Student Substance Abuse Procedure

Students should be aware that the legal drinking age in the state of Illinois is 21 years. Students should respect all laws at college-sponsored events, on or off-campus. Violation of state law, city ordinances or the college’s regulations at such events will be considered grounds for referring the student to the student assistance program for evaluation to remain at the college. The student will be encouraged to follow the recommendation of the student assistance program evaluation.

A second offense would give the student the option to be evaluated again, and in this instance, the student would be required to follow the recommendation of the student assistance program to remain at the college. A third offense will require documentation of compliance with the referral to the student assistance program. Failure to comply with the above may necessitate the invoking of disciplinary procedures as outlined in the student code of conduct. This procedure is designed to support the college, city, state and federal laws, as well as to create an environment conducive to learning appropriate and healthy attitudes and behaviors regarding the use of alcohol in our society.

The same procedures apply to the possession, manufacture, use, sale or distribution, by either sale or gift, of any quantity of any prescription drug or controlled substance or for being under the influence of any prescription drug or controlled substance, except for the use of an over-the-counter medication or for the prescribed use of medication in accordance with the instructions of a licensed physician. Controlled substances include, but are not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, cocaine derivatives, heroin, amphetamines, barbiturates, LSD, PCP and substances typically known as ‘designer drugs’ or ‘look-alike’ drugs. Any student found in violation of the above will be evaluated by the student assistance program and required to follow its recommendations to remain at the college. Failure to comply with the above may necessitate a student in disciplinary probation, suspension or expulsion.

The use of any controlled substance will not, under any circumstance, be accepted as an excuse for irresponsible behavior. The status of any student cannot be enhanced or jeopardized by using the student assistance program.

When a student’s performance appears to be hindered or minimized by the abuse of drugs and/or alcohol, the following procedures will take effect.

1. First Offense - a warning and informal referral to the student assistance program issued and placed on file.
2. Second Offense - a warning and a formal referral to the student assistance program for a complete assessment will be issued.
3. Third Offense - the student will be required to show proof of having complied with the terms and recommendations of the assessment referred to in step 2. Further assessment may be required. Failure to comply with either of these requirements will result in formal disciplinary procedures.

A student whose performance in certain activities is such that it might endanger his or her safety or that of others, such as, but not limited to, clinicals, field placement or welding procedures, may be subject to the penalties of step 3, even if it is a first offense.