Appendix
Drug and Alcohol Policies

Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments

The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 require an institution of higher education, as a condition of receiving funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program, to certify that it has adopted and implemented a drug prevention program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees. As part of its drug prevention program for students and employees, the University of Chicago annually distributes in writing to each student and employee the following information:

  1. standards of conduct that clearly prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on its property or as part of any of its activities;
  2. a description of the applicable legal sanctions under local, state, or federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol;
  3. a description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol;
  4. a description of available drug and alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation or re-entry programs; and
  5. a clear statement of the disciplinary sanctions that the University will impose on students and employees who violate the standards of conduct.

The University will conduct a biennial review of its drug prevention program to determine its effectiveness, implement changes as needed, and ensure that the disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced.

The University of Chicago fully supports the objectives of these laws and their related regulations. The University recognizes both alcohol and drug abuse as potential health, safety, and security problems. The University expects its students and employees to cooperate in maintaining a University environment free from the effects of alcohol and other drugs and to comply with this policy.

Standards of Conduct at the University of Chicago

All members of the University community are responsible for being familiar and complying with the requirements of federal and Illinois statutes and Chicago ordinances concerning the consumption, possession, and sale of alcohol and other drugs. The University expects each member of the community to be responsible for his or her own conduct and the consequences of that conduct.

Various federal and state laws prohibit the possession, distribution, and use of controlled substances, unless in compliance with licensing requirements or a doctor’s prescription. Moreover, Illinois law prohibits the consumption and possession of alcohol by persons under the age of twenty-one and the supplying of alcohol to any person under the age of twenty-one. Additionally, Illinois law prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages except by those licensed to sell such beverages. Illinois law and city ordinances also prohibit public intoxication, operation of a vehicle or bicycle under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants, and consumption of alcohol in a public place. Violation of these or other laws relating to drugs and alcohol may result in probation, fines, imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record. Violation of drug laws may also result in civil seizure on forfeiture of property used in connection with the offense. A violation may also result in University disciplinary action.

The University recognizes both alcohol and drug abuse as potential health, safety, and security problems. The University expects faculty, students, and staff to assist in maintaining a University environment free from the effects of alcohol and other drugs.

The University prohibits all students and employees from the unlawful manufacture, possession, use, distribution, sale, or purchase of alcohol and other drugs on University premises or as part of any University activity, and from working under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs. The only exception to this provision applies to moderate consumption and/or possession of alcohol on University premises at approved functions (e.g., receptions) by those legally permitted to consume or distribute alcohol. Such functions must comply with all applicable University guidelines.

In addition, all student employees are required to be able to perform their jobs. If an employee may be impaired by medication taken according to a doctor’s prescription or the medication’s directions, he or she is expected to discuss it with his or her supervisor.

Besides the legal restrictions, the following University guidelines govern events on campus at which alcoholic beverages are served:

• Alcoholic beverages may not be served at any event at which undergraduates are present unless prior written approval has been obtained at least one week in advance from the Office of the Reynolds Club and Student Activities or the appropriate Dean of Students.

• All areas of the University that will serve alcoholic beverages at a function when students will be present must have the servers or a responsible event representative of the function attend alcohol risk management training (UCARE) offered by the Health Education Office at the Student Care Center and be present the entire length of the function (details at http://scc.uchicago.edu).

• All areas of the University that wish to serve alcohol in a University public area (e.g., common rooms, lounges, quadrangles) at an event at which graduate or professional students are likely to be in attendance must, at least one week in advance of the event, consult with the appropriate area Dean of Students and the unit responsible for the particular space allocation, and must designate a faculty or staff member to be present and responsible for the event. Registered graduate and professional student organizations must obtain written authorization to hold such events through the Office of the Reynolds Club or their area Dean of Students.

• Sufficient amounts of non-alcoholic beverages must be available at all functions where alcohol is available. Further, appropriate quantities of non-salty food must be served at all such events.

• There may be no reference to the availability of alcohol in any publicity for a University event.

• University officials or agents of the University have the authority to prohibit attendees from bringing alcoholic beverages to a function (including events held in outdoor areas such as the quadrangles) or into a building. Such beverages may be confiscated by the official or agent. Other drugs will never be permitted at functions. Besides these general standards of conduct, areas of the University may also have specific drug and alcohol policies relating to their activities and providing additional details (e.g., Housing, Athletics, Office of the Reynolds Club and Student Activities); please consult them for details.

Legal Sanctions

All members of the University community are responsible for knowing the requirements of federal and Illinois statutes and Chicago ordinances concerning the consumption, possession, and sale of alcohol and other drugs. The University expects each member of the community to be responsible for his or her own conduct and the consequences of that conduct.

Various federal and state laws prohibit the possession, distribution, and use of controlled substances, unless in compliance with licensing requirements or a physician’s prescription. Moreover, Illinois law prohibits the consumption and possession of alcohol by persons under the age of twenty-one and the supplying of alcohol to any person under the age of twentyone. Additionally, Illinois law prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages except by those licensed to sell such beverages. Illinois law and city ordinances also prohibit public intoxication, the operation of a vehicle or bicycle under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants, and the consumption of alcohol in a public place. Violation of these laws or other laws relating to drugs and alcohol may result in probation, fines, imprisonment, and permanent criminal record. Violation of drug laws may also result in civil seizure and forfeiture of property used in connection with the offense. A violation may also result in University disciplinary action.

The following sections set forth in some detail federal and state statutes with respect to illicit drug trafficking and possession, and state statutes regarding alcohol use by minors.

Federal Drug Sanctions

Federal law penalizes the manufacture, distribution, possession with intent to manufacture or distribute, and simple possession of drugs (“controlled substances”). Federal penalties and sanctions for the simple possession of a controlled substance are quite severe. The law sets forth sentences and fines that include the following:

• First conviction: up to one-year imprisonment, a fine of at least $1,000, or both. After one prior drug conviction: at least fifteen days in prison, not to exceed two years, and a fine of at least $2,500. After two or more prior drug convictions: at least ninety days in prison, not to exceed three years, and a fine of at least $5,000. A special, harsher sentencing provision applies for possession of crack cocaine. (21 U.S.C. §844(a))

• Forfeiture of personal and real property used to possess or to facilitate possession of a controlled substance if that offense is punishable by more than one-year imprisonment, as well as forfeiture of vehicles, boats, aircraft, or any other conveyance used to transport or conceal a controlled substance. (21 U.S.C. §§853(a) & 881(a))

• Denial of federal benefits, such as student loans, grants, contracts, and professional and commercial licenses, up to one year for the first offense and up to five years for second and subsequent offenses. (21 U.S.C. §862)

• Ineligibility to receive or purchase a firearm. (18 U.S.C. §922(g))

Moreover, revocation of certain federal licenses and benefits (e.g., pilot licenses, public housing tenancy) are vested within the authorities of individual federal agencies.

These penalties may be doubled, however, when a person at least eighteen years old: (1) distributes a controlled substance to a person under twenty-one years of age (a term of imprisonment for this offense shall not be less than one year), and/or (2) distributes, possesses with intent to distribute, or manufactures a controlled substance in or on, or within one thousand feet of, the real property comprising a public or private elementary or secondary school, or a public or private college. (21 U.S.C. §§859 & 860)

Federal penalties and sanctions for trafficking in controlled substances are considerably more severe than those outlined previously for simple possession. Table A prepared by the Department of Justice outlines federal trafficking penalties for substances covered by the Controlled Substances Act.

State Drug Sanctions

Illinois statutes also cover a wide range of drug offenses (720 ILCS 550/1), et seq. (cannabis); 570/401, et seq. (other controlled substances). Sentences and fines for simple possession of various controlled substances are outlined in Table B.

In addition to the sanctions listed in this table, the following additional penalties for possession of an illegal substance are prescribed by Illinois law.

• Possession of cannabis plants may result, depending on the number of plants, in prison terms of up to seven years and fines of up to $100,000 plus costs.

• Conviction under the Controlled Substances Act or the Cannabis Control Act, in addition to all other penalties, will result in a fine of no less than full street value of the items seized.

• As with federal law, Illinois law provides much stiffer penalties for trafficking in a controlled substance. Sentences and fines for trafficking are outlined in Table C.

In addition to these sanctions, the following additional penalties are prescribed by Illinois law. Conviction for the following may result in imprisonment, a fine, or both up to double the maximum otherwise authorized:

• Conviction for a second or subsequent offense under the Controlled Substances Act. A prior conviction under federal law or the law of any other state makes a conviction under Illinois law a second offense.

• Conviction for “cannabis trafficking” of 2,500 grams or more or for “controlled substances trafficking” (i.e., bringing these items into Illinois for purposes of manufacture or delivery).

• Conviction for delivery of a controlled substance by a person over eighteen to a person under eighteen.

• Conviction for delivery of cannabis (marijuana or hashish) by a person over eighteen to a person under eighteen who is at least three years younger.

• A person over eighteen who uses another person under eighteen to deliver controlled substances may be sentenced to imprisonment for a term up to three times the maximum otherwise authorized.

Violation of provisions of the Controlled Substances Act in or on the grounds of any school or public housing complex, or within one thousand feet of the same, will increase the felony status (and prison term) and the applicable fine.

Participation in any conspiracy with respect to cannabis may result in imprisonment for two to five years and a fine of up to $200,000 plus certain forfeitures.

State Alcohol Sanctions

Illinois law provides for a prison term up to one year and for a fine of not less than $500 for knowingly providing alcohol to persons under twenty-one or for providing false evidence of identity. Persons under twenty-one who present or offer false evidence for purposes of obtaining or purchasing alcohol may be jailed for up to one year and fined up to $2,500. The same penalties apply to possession of alcohol by a person under twenty-one on or in any street or public place.

City Alcohol Sanctions

Under the Chicago Municipal Code, it is unlawful for any person to drink any alcoholic liquor on any public way or in a motor vehicle upon a public way in the city of Chicago. Penalties include a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500, and/or punishment by imprisonment for a period of six months.

Miscellaneous

Revocation of certain federal licenses and benefits, e.g., pilot licenses, public housing tenancy, etc., are vested within the authorities of individual federal agencies. Note: These are only federal penalties and sanctions. Additional state penalties and sanctions may apply.

University Sanctions

Besides legal consequences, the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol and any violation of the University alcohol and other drug policy by a student or employee may result in appropriate discipline under the student disciplinary system or the employee corrective action procedure. For students, sanctions include, but are not limited to, removal from the University House System; discharge from student employment; and probation, suspension, or expulsion from the University. Employees may receive sanctions up to and including discharge from employment. The University may refer students or employees for criminal investigation and prosecution. Specific areas of the University (i.e., Housing, Athletics) may also take action based on a violation of this general University policy or their specific policies.

For both students and employees, the University retains full and final discretion on whether, when, and under what conditions a student may be reinstated or an employee returned to employment after an instance of alcohol abuse or improper drug use. Student organizations that violate this policy are also subject to sanctions, including, but not limited to, probation and removal of recognized student organization status. The particular sanction in a given case will depend on such factors as the nature of the violation, the seriousness of the offense, and the prior record of the individual or organization, and may include the successful completion of an approved rehabilitation or chemical dependency program.

Under federal law, any employee (including student employees) convicted of any violation of any criminal drug statute (including misdemeanors) for a violation occurring either on University property or during working hours must notify his or her area Dean of Students (if a student employee); the Employee Labor Relations Office of University Human Resources Management (702-8905) (if a non-student staff employee); or Associate Provost Aneesah Ali (702-5671) (if an academic employee) within five days of the date of conviction. A conviction includes any plea or finding of guilty, any plea of nolo contendere (no contest), and/or any imposition of a fine, jail sentence, or other penalty. Under federal law, if the convicted employee is working on a project funded through a federal grant or contract, the University is required to notify the relevant federal contracting or granting agency within ten days of receiving such notice of conviction.

Health Risks

The use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol and prescription drugs have potential adverse health consequences that may be permanent. These consequences include disorders and dysfunctions that affect the central nervous system, reproductive functioning, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, and endocrine functioning. Specifically, there are both short- and long-term effects on cognition, memory, retention, information processing, coordination, and athletic and academic performance. The use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol also affect emotional equilibrium, mental well-being, and the ability to make critical decisions. Such use also impairs judgment, which in turn increases one’s vulnerability and risk-taking behaviors, including engaging in unprotected sex, which may lead to exposure to HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases and to unplanned pregnancy. The chronic use and abuse of illicit drugs and alcohol have been shown to cause adverse permanent changes in most of the biological systems studied. These changes can lead to severe impairment, disability, and premature death.

Illicit Drugs

The use of any amount of drug—prescription, illicit, or legal—will alter the chemical balance of the body. Misuse of drugs may lead to lifelong chemical dependency, the disease of addiction, and possible death. Abuse and addiction to drugs often cause serious damage to major body organs such as brain, stomach, lungs, liver, kidneys, and heart, as well as the immune and reproductive systems. The sharing of needles when using drugs is known to be a major cause of the spread of HIV. The health risks associated with various controlled substances, prepared by the U.S. Department of Justice, are summarized in Table D.

Alcohol

Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including spouse and child abuse. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person’s ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described.

Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver.

Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other youngsters of becoming alcoholics.

Counseling, Treatment, and Referral

Students and employees who believe they may have an alcohol or drug problem are strongly encouraged to seek assistance through resources available at the University. Employees may contact the Staff and Faculty Assistance Program (SFAP) at 800-456-6327 or 630-932-8008. This will connect employees with Perspectives, the fi rm with which the University has contracted to provide SFAP services.

Students should seek aid through the Student Counseling and Resource Service (SCRS, 702-9800), their area Dean of Students, or the Offi ce of the Vice-President and Dean of Students in the University (702-7770). Such contacts will be kept confi dential, except as required by law or by concern for the immediate health, safety, or security of the individual or others.

The SCRS is staffed by mental health professionals (e.g., psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists) who are available to discuss your concerns regarding drug or alcohol use in your own life or in the life of someone close to you. Seeking professional assessment can frequently bring new perspective. Initial evaluation, consultation, counseling, and treatment on an outpatient basis is available through the SCRS.

Individuals requiring inpatient detoxifi cation and/or rehabilitative services are referred to institutions and hospitals in the local community that specialize in these types of services. The costs of such treatment and referrals may be covered in whole or in part by the individual’s health insurance.

The University has the right to take any necessary action to protect the health, safety, and security of the affected individual and other members of the University community, including deciding whether, when, and under what conditions a student may be reinstated or any employee may be returned to employment after an instance of alcohol abuse or improper drug use.

Students with questions about University alcohol and other drug policy, or any other University policy or rule, should contact the SCRS (702-9800) or their area Dean of Students. Employees should contact the Employee/Labor Relations Offi ce of University Human Resources Management (702-8905).