DRUG AND ALCAHOL FREE COLLEGE POLICY
MIZPAH Center for Allied Health Education is committed to maintaining a safe and productive teaching and learning environment. MIZPAH endorses the federal government's efforts in implementing the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989.
The Law
Possession of a controlled substance is a felony criminal offense under Illinois law. The penalties for this offense are set out in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act at 720 ILCS 570/1 et seq. Police officers, lawyers, and judges refer to the offense of unlawful possession of a controlled substance as UPCS. In Cook County, the term is PCS.
The Consequences of a Conviction: for employees and students
Illinois Drug-Free Zone Laws
Illinois is already tough on drugs and crimes, imposing harsh penalties for even minor offenses. However, offenses in a drug-free zone carry the following sentencing enhancements:
CHARGE: Sale or delivery of drugs to a minor in a drug-free zone (Not applicable to MIZPAH)
ENHANCEMENT: Normal maximum prison sentence and fines are doubled.
CHARGE: Second (or more) offense selling drugs near a truck stop or rest area
ENHANCEMENT: Normal maximum prison sentence and fines are doubled.
CHARGE: Sale or delivery of drugs in other protected areas
ENHANCEMENT: Charges and penalties both are upgraded to the next level of offense (i.e., a Class 2 Felony becomes a Class 1 Felony charge)
Specific sentences and fines are dependent on the crime. Your attorney can review your case and provide insight into what enhancements you may face
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention:
The use of alcohol and drugs is associated with an increased risk of injuries and accidents. Even a single episode of excessive drinking or use of drug can lead to a negative outcome.
Drug abuse affects all aspects of our life. It threatens the workplace, our homes, our schools and our community. The U.S. Department of Education requires institutions of higher education to implement a drug prevention and awareness program for their students and employees through the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. All students are expected to conduct themselves as mature adults and as members of an academic community.
Our drug and alcohol policy prohibits employees and students from using, possessing, dispensing, distributing or manufacturing any controlled substances. This policy covers MIZPHA campus as well as any work/clinical site designated for the performance of work, clinical, or a school-sponsored activity.
Definitions
A. Controlled substance
A Schedule I controlled substance is defined as a substance that: 1) has high potential for abuse; and 2) has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or lacks accepted safety for use in treatment under medical supervision. See 720 ILCS 570/203. The other types of controlled substances, Schedule II, III, and IV, are considered to be accepted for medical use in some manner, but still have a high potential for abuse.
The following are considered Schedule I controlled substances (drugs with no accepted medical use):
Cocaine
Methamphetamine
Heroin
Ecstasy
Psychedelic mushrooms
LSD
Peyote
Generally, all recreational drugs or “street drugs” are considered Schedule I controlled substances that have no accepted medical use.
B. College premises
Any property in use by the College including property that is leased, owned, used for College functions, or used by the College in the conduct of any of its courses.
Rule
The purpose of the Drug and Alcohol-Free College policy is to maintain a safe and productive teaching and learning environment and to be in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, as well as the the Illinois drug and alcohol policies of the unlawful possession, use, and/or distribution of controlled substances and alcohol on school/ college property, or in association with any school/college-related activities
MIZPAH Policy
All students are expected to attend classes, labs, and College activities unhindered by drugs.
The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, use, or being under the influence of drugs presents a hazard to students, employees, and property and is not permitted on College premises.
The College will maintain a drug-free awareness program for employees and students, and employees and students are expected to work together to maintain a drug-free teaching and learning environment.
Any student who violates this policy is subject to disciplinary action in accordance with MIZPAH drug/alcohol free policy.
Illegal Drugs and Alcohol
Students shall not manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, use, or be under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol.
Legal Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drugs
Student use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs is not prohibited when taken in standard dosage or according to a physician's prescription.
Students who take legal prescription and over-the-counter drugs must determine whether the drug may interfere with the safety of themselves or others on campus. It is the student's responsibility to communicate with appropriate College personnel if his or her use of legal drugs presents a safety risk.
The illegal or unauthorized use, intentional misuse, abuse, or distribution of prescription or over-the-counter drugs by students is prohibited.
Drug-Free Awareness Program
MIZPAH publishes and distributes annually to all current students and employees a copy of the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program. It provides information to the students and employees about the negative effects of the use of drugs and the consumption of alcohol. Drug and Alcohol Health Risks Abuse of drugs and alcohol pose great health risks to anyone who uses it.
The program consists of classroom lectures, educational materials, drug education programs, and other resources are available through Student Life, Counseling Services, and Human Resources. Confidentiality is maintained.