Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Policies

Smoke Free/Tobacco Free Policy

Illinois State law required ALL college campuses to be smoke free/tobacco free starting July 1, 2015. Illinois Central College’s Smoke Free/Tobacco Free Policy prohibits the carrying, using, burning, inhaling, or exhaling of tobacco product, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, cigarillos, smokeless tobacco, chew, snuff, herbs, hookah-smoked products, cannabis (including medical marijuana), and all forms of e-cigarettes or personal vaporizers.

Students in violation of the law are subject to a College Regulations Violation Notice and/or other disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the ICC administration. Visitors and members of the public in violation of the policy may be required to leave the campus.

For more information on ICC’s Smoke Free/Tobacco Free Campus and smoking cessation classes and workshops, visit icc.edu/smoke-free-tobacco-free.

Alcohol and Drugs Policy

It is the policy of Illinois Central College to prohibit the possession, use, distribution, exchange, or sale of any substance containing cannabis, any substance prohibited or controlled by the Illinois Controlled Substance Act, or any item made to appear significantly similar to cannabis or any controlled substance on ICC or Foundation property. The use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages on campus, including Campus Housing, is also prohibited, with the exception of College-sponsored events where it has been authorized by the College or Foundation. Even if you are 21 or older, you cannot have alcohol on campus, including your apartment at Campus Housing.

Failure to observe these standards of conduct will result in disciplinary actions consistent with local, state, and federal law including, but not limited to, expulsion from ICC classes, banning from ICC property, administrative action and/or regulation violation enforcement, as well as possible arrest and prosecution. The bottom line: Don’t drink or use drugs on campus. You could get kicked out of school and be subject to local, state, and federal fines or jail time.

The short version of the State of Illinois laws concerning alcohol and drug use . . .

Possession of a fake ID is a crime whether you use it or not and carries a minimum $500 fine as well as at least 50 hours of community service. Possession of a fake driver’s license can result in suspension of your right to drive in Illinois if you’re under 21. It’s against the law to make, sell, or give fake IDs to people who are under 21. One more thing—making a fake ID is considered forgery. That’s a Class 3 Felony with a penalty of up to five years and/ or a $10,000 fine.

It’s against the law to buy or give alcoholic beverages to people who are under 21, and if you are under 21 it is illegal for you to consume it. Just the possession of alcohol in any public place is illegal if you are under 21.

These Class A misdemeanors can result in jail time of up to one year, up to two years of probation, suspension of driving privileges, and fines of at least $500.

It is illegal for you to possess, deliver, or manufacture controlled substances like cocaine, heroin, or amphetamines. The penalties and sanctions for these crimes get progressively more severe depending on the type of drug, amount you have, and if you are on or within 1,000 feet of school property.

It is illegal for you to drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any combination thereof. A first conviction can result in a minimum of one-year loss of full driving privileges, imprisonment for up to a year, and a fine up to $2,500.

The short version of the federal laws concerning drug trafficking ...

Federal drug trafficking penalties vary depending on the quantity and type of controlled substance involved, but include lengthy prison sentences and possibly millions in fines. Trafficking within 1,000 feet of a university results in penalties and fines twice as high.

Illegal Drugs and Financial Aid

Students who have been convicted of the sale or possession of illegal drugs while receiving federal student aid can have their eligibility for federal financial student aid suspended for a period of time and might be liable for returning any financial aid you received during a period of ineligibility.

Health Risks of Alcohol and Other Drugs

Alcohol is directly involved in many injuries, assaults, and the majority of deaths in people under age 25. For all drugs there is a risk of overdose, which can result in coma, convulsions, psychosis, or death. Continued use of substances can lead to developing a tolerance, dependence/addiction, and withdrawal. Long-term chronic use of drugs can lead to malnutrition, organic damage to the body, and psychological problems.

Treatment and Prevention Programs

The College has developed a program to provide services related to drug and alcohol abuse. Students looking for more information can contact Counseling Services at (309) 694-5281, Room CC200, on the East Peoria Campus.