The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, and the policies of Northern Illinois University prohibit unlawful possession, use, and/or distribution of controlled substances and alcohol on university property or in association with any university-related activities.

The illegal use of controlled substances and abuse of alcohol may cause serious health problems, impair performance, and endanger the safety and well being of students, faculty, staff, and members of the general public. Because it is readily available and its use is not necessarily illegal, the drug which tends to have the greatest potential for harm to the most people is alcohol. Negative health and social consequences which are most likely to occur as a result of the use of alcohol include accidents, assaults (racial, sexual, verbal) and other problems related to health and productivity. The use of alcohol by pregnant women, alcoholics, and people who are ill or on medication is especially dangerous.

Local, state and federal laws prohibit the unlawful possession, use or distribution of drugs and alcohol. The courts may impose strict legal sanctions upon an individual who is found to have violated the legal prohibitions against the possession, use, or distribution of drugs and alcohol. When applicable, available legal sanctions include, but are not limited to: the imposition of fines, imprisonment, forfeiture of property, non-voluntary community service, probation, required medical or psychiatric treatment, rehabilitation, treatment as approved by the Illinois Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse, and restitution. An individual’s status as a university student or employee in no way prevents a court from imposing any of these sanctions.

The university encourages any students and employees who have a problem with the use of drugs or alcohol to seek professional advice and treatment. The university provides or can assist in arranging education, assessment, counseling, intervention, treatment, rehabilitation, and aftercare. Some of these services may be without charge and the cost of others may be partially paid by student or employee health insurance. Students may obtain further information on any of these support services from Health Enhancement (753-9755 or www.niu.edu/health) or the Counseling and Student Development Center (753-1206). Faculty and staff should contact the Employee Assistance Program (753-9191) for information and assistance.

In addition, there are numerous community agencies including Alcoholics Anonymous (800/452-7990), the Ben Gordon Center (756-4875), and various private clinics and counselors listed in the yellow pages under Alcohol Abuse and Addiction.

Northern Illinois University may impose disciplinary sanctions upon any student or employee who is found to be in violation of laws or policies relating to the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of drugs and alcohol. For employees, such sanctions may include, without limitation, the following:

Referral to an educational or rehabilitation program;
Referral for fitness for duty evaluation; and
Employee discipline (including suspension or dismissal) pursuant to provisions of the NIU Constitution and By-Laws, personnel policies, or the State Universities Civil Service System;
Referral for criminal prosecution;
Additional procedures pertain to employees in designated positions subject to the Federal Department of Transportation Alcohol and Drug Testing Program regulations.

Students are subject to applicable sanctions listed in the preceding paragraph, and additionally without limitation, the following:

Referral for action under the Student Judicial Code (including the possibility of expulsion or suspension); and
Referral for action under policies relating to residence halls.