Alcohol and Other Drugs

Policy Number: SDS-8200-001

Policy Title: Policy Regarding Alcohol and Other Drug Use by Students and Employees

Vice Chancellor/Associate Chancellor: Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Unit Responsible for Policy: Wellness Center

Effective Date: August 2, 2017

Contact: Director, Wellness Center

Policy Statement: The University of Illinois Chicago 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 will 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.

Reason for Policy: The health and wellness of UIC students, faculty, and staff are critical components of the overall health of our community. Consequently, UIC seeks to maintain a campus environment that is free of the illegal use of alcohol and other drugs. This policy also ensures that UIC is in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Minority Impact Statement: The policy has no disproportionate or unique effect on UIC’s minority students, faculty, or staff.

Who Should Read the Policy: All faculty, staff, and students at UIC.

Definitions:

• University: Refers to UIC.

Procedures: View related procedures and resources produced by the UIC Wellness Center.

Related Laws, Regulations, Statutes, and Policies:

• Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act
• Drug-Free Workplace Act [30 ILCS 580]
• Controlled Substances Acts [21U.S.C.801 and following]
• Illinois Controlled Substances Act [720 ILCS 570]
• Cannabis Control Act [720 ILCS 550]
• Liquor Control Act [235 ILCS 5/6-20]
• Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act [720 ILCS 646]
• Illinois Vehicle Code [625 ILCS 5/6-201].

Document History: This is an updated version of an existing UIC policy.

I’m a University employee. For what actions may I 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. For additional on and off-campuses resources, visit page 18 of this resource guide.

What if I’m convicted of a drug or alcohol offense that took place at work?

You must notify your supervisor within five days. If you are an employee working on a federal contract or grant and are 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 your 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.

For additional information (Employees):

UIC Human Resources Policies and Procedures

• Tobacco-Free Campus (HRPP 305)
• Human Resources Policies and Procedures – Counseling and Discipline (HRPP 1000)
• University Statement on a Drug-Free Workplace (HRPP 306)
• Fitness for Duty (HRPP 308)

I’m a student. What are the University’s Standards of Conduct regarding the use of alcohol and other drugs?

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 can be found in the UIC Student Disciplinary Policy Standards of Conduct Section C Health and Safety.

I’m a student. What happens if I violate the University’s Alcohol and Other 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 “Health and Safety” on page 15, of the UIC Student Disciplinary Policy, the link to which is below. 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, contact the Counseling Center at (312) 996-3490. For additional on and off-campus alcohol and other drug supportive services, visit page 18 of this resource guide.

For additional information (Students):

• Office of the Dean of Students
• Student Disciplinary Policy

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. See page 9 for 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

Federal law continues to regulate marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act. 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.

Federal Controlled Substance Penalties

Federal penalties for violations involving controlled substances vary according to the substance, quantity, nature of the offense, prior convictions, and other circumstances. Penalties may include substantial fines and imprisonment.

Marijuana remains subject to federal controlled-substance laws. Certain FDA-approved marijuana products and marijuana regulated under qualifying state medical-marijuana licensing systems are classified in Schedule III; other marijuana remains in Schedule I while broader federal rescheduling proceedings continue.

For more information please visit:

• Federal Controlled Substances Act
• Illinois Controlled Substances Act
  • (720 ILCS 570/)
  • (720 ILCS 570/Art. IV heading)
• Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Article 10: Personal Use of Cannabis)
  • (410 ILCS 705/10-5)
• Cannabis: Know the Facts UIC Office of the Dean of Students
• S. Drug Enforcement Administration: Marijuana Rescheduling Regulatory Actions

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, 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 host’s may be subject to fines up to $2,500.00 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.

For more information please visit:

Illinois Liquor Control Commission

Illinois Social Host Law

Driving Under the Influence

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. For more information, please see the Illinois DUI Fact Book link below.

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].

For more information please visit:

Illinois DUI Fact Book

Adverse health effects can occur with the use of controlled substances, illegal drugs, or alcohol, and can range from nausea and anxiety to coma and death. There are risks associated with the chronic use of all psychoactive drugs, including alcohol. For example, a pregnant individual who uses alcohol, cigarettes, or other drugs exposes themselves and their fetus to serious risks, such as the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, or brain damage. When drugs are combined, their negative effects on the mind and body are often multiplied beyond the effects of the same drugs taken singly, which can be deadly. Controlled substances or alcohol can lead to negative short or long-term effects based on length of use. Below is an abbreviated list of common health effects.

Alcohol

Alcohol is the drug most frequently abused on college campuses and in this country. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair the judgment and coordination required to operate a motor vehicle, thereby increasing the chances of having an accident. Alcohol may be an interacting factor in the incidence of aggressive acts, including vandalism and assault, and serious health problems such as liver damage. Consuming moderate to large amounts of alcohol impairs your ability to learn and remember information. Because alcohol is a depressant, very large amounts can cause respiratory and cardiac failure, resulting in death.

Cannabis

Cannabis and hashish impair the user’s short-term memory and comprehension. They can cause confusion, anxiety, lung damage, and abnormalities of the hormonal and reproductive systems. Hours after the feeling of getting high fades, the effects of cannabis on coordination and judgment may remain, heightening the risks involved in driving or performing other complex tasks. Cannabis, a fat-soluble substance, may remain stored in body for days or weeks depending on a variety of factors. An overdose or long-term use may bring about paranoia, panic attacks, or psychiatric problems.

Club/Designer Drugs

The terms “club drugs” and “designer drugs” refer to a wide variety of drugs including MDMA (Ecstasy, Molly), GHB, Rohypnol (roofies), ketamine (special K), methamphetamine (meth), and LSD (acid). Research indicates that these drugs can cause serious health problems or even death. They can have even more serious consequences when mixed with alcohol. Club/designer drugs are also occasionally used or administered in connection with sexual assault.

Depressants

Barbiturates, benzodiazepines (e.g., valium), quaaludes, and other depressants cause disorientation, slurred speech, loss of motor skills and other behaviors associated with drunkenness. The effects of an overdose of depressants range from shallow breathing, clammy skin, dilated pupils, or a weak and rapid pulse that can result in coma or death.

Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens such as LSD, MDMA, PCP (angel dust), mescaline, peyote, and psilocybin (“shrooms”) can cause powerful distortions in time, space, and reality. Intense and often unpredictable emotional reactions can trigger violent or psychotic reactions. An overdose of hallucinogens can cause psychosis or death.

Inhalants

Inhalants are invisible, volatile substances found in common household products that produce chemical vapors that are inhaled to induce psychoactive or mind-altering effects. A variety of different goods and products are used as inhalants, such as airplane glue, paint thinner, liquid paper, and gasoline. Its use produces effects such as slurred speech, drunken behavior, hallucinations, or coma or possible toxic reaction.

Narcotics/Opiates

Heroin, codeine, morphine, methadone, and opium are narcotics/opiates. There is a high likelihood of developing a physical and psychological dependence on these drugs. Health effects include but are not limited to: euphoria, drowsiness, constipation, or respiratory depression. Overdose may lead to convulsions, coma, and death. The risk of being infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, or other diseases significantly increases if you inject drugs and share needles.

Stimulants

Cocaine/crack, amphetamines, and other stimulants can cause euphoria, sense of well-being, loss of appetite, chronic sleeplessness, hallucinations or heart attack. All non-prescribed stimulants are extremely dangerous and psychologically and physically addictive. An overdose can result in seizures and death.

Tobacco

For adults 21 years or older, it is legal to buy tobacco in Illinois, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and e-cigarettes (vapes). Despite its legality there are still health risks associated with the use of these products. Smoking can induce feelings of relaxation or stimulation and is often used to manage stress. However, nicotine, the active ingredient in tobacco, also increases heart rate and raises blood pressure. The tar in cigarette smoke is a major cause of cancer and other respiratory problems. The carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke can promote arteriosclerosis. Long-term effects of smoking cigarettes may include emphysema, chronic bronchitis, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer.

For more information please visit:

• Illinois Department of Public Health

Drugs of Abuse – DEA Resource Guide U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Agency