​It is the policy of College of DuPage to provide a drug and alcohol free environment and work place as defined by the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1994. College of DuPage shall review its compliance on a biennial basis to determine its effectiveness and to ensure that the standards of conduct and judicial sanctions have been consistently enforced. This review shall be documented in a report.

College of DuPage prohibits the unlawful possession, use, distribution, dispensing and manufacture of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on its property or as part of any College activity.

Students who violate this policy will be governed by the College's Code of Student Conduct and subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension, expulsion and referral for prosecution. A judicial sanction for violating this policy may include the completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program. Employees who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with their appropriate employee group regulations up to and including suspension, termination of employment and referral for prosecution.

Students, employees and visitors are subject to local, state and federal laws. Criminal penalties for such violations may include assigned community service, fines and imprisonment. In addition, property used in connection with illegal drugs may be confiscated, federal student loans, grants and contracts may be denied, and driving privileges may be revoked. Penalties for violations will apply.

Drug Free Schools and Campuses Notification

Programs for Students Requiring Assistance

Any College of DuPage student who has a drug or alcohol related problem may call upon the College for assistance. Anyone needing help should contact the Student Mental Health Counselor in the Dean of Students Office. The counseling faculty can provide a confidential referral to a drug or alcohol treatment program.

Health Risks

The use of drugs and alcohol can have a substantial and detrimental effect on health. These effects are often permanent and can lead to severe physical and psychological impairment, disability and premature death. Information on the effects of drugs and alcohol is available the Office of Student Life, Counseling, Advising and Transfer Services and the College of DuPage Police. 

Legal Sanctions

Use of illicit drugs by any person is illegal under both the state and federal statutes. Use of alcohol by persons under 21 years of age is illegal under state law. Penalties for conviction under state and federal law include incarceration and fines. Property used in connection with illegal drugs may be confiscated. Federal student loans and grants may be denied to those convicted for a violation of a criminal drug statute.

Alcohol

​College of DuPage members owe it to themselves and others to make educated decisions about their use or distribution of alcohol.  The State of Illinois prohibits the sale, use or possession of all forms of alcoholic beverages by persons less than 21 years of age. Students are responsible for adhering to the Code of Student Conduct and Drug-Free School policy. 

Health Promotion and Wellness

College of DuPage expects students to uphold the law when it comes to the purchase and consumption of alcohol.  This institution also seeks to educate students about making safe, responsible decisions when it comes to substance use.  The Student Mental Health Counselors are the point of contact for outreach and initiatives pertaining to responsible substance use.  Students who are found responsible for violating College of DuPage’s Code of Student Conduct policy may be mandated to meet with a Student Mental Health Counselor and participate in interventions.  Students who have concerns about their alcohol use (or someone else’s) may contact the Student Mental Health Counselors at any time and will not get into trouble for seeking help or information.  Student Mental Health Counselors can be reached at (630) 942-2259.

Students should be prepared to seek help when a peer may be experiencing a drug overdose or alcohol poisoning by calling the College Police at (630) 942-2000 (Glen Ellyn campus) or call 911( at all COD Centers).   Students are expected to take action in such situations and not be a passive bystander.  Here are the symptoms of alcohol poisoning, and remember that not all symptoms need to be present for alcohol poisoning to occur:

• Person is unconscious and cannot be roused;
• Person is in a stupor or exhibits confusion;
• Person is vomiting (prop unconscious persons on their sides so that they won’t choke on their own vomit);
• Skin is pale, has a blue tinge, and/or skin is unusually cold to the touch;
• Abnormally slow breathing (less than 8 breaths per minute) and/or irregular breathing (a gap of more than 10 seconds between breaths);
• Seizures.

Drug overdoses can vary depending on the drug consumed, but here is a general list of symptoms that indicate help is needed.  Remember that not all symptoms need be present for an overdose to occur:

• Abnormal pupil size;
• Agitation, aggressive, and/or violent behavior;
• Convulsions;
• Delusional or paranoid behavior;
• Difficulty breathing;
• Drowsiness;
• Hallucinations;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Nonreactive pupils (pupils that do not change size when exposed to light);
• Staggering or unsteady gait;
• Sweating or extremely dry, hot skin;
• Tremors;
• Unconsciousness or death.

Additionally, the following regulations govern alcohol use by students and student organizations:

1. All casual possession or consumption of alcohol by students in on campus is prohibited regardless of age.
2. Consumption of alcohol which results in behavior that infringes on the rights of others in the community is prohibited.