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.
