Drug-Free Schools Communities Act

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

As an institution of higher education, Northern Illinois University is dedicated to maintaining an environment in which students can achieve their academic, personal, and professional ambitions. The possession or use of illegal drugs, as well as the use or abuse of legal drugs such as alcohol seriously undermines the goals of the University, as well as the goals of our students and staff. To mitigate the impact of illegal drug and narcotic use, the University will enforce and follow all relevant local, state, and federal laws; as well as University policies, including:

The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and staff on NIU property, or at NIU-related events.

Northern Illinois University will impose disciplinary sanctions on students and staff consistent with local, state, and federal laws. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, academic suspensions or expulsions for students, and termination of employment for staff members. When appropriate Northern Illinois University will also refer cases for criminal prosecution; or refer students and staff members to a rehabilitation program as a condition of an administrative sanction.

This policy will be reviewed no less than on a biennial basis in an effort to determine the effectiveness of the policy and implement any needed changes; and to ensure that the sanctions imposed for violations of this policy are consistently and fairly enforced.

Northern Illinois University encourages students and staff to voluntarily obtain assistance for dependency or abuse problems before such conduct results in personal, professional, or educational harm. Assistance for students and staff of NIU is available from a wide range of resources, some of which are listed below. Northern Illinois University does not endorse any particular off-campus provider, and invites individuals seeking assistance to utilize an internet search engine or visit a local medical facility for additional assistance.

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 illegal drugs and alcohol. Common sanctions imposed on students or employees for violations of this policy can be found below. Northern Illinois University may use, but is not limited to, any one or combination of the below listed sanctions.

Common Administrative Sanctions for Faculty and Staff

• Referral to an educational or rehabilitation program; (employees who are convicted of illegal drug or alcohol-related offenses can be required to demonstrate satisfactory completion of such a program).
• Referral for fitness for duty evaluation;
• Employee discipline (including suspension or dismissal) pursuant to provisions of the NIU Board of Trustees Regulations, NIU Constitution and By-Laws, NIU personnel policies, or those of the State Universities Civil Service System;
• Referral for criminal prosecution;
• Additional procedures may pertain to employees in designated positions subject to the Federal Department of Transportation Alcohol and Drug Testing Program regulations.

In addition to the measures outlined above, as a condition of employment, an employee directly engaged in work pursuant to a federal grant or contract must abide by the terms of this policy, and must notify the university no later than five days after any criminal drug statute conviction, if the criminal act upon which the conviction is based occurred upon property owned, operated, or controlled by the university. Each employee engaged in the performance of a federal grant or contract shall be given a copy of this policy notification. The university will notify the granting or contracting agency within ten days after receiving notice from a covered employee or otherwise receiving actual notice of such convictions.

Common Administrative Sanctions for Students of Northern Illinois University

Referral for action under the Student Code of Conduct (including the possibility of expulsion or suspension).

Sanctions Permitted by Northern Illinois University For Student Misconduct

Northern Illinois University wishes to inform students that the below listed sanctions may be imposed on a student for violations of the student conduct code. More than one sanction may be imposed for a single offense. This list is non-exhaustive, and subject to the determination of appropriate Administrative Hearing Officer or Conduct Board.

Banishment

The temporary or permanent removal from campus property.

Class Removal or Reassignment

A sanction that removes a student from a class or requires a student to move into a different class or section.

Community Service

A sanction that requires a Student or Recognized Student Organization to complete hours of service to Northern Illinois University or the DeKalb Community;

Deferred Sanction

A sanction that is deferred may become effective if the Student is found “responsible” or accepts responsibility for a future violation of the Student Code of Conduct or other institutional policy. Any sanction may be deferred, the deferred sanction will include the length of deferment and the expiration date of the deferred sanction;

Discretionary Sanctions

A sanction that requires work assignments, written assignments, service to Northern Illinois University, or other related discretionary assignments;

Educational Sanctions

A sanction that includes but is not limited to the requirement of the completion of an educational assignment or assessment. (e.g., research paper, program presentation, interviews, Partner Abuse Intervention Program, anger assessment, etc.);

Fines

An amount of money applied to the Bursar's Account of the Student or Recognized Student Organization for violation of a University or Department policy;

Formal Written Warning

A notice in writing to the Student or Recognized Student Organization indicating a violation of institutional regulations;

Loss of Privileges

A denial of specified privileges for a designated period of time (e.g., inability to have guests/visitors, inability to hold social functions, etc.);

Loss of Recognized Student Organization Status

A loss of all privileges, including Northern Illinois University recognition as a student organization, for a specified period;

Probation

Probation for a designated period that includes the probability of more severe disciplinary sanctions if the Student is found to violate any institutional regulation(s) during the probationary period;

Residence Hall Expulsion

Permanent separation of the student from the residence halls;

Residence Hall Suspension

Separation of the student from the residence halls for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified;

Residence Hall Floor Transfer

A temporary or permanent housing reassignment to a different floor within the same residence hall.

Residence Hall Transfer

A temporary or permanent housing reassignment to a different residence hall.

Restitution

Compensation for loss, damage, or injury. This may take the form of appropriate service and/or monetary or material replacement;

Revocation of Admission and/or Degree

A revocation of admission to or a recommendation of revocation of degree awarded by the University;

University Expulsion

A permanent separation of the student from Northern Illinois University;

University Suspension

A separation of the student from Northern Illinois University for a definite period of time, after which the student, upon completion, may be eligible to return. During the duration period, the student is also banned from Northern Illinois University;

Withholding Degree

A withholding of the awarding of a degree otherwise earned until the completion of the process set forth in the Student Code of Conduct.

In Illinois, it is against the law to sell or deliver alcohol to anyone under 21 or to intoxicated person. Violations can result in fines of up to $1,000 and one year in jail. It is also illegal for a person under 21 to present false identification in an attempt to purchase alcohol.

• The Secretary of State is authorized to suspend or revoke without a hearing the driver’s license or instruction permit of a person under 21 who has purchased or attempted to purchase alcohol from a duly licensed establishment or who has consumed alcohol on licensed premises.
• Local liquor commissioners have the duty to report to the Secretary of State any conviction for a violation of the Liquor Control Act, or a similar provision of a local ordinance, prohibiting a person under 21 from purchasing, accepting, possessing or consuming alcohol and prohibiting the transfer or alteration of identification cards, the use of the identification card of another or a false or forged identification card, or the use of false information to obtain an identification card.
• The Secretary of State is authorized to suspend or revoke the driver’s license or learner’s permit of any person convicted of violating any of the prohibitions listed above or similar provisions of local ordinances.

Substantial penalties exist in Illinois for the operation of a motor vehicle by a driver with a blood or breath alcohol concentration of .08 or greater. Arrests are also possible at lower alcohol levels if driving is impaired. The first offense can result in a $1,000 fine, incarceration for up to one year, and suspension or revocation of the offender’s driver’s license. Subsequent offenses entail penalties of significantly greater severity. Transporting open alcohol containers in a motor vehicle is also punishable under Illinois law.

Except as otherwise provided in the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act [410 ILSC 705], the possession, sale, and delivery of controlled substances is prohibited in Illinois under the Illinois Cannabis Control Act [720 ILCS 550/] and the Illinois Controlled Substances Act [720 ILCS 570/]. Under the Illinois Cannabis Control Act as amended by the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, courts can set penalties that increase in accordance with the amount of any substance containing cannabis in each case. In regard to both the Illinois Cannabis Control Act and the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, penalties vary with the amount of the drug confiscated, the type of drug found, the number of previous offenses held by the individual, and whether the individual intended to manufacture, deliver or possess with intent to deliver [720 ILCS 550/4-10] [720 ILCS 570/401-408].

In addition to prohibiting the unlawful possession of controlled substances [21 U.S.C. 844], the federal Controlled Substance Act [Title 21 U.S.C.] prohibits the manufacture, distribution, or dispensation, or possession with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, of controlled substances [21 U.S.C. 841(a)]. The Act also prohibits the creation, distribution, or dispensation, or possession with intent to distribute or dispense, of counterfeit substances [21 U.S.C. 841(a)]. Individuals can be penalized on the quantity of confiscated drugs, the type of drug(s) found, the number of previous offenses by the individual, and whether the individual intended to manufacture, sell, or use the drug.

For additional information on federal drug trafficking penalties, see pages 39-40 of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s 2024 Drugs of Abuse Resource Guide.

Substance	Nicknames/Slang Terms	Short Term Effects	Risks/Long Term Effects
Alcohol		slurred speech, drowsiness, headaches, impaired judgment, decreased perception and coordination, distorted vision and hearing, vomiting, breathing difficulties, unconsciousness, coma, blackouts	toxic psychosis, neurological and liver damage, fetal alcohol syndrome, vitamin B1 deficiency, sexual problems, cancer, physical dependence
Amphetamines	uppers, speed, meth, crack, crystal, ice, pep pills	increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, dry mouth, loss of appetite, restlessness, irritability, anxiety	delusions, hallucinations, heart problems, hypertension, irritability, insomnia, toxic psychosis, physical dependence
Barbiturates and Tranquilizers	barbs, bluebirds, blues, yellow jackets, red devils, roofies, rohypnol, ruffies, tranqs, mickey, flying v's	slurred speech, muscle relaxation, dizziness, decreased motor control	severe withdrawal symptoms, possible convulsions, toxic psychosis, depression, physical dependence
Cocaine	coke, cracks, snow, powder, blow, rock	loss of appetite increased blood pressure and heart rate, contracted blood vessels, nausea, hyper-stimulation anxiety, paranoia, increased hostility Increased rate of breathing, muscle spasms and convulsions. dilated pupils disturbed sleep	depression, weight loss, high blood pressure, seizure, heart attack, stroke, hypertension, hallucinations, psychosis, chronic cough, nasal passage injury, kidney, liver and lung damage, physical dependence
Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate	GHB, liquid B, liquid X, liquid ecstasy, G, georgia homeboy, grievous bodily harm	euphoria, decreased inhibitions, drowsiness, sleep, decreased body temperature, decreased heart rate, decreased blood pressure	memory loss, depression, severe withdrawal symptoms, physical dependence, psychological dependence
Ketamine	K, super K, special K	dream-like states, hallucinations, impaired attention and memory, delirium, impaired motor function, high blood pressure, depression	Urinary tract and bladder problems, abdominal pain, major convulsions, muscle rigidity , increased confusion, increased depression, physical dependence, psychological dependence
LSD	acid, stamps, dots, blotter, A-bombs	dilated pupils, change in body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate, sweating, chills, loss of appetite, decreased sleep, tremors, changes in visual acuity, mood changes	may intensify existing psychosis, panic reactions, can interfere with psychological adjustment and social functioning, insomnia, physical dependence, psychological dependence
MDMA	ecstasy, XTC, adam, X, rolls, pills	impaired judgment, confusion, confusion, blurred vision, teeth clenching, depression, anxiety, paranoia, sleep problems, muscle tension	may intensify existing psychosis, panic reactions, can interfere with psychological adjustment and social functioning, insomnia, physical dependence, psychological dependence sleeplessness, nausea, confusion, increased blood pressure, sweating , depression, anxiety, memory loss kidney failure, cardiovascular problems, convulsions death, physical dependence, psychological dependence
Marijuana/Cannabis	pot, grass, dope, weed, joint, bud, reefer, doobie, roach	sensory distortion, poor coordination of movement slowed reaction time, panic, anxiety	bronchitis, conjunctivas, lethargy, shortened attention span, suppressed immune system, personality changes, cancer, psychological dependence, physical dependence possible for some
Mescaline	peyote cactus	nausea, vomiting, anxiety, delirium, hallucinations, increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature	lasting physical and mental trauma, intensified existing psychosis, psychological dependence
Morphine/Opiates (Includes Heroin)	M, morf, duramorph, Miss Emma, monkey, roxanol, white stuff, H	euphoria, increased body temperature, dry mouth, “heavy” feeling in arms and legs	constipation, loss of appetite collapsed veins, heart infections, liver disease, depressed respiration, pneumonia and other pulmonary complications, physical dependence, psychological dependence
PCP	crystal, tea, angel dust, embalming fluid, killer weed, rocket fuel, supergrass, wack, ozone	shallow breathing, flushing, profuse sweating, numbness in arms and legs, decreased muscular coordination, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, delusions, paranoia, disordered thinking	memory loss, difficulties with speech and thinking, depression, weight loss, psychotic behavior, violent acts, psychosis, physical dependence, psychological dependence
Psilcoybin	mushrooms, magic mushrooms, shrooms, caps, psilocybin & psilocyn	nausea, distorted perceptions, nervousness, paranoia	confusion, memory loss, shortened attention span, flashbacks may intensify existing psychosis
Steroids	roids, juice	increased lean muscle mass, increased strength, acne, oily skin, excess hair growth, high blood pressure	Cholesterol imbalance, anger management problems, masculinization of women, breast enlargement in men, premature fusion of long bones preventing attainment of normal height, atrophy of reproductive organs, impotence, reduced fertility, stroke, hypertension, congestive heart failure, liver damage, psychological dependence

Students

Substance Use Support

Individuals experiencing substance use-related concerns, Counseling and Consultation Services (CCS) counselors can help them identify available resources and treatment options based on their specific concerns, needs, and goals. They can attend an initial consultation to discuss their concerns and talk with a counselor to identify their on-campus and/or off-campus support options.

Safe Choices Program

The Safe Choices group provides education on the effects of substance use and topics such as use, misuse, and dependency on alcohol and marijuana. The group discussions also focus on the role of substances in your life, your personal goals and values, harm reduction, and strategies to cope with concerns in safe, healthy ways. Students who are not specifically referred to the Safe Choices group can still attend if recommended by a CCS counselor.

If anyone has any questions or wishes to access services provided by Counseling and Consultation Services, contact 815-753-1206.

Employees

Employee Well-Being Counseling

Employee Well-Being offers free and confidential assessment of personal and professional concerns and short-term counseling to NIU employees, retirees and their household members. An Employee Well-being professional is available during work, at lunch breaks or after work to confidentially talk with an individual regarding any personal or professional difficulty that they are experiencing.

Examples of issues addressed include work-related issues, relationship and family concerns, anxiety, depression, stress, grief and loss, substance use/addictions and other personal concerns.

If anyone has any questions or wishes to access services provided by Employee Well-Being, contact 815-753-9191.