Annual Statement Concerning Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) places a high value on students and employees and is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment and a campus and workplace free from illegal drug use. The University is committed to compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act (1988) and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 and Amendments of 1989, as a condition of receiving federal funds, or any form of financial assistance under any federal program.
IWU prohibits all employees from reporting to work or performing work for the university while impaired or under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol. In addition, IWU prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of alcohol and/or any illegal substances on University premises. Violation of this rule will result in disciplinary action, according to the severity of the violation, up to and including termination of employment or expulsion of a student, as well as referral for prosecution by the appropriate law enforcement agency. For other sanctions, refer to the Student, Staff, and/or Faculty Handbooks.
Federal law contains further prohibitions against the manufacture, possession with the intent to distribute or distribution of controlled substances, including narcotic drugs, marijuana, depressant or stimulant substances. As appropriate, the university may refer individual cases to the appropriate authorities for legal action.
Any student, faculty member, or staff member convicted under a criminal drug statute for an offense which occurred entirely or in part at the University or in a University activity, whether on or off campus, must report that conviction. Generally, students will report to the Vice President and Dean of Students, faculty and others in the academic area to the Provost and Dean of the Faculty, and all others to the Associate Vice President for Human Resources. Reporting should take place within 5 days of the conviction. Failure to report such convictions may result in immediate separation from the University. The conviction, when reported, will be reviewed and disciplinary action may be taken if appropriate.
Throughout the year, various departments and organizations of the University sponsor programs on alcohol and drug abuse because the problem of alcohol and drug abuse impacts all of us directly and/or indirectly. Students or groups who wish to have alcohol at events must secure clearance through the Associate Dean of Students/Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life well in advance of the date of the event. A registration form will be required. No kegs, pony kegs or hard alcohol are allowed on University property. Upon discovery of kegs, pony kegs or other common sources of alcohol, said items will be confiscated and will NOT be returned but will be disposed of by Campus Safety.
We believe the decision to seek diagnosis and accept treatment for any suspected illness
is the responsibility of the individual. The decision to seek treatment will not be
detrimental to enrollment and/or employment. We believe that confidential handling
of the diagnosis and treatment of alcoholism and other drug addiction is essential.
While Illinois Wesleyan University does not have a formal treatment program, there
are a number of resources available to students and employees. A student desiring
further consultation regarding
Despite Illinois legalization of recreational marijuana use; using and possessing marijuana in any form remains a crime under federal law. As a recipient of federal funding, such as financial aid and federal grants and contracts for research, IWU is required to continue to prohibit the use and possession of all federally controlled substances – including marijuana for medical uses. Consequently, such activity will remain prohibited by IWU policy and the IWU Student Conduct Code. At the federal level, the Controlled Substances Act states that the growing and use of marijuana is a crime and federal enforcement agencies can prosecute users and growers of marijuana, regardless of state law. In addition to being a federal offense, the use of medical marijuana in the workplace and on campus is restricted by additional federal laws, such as the federal Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug-Free Workplace Act. It is those federal laws that require IWU to prohibit the use of marijuana, including for medical purposes, on campus.
Resources Available
ESI, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – available for employees regularly scheduled to work at least 17.5/hrs. a week
Phone: 1-800-252-4555 or 1-800-225-2527
Web Access: www.theEAP.com
IWU contracts with ESI for an employee assistance program that provides assistance with numerous personal concerns including drug and alcohol abuse. Services include counseling and treatment program referrals.
Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Programs
Chestnut Health System, Inc.
Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Center
1003 Martin Luther King Drive, Bloomington, IL
Phone: 309-827-6026
Additional Programs for General Mental Health Concerns
Chestnut Health System Family Counseling
1003 Martin Luther King Drive, Bloomington, IL 61701
Phone: 309-820-3500
Center for Human Services of McLean County, Inc.
108 W. Market Street, Bloomington, IL 61701
Phone: 309-827-5351
Carle Behavioral Health of Bloomington
303 N. Hershey Rd., Suite D1, Bloomington, IL 61704
Phone: 309-268-3529
Fees at some agencies are based on the client’s ability to pay. Payment plans may be available and insurance payments are typically accepted.
Brochures on the above services are available in the University Health Service or Counseling and Consultation Services.
Substance Abuse
Illinois Wesleyan University has always recognized the importance of a realistic policy in regard to substance abuse and, at the same time, has always been ready to help those who develop a problem in this area. Substance abuse is detrimental to every organ system. Drug usage, in otherwise healthy individuals, may cause gastrointestinal problems, sleep disorders, eating disorders, anxiety or depression, and a compromised immune system. Continued abuse may lead to deterioration of heart, liver, pancreas, and brain. Not only can substance abuse result in the negative health impact as described above but may lead to other risks such as compromised relationships, family problems, academic problems, acquaintance rape, unwanted pregnancies, violence, injuries, accidents, and sexually transmitted diseases.
There are a number of legal consequences that can occur as a result of substance abuse (drugs and/or alcohol). Under Illinois law, the sanctions listed below are imposed for offenses related to substance abuse. Even harsher punishments for drug trafficking are imposed at the federal level.
- Possession of a controlled substance starts as a Class 4 felony with a fine of not
more than $25,000 and a sentence of not less than 1 year or more than 3 years. Depending on the amount and type of substance involved, the individual can be charged with a Class
1 felony and fined not more than $200,000 and imprisoned for not less than 4 years
or more than 50 years. (See 720 ILCS 570/402).
- Those involved in the manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance can be found
guilty of a Class 3 felony with a fine of not more than $75,000 and a sentence of
not less than 2 years or more than 5 years. Depending on the amount and type of the controlled substance, the charge can go as high as a Class
X felony with a fine of not more than $500,000 and a sentence of not less than 6 years
or more than 60 years. (See 720 ILCS 570/401)
- Illegal possession of alcohol by someone under 21 years of age is a Class A misdemeanor
punishable by a minimum fine of $500 and a maximum fine of $2,500 and a sentence up
to 1 year in jail. (See 235 ILCS 5/6-20).
- Those found guilty of distributing alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age are guilty
of a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a minimum fine of $500 and a maximum fine of
$2,500 and a sentence up to 1 year in jail. If a death occurs as a result of the violation,
then the person can be charged with a Class 4 felony with a fine of not more than
$25,000 and a sentence of not less than 1 year or more than 3 years. (See 235 ILCS
5/6-16).
- Those individuals who are charged with driving under the influence of alcohol where
the blood alcohol content is greater than 0.08 can be found guilty of a Class A misdemeanor
with a fine up to $2,500, a sentence up to 1 year in jail, and a 1 year suspension
of their driver’s license. Additional offenses can increase the charge to a Class
X felony with a minimum fine of $5,000 and a maximum fine of $25,000 and a sentence
of not less than 6 years. It can also result in an extended or permanent loss of an
individual’s driver’s license. Drivers under 21 years of age who are charged with
driving under the influence of alcohol where the blood alcohol content is greater
than 0.00 will find consequences in excess of those listed above. (See 625 ILCS 5/11-501).
Conclusion
Besides this statement, the University has provided similar material in the Faculty, Staff, and Student
Handbooks. Information is given to all new students and parents at the time of orientation.
The information provided indicates the University policy, the sanctions for violation
of that policy, and also discusses the campus environment in regard to presence of
alcohol and/or other drugs. All members of the Illinois Wesleyan community are encouraged
to watch for announcements regarding
For further information regarding IWU’s Philosophical Statement and IWU’s Alcohol and Substance Policy, please visit: www.iwu.edu/