Substance Abuse
The college recognizes drug or alcohol abuse as an illness and a major health problem, as well as a potential safety and security problem. Health risks associated with substance abuse include death, stroke and diseases of the heart and liver, in addition to alcohol and drug related suicides, homicides and accidents. The college complies with all federal, state and local laws that regulate or prohibit the possession, use or distribution of alcohol or illicit drugs.
The possession, sale, manufacture or distribution of any controlled substance is illegal under both state and federal laws. Violation of drug laws are referred to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. Violators are subject to college disciplinary action, criminal prosecution, fine and imprisonment.
Consumption of alcoholic beverages on the Wor-Wic campus, at any college- owned or operated facility or at any college sanctioned event is prohibited except by individuals over the age of 21 at officially-sponsored college events. Violations of Maryland law regarding the possession, consumption, sale or furnishing of alcohol to people under the legal drinking age are referred to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. Violations of the alcoholic beverage policy by students are referred to the college student-faculty disciplinary committee. Employees who violate the policy are subject to disciplinary procedures up to and including dismissal.
Students with substance abuse problems are referred to the counselor, who provides evaluation, counseling and referrals to community agencies. All students agree to abide by the college's substance abuse policies and procedures when they sign the college's admission application.
Employees are required to sign a statement before they begin their employment at the college, certifying that they understand that they are required to notify their supervisor of any criminal substance abuse conviction within five calendar days after conviction. The college is required to provide written notification of an employee substance abuse conviction to the U.S. Department of Education within 10 calendar days after receiving notice of such conviction and to take appropriate disciplinary action against the employee or to require that the employee complete a substance abuse assistance or rehabilitation program at his or her own expense within 30 calendar days after being notified of the conviction. Employees with substance abuse problems are referred to the college’s employee assistance program.
Prevention and Awareness
Efforts to provide a safe and secure environment focus on the prevention and awareness of substance abuse, sex offenses, including rape, acquaintance rape, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking, and other crimes. Prevention and awareness programs are offered to reduce the risk of such crimes and promote safety and bystander action. Bystanders are provided a safe and positive option to prevent harm or intervene when there is a risk of any criminal activity by using the emergency phones on campus or by calling the campus public safety department at (410) 334-2937.
Initial prevention and awareness programs include the dissemination of the college’s discrimination and harassment policy, as well as a copy of the annual security report, to all new employees on their first day of work. New employees must complete a Title IX training module for higher education within their first two weeks of employment. Credit students who take the mandatory Fundamentals of College Study course are presented with Title IX information and safety policies, and tested on the information. A public safety officer presents safety information at employee and student orientation sessions. Information related to harassment and discrimination, and safety and security, is published on the college website, as well as the college catalog and the policies and procedures manual.
Wor-Wic public safety officers are present on campus during all hours when the college is open and during special events when the college would otherwise be closed. Signs are posted at campus entrances indicating that unauthorized entry after operating hours is prohibited and that surveillance cameras are in use. Operational procedures for public safety officers specify that officers regularly patrol all campus buildings, grounds and parking lots. Public safety officers also escort individuals to their vehicles in campus parking lots upon request. The director of public safety coordinates the safety prevention program for the college by performing nightly inspections of the lighting, landscaping, doors, locks and alarm systems at the college campus to initiate any safety or security improvements. The director of public safety also serves as the college liaison to law enforcement officials and as co-chairperson of the college safety committee.
The counselor coordinates the ongoing awareness program by disseminating pamphlets and brochures, displaying posters in college facilities, submitting articles for student and employee publications, coordinating guest speakers or providing information to students and employees at orientation sessions, workshops or meetings. The counselor shares information about substance abuse and makes referrals to local agencies. The counselor also maintains a list of campus and community resources available for victims of a sex offense. Educational programs to promote the awareness of rape, acquaintance rape, forcible and non-forcible sex offenses, including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking, and how to prevent becoming the victim of such crimes are also available from the local health department or local law enforcement agencies. These agencies can also provide counseling or other mental health services for victims of sexual offenses.
Annual training is provided to the college’s Title IX coordinators and discrimination investigators, as well as other employees who are designated as college Title IX investigators. These employees are required to attend an annual professional development session related to discrimination and harassment, including Title IX harassment.
College prevention and awareness programs, including employee professional development opportunities, are reviewed annually to determine their effectiveness and to ensure that sanctions are consistently enforced.