Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Information
Consistent with its mission as a public institution of higher education, the University is committed to educating students, faculty, and staff on the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse, and to establishing standards of conduct that maintain a campus environment in which such abuse is prohibited. These standards are intended to be in full compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations (34 CFR Part 86) promulgated by the Department of Education to implement section 22 of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, which adds section 1213 to the Higher Education Act and section 5145 to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (collectively referred to as the “Act”).
Students should refer to the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Information page in the Student Affairs website and the Student Handbook for comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Information. For further information, call Student Affairs at (773) 442-4600.
Standards of Conduct and Prohibitions
Employees and students, in their affiliation with the university, shall not manufacture, possess, use, deliver, sell or distribute any substance prohibited by the Illinois Cannabis Control Act, the Illinois Controlled Substance Act, or any other State or federal statute, except as authorized by law, consistent with the regulations of the University’s Board of Trustees. Further, faculty, staff, and students may not possess or consume alcoholic beverages on university property or at university-sponsored activities except in accordance with the university’s Service of Alcoholic Beverages policy, which expressly limits consumption of alcoholic beverages to persons 21 years of age or older, who are attending as specific invitees of the President or appropriate Vice President or designee, a function specifically approved by the President or appropriate Vice President or designee, held in a specifically approved designated area.
Applicable Legal Sanctions
Employees and students who violate State and/or Federal law may be subject to criminal prosecution. A number of Illinois and Federal criminal statutes provide extended definitions of what constitutes illegal possession, use, and distribution of alcohol and drugs. Criminal penalties for violations of Illinois statutes include terms of imprisonment for up to sixty (60) years and fines of up to $500,000. Equally severe penalties and sanctions may be imposed for violations of Federal statutes. Definitions of legal sanctions under Illinois law for the unlawful possession, use, and distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol are included in 720 ILCS Sec. 570/201 et seq. and 720 ILCS Sec. 550/1 et seq., copies of which are available for review by students and employees in the University library.
Health Risks
The abuse or illegal use of alcohol and the illegal use of controlled substances can seriously injure the health of employees and students, adversely impair the performance of their duties and their academic achievements, and endanger the safety and well-being of fellow employees, students, and others. Further information about the health risks associated with the use of alcohol and controlled substances is available in Student Health Services and Student Counseling Services offices.
Counseling and Support Services
STUDENTS
Student Counseling Services offer counseling and referral services to students who have drug or alcohol abuse-related problems. Additionally, the office provides:
- information about on- and off-campus substance abuse self-help groups.
- referrals to off-campus prevention and treatment resources
- substance abuse information and prevention literature
Student should refer to the Student Counseling website for contact and scheduling appointment information or call (773) 442-4650 or email counsect@neiu.edu.
Disciplinary Sanctions
STUDENT SANCTIONS
The University will impose disciplinary sanctions on students who violate the University’s foregoing policy up to and including expulsion and referral for prosecution and completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program, all in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Furthermore, student employees who violate the University’s foregoing policy may be subject to termination of employment.