Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace

POLICY

In compliance with federal, state and local law, university policy prohibits the unlawful manufacture, dispensation, distribution, sale, possession or use of a controlled substance or alcohol by students, faculty and staff in the workplace or while conducting university business or activities. In carrying out this commitment, Aurora University will fully comply with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 as amended by Public Law 101-226 and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-690, Title V, Subtitle D, Section 5160).

PROCEDURE

Sanctions for Alcohol or Controlled Substance Violations

As an educational institution, Aurora University expects its students, faculty and staff to behave in a mature and responsible manner. As an alcohol-free campus, intoxicants are not permitted on campus, no matter the student’s age. When a student, faculty or staff member fails to abide by this policy, the university considers such a violation to be serious and the individual will be subject to disciplinary action.The university also reserves the right to pursue criminal action against the offending individual(s). According to state statutes, penalties for the delivery of controlled substances are increased if conducted on school grounds or within 1,000 feet of school grounds (720 ILCS 550/4, Section 5).

The sanctions given for alcohol violations represent a commitment to providing learning outcomes that will help the student, faculty or staff member to understand the impact of their behavior not only on themselves but also on the university community.

The sanctions listed below (for faculty and staff) and in the Judicial Policy Statements of the A-Book for students do not represent all-inclusive lists. Based on the severity of the violation, the level of cooperation with staff members during the incident, the disciplinary history of the individual, and/or any other factors, any Class of sanctions, any combination thereof, or any additional sanctions may be instituted, as deemed appropriate by the Vice President/Provost in conjunction with Human Resources (for employees) or Student Life (for students).

Please note that other policies violated in conjunction with an alcohol or controlled substance violation may result in additional sanctions.

One or more of the following sanctions will apply if a faculty or staff member violates the alcohol or controlled substance policy:

• Termination of employment
• "Last Chance Agreement” administered by the Employee Assistance Program and Human Resources. Agreement will include monitoring and ongoing random drug/alcohol testing for up to 24 months.
• Additional sanctions are imposed as deemed appropriate by the Vice President/Provost in consultation with the Director of Human Resources.
  Violators convicted of distributing drugs will automatically be terminated from employment with the university.

Employees may appeal the sanction given through the Grievance Procedure. Students may appeal the sanction through the student appeal process.

Health Risks Associated with Illicit Drugs and Alcohol Abuse

Our primary interest is to assist Aurora University students, faculty and staff in avoiding the physiological and psychological damage that results from drug and alcohol abuse. The health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol include physical impairment such as liver, heart, digestive impairment, memory loss, impaired judgment and other personality disorders.

Substance and alcohol abuse not only affects the users, it affects their loved ones, and those with whom they work, live or attend class. Abusers can be unpleasant and dangerous. Substance/alcohol abuse can cause impaired eyesight, slower reaction time, lessened concentration, and poor judgment. In addition, it can affect the safety, motivation, and attitude of the abusers and those they are around.

Students should be aware of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol. Student employees in supervisory roles, such as Resident Assistants, will be provided with training in the recognition of or early warning signals of drug/alcohol abuse. Informational materials will be made available to students and staff through Student Life.

The following counseling and treatment services are available to Aurora University faculty, staff and students:

• Counseling Center at Aurora University – (630) 844-5416 
  Students only, no fees.
• Employee Assistance Program – 800-EAP-0321 (800-327-0321) 
  No fees, employees and their immediate families only.
• Breaking Free - (630) 859-0670 
  Located in Aurora, Illinois. Chemical dependency treatment services. Early intervention services. Students and employees.
• Rush-Copley Medical Center (Care Unit) - (630) 978-6200 
  Located in Aurora, Illinois. Drug and alcohol consultation service. Free consultations. Students and employees.