Student Affairs
Drug-Free Campus Regulations
DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES ACT:
SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE IN ILLINOIS ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG NOTIFICATION & POLICY
For further information, contact the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, Dawson Hall, Room 102, (217) 525-1420, Ext. 239.
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The following information is presented in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989. In order to receive federal financial assistance of any kind, an institution of higher education (IHE) must certify that it has “adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees.” The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 mandate this certification. The materials that follow are being distributed as a means of complying with this legislation, and more importantly, informing the entire college community of the standards of conduct required with regard to illicit drugs and alcohol and the possible consequences of inappropriate behavior.
The requirements of the law are separate and distinct from the requirements specified by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, which relate only to employees (including student workers) involved in work supported by or paid from federal grants and contracts. The Drug-Free Workplace Guidelines are specified in the Springfield College in Illinois faculty and staff handbooks. The rules under the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act are much broader in scope; covering drug and alcohol use by students and employees, on college property or at college-sponsored activities.
The following document provides: (a) a statement of acceptable and unacceptable conduct; (b) a description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol; (c) a description of programs available to members of the college community for counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation; (d) a statement of possible disciplinary sanctions applicable to members of the college community who violate the law or college policy with respect to the manufacture, possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs or the abuse of alcohol; (e) a description of applicable legal sanctions under local, state, and federal law for the unlawful possession, use, and distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol.
Standards of Conduct
Students, including those of the legal drinking age, are not permitted to use, possess, manufacture, sell, deliver, or distribute alcohol or illegal drugs on college property or property used by Springfield College in Illinois.* Students under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs are not permitted to be present on campus or at campus-related activities. Students who are aware of alcohol or drug abuse by other students have a responsibility to report such infractions or violations to the Dean of Student Affairs.
Employees of Springfield College in Illinois must comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989. Springfield College in Illinois wishes to maintain a safe and healthful working environment for all its employees, students, and guests.
Employees must, as a condition of employment, abide by the terms of Springfield College in Illinois’ Alcohol and Drug Policy. Employees must also report to the Business Manager any conviction under a criminal drug statute for violation(s) occurring on or off college premises while conducting or participating in business and/or events, to the Business Manager within five (5) days after the conviction.
Springfield College in Illinois prohibits the unsanctioned use of alcoholic beverages, including the sale, manufacture, delivery, possession, distribution, and consumption of such by employees on or off college premises while conducting or participating in Springfield College in Illinois business and/or events. Employees who engage in such activities are subject to disciplinary action, which may lead to termination of employment. Dismissal procedures are covered in Section III, Part H of the Staff Handbook.
Health Risks of Alcohol and Other Drugs
Alcohol is the most abused drug in society as well as on College campuses. Alcohol is directly involved in many injuries, assaults, and in the majority of deaths of people under the age 25. Other commonly abused illegal drugs include marijuana, cocaine, stimulants, hallucinogens, depressants, narcotics, steroids, and inhalants. Legal drugs such as caffeine, nicotine, and over-the-counter and prescription drugs also have wide use and associated health risks.
Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increases the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including spousal and child abuse. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person’s ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described.
Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden alcohol withdrawal is likely to produce negative side effects, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. In some cases, alcohol withdrawal can be life threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver.
Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants often suffer irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other youngsters of becoming alcoholics.
Health risks of using alcohol or other drugs include both physical and psychological effects. The health consequences of drugs depend on the frequency, duration, and intensity of use. For all drugs, there is a risk of overdose, which can result in coma, convulsions, psychosis, or death. Combinations of certain drugs can be lethal. The purity and strength of doses of illegal drugs are uncertain. The risks of AIDS and other diseases increase if drugs are injected.
For Health Risks Associated with the Use of Illicit Drugs and Alcohol, see Appendix 1.
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Alcohol and Drug Prevention and Counseling Services
Springfield College in Illinois offers limited counseling services to students, faculty, and staff, most often in the form of referrals to outside organizations. Individuals who feel the need to seek assistance may contact the Dean of Student Affairs, the Dean of Academic Affairs, or the Business Manager.
Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to familiarize themselves with resources available in the Springfield area for substance abuse, counseling, and treatment.
Alcohol and Drug Treatment Programs
Alcoholics Anonymous – Springfield (217) 525-9423; 525-5795
Student Assistance Program – St. John’s Hospital (217) 744-2255
St. Mary’s Treatment Center – Decatur (217) 464-2500
Triangle Center – Springfield –24 hour (217) 544-9858
For Physical and Psychological Dependence and Effects of Specific Drugs, see Appendix 2.
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Disciplinary Sanctions – Springfield College in Illinois
Students
Students who engage in the unlawful manufacture, possession, selling, use, or distribution of alcohol or illicit drugs, or who abuse alcohol or other drugs will be subject to disciplinary sanctions by the college, including warnings, disciplinary probation, or in severe cases, expulsion from the college and referral to the local authorities for prosecution. In addition, students living in campus housing may be removed from the housing system for a violation of the alcohol and illegal drug policy.
The sanctions that may be imposed on students for drug and alcohol abuse violations are subject to the provisions published in the Springfield College in Illinois Student Handbook and the Housing Contract established by the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs. These sanctions vary in severity, depending on the seriousness of the offense. The Dean of Student Affairs and the Dean’s Judicial Board will determine the degree of sanctions based on the guidelines established in the Student Handbook.
Students should be aware that their actions are also subject to all local, state, and federal laws relating to drug and alcohol abuse. The college will bring unlawful acts to the attention of proper law enforcement authorities.
Employees
Employees who demonstrate inappropriate conduct with respect to alcohol or drug abuse will be subject to disciplinary sanctions. Under this policy, inappropriate conduct includes, but is not limited to, reporting to work under the influence of such substances. Springfield College in Illinois will take prompt action to correct any situations involving alcohol abuse or illegal drugs. Action will usually include offering users and abusers an opportunity for personal rehabilitation, while at the same time, demonstrating that abuse of alcohol and/or illegal drugs and failed rehabilitation will not be tolerated by the College. Depending on the circumstances of each unique case, corrective action may require satisfactory participation in a drug-abuse assistance or rehabilitation program, disciplinary action, or termination of employment.
Specific additional disciplinary actions for employees of the College include verbal reprimand, written reprimand, suspension, and possible discharge or termination of employment. Disciplinary sanctions for violations of the standards of conduct of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act policy shall be consistently enforced in order to promote fair and equitable treatment of any individual determined to have violated those standards.
Springfield College in Illinois encourages individuals to voluntarily seek assistance through the alcohol and drug prevention and counseling services in the community.
Legal Sanctions Under Applicable State, Federal, and Local Laws For Unlawful Possession, Use, or Distribution of Illicit Drugs And Alcohol
The Illinois Vehicle Code (625 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/11-501) makes driving under the influence of alcohol illegal. Depending upon circumstances, penalties can include loss of driving privileges, fines, counseling, community service and imprisonment. This Code also makes transporting and possessing of alcohol (except in its original container with seal unbroken) in the passenger area of a vehicle illegal. The fine for this offense can be up to $500.00. Repeated offense can result in loss of driving privileges.
Delivery to and possession of alcohol by persons under the age of 21 is illegal under the Liquor Control Act (235 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/1-1 et seq.). Furthermore, it is illegal for a person under age 21 to present a false I.D. in an attempt to procure alcohol or to furnish a false I.D. to someone under the age of 21. Hosting a gathering of two or more persons where one person who is under 21 consumes alcohol and leaves the residence in an intoxicated condition is also illegal as is renting a hotel/motel room with the knowledge that the room will be used for underage consumption. Possession of open alcohol in a public area is also illegal. Penalties, depending upon the offense, can result in a fine up to $1,000 and one year in jail.
For Federal Penalties and Sanctions for Illegal Trafficking and Possession of a Controlled Substance, see Appendix 3.
Quicklinks
Resource Center (Academic Help)
Dean of Students
Kevin Broeckling
Office of Student Affairs
(217) 525-1420 Ext. 239