08. Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention
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08. Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention
Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention
The information in this section is in accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989. This section contains key elements of the UIC Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy and Resource Guide. The Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy and Resource Guide includes the following contents:
Policy Regarding Alcohol and Other Drug Use by Students and Employees
In accordance with the Policy Regarding Alcohol and Other Drug Use by Students and Employees (Policy number SDS-8200-001), UIC is committed to maintaining a drug- and alcohol-free environment for its students and employees in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. No one under the age of 21 may possess, sell, or consume alcoholic beverages on any property under UIC’s control, including campus housing. Persons of legal drinking age—21 years or older—may possess or consume alcoholic beverages only in areas or at functions specifically designated or approved for such use.
The unlawful or unauthorized possession, use, distribution, dispensation, sale, or manufacture of controlled substances or alcohol is prohibited on university property or as part of any university activity. Students or employees who violate this policy may be disciplined in accordance with university policies, statutes, rules, and regulations up to and including dismissal and referral for criminal prosecution.
The university may contact the parents or guardians of students under the age of 21 for violations of the Student Disciplinary Policy.
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08. Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention
Substance Abuse Education Programs
Please note the following information highlights core educational programs that traditionally occur every year.
Handbooks
Select UIC units have developed and distributed informational handbooks that direct students and employees to their departmental and/or UIC alcohol and other drugs (AOD) policies. For example, UIC athletes receive the Student-Athlete Handbook, which details the Substance Abuse Education and Testing Program for UIC athletes. In addition, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics helps to guide student athletes, a group nationally seen as high-risk for AOD use, through potentially risky situations by engaging them in educational activities, such as informative conversations, life skill classes, and random drug testing. The New Student and Parent Orientation Program produces and distributes the UIC Student Life Guide to thousands of new students each year. The Guide informs students of the variety of resources and support services offered at UIC as well as the university’s policy on alcohol and illegal drug use. The Resident Student Handbook, distributed by Campus Housing, summarizes the UIC policy on AOD and provides information on its use as it relates to living in a campus residence hall. The UIC Faculty Handbook includes a discussion of the UIC policies in its Health and Safety section.
Summer and Spring Orientation
UIC New Student and Parent Orientation electronically distributes the UIC Student Life Guide to all new students (and parents) through the UIC Orientation website. In addition to connecting students to a myriad of resources, the guide introduces students to University Policy on alcohol, cannabis, smoking, and illegal drug use. Students are directed to this document at the start and throughout the orientation program.
Workshops
The Wellness Center staff and peer educators offer Keg of Knowledge, a 50-minute workshop developed and offered by the Wellness Center to Greek organizations, student organizations, and Campus Housing residents. Using interactive activities, this workshop addresses the myths of alcohol use, signs of alcohol poisoning, bystander intervention, blood alcohol concentration, dangers of binge drinking, and responsible drinking levels. To increase the number of students learning about responsible drinking the Wellness Center added one safe drinking slide to its most popular workshops to increase the number of students exposed to responsible drinking and the AOD policy information. Attending College: What you Need to Know is a workshop that introduces students to the realities of college life. It includes slides that offer information on protective behaviors like making sure to eat before drinking or having a designated non-drinker in the group. Wellness Center Workshops may be requested online.
Happy Haunt
The Wellness Center annually raises student awareness about responsible drinking and healthy behaviors through an event called Happy Haunt. In this event, Wellness Center staff walk around campus wearing Halloween costumes and hand out safe drinking messages.
National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week
During this weeklong event, posters are displayed on physical and electronic board monitors and safe drinking tips are sent through the Wellness Center’s listserv.
Wellness Center Website
Alcohol and other drug education is prominently displayed on the landing page of the Wellness Center website as an Alcohol and Drug Edu tab. The Alcohol Education page includes alcohol education on setting safe drinking limits, “partying with a plan,” recognizing when drinking is a problem and more. Instructional guides and resources are available to all students, faculty, and staff. On the Drug Education page, visitors will find information on hookahs, cannabis, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Drugs of Abuse Resource Guide. The UIC AOD Policy is also hosted on the Wellness Center website and is updated there annually.
Party Like a Rock Star Who Just Wised Up: Party Safety Guide
Developed by the Wellness Center, this guide covers topics such as: sex under the influence of alcohol, tips to encourage the use of designated drivers, the Illinois Social Host Law, recipes for non-alcoholic drinks, and tips to keep partiers safe from alcohol poisoning and DUI’s.
Messaging Campaigns
The Wellness Center uses professionally designed visuals and clear, engaging messaging to educate students about alcohol safety and healthy decision-making. Throughout the year—and during key high-risk periods—safe drinking messages are displayed on electronic monitors across campus and on posters placed in high-traffic areas with dense student populations.
In addition, the Wellness Center reaches thousands of students through its listserv and Instagram account, where it regularly shares healthy lifestyle tips, safe drinking reminders, and information on UIC’s AOD Policy. These channels provide consistent, accessible reinforcement of prevention messages and resources.
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08. Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention
University Policies Regarding Drug Use by Students and Employees
Employees
Actions for which University Employees Will be Disciplined
The University of Illinois is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. The unlawful possession, use, distribution, sale or manufacture of controlled substances or alcohol is prohibited on university premises. Violation of this policy will result in employment discipline as defined for specific employee categories by existing university policies, statutes, rules, regulations, employment contracts, and labor agreements. Disciplinary action may, but not need be, progressive, ranging from a verbal warning and rehabilitation to termination. With concern for the safety, health, and well-being of UIC’s campus community. Employees who use illegal controlled substances or who are alcohol dependent are encouraged to look for professional advice and treatment. Employees can obtain a list of counseling, rehabilitation, and assistance programs confidentially by calling the campus Employee Assistance Program staff at (312) 996-3588.
Employees Convicted of a Drug or Alcohol Offense that Took Place at Work
Employees convicted of a drug or alcohol offense that took place at work must notify their supervisor within five days. If an employee is working on a federal contract or grant and is convicted of a drug or alcohol offense occurring in the workplace, the university will notify the granting or contracting federal agency within ten days of receiving notice of the conviction. Employees convicted of a drug or alcohol offense involving the workplace will be disciplined or discharged under existing laws, policies and rules. Questions regarding UIC employee policies and procedures can be directed to UIC Human Resources at (312) 996-0840.
Additional Information
For additional information, please review UIC Human Resources Policies and Procedures:
Students
University Standards of Conduct Regarding the Use of Alcohol and Other Drugs for Students
University Standards of Conduct are used to promote health and safety within the campus community. Violations of these standards include but are not limited to: 1). Alcohol: possession, use, manufacture, sale, or distribution of alcohol by anyone under the legal age and/or to anyone under the legal age; violations of university policy and/or federal, state, or local laws related to alcohol/alcohol products. 2). Controlled Substances (Drugs): Unlawful and/or unauthorized possession, use, manufacture, sale, or distribution of illegal drugs, controlled substances and/or drug paraphernalia; violations of university policies and/or federal, state, or local laws pertaining to controlled substances. More information about the Standards of Conduct is available in the UIC Student Disciplinary Policy Standards of Conduct, Section C. Health and Safety.
Student Violations of the University Drug Policy
Students who illegally possess, use, distribute, sell, or manufacture drugs and alcohol will be disciplined and are subject to university disciplinary actions that include four sanction categories: Administrative, Developmental, Academic, and Elevated that range from a warning up to and including expulsion from the university. The full range and description of sanctions for UIC students can be found in the “Health and Safety” section of the Student Disciplinary Policy. Questions regarding the disciplinary policy and its sanctions can be directed to the Office of the Dean of Students at (312) 996-4857.
The university provides educational programs and counseling to students who are substance users or who are affected by the substance abuse of others. For confidential help with these problems, visit the Counseling Center website or call (312) 996-3490.
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08. Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention
Laws that Apply to Alcohol and Other Drug Use
Recognizing that the abuse of alcohol and other dangerous substances can be harmful to the “peace, health, and welfare” of Illinois citizens [720 ILCS 570/100], the Illinois General Assembly implemented a series of laws that regulate the distribution and use of controlled substances. Below is a brief description of some of the state and federal laws used to regulate alcohol and other drugs.
Controlled Substances
The possession, sale, and delivery of controlled substances (Schedule l through V) is prohibited by county, state, and federal laws.
Federal Law
According to the United States Code (USC) Controlled Substances Act [21 U.S.C. 801 and following], individuals can be penalized for the quantity of confiscated drugs, the type of drug(s) found, the number of previous offenses by the individual, and whether the individual intended to manufacture, sell, or use the drug. The UIC AOD Policy and Resource Guide further provides an overview of Federal Trafficking Penalties.
Illinois Law
The possession, use, sale, manufacture, or delivery of a controlled substance within the state of Illinois is a criminal offense (felony) punishable by imprisonment. Penalties vary and are set out under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act [720 ILCS 570/].
Cannabis in Illinois and at the University of Illinois
Under the federal Controlled Substances Act, cannabis is classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance and is illegal. Consistent with that Act and the federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug Free Workplace Act, the university prohibits the unlawful or unauthorized possession, use, distribution, sale, or manufacture of cannabis/marijuana on university property or as part of any university activity. The passage of the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act in 2019, which legalizes certain activities related to cannabis under Illinois state law, does not affect federal law or the university’s cannabis prohibition.
Although personal use of cannabis in Illinois is legal there are regulations that limit select personal use practices, such as: age of user, operation of machinery or motor vehicles, transporting across state or U.S. borders, quantity of cultivated plants, and possession of cannabis on city, state, or federal property. Learn more about these and other personal use limits by clicking on the link below Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Article 10: Personal Use of Cannabis).
In addition, the University of Illinois Chicago’s cannabis prohibition applies to both recreational and medical use. That means having a medical cannabis registry identification card under the Illinois Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act does not allow you to use or possess cannabis on university property (this includes but is not limited to outdoor spaces, classrooms, and residential halls) or as part of any university activity.
For additional information, please review:
Underage Drinking
The consumption of alcohol by any person under 21 years of age is illegal [235 ILCS 5/6-20]. It is also against Illinois law for anyone to permit a gathering at their residence at which one or more persons under 21 possess or consume alcoholic beverages, to rent a hotel or motel room for such purpose, and to sell or deliver alcohol to anyone under 21 or to any intoxicated person [235 ILCS 5/6-16].
False IDs: It is illegal for a person under 21 to present false identification in an attempt to purchase alcohol [235 ILCS 5/6-16]. It is unlawful to assist in obtaining or to fraudulently obtain, distribute, use, or possess a fraudulent state ID card/driver’s license. Penalties vary but can include the: suspension of driving privileges for up to one year or revocation of driving privileges for a minimum of one year; conviction of a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and fines up to $2,500; conviction of a Class 4 felony punishable by one to three years imprisonment and fines up to $25,000.
Illinois Social Host Law: In Illinois, the Social Host Law, which amends the Illinois’ Liquor Control Act and went into effect January 1, 2013, holds adults accountable for hosting social events where alcohol is served to underage drinkers. Penalties can range from a misdemeanor to a Class 4 Felony. If convicted of a misdemeanor, hosts may be subject to fines up to $2,500 and up to one year in prison. If an underage drinker injures or kills someone after drinking at an adult’s home, the adult could be guilty of a Class 4 felony. This could result in fines up to $25,000 and up to three years in prison.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
The Illinois DUI Fact Book defines “Driving Under the Influence” as, “operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, other drugs, including cannabis/marijuana prescribed for medical purposes, or intoxicating compounds and methamphetamine. In Illinois, drivers are legally considered to be under the influence if they have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08 or more, have a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC- cannabis) concentration of either 5 nanograms or more per milliliter of whole blood or 10 nanograms or more per milliliter of other bodily substance, have used any other controlled substance, or are impaired by medication.” In Illinois underage drinkers with Blood Alcohol Content of more than 0.00 may be subject to fines and license suspension.
The Illinois Secretary of State is authorized to cancel any driver’s license or permit upon determining that the holder has been convicted of violating the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act, or the Use of Intoxicating Compounds Act while that individual was in actual physical control of a motor vehicle [625 ILCS 5/6-201]. Although the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act legalizes the use of cannabis, operating a motor vehicle while under its influence is illegal. Regardless of whether use is recreational or medical, impaired motorists may lose driving privileges.
Substantial penalties exist for individuals driving or physically controlling a motor vehicle with a blood or breath alcohol concentration of .08 or greater [625 ILCS 5/11-501.1]. Arrests are also possible at lower alcohol levels if driving is impaired. These acts, depending on the circumstances, may incur penalties, such as a jail sentence, fines, and/or suspension/revocation of a driver’s license. Transporting open alcohol containers in a motor vehicle is also punishable under Illinois law [625 ILCS 5/11-502].
