Student Policy and Procedures

 

 

ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG USE

In recent years, the abuse of alcohol and other drugs has become a serious problem for many people. Alcohol and other drug abuse can damage body organs, impair brain activity, and harm mental and emotional health. The illnesses, accidents, and violence caused by alcohol and other drug abuse can even result in death.

To address the serious problem of alcohol and other drug use at Parkland College and to comply with federal laws governing drug use and abuse in schools and the workplace, Parkland College has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees.

Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy

The use of alcohol and the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance (as defined in 720 ILCS 570/1 00, et seq. [992 State Bar Edition], now in effect and as from time to time amended) is prohibited on the Parkland College campus and off campus when the student is involved in an officially sanctioned college class or activity. Behaviors that are inappropriate, disruptive, and/or endangering as a result of the consumption of alcohol or other drugs will not be tolerated.

Procedure

  1. Enforcement
    1. Reports of behaviors, as described in the policy, will be made to the vice president for student services and/or the Department of Public Safety for appropriate action.
    2. The vice president for student services will review each incident and if the dean deems it appropriate, a discipline or an administrative hearing committee
      will convene in a timely manner to review the case and recommend disciplinary action, which would include one or more of the following:
      1. a written warning;
      2. conduct probation while attending an approved outpatient drug rehabilitation program;
      3. suspension or expulsion from school;
      4. report of such incident and person(s) involved to local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies;
      5. notification of parent/guardian as appropriate.
  2. Appeal
    If the student finds the above disciplinary action unjustified, she or he may elect to file an appeal according to the existing appeal procedures, as described in the Student Conduct Code.
  3. Program Description
    The vice president for student services, Department of Public Safety, Counseling and Advising Center, the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities, and the Wellness Center strive to maintain a drug-free environment. Education and training programs exist in order to make every effort to ensure that all college individuals are aware of issues regarding alcohol and other drug use and abuse, including the following:
    1. the dangers involved;
    2. the policies of the college regarding drug use;
    3. community resources for alcohol/drug treatment and counseling;
    4. the sanctions that may be imposed upon college students for alcohol and other drug violations.
  4. Referral
    If a student feels that he or she has a problem with substance abuse, the college will assist in the identification of a program that specializes in this type of problem. Students with such problems should contact the vice president for student services or his/her designee for possible referral to one of the substance abuse counseling and treatment programs available in the community.

Procedure

Under Illinois law:

  1. It is a Class A misdemeanor, with a possible fine of $2500, to knowingly allow individuals to gather at a residence where alcohol is being served to minors.
  2. It is illegal to sell or give alcoholic beverages to a person under the age of 21.
  3. It is illegal if under 21 , to buy, attempt to buy, drink, possess, or transport alcohol (unless as part of employment).
  4. It is illegal to possess an open container of alcohol in a public parking lot or garage, a public street, sidewalk, alley, park, or in a motor vehicle.
  5. It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol. A driver is considered legally intoxicated in Illinois if he/she is:
    1. under the influence of alcohol and/or any other drugs to a degree that renders such person incapable of safely driving; or
    2. the alcohol concentration in such person’s blood or breath is . 08 or more.
  6. It is illegal to possess or distribute illegal drugs or controlled substances. In Illinois, a person can be held liable for injuries or damage to property caused by intoxicated persons to whom she or he has served or sold alcoholic beverages (“Dram Shop” liability).
  7. Under the Zero Tolerance law, drivers under age 21 with any trace of alcohol can lose their driving privileges.

The legal sanctions that are applicable if one is found guilty of violating these laws can include fines, probation, restitution, loss of driving privileges, forfeiture of property, and imprisonment, along with other sanctions.

Who to contact on campus

The following offices are available on campus to provide assistance and possible referral for persons with substance abuse problems:

Community Resources

These community agencies and/or groups are available to provide assistance to persons with substance abuse problems. Unless otherwise listed, call for information on meeting time and place.

Parkland College • 2400 West Bradley Ave. • Champaign, IL 61821 • 217.351.2200 • 800.346.8089

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