Campus Regulations Enforced by RVC Police Department

No person shall violate any federal, local or state laws specifically covered in the Illinois Compiled Statutes. All RVC students, staff and guests of Rock Valley College are expected to follow the regulations listed below. In addition, all RVC enrolled students are expected to follow the RVC Student Code of Conduct. Each student is responsible for reading and complying with the RVC Student Code of Conduct. Rock Valley College students are expected to demonstrate our qualities of response, civility, honesty, and integrity.

Alcoholic Beverages: No person shall possess, use, distribute or manufacture any alcoholic beverages on the campus or any property that the college may own or lease, except as approved by the President, or their designee.
Assault: No person shall assault, molest, threaten, intimidate, harass, disturb, or interfere with any other person engaged in lawful activities on the campus or any property that the college may own or lease.
Bicycles, Rollerblades, and Skateboards: No person shall take or use bicycles, rollerblades, or skateboards without permission of the owner, or operate bicycles, rollerblades, or skateboards in a manner as to endanger other persons or property on the campus or any property that the college may own or lease.
Boating: No person shall operate a boat on any body of water on the campus except in accordance with the rules promulgated by the President, or their designee.
Camping: No person shall construct or occupy any tent, trailer, lean-to, or other temporary shelter on the campus without permission of the President, or their designee.
Closing Hours: No person shall remain on the college grounds or in college buildings, nor shall any person leave property on the grounds after closing time without permission of the college president, or their designee. Rock Valley College and its off-campus sites shall be closed from 11 :00 p.m. - 6:30 a.m.
Dogs and Other Animals: No person owning or controlling any dog or other animal, except service dogs or other authorized exceptions shall bring such animal to the RVC campus or any property the college may own or lease, except when using the exercise path. Use of a leash or harness is mandatory, and the person(s) controlling such animals shall be responsible for removing any waste left by the animal.
Electronic Devices (including, but not limited to, cellular phones, fax machines, pagers, computers): No person shall use any electronic device on campus or any college-owned or operated facility, to harass, offend, or disturb any other person, nor shall any person use threatening or obscene language over any campus electronic device, nor shall any person use any electronic device to summon emergency service of any kind as a prank or otherwise when such service is not needed. Photographing individuals in secured areas such as restrooms, locker rooms, or other area where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, is strictly prohibited.
Fire/Emergency Alarms: No person shall sound an alarm for fire or other emergency on the campus or any property that the college may own or lease except upon reasonable information and belief that there is an emergency which requires such alarm.
Fires: No person shall light or make use of any fire on the campus or any property that the college may own or lease.
Gambling: No person may participate in games for money or other personal property or operate gambling devices on the Rock Valley College campus or any property that the college may own or lease.
Golf: No person shall play or practice golf on the campus or any property the college may own or lease except as permitted by the college president, or their designee.
Littering: No person shall dispose of any refuse, litter, dirt, or waste materials of any kind on the campus or any property that the college may own or lease except in receptacles and locations designated by Rock Valley College.
Locks: No person shall possess, duplicate, make or cause to be duplicated any key, card, or unlocking device to operate any lock used or maintained by the college except with the permission of the college president, or their designee.
Misrepresentation: No person shall misrepresent themself to any other person as a student, employee, or official of the college.
Radio Controlled Devices: No person shall operate any radio controlled device on the campus or any property that the college may own or lease.
Selling and Advertising: No person shall sell, solicit for sale or advertise for sale any goods or services, or take orders for or make contracts for such sales on the campus or any property that the college may own or lease except as authorized by the college president, or their designee.
Signs: No person shall post any sign, poster, handbill, or advertisement on the campus or any property the college may own or lease except as permitted by the president, or their designee. See: Bulletin Board Regulations and Posting Regulations
Smoking/Vaping/E-Cigarettes: No person shall smoke, vape, or use E-Cigarettes on RVC campuses or any property that the college may own or lease, except that a person(s) may smoke while inside in their personal vehicle. See Smoke Free Illinois Act, Smoke Free Campus Act, Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act for additional information.
Swimming: No person shall swim in any waters on the campus or any property that the college may own or lease, except as authorized by the college president, or their designee.
Traffic Regulations: Vehicle movement about the campus is governed by the Illinois Vehicle Code, 625 ILCS 5. The speed limit on campus roadways is 20 mph and is 10 mph in parking lots. No person shall drive on the walkways except as authorized by the college president, or their designee. All drivers are required to obey all traffic control signs, markings, and devices. Violators may be issued a state citation and prosecuted by the Office of the Winnebago County State's Attorney.
Trespassing/loitering: No person shall trespass, loiter, or prowl on the campus or any property the college may own or lease at a time or in a manner not usual for law abiding individuals and under circumstances that warrant alarm for the safety of persons or property in the vicinity, nor shall any person occupy or use any room or building on such property except with proper authorization or upon lawful invitation.
Unlawful Assemblies: No person shall alone, or assemble with others to lead or incite others on the campus or any property the college owns or leases in a manner that causes disturbance, noise, riot, or disruption which obstructs or interferes with the free movement of persons, vehicles, pedestrian walkways, about such property or which interferes with the free, normal and uninterrupted use of the campus for educational programs, business activities, normal activities, and related social and recreational activities.
Weapons and Explosives: No person shall possess, store, or carry any firearms, other dangerous and deadly weapons, or explosives openly or concealed on any property the college may own or lease. Per the Illinois Concealed Carry Act, Section 65(a)(15), carrying a concealed firearm is prohibited on community college property even if the individual has a valid concealed carry license (CCL). The prohibition on firearms does not apply to certified law enforcement personnel who are authorized to carry firearms on or off duty.
Wildlife: No person shall willfully kill, capture, or otherwise harass any animal, bird, or fish on the campus or any property the college may own or lease, except that the college president, or their designee may approve of fishing for specific educational purposes. This section shall not interfere with the lawful trapping or removal or wildlife deemed to be a nuisance or danger to the public.
Student Assemblies: Student assemblies are an important part of the college experience and provide an opportunity for students to present issues in a manner appropriate to the traditions of the academic community. To protect the rights and privileges of all students so they may benefit from the educational opportunities offered by the college, the rules and regulations regarding student assemblies are as follow:
1. Student assemblies, rallies or demonstrations to be conducted on the Rock Valley College campus(es) require a Facility Usage Application.
2. Submit the Facility Usage Application to the Student Life Office at least three (4) weeks prior to the date of the requested assembly so college resources can be coordinated.
3. Follow the stated rules that apply to all scheduled use of the college's facilities by recognized organizations and that have been approved by the Board of Trustees.

Smoke Free Illinois Act and Smoke Free Campus Act and Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act

Effective July 1, 2015 all Rock Valley College campuses are smoke free.

The following information is provided to all Rock Valley College students and employees in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (PL 101-226) and the Drug Free Schools and Campuses Regulations [EDGAR Part 86]. We provide Annual Notification about the impact, risks and penalties of drugs and alcohol to both students and employees.

The Smoke-Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82) establishes specific requirements for compliance in creating smoke free areas through proper signage and enforcement. It also establishes fine structures for smoking violators and organizations which fail to enforce the statute.

The Smoke-Free Campus Act (110 ILCS 64) establishes that smoking is prohibited on each campus of a state-supported institution of higher education, both indoors and outdoors. This includes nicotine products, e-cigarettes, and other devices. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on campus with the exception of inside one’s personal vehicle. Rock Valley College Police Department (RVCPD) officers will be the primary enforcers of this procedure and statute. Officers will first attempt to gain compliance from violators by advising the violator of this procedure and requesting compliance. Violators who refuse to comply with the procedure after having been notified may be referred to the Dean of Students for disciplinary actions, and or issued an RVC citation or state citation at the officer’s discretion.

Statement on Medicinal Marijuana in Illinois: Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act (P.L. 98-122, Section 30. Limitations and penalties (i). (410 ILCS 130/1) Effective January 1, 2014, an ACT concerning alternative treatment for serious diseases causing chronic pain and debilitating conditions passed. Illinois is an approved state for allowing dispensary of cannabis for medicinal purposes. A statement on medical marijuana use on campus: At this time, marijuana use remains prohibited on campus for medicinal or recreational purposes. Any use of marijuana on campus would be a violation of federal and campus policy and may result in disciplinary action.

Questions and concerns regarding this legislation or any of the information contained in this document should be directed to the Dean of Students Office. 1. Policies - Alcohol, Other Drugs As an academic community, Rock Valley College is committed to providing an environment in which learning and scholarship can flourish. The possession or use of illegal drugs, alcoholic or the abuse of those which may otherwise be legally possessed, seriously affects the college environment, as well as the individual potential of our students and staff. The college enforces

Policies - Alcohol, Other Drugs

As an academic community, Rock Valley College is committed to providing an environment in which learning and scholarship can flourish. The possession or use of illegal drugs, alcoholic or the abuse of those which may otherwise be legally possessed, seriously affects the college environment, as well as the individual potential of our students and staff. The college enforces state laws and related college policies, including those prohibiting the following activities on campus:

a. Providing alcoholic beverages to individuals under 21 or possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by individuals under 21.

b. Possession, consumption, distribution, or manufacturing of any alcoholic beverages on the campus or any property that the college may own or lease, except as approved by the college President, or their designee.

c. Distribution, possession, or use of illegal drugs or controlled substances.

The use of alcohol by students, regardless of age, is prohibited by the Student Conduct Code. The college can, and will, impose disciplinary sanctions for violations. Students are also subject to city ordinances and state and federal laws. A separate policy addresses violations by college staff.

The college strongly encourages students and staff members to voluntarily obtain assistance for dependency or abuse before such behavior results in an arrest and/or disciplinary referral which might result in their separation from the institution.

The use of, or addiction to, alcohol, marijuana, or other controlled substances is not considered an excuse for violations of the Student Conduct Code, and will not be a mitigating factor in the application of appropriate disciplinary sanctions for such violations.

Help is available both on campus and within the community for students and staff members who are dependent on, or who abuse the use of alcohol or other drugs.

Counseling and Treatment

Students may be referred by the Rock Valley College Counselor or other staff to community treatment programs for assessment or more intensive treatment through Rosecrance Inc. or Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC) in Rockford, Illinois; additional counseling and treatment services may be recommended. These agency services include intake/evaluation, social setting detox, intensive residential and day program, chemical dependency programs, adolescent and adult outpatient services, assessment DUI evaluations and prevention education.

Health Risks Associated with the Use of Illicit Drugs and Alcohol see “Substance Chart" below for more information.

Treatment

RVC provides a complete listing of counseling and treatment programs available in the Winnebago/Boone County area. This listing is available in the RVC Personal and Success Counseling Office. In addition, students and employees may seek assistance from the RVC Personal and Success Counselor.

Consequences

RVC will not tolerate the abuse of alcohol or illicit drugs among students and employees. Those found in violation of college rules and regulations regarding the use of these substances will be subject to penalties which include but are not limited to warnings, disciplinary actions, probationary status, suspensions from classwork or employment, expulsion from school, and referral for prosecution.

Children on Campus

For the safety of children on campus, children may not accompany students to class, tutoring, or testing sessions. Also, children may not be left unattended on the campus grounds, whether in college buildings, or other college locations, or at any college event. If a child is found unattended, call the RVC Police Department at (815) 921-4357 and an officer will be dispatched to investigate the circumstances and assist the child.