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Department Information

RU  Police & Department of Public Safety
Marland Physical Plant
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108

Citation Officer
Officer M. Maggio
MMaggio@rockford.edu 
(815) 226-4060

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL POLICY

Alcohol and Other Drugs – Policy Review

Alcohol at University-Sponsored/Hosted Events

• Alcohol at University-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 University 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 University 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 University 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 University students, faculty, staff, alumni, ELSC students and their invited guests. Each member of the Rockford University community is responsible for the behavior of his/her guest. Rockford University students must present a valid Rockford University 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 University 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 (non-students) 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 University 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.

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,

1. Alcohol is permitted in residence hall rooms/suites (except for Emerson and Dayton residence halls) where at least one of the occupants is of legal drinking age. Those consuming alcohol must be at least 21 years old. Residents of these rooms/suites are responsible for ensuring that appropriate laws, ordinances, and University policies are upheld.
2. Beer, wine, and wine coolers are the only forms of alcohol permitted in the residence halls. Rockford University prohibits all other kinds of alcohol in the residence halls. Kegs and any other shared containers that dispense alcohol are also prohibited.
3. Emerson and Dayton residence halls are alcohol-free. No alcohol is permitted at any time, by anyone, of any age in these halls.
4. Alcohol is not allowed in common areas (hallways, lounges, restrooms, outside, etc.) without an approved permit. (Statement of Responsibility, SOR). If alcohol is present in a common area without a permit, it will be disposed of immediately regardless of the age of the individual in possession.
5. If all roommates who occupy a room/suite are below the age of 21, the room/suite must remain alcohol-free at all times.
6. If a Rockford University student or guest is below 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 Rockford University alcohol policy.
7. If a Rockford University student or guest is below the age of 21 and found possessing or consuming alcohol in a room/suite that is occupied by residents of legal age, the legal age residents/occupants of the room will be held responsible for allowing individuals under the age of 21 to consume alcohol.
8. A Statement of Responsibility (SOR) is required for any event in a residence hall room/suite (or on the Rockford University property) that involves ten (10) or more individuals where alcohol is present. Failure to complete an SOR prior to an event with ten or more individuals is an alcohol violation and will result in the event being shut down.
9. In the event that a room/suite is being confronted for policy violations, an Incident Report will be completed. For accuracy of reports, names of all individuals present will be gathered by an authorized staff member of the University. This does not mean that all individuals will be charged with a policy violation.

Alcohol and Other Drugs – State and Federal Laws

Illinois Law
In Illinois, it is against the law to sell or deliver alcohol to anyone under 21 (twenty-one), or to any intoxicated person [235 ILCS 5/6-16]. Violations can result in fines of up to $1,000 and one year in jail.

It is also illegal for a person under 21 to present false identification in an attempt to purchase alcohol, to purchase, accept delivery or have possession of alcohol, or to consume alcohol. [235 ILCS 5/6-20] Violation of the law is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison.

Recent legislation signed by the Governor provides further penalties: (1) The Secretary of State is authorized to suspend or revoke without a hearing the driver’s license or instruction permit of a person under 21 who has purchased or attempted to purchase alcohol from a duly licensed establishment or who has consumed alcohol on licensed premises. (2) Local liquor commissioners have the duty to report to the Secretary of State any conviction for a violation of the Liquor Control Act, or a similar provision of a local ordinance, prohibiting a person under 21 from purchasing, accepting, possessing, or consuming alcohol and prohibiting the transfer or alteration of identification cards, the use of the identification card of another or a false or forged identification card, or the use of false information to obtain an identification card. (3) The Secretary of State is authorized to suspend or revoke the driver’s license or learner’s permit of any person convicted of violating any of the prohibitions listed above in “(2)” or similar provisions of local ordinances.

Substantial penalties exist in Illinois for the operation of a motor vehicle by a driver with a blood or breath alcohol concentration of .08 or greater. Arrests are also possible at lower alcohol levels if driving is impaired. The first offense can result in a $1,000 fine, incarceration for up to one year, and suspension or revocation of the offender’s driver’s license. Subsequent offenses entail penalties of significantly greater severity. Transporting open alcohol containers in a motor vehicle is also punishable under Illinois law.

Possession and delivery of illicit drugs are prohibited in Illinois through the Cannabis Control Act [740 ILCS 40/0.01 et seq.] and the Controlled Substances Act [720 ILCS 570/100 et seq. and 720 ILCS 570/401 et seq.]. Penalties vary with the amount of the drug confiscated; the type of drug found; the number of previous offenses by the individual; and whether the individual intended to manufacture, sell, or use the drug. A first-time conviction of possession of a controlled substance can result in a one- to three-year prison sentence, plus a fine of up to $15,000. More severe penalties may be imposed for conviction of class 2, 3, or 4 felonies involving manufacture or delivery to a minor.

Vehicles used with knowledge of the owner in the commission of any offense prohibited by the Cannabis Control Act or Controlled Substances Act can be seized by the government; all ownership rights are forfeited.

Federal Law
Under the revised federal sentencing guidelines, federal courts can sentence simple-possession first offenders to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. Penalties for subsequent convictions are significantly greater [21 U.S.C. 844(a)]. A sentence of life imprisonment can result from a conviction for possession of a controlled substance that results in death or bodily injury. Possession of more than five grams of cocaine can trigger an intent-to-distribute penalty of ten to sixteen years in prison [U.S.S.G.S. 2D2.1(b)(1)].

Excerpt used with permission of University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign, Division of Public Safety

Rockford University: A Commitment to Help

Department Information

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Personal safety begins with you! You are responsible for your own actions and behaviors. Exercise common sense in your daily life. Statistics show theft is the most common crime on the university campuses today. These crimes are mainly due to carelessness. Most thefts on campus occur when rooms are left unlocked and personal property is left unattended.

1. Familiarize yourself with your school’s Campus Safety office.
Every school has a Campus Safety or security office, and part of your tuition funds it. Make the most of this resource by utilizing its services. Your college’s website likely provides information like office hours and phone number, but you can also visit in person when you arrive on campus.
Next Step: Call or visit the Campus Safety office and request information about their programs. Find out if your campus has the following services and how you can take advantage of them:
• Campus escort services
• Safety maps with suggested secure routes
• Support for a safety app like Campus Safe

2. Take extra precaution at night.
On average, sexual assaults and other crimes are more likely to occur at night. And while you shouldn’t scare yourself into assuming danger is around every corner, you also shouldn’t take unnecessary risks, such as walking alone at night. Instead, use the buddy system or call campus security for a ride.
Next Step: Can’t avoid walking alone or heading to an unfamiliar location? Download a personal safety app, such as SafeTrek, which was developed for college students. When you walk alone, launch the app and hold your thumb down on the safe button. Once you’re safe, release your thumb and enter your pin. If you need help or are in danger, releasing the button without entering your pin will notify local police of your location.

3. Always lock up.
Just as you wouldn’t leave your house without locking the front door, don’t leave your dorm or apartment without locking up — even if you’re planning on only being gone a few minutes. If you live on the first floor, close your windows and either shut the blinds or hide your valuables in drawers any time you leave.
Next Step: Purchase a small safe or dedicate a drawer for storing your laptop, iPad, and other valuables when you’re away from your room. If you use a safe, keep it hidden in a closet. If you live on the first floor of a building, make sure your windows lock. If they don’t, you can purchase a sliding window lock (Amazon) or security bar (Amazon).

4. Maintain privacy on social media.
Social media is a great platform for connecting with friends and family worldwide or sharing updates about your life. However, with everything you post, stay aware of who else could be viewing your profile. Avoid geotagging your photos, as it reveals your location to strangers, and don’t publicly announce when you’re home alone or are leaving your home unattended.
Next Step: Review the settings on each of your social media profiles. Disable location services, make your accounts private, and think twice before sharing anything. Remember: once something gets posted on the Internet, it’s tough to remove it entirely.
For more information on keeping your accounts secure, read through our Social Media Safety Guide.

5. Be careful when getting into your car.
Most people don’t think to look in their backseat or under the car before getting behind the wheel. A predator could potentially be hiding in one of those locations, however, especially if you tend to leave your car unlocked or keep your windows rolled down. When walking to your car, approach at an angle that allows you to see around the vehicle, and check the back seat before opening the door.
Next Step: Lock your car doors and engage your car alarm every time you leave your car, even if you’re running just a quick errand. If your car doesn’t have an alarm feature, our Aftermarket Car Alarm Comparison can help you find a reliable alarm option.

6. Know where you’re going.
Whenever you set out to town or class, make sure you know where you’re heading and how to get there. Walk with confidence and avoid looking confused, even when you’re trying to navigate a new location. If you’re in an unfamiliar area, don’t use headphones or let your phone distract you, and focus on finding your destination.
Next Step: Download your campus map onto your phone and use your GPS to find popular, highly trafficked routes to get to your destination. Apps like Campus Maps can also help you find your way around your school campus. Always try to avoid walking along deserted paths, and when in doubt, stick to the routes with which you’re most familiar — even if they take a little longer.

7. Understand your campus’s and city’s crime.
The more you know about the crime in your local area, the better you can prevent similar incidents from happening to you. Most colleges and universities provide on-campus crime statistics, and several websites offer a thorough overview of a city’s crime rates, including the type of offense and specific locations where the crime occurred.
Next Step: Research your college’s reported on-campus crime by visiting the U.S. Department of Education. If you have specific concerns or questions not addressed by the site, contact your school’s Campus Safety office for more information. Use a site like City-Data.com to learn more about the crime within a particular city.

8. Learn how to defend yourself.
There’s nothing more empowering than knowing how to protect yourself physically. You’ll feel safer and more confident, especially if you live or travel alone. You don’t need a black belt in karate to master self-defense; all you need are a few classes and tips from a professional instructor. There are several types and styles of classes from which to choose, depending on your interests.
Next Step: Sign up for a self-defense class in your area, such as Krav Maga or jiujitsu. These classes are often available at colleges and gyms. If you’re feeling shy or nervous, ask a few friends to take the class with you.

9. Have safety and security supplies readily accessible.
Keeping a few safety supplies on hand can help you feel more protected. While stun guns aren’t legal in all states, less drastic self-defense products like pepper spray and mace are easier to obtain and can be just as useful. Many colleges also provide new students with whistles, which you can use to alert those nearby when you require assistance or are in danger.
Next Step: Pack your chosen safety supplies into a small kit, and fasten the kit on a key ring, lanyard, or backpack. These items should be easy to grab at any time, as they won’t do you much good if they’re buried at the bottom of your bag.
College is an incredible and rewarding experience. But as busy as you’ll be with adjusting to independence, new classes, and new friends, don’t forget to stay safe and maintain awareness. Following these nine simple steps can significantly increase your chances of having a safe and successful school year.
*SafeWise has conducted impartial research to recommend products. This is not a guarantee. Each individual’s unique needs should be considered when deciding on chosen products.

The above safety tips are provided by RU Police & Department of Public Safety and are intended to help ensure your safety while a member of our campus community.

Click HERE to view more Safety Tips

Department Information

SEVERE WEATHER

Severe Weather Warning Procedures

For weather-related and other special announcements affecting the university: call 815-226-3330.

In the event the National Weather Service issues a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM or TORNADO WARNING. This warning will be given as soon as possible by a combination of voice mail, e-mail, Department of Police and Public safety, Campus dispatcher, and residence life staff.

Definitions:

TORNADO WATCH/ THUNDERSTORM WATCH:
Conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms may develop.

TORNADO WARNING/ THUNDERSTORM WARNING:
A tornado or severe thunderstorm has been spotted in your area.

Directions and Instructions for Severe Thunderstorm or Tornado Warnings

SIGNS: YELLOW BACKGROUND/BLACK LETTERS.
ALL CAMPUS MESSAGE BOARDS HAVE SIGNS DIRECTING THE COMMUNITY TO THE SHELTER AREAS AND                 LOCATIONS. MOVE TO THESE AREAS AS QUICKLY AND ORDERLY AS POSSIBLE.

SHELTER AREAS: YELLOW BACKGROUND/BLACK LETTERS MOUNTED ON WALLS, DOORS OF ALL SHELTER                                                   AREAS.
ALL AREAS DESIGNATED AS SHELTER AREAS ARE CLEARLY DEFINED BY SIGNS MOUNTED ON                                         WALLS, DOORS.

Severe Weather Shelter Areas

BURPEE CENTER: Individuals should move to the lowest level basement area and stay away from all windows and doors.

STARR SCIENCE: Individuals should move to lowest level possible, away from all windows and doors. The interior hallways basement level and tunnel area are designated shelter areas.

SCARBOROUGH HALL: Individuals should move to lowest level possible away from all windows and doors. The basement level hallway and men’s and women’s restrooms are designated shelter areas.

COLMAN LIBRARY: Individuals should move to lowest possible level away from all windows and doors. The basement level away from windows on east end of building is designated shelter areas.

CLARK ARTS: Individuals should move to first floor level away from all windows and doors.

Designated shelter areas are:

• NORTH hallway
• CLASSROOM 111
• men’s and women’s restrooms
• BASEMENT area Green Room hallway

FISHER CHAPEL: Individuals should move to west wall of sanctuary away from center open area to Southwest corner and Northwest corner.

NOTE: IF TIME PERMITS EVACUATE TO COLMAN LIBRARY BASEMENT OR BURPEE CENTER BASEMENT!

CUMMINGS COMPLEX: Individuals should move to the pit area away from all windows and doors. The laundry room and the hallway from the living center to Barnes are designated shelter areas.

LANG HEALTH: Individuals should move to the interior hallway restrooms and stay clear of all windows and doors.


JOHNSON CENTER/LION’S DEN: Individuals should move to the first floor men’s and women’s restrooms and stay clear of all windows and doors.

NELSON HALL: Individuals should move to lower level interior hallway men’s and women’s restrooms and room 113. Or second floor interior office areas away from windows and doors.

OLSON HALL: Individuals should move to interior hallway and restrooms.

CASTER HALL: Individuals should move to interior hallway and restrooms.

MCPHAIL HALL: Individuals should move to interior hallway and restrooms.

SVENSON HALL: Individuals should move to interior hallway and restrooms.

DAYTON HALL: Individuals should move to interior hallway and restrooms.

EKVALL HALL: Individuals should move to interior hallway and restrooms.

KENT CENTER: Individuals should move to the first floor restrooms and stay clear of all windows and doors.


MARLAND PHYSICAL PLANT: Individuals should seek shelter in first floor men’s and women’s restrooms.

SEAVER PHYSICAL EDUCATION CENTER: Individuals should move to first floor men and women’s locker rooms.

NOTE: DO NOT USE ELEVATORS DURING EMERGENCY BUILDING EVACUATION PROCEDURES. USE STAIRWAYS ONLY.

Department Information

VEHICLE & DRIVING POLICY

Department Information

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• RU Police & Department of Public Safety Documents
• RU Alert

The Rockford University (RU) RU Police & Department of Public Safety is dedicated to enhance the quality of life by providing a safe and secure environment that is conducive to learning and is consistent with the educational goals of this diverse institution. The RU Police & Department of Public Safety is committed to a professional, proactive, community orientated approach to campus safety while recognizing that our staff, faculty, students and community we serve are our most important assets.

The RU Police & Department of Public Safety is located at the Marland Physical Plant, which is next to Seaver Gymnasium. The RU Police & Department of Public Safety employs 10 Security Officers and 6 dispatchers who are also the Campus Operator. The department’s staff is on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Campus Operator (dispatcher) receives all calls and has radio contact with the Campus Police and Public Safety Officers. The Operator is trained to take action appropriate to the circumstances including sending Officers or other emergency personnel to the location of the complainant or the incident.

Notify RU Police & Department of Public Safety immediately if you need assistance, or an incident occurs where University property is damaged, or the safety and welfare of any University community member or visitor is at risk. The department has a long-standing relationship with the Rockford Police Department and the Rockford Fire Department, which includes the city’s emergency medical and ambulance services. RU Police & Department of Public Safety works in conjunction with the Residence Life staff and assists in the event of any emergency or problem.

Read more about the RU Police & Department of Public Safety here:  The Department of Police and Public SafetRU Police & Department of Public Safety Orientation Packet