Alcohol and Other Drug

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].

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
• Human Resources Policies and Procedures – Counseling and
Discipline
• University Statement on a Drug-Free Workplace
• Fitness for Duty

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 found be 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

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 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.
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
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 more information please visit:
• Federal Controlled Substances Act
• Illinois Controlled Substances Act
o (720 ILCS 570/)
o (720 ILCS 570/Art. IV heading)
• Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Article 10: Personal Use of
Cannabis)
o (410 ILCS 705/10-5):\
• Cannabis: Know the Facts UIC Office of the Dean of Students

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.

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
12
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. For
more information about types of possible effects refer to: “Description of
Health Risks Associated with the Use of Illicit Drugs and Abuse of Alcohol”
found on page 15 of this guide and/or click here to read the “Drugs of
Abuse – DEA Resource Guide”, prepared by the U.S. Department of Justice
Drug Enforcement Administration. This 115-page report provides an indepth discussion on the five main drug classes
(Narcotics, Depressants, Stimulants, Hallucinogens, and Anabolic Steroids),
Cannabis/Marijuana, Steroids, Inhalants, Drugs of Concern and Designer
Club Drugs.
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

Click HERE for a list of drugs A to Z