Academic Obligations

1. Washington College is committed to developing students who excel both academically and athletically. Class attendance is expected. Because class time is occasionally missed due to athletic travel, excessive non-attendance during the season will not be tolerated and can result in suspension from the team or other disciplinary action.
2. Student-athletes are responsible for notifying their professors in advance, and arranging to make up missed work if they cannot attend a class due to regular and post-season contests. Practices, scrimmages, and non-traditional season athletic events are not valid reasons for missing classes. In those situations, athletes should attend class and arrange with the coach to make up missed practice time.

Eligibility

1. To be eligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics a student-athlete must be carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours during the semester of competition. Eligibility is checked at the beginning of the semester, at the end of the drop/add period, and at one other time during each semester. If at any point during the semester a student-athlete is in fewer than 12 credit hours (e.g. withdraws from a class and receives a grade of "W") the student-athlete immediately becomes ineligible to compete. The student-athlete is responsible for notifying the coach and the Director of Athletics immediately if he or she is enrolled in fewer than 12 credit hours.
2. If a student-athlete is not academically eligible to compete in intercollegiate athletics, he/she/they are not allowed to work out or practice with the team. 
3. In the last semester of a student-athlete’s senior year he/she/they may carry fewer than 12 credit hours if he/she/they are registered for the appropriate number of courses required to complete the degree requirements.
4. The student-athlete must complete their four seasons of eligibility during the first ten Full- Time semesters he/she/they are enrolled at the College.
5. A transfer student who did not participate in athletics prior to transferring, or a student who would have been academically eligible to compete had he/she/they remained at that institution, is immediately eligible. All other transfer students must fulfill a residence requirement of one full academic year before they become eligible to compete.

Social Conduct, Hazing And Sexual Misconduct

1. It is considered a privilege, and not a right, to be a member of an intercollegiate athletic team at Washington College. Membership on an athletic team means accepting the responsibility of representing Washington College in the most positive manner possible. At all times student-athletes must remember that they are representatives of Washington College and their teams. Any behavior that is viewed unfavorably by other individuals may create an unacceptable impression of their team, the Athletic Department, and Washington College.
2.  Each student-athlete is expected to show a high degree of sportsmanship and to be neat, courteous, and respectful of others. Any behavior exhibiting racial, ethnic, religious, or sexual harassment is prohibited. Physical or verbal abuse of any member, guest, or host of the College (including officials, opposing teams, etc.); disruptive or disorderly conduct; or any offensive or anti-social behavior will not be tolerated and can result in disciplinary action as proscribed by the Athletic Department Discipline and Referral Committee.
3. Hazing Policy – The Washington College Athletic Department adheres to the NCAA principle of Health and Safety of student-athletes that states “it is the responsibility of each member institution to protect the health of and provide a safe environment for each of its participating student-athletes.” (NCAA Division III Manual 2.2.3.)
   
   In addition, the Department follows Washington College institutional policies regarding hazing, as defined by the Fraternity Risk Management Trust, will be applied to individuals as well as student groups:
   
   “Any action taken or situation created, intentionally … to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include, but are not limited to, the following: use of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, and road trips; … wearing in public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities which are not consistent with … the regulations and policies of the educational institution.”
   
   Any individual student or student group found guilty of hazing or participating in hazing activities is subject to disciplinary action by the College as well as civil action according to the Maryland State Law.
   
   Maryland State Law 3-607. Hazing
   
   Prohibited
   
   a) A person may not recklessly or intentionally do an act or create a situation that subjects a student to the risk of serious bodily injury for the purpose of initiation into a student organization of a school, college, or university.
   
   Penalty
   
   b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.
   
   Additionally, the department prohibits any activity expected of someone joining a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of their willingness to participate. This would include but is not limited to the following activities in conjunction with formal or informal “initiation”: use of alcohol; explicitly or implicitly forced head shaving or tattooing.
   
   Actions that may not be examples of hazing include assigned activities directly related to the administration of practice or games such as the carrying of water, equipment, radios, or laundry. Other activities which may not be defined as hazing include but are not limited to:  team parties with community games, or going out with teammates, unless an atmosphere of humiliation, degradation, abuse, or danger arises.
   
   Coaches are expected to understand this policy and, to the best of their abilities, educate their athletes in the meaning and importance of the policy. Student-athletes will be required to sign a statement verifying their understanding of the hazing policy and intention to abide by its rules.
   
   Note: Any violation of the above will not be tolerated and can result in disciplinary action as proscribed by the Athletic Department Discipline and Referral Committee.
4. Information pertaining to Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policies
   
   Policy Statement on Discrimination
   
   Washington College does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other legally protected classification in the administration of any of its educational programs and activities or with respect to admission and employment.
   
   The designated coordinator to ensure compliance with Title IX of the Educational Act Amendments of 1972 is Greg Krikorian, Dean of Students and Title IX Coordinator,
   
   Casey Academic Center, Washington College
   300 Washington Avenue
   Chestertown, Maryland, 21620
   (410) 778-7752.
   
   The designated coordinator to ensure compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is TBD, ADA/Section 504 Coordinator
   
   Bunting Hall, Washington College
   300 Washington Avenue
   Chestertown, Maryland, 21620
   (410) 778-7883.
   
   For additional information and/or to file a complaint, contact the Director of Civil Rights,
   
   U.S. Department of Education
   Office of Civil Rights, The Wanamaker Building
   100 Penn Square East, Suite 515
   Philadelphia, PA 19107
   or local fair employment practices agencies.
   
   Policy Statement on Harassment
   
   Harassment in any form, whether based on race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other legally protected classification, is unacceptable on the Washington College campus.
   
   For purposes of this policy, harassment means unwelcome verbal, written, or physical conduct based on a protected classification (race, color, sex, disability, etc.) that has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or education (including living conditions, extracurricular activities, and social life), creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment, or constituting a threat to an individual’s personal safety. Sexual harassment includes sexual violence/assault.
   
   Policy Statement on Sexual Harassment
   
   Washington College will not tolerate sexual harassment in any form. Sexual harassment includes sexual violence/assault/misconduct. The goal of this policy is to create a community free of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment committed in connection with any College program, whether on or off campus, is prohibited. This applies to academic, educational, extracurricular, athletic, residential, and other College programs. Sexual harassment may be a violation of state and federal laws as well as a violation of this policy. Individuals who feel they have been sexually harassed may have the right to bring legal action, in addition to making a complaint to the College. Legal action and an internal complaint can be pursued at the same time. Retaliation against an individual who brings a complaint, participates in an investigation of sexual harassment, or pursues legal action is prohibited.
   
   The essential importance of academic freedom is recognized, and a standard of reasonableness will guide the College. Only when academic freedom is used to disguise, or as the vehicle for, prohibited conduct will it be questioned.
   
   Washington College believes that ideas, creativity, and free expression thrive and, indeed, can only exist for students, faculty, and staff in an atmosphere free of sexual harassment and assault.

For the complete policy on harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct visit https://www.washcoll.edu/people_departments/offices/student-affairs/student-handbook/discrimination-and-harassment-policies/index.php or https://www.washcoll.edu/title-ix/policy_on_sexual_harassment.php

Drug and Alcohol Policy

1. Participants in our intercollegiate athletic program are to receive the same treatment as other students. They have no unique privileges in admission, academic advising, course selection, grading, living accommodations, or financial aid. Similarly, athletes are not denied the rights and opportunities that would be available to them as non-athletes. Therefore, we as a Department endorse the guidelines for drug and alcohol abuse outlined in the Washington College Student Handbook (https://www.washcoll.edu/people_departments/offices/student-affairs/student-handbook/index.php)
2. The Department is committed to a policy which specifically prohibits possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages or other illegal drugs by any student-athletes or other undergraduate college students at any time or place when they are in the charge of the Washington College coaching staff or at any official team or departmental function. These guidelines specifically prohibit consuming, possessing, or transporting alcohol or illegal drugs while traveling in vans, buses, airplanes, or private automobiles to or from regularly scheduled contest/events, as well as at on-site accommodations, from the time the team leaves campus until its return.
3. The use or sale of illegal drugs is prohibited. In accordance with the law of the State of Maryland, Washington College does not condone underage drinking or use of illegal substances by its students. The College provides no sanctuary from the law and recognizes its responsibility to cooperate with law enforcement officials in matters pertaining to illegal use of drugs and/or alcohol (see Campus Alcohol Policy section in the https://www.washcoll.edu/people_departments/offices/student-affairs/student-handbook/index.php)
4. It is a violation of departmental policy to provide alcohol or illegal drugs to a prospective student-athlete (regardless of whether a student-athlete or student-host has reached the legal drinking age). Student-athletes who will host prospective student-athletes during the year shall undergo a training session prior to their hosting where they will be instructed in the aforementioned policies. Coaches are required to communicate and reiterate this policy to all student-athlete hosts throughout the year.

Disciplinary Procedures

1. If a student-athlete is involved in any violations outlined in this handbook, including an alcohol or other illegal drug-related incident, the head coach of that team, and the Athletic Department Discipline and Referral Committee will determine whether the circumstances warrant suspension of the student-athlete from practice and/or game competition. Other consequences may include referral to mandatory evaluation and counseling as a condition of continued participation.
2. The Athletic Department Discipline and Referral Committee consists of the Director of Athletics, Senior Woman Administrator, and the Head Athletic Trainer.
3. All student-athletes are expected to follow the coaches' instructions regarding practice, discipline and team matters. Each student-athlete has the right to appeal unfavorable decisions made by the coach to the Director of Athletics after first attempting to resolve the issue with the parties involved. Student-athletes also have a right to appeal decisions made by the Athletic Department Discipline and Referral Committee to the Director of Athletics.

Recruiting

In accordance with the Athletic Department Policy Manual which reads: “Student-athletes who will host prospective student athletes (PSAs) during the year shall undergo a training session prior to their hosting…”. Student hosts are required to sign a form confirming their understanding of the rules and expectations as a host (see Appendix B).

Social Media

The Department restricts any illegal or inappropriate use of social media, including but not limited to Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. The depiction, promotion or marketing of behaviors that violate local, state or Federal law or violate College or team policy is prohibited. Both individual student-athletes and teams are subject to this policy.

If a student-athlete or team is found responsible for violating the policy, the head coach of that team along with the Director of Athletics will determine the appropriate course of action.  Sanctions could include (but are not limited to): suspension or removal of a student-athlete from the team.

Full team suspension resulting in an elimination of practices and games during the competition year in which the infraction occurred or, if such infraction occurs after the competitive playing season, suspension would be enforced during the next competitive playing season. Any violations of College policy are also subject to adjudication through the Student Affairs Office.

Student-athletes must annually acknowledge this policy in writing. See Appendix C for the form.

Student-Athlete Services

1. Because of its commitment to the well-being of student-athletes, the Department offers specific programs and services that support and contribute to their overall growth and development. As a Division III institution, the College does not offer many specialized services to student-athletes that are not available to the rest of the student population. Instead, the Department seeks to help its student-athletes take advantage of the many support services on campus through both a peer education program and an office of student-athlete services.
2. SAAC Program – The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is designed as a peer mentoring and education program in which certain members of every varsity team act as resources for their teammates who may be experiencing difficulties in any area of their lives. Through both formal and informal interactions, the SAAC helps their fellow athletes in areas such as: alcohol use, nutrition and disordered eating, sexual assault, sexually transmitted diseases, academic problems, mental health concerns, community service, and a host of other issues that affect student-athletes. SAAC is responsible for coordinating programing throughout the year to address the most pressing issues among their peers.

Miscellaneous

1. All student-athletes must pass a physical exam prior to the start of the academic year at the College and must satisfy the insurance requirements necessary for participating in the sport.
2. Student-athletes are expected to attend every practice, on time, unless they have a class or are ill. Athletes must notify their coach prior to practice if they cannot attend.
3. Student-athletes are responsible for school-owned equipment issued during the academic year and will be billed through the Business Office for equipment lost or damaged due to neglect. This equipment and apparel are not to be taken to the dorm or worn on campus. Student-athletes are expected to treat all athletic facilities and equipment with care and respect.
4. Coaches and players are to be dressed in an appropriate manner at all times when representing their team and Washington College. During away trips, student-athletes are expected to wear appropriate attire and exercise neatness. Coaches may have more specific requirements that go beyond this minimum.