As a requirement of the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations (Edgar Part 86), Lake Land College is to disseminate the below policy/information to all students, staff and faculty on an annual basis. This process is formally conducted through collaboration between the offices of Human Resources and the Vice President for Student Services. Questions concerning this information can be addressed to either of those offices or the office identified throughout the information.
Lake Land College has a firm commitment to provide its students and employees a healthy and safe learning and working environment. The illegal or unauthorized possession, use of, being under the influence of, or distribution of drugs or alcoholic beverages seriously affects the College environment as well as the individual potential of our students and staff. It is our goal that the following information clarifies the standards of conduct, legal requirements, health risks, and help that is available to both students and staff members who may abuse or are dependent upon alcohol or drugs.
The Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures provides information regarding standards of conduct for students. Specifically, section 4 identifies the following as a violation of the Code of Conduct, “Illegal or unauthorized possession, use of, being under the influence of, or distribution of drugs or alcoholic beverages on any College property or at College-sponsored activities.”
Actions that violate the Student Code of Conduct will result in appropriate disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the College as described in the Code. Violations of federal, state and local laws which occur on College property or in the course of a College-sponsored activity are also subject to referral to the College’s Police Department and/or other civil authorities for investigation and action.
The “Use it and Lose it” Zero Tolerance Law regarding underage drinking went into effect in Illinois on January 1, 1995. Drivers under age 21 with any trace of alcohol in their systems will lose their driving privileges. Persons under age 21 can also be charged with a DUI if they have a BAC of .08 or higher and/or any illegal drugs in their system. If you would like more information regarding the law, you may contact Lake Land’s Health Services, your local police, or driver’s license bureau. Serious legal and health concerns make these problems an important issue.
Beginning with the 1989-90 award year, students must certify compliance with the Omnibus Drug Initiative Act of 1988. As a grant recipient from a federal program, a student who wishes to receive a Pell Grant is required to certify that he or she will not engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance in conducting any activity in connection with the grant. However, the act does not give courts the authority to suspend eligibility for federal student aid when sentencing an individual convicted of possession or distribution of a controlled substance.
The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (Pub. L. 100-690, Title V, Subtitle D) was signed into law by President Reagan on November 18, 1988, and became effective on March 18, 1989. Under the guidelines of this act, Lake Land College is required to give each employee a written statement of our policy concerning drug and alcohol use in the workplace, on campus and extension centers, and specify the actions that will be taken against employees for violation of such prohibition. Under this law, employees must abide by the terms of the policies and notify the College of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation which occurs in our workplace, on-campus and extension centers no later than five days after the conviction.
Lake Land College Board Policy 11.07 – Drug-Free Workplace provides information regarding standards of conduct expected for employees related to alcohol and drugs in the workplace. Employees who violate any aspect of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge and referral for prosecution.
Lake Land College strongly encourages students and staff members to voluntarily obtain assistance for dependency or abuse problems before such behavior results in disciplinary or legal action.
Under the Omnibus Drug Initiative Act, schools which receive campus-based funds will be required to certify that they will provide a drug-free workplace. As part of the omnibus drug legislation, this statute requires contractors and grantees of federal agencies to certify that they will provide drug-free workplaces. Making the required certification is a pre-condition for receiving a contract or grant from a federal agency. Federal grant recipients who fail to comply with the 1988 Drug-Free Workplace Act could be suspended or barred from receiving federal funds for up to five years. There are two provisions of this law that affect employees directly:
The health risks are numerous involving illicit drugs, alcohol, and tobacco use. Many of these health risks overlap due to the fact that if a person is involved in one area of addictive behavior, he/she usually engages in all three.
Alcohol is a depressant which slows body systems and sometimes causes aggressive and argumentative behavior. Over indulging in the use of alcohol can result in short term effects such as headache, nausea, and vomiting. The long term effects of alcohol consumption can include deterioration of vital body organs such as the heart, brain, liver, and stomach as well as such emotional issues as depression, change in personality and memory loss.
Illicit drugs are classified as a stimulant or a depressant, depending on the type of drug. A stimulant drug will increase blood pressure and heart rate, which over time can damage major body systems. A depressant drug slows down the body function, which can result in oxygen deprivation and cause irreversible damage to vital organs such as the heart, brain, liver and kidneys.
Tobacco use in any form is very harmful to one’s health. Smoking tobacco attributes to a large number of deaths yearly. Heart disease is more prevalent in smokers. Lung capacity is decreased due to large amounts of tar in the lungs. There is an increased amount of carbon monoxide in the blood stream due to smoking. Smokeless tobacco use continues to increase contributing to dental disease, nicotine dependence, and oral cancer.
Illicit drugs, alcohol, and tobacco impact the user as well as others though job performance, socialization, and family life. The harm illicit drugs, alcohol and tobacco do not only affect the user physically and emotionally, but also sometimes result in criminal and financial consequences for the individual.
Lake Land College provides information and referral services about alcohol and drug abuse for students and employees. Information about the effects of alcohol and drugs is available in Health Services. Health Services and Counseling Services are available to help students and staff obtain assistance from on and off campus agencies. Additional information about alcohol and drug abuse prevention programs and activities can be obtained from Health Services.
The problems caused by substance abuse have reached epidemic proportions, creating overwhelming pain, suffering, and expense for individuals, their families, and employers. Anyone suffering with the problem of substance abuse is strongly encouraged to seek assistance from the services provided through the College or from local community agencies.
Assistance is available to help students with drug and alcohol related concerns. Assistance is available to:
For confidential information or assistance on the Lake Land campus contact Health Services at 234-5276 or Counseling Services at 234-5232. Their offices are located in the Luther Student Center.
Lake Land College provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all full-time employees. The EAP offers free confidential and professional services to employees to assist them with problems related to individual, family, work and alcohol or chemical dependency.
Employee Assistance Program – Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center SBL Medical Office Pavilion 500 Health Center Drive, Mattoon, IL 61938 Phone: (217) 258-4040 or (217) 348-4040 After hours and on weekends and holidays (800) 500-HELP
Visit our Crisis & Community Resources page for more information on services, agencies and programs to help overcome drug and alcohol issues as well as other personal concerns.