Drugs and Alcohol on Campus - Policy and Information

It is the policy of Rockford College to promote a campus environment that is free of drug and alcohol abuse. Rockford College prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, dispensations' and/or use of alcohol, illicit drugs, controlled substances, and/or illegal drugs on property it owns or controls.

Federal and State laws prohibit the possession, sale and consumption of alcohol by anyone under 21 years old. Persons under 21 years of age are minors and therefore may not purchase, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages. Under strict supervision, alcohol may be served at approved events. Any individual or recognized group sponsoring an event associated with Rockford College must obtain approval before an event when alcohol will be available.

Federal and State laws prohibit the sale and use of drugs not prescribed by a physician or available for regular retail sale. Any student known to be possessing, using or distributing such drugs is subject to serious College disciplinary action (suspension or dismissal) and arrests under the state and federal laws. Medications used at the College must be taken and/or disposed of properly and according to safe and acceptable medical practices. The College will facilitate counseling and referral to treatment as appropriate.

The College has the authority to enter and search any room or area of the campus where there is reason to believe that established standards of conduct or health and safety regulations are being violated or when there is reason to believe that illegal drugs/substances may be stored, used, sold or otherwise distributed.

Rockford College reserves the right to notify the Rockford City Police Department whenever drugs or drug-paraphernalia are found on campus. Therefore, in addition to College-related disciplinary action, students violating drug policies risk arrest and prosecution for violations of drug-related laws by city, state, or federal offices. Therefore, in addition to College-related disciplinary action, students violating drug policies risk arrest and prosecution for violations of drug-related laws by city, state, or federal offices.

Violations of this policy will be processed through the Student Code.

REVIEW PROCESS FOR POLICY ON ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS

The Chief Student Life Officer is that person designated by the College to be responsible for the administration of College policies concerning drugs and alcohol. Working closely with representatives from various departments, the Vice President will conduct a review of Rockford College's policies on alcohol and other drugs every two years (Spring 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007) to ensure that the College is in compliance with federal and state laws and that policies effectively address conditions regarding students, College organizations, student activity policies, and College employment issues.

ALCOHOL USE IN THE RESIDENCE HALLS

Students must be at least 21 years old to possess/consume alcohol in rooms and anywhere else on campus. Furthermore,

• Common sources such as kegs and "party balls" are prohibited.

• No open containers of alcohol are permitted in common spaces (i.e., lounges, hall ways, stairwells, quads). Alcohol that is being consumed on College grounds, including hallways and lounges, without a permit, will be emptied, regardless of the age of the individual in possession of the alcohol.

• Students who are 21 or older may consume alcohol in their rooms if there are fewer than 10 individuals present. When 10 or more are present, the student/host(ess) must obtain a permit for the consumption of alcohol (See section on serving alcoholic beverages).

• If an individual under the age of 21 is confronted for possession/consumption of alcohol, s/he will be asked to pour it out immediately. This includes open and unopened containers. In this situation, regardless of anyone's age, everyone present will be documented for an alcohol violation. In other words, to prevent the risk of violating College policy, students should avoid situations where alcohol is being used by an underage individual.

• Students who are 21 or older may keep and consume alcohol in their rooms. However, roommates (and guests) under 21 are not permitted to consume the alcohol. If the roommate (or guest) begins to consume the alcohol and is confronted, the alcohol will be disposed of on site. If a Rockford College student or guest is under the age of 21 and is found possessing and/or consuming alcohol, the alcohol will be disposed of immediately and the student in possession will be charged with a violation of the Alcohol Policy. Occupants of the room/suite will be held responsible for allowing individuals under the age of 21 to consume alcohol.” . In other words, it isn't always best to share. If neither roommate is over 21, it is expected that no alcohol be brought into or stored in their room.

• A party constitutes any gathering of 10 or more occupants in a room - and they are allowed with a permit from Student Affairs (see below).

POLICIES ON SERVING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AT COLLEGE SPONSORED/ HOSTED EVENTS:

• Permits are required for events in residence hall rooms that involve 10 or more individuals. Permits are also required for any event that involves alcohol. Permits at Rockford College are commonly referred to as an SOR (Statement of Responsibility).

• If a student wishes to host a party and wants to serve alcohol, s/he must be 21 or older and first attend an alcohol education program. (A Non-alcohol SOR does not require this program.)

• Alcohol Permits will not be issued during Orientation Week, exam weeks, or during times when children are invited to campus.

• The event host(ess) must meet with the Director of Student Development or designee at least two weeks prior to the event. An Alcohol Permit will be reviewed and completed by the sponsor, indicating responsibility for the event.

• Completed permits must be submitted at least 24 hours prior to the event.

• The event host(ess) must be at least 21 years of age. To obtain a permit for the consumption of alcohol, the host(ess) must agree not to consume alcohol prior to or during the event he/she is hosting. The host(ess) is responsible for the compliance with the alcohol policy and will be held accountable for any violation of the policy.

• The host/ess must agree not to consume alcohol at least eight hours before or during the event. S/he also agrees to be responsible for making sure that guests comply with all campus regulations and the alcohol policy. Violations may result in the immediate closing of the party.

• An effective means for ID checking must be implemented and students who are less than 21 years old as well as intoxicated persons may not be served.

• A bartender will be hired through Chartwell’s Food Service and Campus Security will be contacted to monitor the event (one officer attending the event if attendance is expected to exceed 50).

• The use of College or organizational funds to purchase alcohol is prohibited.

• Approval of an Alcohol Permit implies institutional registration of the event, but does not imply that Rockford College is responsible for the event.

• Be advised that leaders of campus organizations and departments sponsoring campus events at which alcohol is served could be held liable for any damages and injuries caused by intoxicated guests during or following the event.

• The club advisor must be present at club-sponsored events where alcohol is served.

• Times for Events - In Residence Halls an event may be held on days prior to non-class days and other special occasions with approval from the Director of Student Development. In other areas an event may be held with the approval of the Director of Student Development, with the exception of the following: No more than two campus events where alcohol is served can be held in a 24 hour period; Alcohol Permits will not be issued during orientation weeks, exam weeks, or on weekends where children are invited to campus.

• Events at which alcohol is served on a Friday or Saturday may not extend past 2 A.M.

• Events which serve alcohol on weekdays prior to classes will not extend past midnight.

• Attendance at Campus Events with Alcohol - Campus events at which alcohol is served are open only to Rockford College students, faculty, staff, alumni, ELSC students and their invited guests. Each member of the Rockford College community is responsible for the behavior of his/her guest. Rockford College students must present a valid Rockford College ID for admittance to campus events. Valid proof of legal age must be presented to purchase alcohol.

• Types of Alcohol Allowed - The only alcohol allowed is beer, wine, and wine coolers. These may not be served for a time period of more than four hours.

• Food and Other Beverages - Nonalcoholic beverages must be featured as prominently as alcohol and available in sufficient quantity to serve the anticipated number of persons under the age of 21 and half of the anticipated persons over the age of 21. All beverages must be served in clear plastic cups. Food must be available in sufficient quantity to last the duration of the event and served free to guests. The serving of alcohol must end one hour prior to the end of the event or when the food runs out, whichever comes first.

• Intoxicated Students and Driving - Anyone driving on campus who is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be stopped and detained by the Rockford College Security Officers. If a student is determined to be unable to safely drive a vehicle, a security officer will park the student's vehicle and retain the keys until the student is sober. The incident will be reported to the Chief Student Life Officer and appropriate action will occur. The City of Rockford Police may also be called if deemed necessary. If the student is found to be intoxicated while driving the vehicle by the Rockford Police, the student will be arrested. It is expected that the legal use of alcohol on campus will conform to the laws of the State of Illinois and to the health and welfare of self and others. Anyone who chooses to use alcohol will be held fully responsible for his/her behavior while under the influence of alcohol.

• Intoxicated commuter students or guests (nonstudents) on campus, under age 21 or otherwise, will be asked to leave campus. If they arrived in their own transportation, their keys will be confiscated by a security officer and they will need to find other transportation. They may return the following day for vehicles and keys.

• Event Locations -
  • Burpee Center: Regents Hall, Grace Roper Lounge, Grace Roper Patio, Forrest Cool Lounge
  • Clark Arts Center: Multipurpose Room, Courtyard, Lobby, Loggia, Art Gallery, Cheek Theater
  • Library: Patio
  • Lion's Den: (Chartwell’s Food Service has a liquor license to serve from Lion's Den Snack Bar).
  • Other Areas (Indoors): With special approval from the Chief Student Life Officer or Director of Student Development.
  • Grounds: Alcohol is not permitted at outdoor events, except as approved on Grace Roper Patio and the Library Patio unless special permission is obtained from the Chief Student Life Officer or Director of Student Development. Alcohol which is consumed on College grounds without a permit or in a hallway will be disposed of regardless of the person's age. The individual will be documented and sanctioned for policy violation.

STATE LAWS REGARDING DRUGS AND ALCOHOL - The following criminal penalties are applicable to the identified categories of offenses:

Offense Monetary Fine Imprisonment
Class A Misdemeanor $1,000 Up to 1 year
Class 4 Felony $15,000 1 to 3 years
Class 3 Felony Up to $150,000 2 to 4 years
Class 2 Felony Up to $200,000 3 to 7 years
Class 1 Felony Up to $250,000 4 to 15 years
Class X Felony Up to $500,000 6 to 60 years

The law of the State of Illinois requires that persons be 21 years of age or older to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol, including beer and wine. State law prohibits charging for alcoholic beverages without proper licensing arrangements. In addition, anyone under the age of 21 who receives or accepts alcohol, even as a gift, or who borrows or defaces the identification of any person for the purpose of obtaining liquor, is guilty of a Class C misdemeanor.

ROCKFORD COLLEGE: A COMMITMENT TO HELP - A problem exists when one's use of alcohol causes physical or emotional harm, impairs one's judgment, infringes upon the rights of others, or interferes with one's work, relationships, or daily life. Rockford College regards an alcohol problem as it does other behavioral/medical ones and does not attach a moral or social stigma to such personal difficulties. Alcohol and other chemical dependency problems can be treated successfully if they are identified as early as possible and if appropriate treatment programs are promptly instituted. Rockford College is committed to providing resources for prevention programs and referral for treatment as needed.