Cannabis/marijuana remains illegal under federal law and there remains evidence that the use and abuse of cannabis/marijuana can impact one’s health. As such, even though cannabis/marijuana possession and use have been legalized in the state of Maine, the use, possession, and distribution of cannabis/marijuana on campus remain prohibited except for those with a medical written certification that is valid in the state of Maine.

For those with a valid written certification, all other campus policies (such as the prohibition on smoking in residence halls) still apply. If medical cannabis/marijuana is used in a manner that violates other campus policies, the cannabis/marijuana and paraphernalia may be subject to confiscation and the student may be subject to a conduct violation.

Examples of Level I Violations:

• Possession or consumption of non-hard alcohol (beer or wine) by an individual under the age of 21
• Possession of an open container of non-hard alcohol by any student in a public location
• Possession or use of cannabis/marijuana

Typical Outcomes:

Level I Violations typically result in a warning letter sent to the student involved.

Accumulation of three Level I Violations will result in a Level II Violation.

Examples of Level II Violations:

• Possession or consumption of hard alcohol or any beverage containing hard alcohol by any student on the premises of the College, at any college-sponsored event, or while the student is engaged in a college-related activity
• Possession or use of a keg by any student on the premises of the College except where the appropriate measures are in place to prevent underage consumption of alcohol
• Use of a fake ID to purchase alcohol
• Furnishing alcohol to an individual or individuals under the age of 21
• Underage possession or consumption of alcohol combined with an additional violation such as disorderly conduct, damage to college property, or not complying with the directions of a college official
• Possession of an open container of alcohol by any student in a public location combined with an additional violation such as disorderly conduct or not complying with the directions of a college official
• Possession or use of cannabis/marijuana combined with an additional violation such as a fire safety violation (i.e. smoking in a residence hall or covering a smoke detector) or not complying with the directions of a college official
• Accumulating three Level I Violations

Typical Outcomes:

First Level II Violation

A first Level II Violation will result in a meeting with a member of the Student Affairs staff. A warning will be issued, and a written copy of the warning will be sent to the student. A copy will also be placed in the individual student’s file. If needed, the student may be referred to Counseling and Psychological Services for additional support related to the violation.

Second Level II Violation

A second Level II Violation will result in a meeting with a member of the Student Affairs staff. The student will be required to complete an alcohol and other drug intervention program. Additionally, a reflection paper may be required. If needed, the student may be referred to Counseling and Psychological Services for additional support related to the violation. An outcome letter will be sent to the student, a copy will be placed in the student’s file, and a copy will be sent home to the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s).

At the meeting with the staff member, the student will be notified that an additional Level II Violation will result in a referral to the Student Conduct Committee where a one semester suspension is the likely outcome.

Third Level II Violation

A third Level II Violation will result in a referral to the Student Conduct Committee for adjudication where the likely outcome will be a one semester suspension from Bates College.

In situations where a student has contacted Campus Safety or Bates EMS for medical treatment either for themselves or for a fellow student, neither the student calling nor the student receiving medical attention will receive a violation through the student conduct system. Students transported to the hospital in association with the consumption of alcohol or cannabis/marijuana will have a conversation with a Student Affairs staff member and a letter will be sent home to their parents. If a student is transported to the hospital more than once, college staff will explore whether a medical leave of absence is appropriate.

Situations involving a transport to the hospital as a result of illegal drugs other than cannabis/marijuana or involving other violations (such as assault, disorderly conduct, etc.) fall outside the scope of the medical amnesty policy and may be handled through the student conduct system.

Incidents involving operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, the distribution of cannabis/marijuana, or involving illegal drugs other than marijuana typically result in a referral to the Student Conduct Committee. These referrals to the Student Conduct Committee typically result in suspension or expulsion and may include police involvement.

Incidents not involving alcohol or other drugs are not considered part of this policy, but they may be considered when determining the outcome of alcohol and cannabis/marijuana violations. Similarly, alcohol and marijuana violations may be considered when determining the outcome of cases not involving alcohol or cannabis/marijuana.

Unlawful possession, distribution, or use of illegal drugs and narcotics, including amphetamines, cannabis/marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and LSD, renders a student liable to disciplinary action, including confiscation of materials, student conduct action up to and including suspension and dismissal, and/or referral to local police authorities.