life and provide a signed form indicating that permission is being given for records to be released.  The Office of Campus Life will make a copy of the signed release form and then release the records within one week of receiving the form. 

It is the policy of McDaniel College to release student conduct records for any formal disciplinary action in which a student is found responsible for violating the McDaniel College Code of Student Conduct and a sanction is assigned.

The format of the release will be as follows:

NAME OF STUDENT / Date of Incident / Violation – Sanction(s) Imposed - Dates of Sanction

Examples:

JOHN ALLEN DOE / November 16, 2012 / Unauthorized consumption of alcohol  – Disciplinary Warning

JANE ALLISON DOE / March 4, 2010 / Dishonesty such as cheating or plagiarism – Grade of F received in the course 4/1/2010

McDaniel College does not release information about the following types of cases:

• Cases in which the student is found not responsible
• Cases where informal action or no action is taken

As noted in the Code of Student Conduct number 8, the College does not tolerate the possession, use, sale, manufacturing or distribution of controlled substances (drugs) or drug paraphernalia. Conspiring, co-conspiring, or facilitating in drug selling, distribution, and manufacturing is also prohibited. It should be noted that this policy includes marijuana as well as any substance containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), or other cannabinoids. When staff become aware of the presence of drugs on campus, the College reserves the right to notify the Westminster Police Department.

Buying, possessing, carrying, storing and drinking alcohol on the McDaniel College campus is allowed only if it complies with Maryland state, county and city laws and all College policies as outlined below. Students drinking alcohol in on-campus housing should respect the community and their own health and safety. Any actions that encourage or lead to excessive alcohol use are not allowed.

Maryland Law in Brief

Under Maryland state law, persons 21 years of age can purchase, possess, and consume alcoholic beverages. Any underage individual drinking, purchasing, or possessing alcoholic beverages is subject to a fine.  Borrowing or falsifying identification constitutes a crime. Purchasing and/or providing alcoholic beverages for underage persons is also prohibited by law.

Policy Violations

Failure to comply with state, county, or municipal alcoholic beverage laws may result in disciplinary action through the Student Conduct Process and/or legal action through the appropriate district court.

McDaniel College imposes the following restrictions regarding alcohol possession and use:

1. Students are not allowed to possess or consume hard liquor on campus.
2. No one under the age of 21 may buy, possess or drink alcohol. Any person drinking alcohol must be to provide a valid identification with birth date when asked.
3. No one under 21 may misrepresent their age.
4. No one may buy, serve or sell alcohol to anyone who is under 21.
5. Drinking games and/or drinking contests are not allowed as such activities encourage the rapid and dangerous consumption of alcohol.
6. Kegs and other multi-liter containers (full or empty) are not allowed anywhere on campus.
   Please Note: If a keg or other multi-liter container is found on the campus it will be confiscated by the Department of Campus Safety.  Confiscated items will not be returned to students under any circumstances.  Any loss of funds that a student may incur because a multi-liter container has been confiscated by the College is their own financial responsibility.   
7. Behavior or noise by any person or group which is disturbing others is prohibited. The consumption of alcohol shall not disturb the privacy and peace of others. The total number of persons permitted in residence hall rooms will be restricted in accordance with Maryland State Fire Codes and McDaniel College policy (see Room Capacity in Residence Hall policies section).
8. Students may not use alcoholic beverage containers as ashtrays, decorations or for other uses in campus residences.
9. Alcoholic beverages may not be sold at any McDaniel College event or function or by any organization using College property without a license.
10. Consumption of alcoholic beverages must comply with the Locations for the Use of Alcohol.

Locations for the Use of Alcohol

In addition to state laws, alcoholic beverages on McDaniel College campus will be limited as described below. In general, alcoholic beverages are limited to students’ individual rooms. Drinking alcohol or carrying open alcohol containers outside or in public areas is not allowed. Paraphernalia such as funnels or beer bongs are not allowed.

1. Student’s Room: Students may, within state law and college policy, consume and possess beer and wine in residence hall rooms.  Students who are 21 and older are not allowed to have any underage individuals present in their individual rooms to consume and/or possess alcohol.
2. Public Areas: Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in any public areas of the residence halls, defined as all hallways, stairwells, bathrooms, lobbies, lounges, porches, balconies, storage rooms, laundry rooms, elevators, or any other area outside a residential facility. This includes common rooms in the Daniel McLea (DMC) suites and Albert Norman Ward (ANW) suites.
   
   In the Garden Apartments, North Village and college houses, the individual bedrooms are private space while the common areas (kitchen, dining room and living room) are public space. Please note that alcohol may be consumed in the common spaces (kitchens, hallways, and living room) only if ALL individuals present in the location at the time are 21 years of age or older. All other College policies, such as substance free housing guidelines, restrictions regarding drinking games and hard alcohol, the Quiet/Courtesy Hours expectations, and the number of individuals permitted in a residential space at one time, are still in effect.
    
3. Residence Halls: Alcoholic beverages are prohibited anywhere in Rouzer, Whiteford, and Daniel MacLea, and designated substance-free residence halls and houses.
4. Special Occasions: Consumption and possession of alcoholic beverages in specified areas for special occasions is subject to approval by the Dean of Students or designee.

Acting as a Social Host

A social host is any individual who provides a location for and/or facilitates opportunities for others to violate the College Alcohol Policy.  More specifically a social host is an individual who provides or shares alcohol with an underage guest in their residence or who hosts one or more guests in their residence who violate the College Alcohol Policy (i.e. living in a substance free residence hall, providing or consuming hard liquor, etc.).

Social Host Consequences

Additional consequences are in place for those who make the choice to host events in their residence where a violation of the college alcohol policy takes place.  Hosts who provide a location for others students to violate the alcohol policy assume a greater level of responsibility for these incidents.

If a student is found responsible for acting as a social host as described above, the minimum fine for the violation begins at $100 for a first offense and increases up to $250 for subsequent violations.  Fines will be assessed per social host, and will not be divided among the room/apartment/house residents.
 

The Medical Amnesty Policy is a way for McDaniel College to reduce the harmful consequences caused by the abuse of alcohol or drugs. McDaniel College does not condone underage drinking or the unlawful use of drugs. This policy is designed to promote responsible decisions when students are faced with emergencies requiring emergency medical attention. Emergency medical attention is defined as admittance to a hospital.

The purpose of this policy is to remove barriers and increase the likelihood that students who require emergency medical assistance as a result of high-risk alcohol or drug consumption will receive such assistance. This policy will provide an opportunity for a caring intervention; those who qualify will not receive any sanctions from the College and no Alcohol and Other Drug policy violation will be recorded in the student’s conduct record.

There are two categories of individuals who may qualify for medical amnesty. For amnesty to apply, either on or off campus premises: the person in need of emergency medical attention, or other individuals present must proactively request assistance for the person in need of emergency medical attention.

These categories are described below:

Persons in need of Emergency Medical Attention

Students who a) proactively seek emergency medical attention on their own or b) emergency medical attention is proactively sought by other individuals present and who are transported to the hospital for reasons directly related to the consumption or use of alcohol or drugs may be eligible to receive medical amnesty. Students who receive emergency medical attention may be granted medical amnesty only once while enrolled at McDaniel College. Any subsequent violation will result in a referral to the Student Conduct System.

Other Individuals Present

Students who proactively seek emergency assistance on behalf of persons experiencing alcohol or drug related emergencies are eligible to receive amnesty. In order to encourage students to be proactive in helping others, the College does not set a limit on the number of times a student can seek amnesty while assisting others during an alcohol or drug-related emergency, but reserves the right to revoke future amnesty if an individual student is utilizing this policy in an abusive manner. The Associate Dean of Students, or designee, will make the decision on whether a student is abusing amnesty and the student will be given written notice of such decision.

Follow-up

Any student who may be eligible for amnesty will meet with the Associate Dean of Students or designee. If the student qualifies for medical amnesty, no disciplinary actions will be issued for violation of the College Student Alcohol and/or College Illegal Drug Policy. Students granted amnesty may be required to participate in an appropriate educational program or referred to additional resources on or off campus in order to receive amnesty. Failure to meet with the designated staff member and/or complete the follow-up assigned will disqualify a student for amnesty and result in referral of the matter to the Student Conduct System.

Limitations of Medical Amnesty

Medical amnesty applies to incidents that require emergency medical attention where the student is taken to the hospital in direct relation to the consumption or use of alcohol or drugs, after proactive measures by either the person in need of medical attention themself and/or by other individuals present in the incident. The policy does not apply to situations where College staff members (including Resident Assistants, Area Coordinators, and Campus Safety officers) discover an incident absent such proactive measures and subsequently or concurrently determine (or are informed) that an individual requires medical attention. Contacting College staff as a form of assistance will qualify a student for amnesty.

Additionally, the policy does not apply to other prohibited conduct, such as, but not limited to, violence and threats, theft, damage and vandalism, compliance, sexual assault, hazing, etc. If other prohibited conduct occurs, the student(s) will be held responsible through the Student Conduct System for those violations.

Nothing in this policy shall prevent an individual who has enforcement obligations under state, federal, or local law to report, charge, or take other action related to the possible criminal prosecution of any student. This policy does not protect or preclude a student from civil or criminal action, which is separate from the College conduct process.

McDaniel College entrusts to its students the responsibility of compliance with state, county, and municipal laws concerning the purchase, possession, consumption and transport of alcoholic beverages. It is expected that alcoholic beverages will be used in moderation, at suitable times, and under decorous conditions. Public intoxication is prohibited.

Beer and wine are the only types of alcohol permitted at any McDaniel College student organization functions. Student organizations must meet with the Office of Student Engagement staff at least three (3) weeks prior to the event in order for the event to be approved. 

Campus Social Events Policy

Student organizations may sponsor student dances/parties/clubrooms on campus. Requests must be submitted to the Office of Student Engagement (OSE) at least three (3) weeks prior to the event with the following stipulations:

• Events may only be held on Friday and Saturday evenings during the academic year pending the availability of space on campus. The event may not be held in conflict with designated College-wide events. 
• If an organization with a Clubroom space wishes to host an event in said space that will be open to the public and/or non-members of the organization, the organization must receive prior approval from the Office of Student Engagement.
  • Please note that no alcohol or illicit substances may be consumed in a Clubroom space.
• The organization advisor, or a designee approved by the Office of Student Engagement, must be in attendance for the duration of the event.
  • OSE reserves the right to require the listed advisor to be present at any Registered Student Organization (RSO) sponsored events, dance/party/clubroom or otherwise.
• Campus Safety must be contacted in writing at least one week prior to any campus social event hosted by any RSO.
• Non-McDaniel College Student guests may be permitted to attend McDaniel College dances/parties/clubrooms with the following stipulations. All visitors attending the event must be 18 years or older and have a valid photo ID. Student organizations that extend the invitation to campus visitors are responsible for all guests’ behavior under the McDaniel College Code of Student Conduct. Failure to adhere to the established guidelines may result in the organization’s loss of privileges to host campus dances/parties/clubrooms, and may be subject to additional sanctions by the College.
• If a social event is attended by campus visitors, the sponsoring student organization is responsible for checking guests’ valid photo ID, maintaining an attendance list of campus visitors, and providing that list to the Office of Student Engagement on the next business day.

Registered Student Organization (RSO) Functions with Alcohol

Any RSOs looking to plan an event with alcohol must adhere to the previously listed stipulations of a social event as well as the following stipulations for serving alcohol:

• Functions may only be held on Friday or Saturday
• Functions may not last longer than 4 hours
• The RSO must follow third party vendor guidelines
• AVI Foodsystems is the only approved vendor
• Personal beverages are not permitted; alcoholic beverages can only be provided by the approved third party vendor
• Bartenders must be contracted through AVI Dining Services
• Bartenders must be contracted for a minimum of two (2) hours
• Alcohol sales are cash only
• Alcohol may not be purchased with student organization funds
• Substantial non-alcoholic drinks and food must be available
• Wristbands are required for those of legal drinking age
• Alcohol service must end one (1) hour prior to the close of the event
• No alcohol is permitted in College designated Clubroom spaces
• Non-McDaniel College Student guests may be permitted to attend McDaniel College events where alcohol will be served with the followng stipulations. All visitors attending the event must be 18 years or older and have a valid photo ID. Student organizations that extend the invitation to campus visitors are responsible for all guests’ behavior under the McDaniel College Code of Student Conduct. Failure to adhere to the established guidelines may result in the organization’s loss of privileges to host campus events where alcohol will be served, and may be subject to additional sanctions by the College.
• For events where alcohol will be served, the sponsoring student organization must provide the Office of Student Engagement (OSE) a guest list of campus visitors being invited to the event at least 3 business days in advance, for the OSE staff to approve. The sponsoring student organization and the person serving in the role of their advisor for the event are responsible for checking guests’ valid photo ID, ensuring that only individuals on the approved guest list enter, maintaining an attendance list of campus visitors, and providing that list to the Office of Student Engagement on the next business day.

Alcohol Licensing Procedures

An alcohol license is required if there is a cash bar at an event, or a ticket price is paid for an event that includes food and drink

• Administration and Finance requests the completed 2-page application and check request thirty (30) days in advance of your event.  Please call Administration and Finance if your event is less than 30 days away to make sure the license can be obtained in time.
• There is a 2-page license application that is pre-printed with certain information.  The requesting person and/or department is required to fill out the highlighted items only.
• A check request needs to be filled out entirely, including proper authorizing signatures, and included with the application.
• All documents should be sent to Administration and Finance, Thompson Hall.  A representative will make sure the needed signatures get notarized.
• A representative from Administration and Finance will also process the paperwork with Carroll County and return the actual license to the requestor.

Please contact Administration and Finance if you have any questions about this process.

Third Party Vendor Guidelines

• AVI Foodsystems is the only third party vendor allowed to serve alcohol on the campus of McDaniel College 
• Beer and Wine must be served by AVI Foodsystems as a third party vendor
  • Personal beverages are not permitted; alcoholic beverages can only be provided by the approved third party vendor 
• Bartenders are contracted through AVI Foodsystems for a minimum of two (2) hours at $50.00 per hour
• A copy of the Vendor’s Insurance is available in the Human Resources Office
• All sales of alcohol will be conducted by the vendor as cash sales only
• Alcohol may not be purchased through student organization funds
• Non- alcoholic drinks and food must be available at all events. You must contact AVI Foodsystems first to discuss the food at the event. If they give up the right to serve food, your group may then bring in your own food from off-campus after completing a Food and Beverage Waiver
• The vendor will collect and remove any remaining alcohol from the premises at the end of the event 
• Security is required at all events with alcohol served. During the approval process with the Office of Student Engagement, contact will be made with the Department of Campus Safety to determine the required number of officers present. A minimum of $35.00 per hour per officer for this service will be charged to the sponsoring student organization
• Only those of legal drinking age with McDaniel Student ID or valid State Identification will be served alcohol
• Upon entering the event, wristbands will be issued to those of legal drinking age by the security personnel at the event.  Wristbands must be purchased by the student organization.
• Alcoholic beverage service must end one (1) hour prior to the close of the event
• Anyone who appears to be intoxicated will not be permitted into the function or served alcohol
• In addition to Campus Safety Officers, there must be an advisor or personnel in the advisor role approved by the Office of Student Engagement to deal with issues that may arise at the event. Office of Student Engagement (OSE) staff are not considered advisors and will not participate in this capacity.
  • OSE reserves the right to require the listed advisor to be present at any RSO sponsored events.

Note to all Student Organizations:

The policy here described is a privilege extended to the campus community. It is hoped that these privileges will serve to facilitate and enhance the student’s self-responsibility and their understanding of the values, beliefs, and laws of society at large. The privileges extended under this regulation may, however, be withdrawn from individuals or groups found to be in violation of College policy and/or local, state, or federal law.

Hazing Policy

McDaniel College prohibits hazing on College property or by any College organization. The College adheres to the definition of hazing as defined in the Maryland State legislation definition on hazing and pre-initiation activities. The College defines hazing as any serious action taken or situations created, intentionally, whether on or off college premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities and situations include use of alcohol or illegal substances; paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shock; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips, or any other such activities; wearing apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; normally degrading or humiliating games and activities which are not consistent with the regulations and policies of the educational institution or applicable state law. Hazing with or without the consent of the individual is prohibited.

Students may not join, pledge or accept membership into or affiliate with an organization that is unrecognized by the College and/or has had operations suspended or their charter revoked by the College. Membership or affiliation includes but is not limited to participating in new member programs, attending meetings, wearing letters or insignia, displaying letters or insignia and assisting in the recruitment or pledging of new members. Failure to adhere to this policy will most likely result in disciplinary action for the individual students involved in the group.

Students who request to return to McDaniel College from a crisis or a hospitalization based on a prior direct threat determination must receive “medical clearance” prior to their return. Usually, students accomplish this by obtaining treatment and having their mental health professional provide appropriate documentation to the Office of the Dean of Students. This documentation is reviewed for evidence that sufficient improvement has occurred and that the student’s psychological/psychiatric condition does not pose significant risk to others.

The following information must be received and reviewed by the Office of the Dean of Students prior to permission being provided for the student’s return.

1. A comprehensive written evaluation, using common language, should be provided by a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. The mental health practitioner should be an impartial individual who is not a member of the family. In addition, documentation, diagnosis, and treatment must be dated within the past 4 months (normally one semester). The evaluation may include, but is not limited to:
   
   a. The examiner’s name, address, phone number, credentials, and licensing number.
   b. Multi-axial DSM-V diagnosis (including the date of diagnosis).
   c. Current medications and past medication within the last 4 months/semester (if different from current medicine) and dosage.
   d. A summary of the treatment provided and the date of the last session, or evaluation, with the client.
   e. Observed changes in patients functioning during time in treatment.
   f. Recommendation and evidence that improvement has occurred, and that the student’s psychological/psychiatric condition does not pose significant risk to others.
   g. Recommendations for continued psychiatric or psychological support services.
   h. Recommendations indicating a plan for emergency support, should the need arise.
   i. A statement that living in a college residential setting is appropriate and manageable based on the psychiatric and psychological condition.
    
2. The student must authorize the release of a written report containing all of the above information to the Director of the Wellness Center and the Dean of Students.

Following receipt of the above information, the Dean of Students  in consultation with the Director of the Wellness Center will make a determination about the student’s return to the College and residential status. If the student’s request for return is approved, this approval is given with appropriate and reasonable conditions. These may include but are not limited to the following:

1. The student will continue any follow-up treatment recommended by the treatment team, the Director of the Wellness Center and/or College officials. This may include ongoing psychotherapy, psychiatric services and medications, and substance abuse treatment.
2. The student will utilize any emergency plan that has been recommended, when needed.
3. The Director of the Wellness Center will follow the student’s treatment and keep the Dean for Students informed of the student’s progress. The student must authorize communication between their treatment providers, the Wellness Center, and the Office of Campus Life.
4. The student will be responsible for providing information, on a bi-monthly basis, about their compliance with treatment. This can be done by the student or the treatment provider.
5. The Director of the Wellness Center or Dean of Students must be informed of, and approve, any changes made in the treatment plan.

The confidentiality of communication between a student’s clinicians and College officials is respected.  Following return from a medical leave, a student’s failure to fulfill requested treatment guidelines/conditions could jeopardize their status at the College.

In an effort to maintain a healthy campus community and comply with state law, all full-time undergraduate students must provide evidence of required immunizations prior to arriving on campus.

REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS

Listed below are the immunizations required by McDaniel College for all full-time undergraduate students. Along with the Pre-Entrance Student Health Form, students must submit an official immunization record. You cannot attend McDaniel College until your current immunizations are documented on your health form.

COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)

• The complete number of doses of any vaccine authorized for use by the World Health Organization is acceptable (Pfzier, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, etc.) plus the recommended booster dose(s) when eligible. This requirement applies equally to residential and commuter students.

MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

• 2 doses of combined MMR vaccines OR 2 doses of each individual vaccine (measles, mumps, and rubella)
  • First dose given after 1^st birthday
  • At least 4 weeks between doses
• If documentation of MMR vaccines is unavailable, positive blood tests showing immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella are required
• Persons born before 1957 are considered immune due to natural infection

Tetanus and Diphtheria

Tdap (Tetanus-Diptheria-Pertussis) or Td (Tetanus- Diptheria) booster within the past 10 years. Tdap is strongly recommended over the Td (Tetanus-Diptheria) booster. DTaP series in childhood is not sufficient.

Meningococcal (Meningitis)

Maryland law requires all students who reside in on-campus housing at Maryland colleges and universities to be vaccinated against meningococcal disease unless the individual signs a waiver. At McDaniel College, this is required of all undergraduate students, both commuter and residential. The requirement can be met in one of two ways:

• Provide documentation of at least one dose of the 4-valent (ACYW) meningococcal conjugate after age 16
• After reviewing the information regarding the risks associated with the disease and availability and effectiveness of the vaccine, you (or your parent/guardian, if you are under age 18) may sign a waiver indicating the choice not to be vaccinated.

The following information, provided by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, describes the meningococcal disease, risks associated with it, and the vaccine.

What you need to know

Effective 2001, Maryland law requires that an individual enrolled in an institution of higher education in Maryland who resides in on-campus student housing must be vaccinated against meningococcal disease. An individual may be exempt from this requirement if (1) the institution of higher education provides the individual or the individual’s parent or guardian if the individual is a minor (under 18 years of age) detailed information on the risks associated with meningococcal disease and the availability and effectiveness of any vaccine, and (2) the individual or a minor individual’s parent or guardian signs a waiver stating that the individual or the parent or guardian has received and reviewed the information provided and has chosen that the individual will not be vaccinated against meningococcal disease.

What is meningococcal disease?

Meningococcal disease is a rare but life threatening illness, caused by the bacterium, Neisseria meningitidis. It is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis (an infection of the brain and spinal cord coverings) in the United States. The most severe form of the disease is meningococcemia, infection of the bloodstream by this bacterium.

Deaths from meningococcal disease have occurred among Maryland college students in recent years. Students living in dormitories or residence halls are at increased risk. The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene encourages meningococcal vaccination of higher education students.

About 2,600 people get meningococcal disease each year in the U.S. 10-15% of these people die, in spite of treatment with antibiotics. Of those who live, 10% lose their arms or legs, become deaf, have problems with their nervous systems, develop intellectual disabilities, or experience seizures or strokes.

About the vaccine

Meningococcal vaccine can be effective in preventing four types of meningococcal disease. The vaccine is not effective in preventing all types of the disease, but it does help to protect many people who might become sick if they don’t get the vaccine. Drugs such as penicillin can be used to treat meningococcal infection. Still, about one out of every ten people who get the disease dies from it, and many others are affected for life.

A vaccine, like any medicine, is capable of causing serious problems, such as severe allergic reaction. People should not get meningococcal vaccine if they have ever had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose of meningococcal vaccine. Some people who get meningococcal vaccine have mild side effects, such as redness or pain where the shot was given (which is usually under the skin of the upper arm). A small percentage of people who receive the vaccine develop a fever. The vaccine may be given to pregnant women. Meningococcal vaccine is available in some school health centers, travel clinics, some county health departments, and the offices of some health providers.

For additional information about meningococcal vaccine, please visit:

• https://phpa.health.maryland.gov/OIDEOR/IMMUN/Pages/meningococcal-disease.aspx
• http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines

Tuberculosis Risk Assessment and Testing

• All students are required to complete the Tuberculosis Screening questions on the Pre-Entrance Student Health Form.
• If the student answers “Yes” to any of the risk assessment questions, McDaniel College requires Tuberculosis symptom check and testing to be completed and documented by health care provider.
• If a blood test is positive or PPD result is 10mm or greater, a chest x-ray (result in English) is required
• All International Students on Visas are required to have a Tuberculosis blood test (QuantiFeron Gold or T-spot) performed in the U.S. within 6 months of entering McDaniel.

Recommended Vaccines (not required)

• Varicella (Chicken Pox)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• HPV
• Polio
• Serogroup B Meningococcal

Medical or Religious Exemption Requests

Students may request an exemption from the vaccination requirement for medical or religious reasons as provided in Maryland and federal law:

• Students who are not able to be vaccinated for a medical reason may seek a medical exemption from the Wellness Center. The process to request a medical exemption will require the student to provide supporting documentation from a health care provider. Students seeking a medical exemption may contact the Wellness Center for the required forms.
• Students seeking a religious exemption may request such an exemption from the Wellness Center and will be required to provide sufficient information to support the request.

Approval of exemption requests will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Policy of Addressing Student Concerns Regarding Athletic Programs and Activities

Background

Maryland state law requires institutions of higher education to implement a policy for receiving and addressing student concerns about the institution’s athletic programs and activities. Md. Code Ann., Education, § 11-1601 (2019).

Statement of Policy

Initial Process in dealing with concerns about the Athletics Programs

Step 1: In most cases, a conversation can be useful in resolving issues (particularly with another athlete or a member of a coaching staff).  When possible, student-athletes should stive to resolve issues via direct conversation.  Team Leaders (captains, SAAC reps, senior SA’s …) are also appropriate resources to contact to help resolve issues.

Step 2: If a student-athlete cannot reach a resolution after attempting options outlined in Step 1, the student-athlete should report the issue to the Assistant Director of Athletics and/or to the Director of Athletics.  In order to resolve the issues brought forward by the students, the athletic administrators have full discretion on handling each case.

Formal Grievance Process

If a student-athlete wishes to alert college administration directly to egregous acts, treatment, or other issues of concern, they can report these issues anonymously or in person via the following methods:

• Online form: https://mcdaniel-advocate.symplicity.com/care_report/index.php/pid275653?

To the Dean of Students Office – Roj Student Center Center
By appointment: 9:00am-4:30pm Monday through Friday
By Phone: 410-857-2244
By E-mail: etowle@mcdaniel.edu

To the Director of Athletics Office - Gill Gym
By appointment: 9:00am-4:30pm Monday through Friday
By Phone: 410-857-2580
By E-mail: ahertz@mcdaniel.edu

* The online form can be submitted anonymously. 

 
Concerns that may be reported under this policy include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Unsafe coaching or playing environment in the athletics department and/or in athletic activities, including team practices, competitions, travel or events;
• Negligent treatment of injuries;
• Bullying and/or hazing activity by coaching staff and/or students;
• Discrimination and/or harassment;
• Violations of other college policies during the course of athletic activities, including, but not limited to the College’s Alcohol Policy or Zero-Tolerance Drug Policy;
• Inadequate or improperly maintained equipment;
• Unsafe transportation.
• Reported concerns will be treated confidentially to the greatest extent possible, and will be investigated promptly pursuant to the college’s policies. Individuals who provide contact information will be informed of responsive action.  All parties involved will follow confidentiality instructions/policies from the investigative team.

Protection Against Retaliation

A reporting person who acts in good faith will be protected from retaliation under this policy. Good faith means that the person has reasonable grounds to believe that the reported concerns are substantially true. Threats, intimidation, and retaliation against individual for submitting a concern pursuant to this policy may be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.  Complaints of retaliation may be submitted in the same manner as outlined above.

Student Athlete Notification And Distribution Policy

This policy will be posted on the college’s athletics website.  The college will inform all students who participate in the athletic program or activities of the college about this policy and will provide student athletes with the policy in writing via the annual student athlete planner provided by the athletic department and SAAC.  A copy of the policy will be posted in the Athletics Department office and be available from the department program assistant in the main office.

Report to the Maryland Commission of Higher Education

As required by the Maryland State Code, beginning on or before August 1, 2020, and every year thereafter, the college will report to the Maryland Commission on Higher Education the number of students who shared concerns under the college’s policy during the immediately preceding fiscal year.

Questions about the policy can be addressed to the Dean of Students (etowle@mcdaniel.edu) or to the Director of Athletics (ahertz@mcdaniel.edu).

For the complete listing of parking regulations and a map of campus parking, please see https://my.mcdaniel.edu

Below are some of the more important highlights:

1. A limited number of resident first year students are permitted to bring vehicles to campus.
2. You must register your vehicle when you bring it to campus. This is done online at my.mcdaniel.edu.  If you cannot register online please bring your current vehicle registration and current proof of insurance to the Campus Safety office and they will assist you. Campus Safety is located on the lower level of Winslow Hall. (A fee is charged for the parking permit.)
3. Parking stickers are valid during the year of issuance only and must be properly affixed.
4. All visitors must register vehicles with Campus Safety and display a temporary visitors’ pass. Students are responsible for guests’ actions.
5. No parking is allowed on grass (except around Bair Stadium perpendicular and adjacent to road), grounds, roadways, curbsides, or any other areas not designated as parking spaces. All spaces are marked by painted stalls.
6. Temporary parking permits for unregistered vehicles may be obtained for a limited period of time (not to exceed two weeks).
7. Parking permits are not transferable. Alteration or forgery of a parking permit will result in immediate towing of the auto.
8. Use of disabled spaces requires a state issued designators (either license plate or hanging permit and the corresponding card in possession of the operator or passenger to whom the permit has been issued.)
9. Students may not park in areas reserved for visitors, handicapped persons, or employees.
10. If parked in a driveway, emergency zone, or any other unauthorized areas, the vehicle may be towed at the owner’s risk and expense.
11. The City of Westminster prohibits a vehicle from being parked continuously on any street for more than 48 hours except in front of property owned by the driver or with the permission of the property owner. In declared snow emergencies, no vehicles are allowed on the street.
12. Vehicles parked on campus must be registered with the appropriate governmental agency and maintain insurance as required by that agency.
13. Tickets are charged on a graduated fine scale with each fine becoming higher. The more tickets that are issued, the more each ticket costs.

Permanent identification cards, issued to students in their first year at McDaniel College, are nontransferable. These cards identify students of the College and should be carried at all times. Cards may be required for admission to various College-sponsored athletic, social, and cultural events, for admission to the Dining Hall, and for checking out books from the library. At times, students may also be asked to show their identification to a College Staff Member in order to confirm their identity. Each student is responsible for their card and lost or stolen cards may be replaced for a fee.

Campus community members have the right to assume that they will not be subjected to undue intrusions upon their privacy. In order to minimize such intrusions, the following policies govern contacts by off campus individuals or organizations with the College community:

1. The College will not provide copies of the student roster to any organization without the express consent of the Dean of Students.
2. There will be no solicitation by salespersons, fund raisers, or any persons engaged in similar activities in any of the living units under the control of the College. Students who learn of such solicitation should contact the Department of Campus Safety. Persons invited beforehand to conduct business with a student in their private room may come on campus to meet only the student who requested the appointment. Students are encouraged to meet such individuals in common meeting rooms and not in any living units.
3. Any solicitation by any persons in the Roj Student Center must have prior approval from the Office of Student Engagement staff, who will consult with the Dean of Students.

Solicitation on campus by student organizations or individuals is generally restricted to the Roj Student Center and Englar Dining Hall, although in a few instances it is permitted in living units. The following policies govern this:

1. Permission for solicitation in the Roj Student Center or Englar Dining Hall is required from the Office of Student Engagement.
2. Permission for solicitation in the living units is required from the Residence Life Office.
3. Students conducting fund raisers, raffles, etc., must clearly state their purpose to the College community and be prepared to show all income, expenses, and disbursement of funds, on request, to the Office of Student Engagement.

McDaniel College is committed to maintaining a drug-free environment. The Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 require that the College notify students and employees of College policies and sanctions, legal sanctions, health risks and community rehabilitation services associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol. Students may seek further information and assistance at the Wellness Center, or the Dean of Students Office.

Every two years, McDaniel College will review its drug free workplace policy to determine its effectiveness, implement any needed changes, and ensure that the student conduct sanctions described below are consistently enforced.  The most recent Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Biennial Review Report is available on the My McDaniel Portal on the Dean of Students site.

The College prohibits the “possession, use, sale or distribution of controlled substances (drugs).” In addition, the Code of Student Conduct prohibits “violations of published rules governing College residence halls, traffic and any other regulations that may be enacted or published, and violations of municipal, state or federal laws … [and] unauthorized possession of kegs or other multi-liter containers anywhere on campus or violation of alcohol policy.  “The College Alcohol Policy states that “under Maryland state law, persons 21 years of age can purchase, possess, and consume alcoholic beverages. Any underage individual drinking, purchasing, or possessing alcoholic beverage is subject to fine or imprisonment. Borrowing or falsifying identification constitutes a crime. Procuring alcoholic beverages for underage persons is also prohibited by law. Failure to comply with state, county, or municipal alcoholic beverage laws may result in referral to the Student Conduct Process and/or legal action through the appropriate civil authority.  “In addition to state laws, alcoholic beverages on campus are limited. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in any public areas of the campus, nor are any alcoholic beverages permitted in the public areas of residence halls or in Rouzer, Whiteford, or Daniel McLea Halls or any other housing designated as substance free. Hard liquor is prohibited on campus. 

Refer to the College Alcohol Policy for more details.

Sanctions are imposed appropriate to instances of student misconduct, ranging from warning to expulsion. College policy requires that any illicit drugs found on campus be turned over to local law enforcement authorities, likely resulting in legal action. Minimum sanctions for possession of illegal drugs range from a $150 fine, parental/guardian notification, and disciplinary probation to expulsion. Minimum sanctions for violations of the College alcohol policy include fines, mandatory alcohol education, disciplinary probation, and suspension from the college.

Possession and/or distribution of controlled substances and illegal drugs can subject a student to fines that exceed $25,000 and prison terms of as many as 20 years, depending on the type of drug and the circumstances of the criminal act or acts involved. Maryland State law provides for fines of up to $1,000, again depending on the circumstances, when alcoholic beverages are provided to underage students by individuals over 21 years old.

Alcohol can pose both short-term and long-term health risks. As a sedating, or depressant drug, alcohol slows functioning of the brain and central nervous system. In the short-tem, how alcohol affects a person is dependent on how much and how quickly they consume it. The gender, size, and other factors in the drinker impact how quickly alcohol is absorbed and eliminated from the body, as well. Even one or two drinks can impair one’s reasoning. As more and more alcohol is absorbed by the body, impaired speech, loss of coordination, impaired sexual functioning, dysphonia, and loss of inhibitions are exhibited. Alcohol use, particularly “binge-drinking” or high-risk use, can lead to serious short-term and long-term health consequences. These include falls, injuries, car crashes, fights, participation in risky behaviors, sexual assault, unwanted pregnancy, transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, suicidal thinking or behavior, and injury or death from alcohol poisoning. Consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time (such as playing drinking games, taking shots of liquor, engaging in “power hours,” etc.) can lead to the fatal result of alcohol poisoning. Taking other medications while drinking alcohol can also be fatal. More regular, or chronic, alcohol use can lead to alcohol dependence and other long-term health problems.  Frequent, prolonged use can result in liver disease, ulcers, high cholesterol, heart disease, cognitive deficits, high blood pressure, damage to the pancreas, sexual and fertility problems, and increased risk of breast cancer and other cancers. 

Other drugs also cause serious health problems for a user. Marijuana is a hallucinogen that contains the same toxic and carcinogenic compounds found in cigarette smoke, which has major health risks. It can also lead to deficits in memory and other cognitive skills, as well as reproductive problems. Abusing prescription drugs, or taking prescription medications that are not prescribed to you (such as Adderall, Ritalin, Xanax, Valium, Oxycontin, etc.) can also lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure, organ damage, addiction, heart attack, overdose, and death. Cocaine and other similar stimulants are highly addictive and can lead to seizures, cardiac arrest, and stroke. Heroin and other other opiods are highly addictive and overuse often leads to nausea, confusion, difficulty breathing, and often death due to use of more than one substance.

Students may seek free, confidential alcohol and drug screening and consultation at the Wellness Center in Winslow Center. Students can meet with a counselor to discuss their alcohol or drug use and obtain referrals to local substance abuse treatment programs, as well as other helpful resources. There are several of these treatment programs, as well as self-help groups, in the Westminster area. For a comprehensive list, please contact the Wellness Center at 410-857-2243.

The following is list of some of the local substance abuse treatment resources for applicable counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, or re-entry programs:

Mountain Manor
410-876-2425
Carroll Plaza Shopping Center, Suite 20C
Westminster, MD 21157
Outpatient treatment and referrals for inpatient treatment

Carroll Hospital Center
Dual Diagnosis Program: 410-871-6983
Intensive Outpatient Program: 410-871-6964
DWI Education Program: 410-871-6965
200 Memorial Ave.
Westminster, MD 21157

Carroll County Health Department
410-876-4410, 410-876-4800
290 S. Center Street
Westminster, MD 21157
Outpatient treatment

New Path Counseling Center
Nick Palmieri, LCADC, CCDC
410-615-3469
250 Englar Rd., Suite 3
Carroll Plaza Shopping Center
Westminster, MD 21157
Outpatient treatment

Re-Entry Mental Health Services
410-848-9244
40 S Church Street
Westminster, MD 21157
Outpatient treatment

Resource Group Counseling and Education Center
443-275-7046
410-337-7772
Resource Connect Intensive Outpatient Program
1615 York Road, Suite 105
Lutherville, MD, 21093
www.resourcegrp.org

Carroll County Youth Services Bureau
410-848-6100
98 N. Court Street
P.O. Box 206
Westminster, MD 21158
Outpatient treatment

Westminster Recovery
410-857-8448
126 E. Main St.
Westminster, MD 21157
Outpatient treatment

For an expanded listing of Westminster area resources, contact the Wellness Center Counseling Services at (410) 857-2243.

Alcohol and Other Drug Education and Prevention Programming on Campus

Academic and Campus Life and student organizations sponsor a variety of educational programs focusing on alcohol and illegal drug prevention, education, and awareness. These programs are subject to change.

All incoming students complete Alcohol Edu for College Students prior to arriving to campus for the fall semester. They also complete an additional sexual assault awareness and prevention component of the course.

New Student Orientation in August includes A Shot of Reality, an alcohol awareness improv show that stresses the need for education and responsibility in situations involving alcohol. The five day Orientation program also includes a student theater production that highlights the issues facing incoming college students and alcohol and illegal drug issues are a large component of the production.

Within the Office of Residence Life, the Resident Assistant (RA) staff has a set of programming requirements built around a number of learning outcomes. The outcome of “Exercising Self-Management and Making Choices about Lifestyle” often involves programming by the RA staff on the effects of alcohol consumption or other drug use by students, typically presented in tandem with Campus Safety or the Wellness Center Staff.

Substance abuse prevention and education programs delivered by the Campus Life Offices include: Twisted Thursday and Safe Spring Break.

A significant number of late night alcohol free events are sponsored by the Office of Student Engagement (OSE). Some examples of OSE programming includes: Weekly Green Terror Programs alcohol free programming, Weekend Blitz events (off campus excursions to plays, museums, amusement parks, malls, etc.), and the Friday Night Movie Series.

Policy on Electronic Devices

Cellular phones, tablets, and other electronic devices shall not be used in a manner that causes disruption in the classroom, library, or within any College-owned or College-operated facility. Abuse of cellular devices with photographic capabilities, use of devices for purposes of photographing test questions or other notes and materials is prohibited. This includes any unauthorized use of electronic or other devices to take a picture or make an audio, visual or video record of any person without their prior knowledge, or without consent when such a recording is likely to cause injury or distress. Photographing individuals in secured areas such as bathrooms, locker rooms, or other areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, and/or recording videos of an individual in these types of areas where there is an expectation of privacy, is strictly prohibited. Electronic transmission of these photographs of any person without express permission is also strictly prohibited.

Policy on the Acceptable Use of Security Cameras

1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to outline the responsibility, decision-making process and regulations regarding the regular use of safety cameras to monitor and record potential criminal activity, or violations of College policies in areas with no expectation of privacy to improve safety and security at McDaniel College. This policy does not include the installation of covert surveillance systems installed as part of a documented and on-going criminal investigation.

2. Scope
This policy applies to all of the various types of employees (staff, faculty, coaches, etc.), students, vendors, contractors, visitors and property of McDaniel College in the use of safety cameras for monitoring and recording. These cameras shall not make audio recordings. It does not apply outside of security or safety applications (ex. recordings of lectures or performances, news or press coverage, athletic events, etc.)

3. General Principles
A. The Department of Campus Safety (DoCS) is committed to maximizing safety for the campus community by integrating best practices in campus safety with technology. A component of our comprehensive security plan is employing available technologies such as safety cameras, also referred to as security cameras and or closed circuit television (CCTV).
B. In cases where a position is named, a designee will have the full authority to act in place of the named position for purposes of this policy. An immediate supervisor is automatically a designee.
C. DoCS records public areas to deter crime, enhance its investigative capacity, and assist in protecting the safety and property of the campus community. Any diversion of security technologies and/or personnel for other purposes (e.g., monitoring of political or religious activities, or employee or student evaluations) undermines the acceptability of these resources for critical safety goals and is therefore prohibited.
D. The decision to deploy safety cameras and the specific placement of those cameras falls under the authority of DoCS. DoCS bases the decision to deploy cameras on mitigating risks, vulnerabilities and historical acts of criminal behavior. When developing strategies for camera installation and placement, the DoCS conducts reviews of DoCS documents, which may include, incident reports, security surveys, risk analyses and threat assessments to parts of or the whole campus. This information is also critical in determining the types of equipment most appropriate for each situation. These factors might determine such outcomes as; Pan, Tilt Zoom (PTZ), fixed, color, night, day/night, capable cameras, etc.
E. DoCS will conduct video monitoring for security purposes, consistent with this policy and any applicable federal, state and local law. Generally, DoCS will not monitor cameras in real time. If criminal activity or rule violations are taking place real time monitoring may be implemented with the authorization of the Director of Campus Safety or designee. Personnel involved in video monitoring will be appropriately trained and in the responsible use of this technology. Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action consistent with the rules and regulations governing employees of the DoCS.
F. DoCS will only use information obtained through video monitoring for security and law enforcement purposes. DoCS will only release information obtained through video monitoring when authorized by appropriate administrative personnel according to the procedures established in this policy.
G. DoCS recording and monitoring of public areas for security purposes consistent with all existing College and DoCS policies, including those that prohibit discrimination and harassment.
H. To maintain an informed campus community, DoCS will include the purpose, a summary of the uses, and location of cameras annually in the Annual Security and Fire Report.
I. DoCS will use camera technology to monitor work behavior only when there is a legitimate investigation pertaining to conduct contrary to the law or policy, and supported by a DoCS incident report, written complaint, report, memo, email etc. DoCS may seek guidance from the appropriate divisional Vice President, Human Resource, or the College Attorney to ensure legal and policy compliance.
J. DoCS will ensure all existing uses of video monitoring and recording are complaint with this policy within twelve months of the approval.

4. Responsibilities
A. DoCS is authorized to oversee and coordinate the use of camera installation and monitoring for safety and security purposes. Human Resources will ensure appropriate distribution of the policy to newly hired employees.
B. DoCS will monitor new developments in relevant law and in security industry practices to ensure that camera monitoring and recording are consistent with the contemporary practices.
C. The Director of Campus Safety will ensure that DoCS adheres to established policy and procedure in the use of safety cameras and will review camera locations and requests for release of video media beyond DoCS with the College Attorney unless immediate life safety or other extreme risk exist.
     1. The Director of Campus Safety will review camera locations to ensure the view of fixed location cameras conforms to this policy. The locations of temporary cameras to be used for special events will be reviewed by the Director of Campus Safety or designee for approval before the event (Note: “Temporary cameras” does not include mobile video equipment or hidden surveillance cameras used for criminal investigations.)
     2. Included with the list of camera locations will be a general description ofthe technology deployed and the capabilities ofthe cameras. If concern over camera placement should arise, concerned persons may petition the Director of Campus Safety to forgo the installation of a proposed camera or for the removal of an existing camera. The Director of Campus Safety, in conjunction with the Vice President representing the constituency of the complainant, will determine the appropriateness of an installation weighing the concerns ofthe person(s) making the request and the safety and security of the entire community.
     3. The Director of Campus Safety will review all requests received by DoCS to release recordings obtained through camera recording with the Dean of Students and at times the College Attorney. No release of recordings will occur without authorization by the Director of Campus Safety, except in accordance with official requests for digital video directly related to a criminal investigation, arrest or subpoena where exigencies described earlier may prevent review with the Dean of Students and/or the College Attorney. The Director of Campus Safety may also approve release of recordings only for legitimate purposes, such as to protect McDaniel College and its members from lawsuits or harm. The Director of Campus Safety will consult the Dean of Students and the College Attorney, and may consult with other Divisional Vice Presidents in these cases prior to the release of recordings.
     4. The Director of Campus Safety will audit DoCS camera monitoring operations, including video media storage, on a semi-annual basis and make procedural changes to ensure standards and operations conform to this policy.

5. Procedures
A. All personnel involved in video review or monitoring will perform their duties in accordance with this policy.
B. DoCS will assure that responsible and proper camera monitoring practices by operators by periodically reviewing stored images.
C. The Director of Campus Safety will assign a member ofthe supervisory staff to regularly inspect the functionality of the equipment at regular intervals but not less than weekly. This inspection will include brief “real-time” monitoring to ensure all equipment is
functioning properly, and quick inspection of recorded images to ensure they are being properly recorded.
D. DoCS will prevent camera positions and views of areas generally considered private.  These areas include; residence hall rooms, interiors of campus suites or apartments, bathrooms, shower areas, locker and changing rooms, areas where a reasonable person
might change clothing, or private offices. Additionally, rooms used for medical, physical, or psychological counseling, therapy or treatment are private.
E. DoCS shall place cameras overtly in public spaces with the exception of official, authorized investigative purposes of DoCS.
F. DoCS will configure systems as to reasonably prevent camera operators from tampering with or duplicating recorded information.
G. In most cases, recorded video media will be stored for a period of not less than 15 days.  This may vary based on configuration settings in the recording device and memory capacity. Video storage equipment will overwrite stored images as the space fills, and these images will be unavailable. An exception to this procedure is video retained as part of a criminal investigation or court proceeding (criminal or civil), administrative hearing, College disciplinary action or other bona fide use as approved by the Director of Campus
Safety. A multimedia storage device like a DVD or flash drive will record images in accordance with accepted practice based upon the nature of the investigation and process (ex. trial or disciplinary proceeding).
H. DoCS will train operators in the technical and legal parameters of appropriate camera use.
     1. Operators will receive a copy of this policy and provide written acknowledgement that they have read and understood its content.
     2. Operators will receive training in cultural/diversity awareness.
     3. Operators will not monitor individuals based on characteristics of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability or other protected class covered by DoCS policy. Camera control operators will monitor behavior, not individual characteristics.
I. The Director of Campus Safety will only use mobile or portable video equipment used in criminal investigations in non-criminal matters where there is significant risk to public safety, security and properly authorized.

Examples of Video Monitoring and Recording of Public Areas

Legitimate safety and security purposes include, but are not limited to, the following:
Protection of community members
Protection of buildings and property
Monitoring of access control systems
Verification of security alarms
Video patrol of public areas
Criminal and rule violation investigations
Special event security
 

McDaniel College provides computing resources to support the academic research and instructional activities of the institution. The resources are intended for the sole use of College faculty, staff, students, and other authorized users. Use of the College’s information technology resources is a privilege. The following types of activities are examples of behavior that are unethical and unacceptable, and in some cases may violate state or federal law and/or the McDaniel Code of Student Conduct:

1. Attempting to alter system, hardware, software, or account configurations.
2. Accessing or monitoring another individual’s accounts, files, software, electronic mail, or computer resources without the permission of the owner.
3. Misrepresenting your identity, role, or the identity of any person in any type of electronic communication.
4. Misusing the College’s computing resources so as to reduce their efficiency or to affect access to the detriment of other users.
5. Breaching or attempting to breach computer security systems, whether with or without malicious intent.
6. Engaging in any activity that might be harmful to systems or to any stored information such as creating or propagating viruses, worms, Trojan horses, or other rogue programs, disrupting services, or damaging files.
7. Violating copyright and/or software license agreements.
8. Using computing resources to threaten or harass others or transmitting obscene or fraudulent messages.
9. Using computing resources for commercial or profit-making purposes.
10. Installing or operating computer games on College-owned computers for purposes other than academic instruction.
11. Downloading or posting to College computers without authorization.
12. Personally owned routers are not allowed on the McDaniel College Network.

Policies and regulations of the College, including the Code of Student Conduct, and state and federal law, are applicable to computing resources.

Policy Prohibiting Hover Boards and Other Similar Items

Because of safety and fire concerns, the use, possession or storage of hover boards (self-balancing scooters, battery-operated scooters, hands-free Segways and other similar equipment) is prohibited in all college-owned buildings and residential facilities.   

If a student is found in possession of a hover board or similar item it will be removed from the building and the student will be referred to the Student Conduct Process of the College. 

Chosen Name Policy

McDaniel College is committed to its policy of providing an educational and employment environment that is free from any type of discrimination or harassment on basis of any protected status including race, religion, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military status, genetic information, marital status, gender identity, veteran’s status or any other legally protected status. Further, McDaniel College recognizes how important it is to have the ability to be addressed by the name that an individual prefers. Accordingly, the following procedures are intended to provide guidance to help individuals navigate college systems and make adjustments where possible.

The Chosen Name Policy in its entirety may be found here.

Animals on Campus Policy

This policy provides guidance and procedures for faculty, staff, students, alumni, volunteers, donors, contractors, or visitors who bring animals on any college owned or leased property for purposes other than approved college research projects, college sponsored activities or events, or emergency response incidents.

Animals may be welcome visitors to the campus if cared for properly. Animals being walked on campus must be kept on a leash at all times. Owners must not leave animals unattended at any time and must clean up after them. For health, sanitation, and safety reasons, animals are not permitted in College buildings unless they are trained service animals assisting individuals with disabilities in the manner intended.

This policy is not directed to the College’s Residential Students for whom the College has a more comprehensive service and therapy animal policy, titled, “Requirements and Agreement for Maintaining Service and Therapy Animals for Residential Students at McDaniel College.”

1. Service Animals on Campus

McDaniel College recognizes the value of service animals to individuals with disabilities and is committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations. Service animals are defined as any dog, or miniature horse, that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the handler’s disability. Other species of animals, trained or untrained, are not service animals for the purpose of this policy.  The handler is defined as the individual with a disability, including physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability that is the owner and user of a service animal.

In general, a service animal is permitted to be on college property where the animal’s handler is permitted to be. However, there are specific locations on campus where service animals will not be permitted due to safety or health reasons.  These areas include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Mechanical rooms or custodial closets
• Food service preparation areas
• Areas where protective clothing is required unless the service animal is able to meet the protective clothing requirement(s) including the science laboratories (For more information, please contact the Office of Risk and Safety at 410-871-3163)
• Areas where there is a danger to the service animal

The service animal must be under the control of its handler at all times while on College property, including within the College residential facilities. It is expected that the service animal will be controlled by a leash or harness at all times while on or in College property, unless performance of the service animal’s work or tasks related to the handler’s disability require the service animal to be off-leash/harness. If the service animal handler is residing overnight on campus, the service animal may be off-leash/harness within the confines of the handler’s bedroom, but must remain under the control of the handler and must be leashed/harnessed outside of the bedroom, or if a roommate/apartmentmate/suitemate/housemate requests leashing/harnessing.  When the service animal is unattended, it must remain in the handler’s bedroom.

All service animals must have all veterinarian-recommended vaccinations to maintain the animal’s health and prevent contagious diseases. The College reserves the right to request updated documentation of vaccinations at any time during the animal’s residency.  Service dogs are required to be licensed and in compliance with Maryland and Carroll County laws and ordinances. 

Handlers are responsible for the daily care of the service animal.  Handlers are responsible for properly containing and disposing of the service animal’s solid waste (feces) in an outside trash receptacle in plastic bags.  If the service animal vomits and/or urinates on a non-grass area in any space, it is the responsibility of the handler to make sure the contaminated area is cleaned up immediately.  If the contamination occurs indoors, the handler should clean-up immediately and contact Housekeeping at 410-857-2712 Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm.  During other hours, the weekend, or days the college is closed, contact the Department of Campus Safety at 410-857-2202. Services to disinfect interior surfaces are required and all associated costs will be billed to the handler. Handlers are responsible for feeding and watering the service animal within the confines of their bedroom. Service animal food should be kept in a closed container within the handler’s bedroom.

B. Assistance Animals on Campus

McDaniel College recognizes the value of assistance animals to individuals with disabilities and is committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations.  An assistance animal is any animal that is specifically designated by a qualified medical provider as affording an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling, provided there is a nexus between the individual’s disability and the assistance the animal provides. Assistance animals include emotional support or therapy animals. Unlike service animals, assistance animals are not trained to perform work or tasks, and they include species other than dogs and miniature horses.  Students who reside on campus may request approval from the Office of Residence Life to have an assistance animal on college property where the individual resides/dwells or in outdoor areas with a leash/harness.

C. Procedures

1. Service Animals for Faculty and Staff:
   Faculty and staff who use a service animal during the course of performing work for the college must register the service animal with the Office of Human Resources.  Please complete the form found on the MyMcDaniel Portal and submit it to the Office of Human Resources.
    
2. Service or Assistance Animals for Students:
   To request permission for a service or assistance animal, students should refer to the Office of Residence Life policy, titled “Requirements and Agreement for Maintaining Service and Therapy Animals for Residential Students at McDaniel College”, which governs service and therapy animal use by Students.
    
3. Service Animals for Visitors:
   Visitors are permitted to bring their service animals on campus in approved areas for the duration of their visit. Visitors are expected to comply with the standards established for service animals during their time on campus.
    
4. Service Animals for Overnight Visitors Attending a Conference or Camp:
   Overnight visitors are permitted to bring their service animal in approved areas for the duration of their visit. Overnight visitors are requested to notify the Office of Conference and Auxiliary Services in advance of the visit to ensure that adequate accommodations for the service animal or assistance animal can be made.  Notification forms are found MyMcDaniel Portal.

Smoke Free Environment Policy

There is considerable scientific evidence of serious health hazards for smokers and others caused by second hand smoke. In order to comply with Maryland State Law, the College has established the following smoke free environment policy. For the purpose of this policy, smoking is defined as smoking any substance including all types of tobacco, cloves, medically prescribed marijuana and water vaping using smoking devices such as cigarettes, pipes, e-cigarettes, vapers, hookahs and cigars.

All indoor public areas of the College and the 25-foot area immediately outside of all buildings are designated as non-smoking. The policy is designed to protect the health and well-being of the entire community.

College Policy Prohibiting Weapons