Policy on Substance Abuse
In accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 National Louis University forbids the unlawful use, possession, distribution or sale of drugs or alcohol by a student or employee anywhere on University property, including University housing. Students receiving prescription medications from a physician must have a prescription in their possession. The University recognizes that many behaviors are restricted by state and federal laws. The basic premise of University discipline is to provide regulations for students in keeping with state and federal laws as well as to maintain an environment maximally conducive to education. While the University does not normally take disciplinary action for off-campus violations, it retains the right to act in special cases. With reference to drug violations, an individual suspected of drug abuse off-campus is subject to civil proceedings and will be addressed through the University discipline system if the off-campus actions impact the campus community. Students who reside in University housing, by doing so, consent to University housing regulations. As long as they reside in University housing, they are subject to University discipline.
The United States Congress has established legislation that requires educational institutions to provide information to students and employees regarding illicit drugs and alcohol abuse. This legislation is commonly referred to as the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989. Colleges and universities are asked to certify that they attempt to prevent the unlawful possession, use, and/or distribution of drugs and alcohol by students.
National Louis University is committed to maintaining a drug-free environment for students. Disciplinary sanctions that National Louis University may impose for violations of University policies are found under the Student Conduct Process section of this Student Guidebook. Any students who would like to receive additional information or confidential assistance may contact the Office of Student Experience at 888.658.8632, x.3568.
Per the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, National Louis University works to foster a culture of care, where students are informed about the risks associated with consuming alcohol or drugs and the responsibility for healthy behavior and a safe learning environment is shared by all. The primary aspects of the University’s policy on alcohol and other drugs are outlined below, please refer to the Student Wellness Page and the Annual Security Report for full policy details.
Student Wellness
https://www.nl.edu/studentservices/studentexperience/studentwellness/alcoholanddrugs/
Annual Security Report
https://www.nl.edu/legalpages/consumerinfo/annualsecurityreportclery/
Definitions
Under the influence: For the purpose of this policy, “under the influence” is when the student is affected by a substance, or the combination of a drug and alcohol, in any detectable manner. The symptoms of influence are not confined to those consistent with misbehavior or to obvious impairment of physical or mental ability such as slurred speech or difficulty in maintaining balance. A determination of influence can be established by professional opinion, or, in some cases, by a lay person’s opinion.
Reasonable suspicion: a determination based on objective facts and inferences drawn from those facts as well as personal observations that suggest an individual is under the influence of a substance.
On-campus: Locations are considered on-campus if one of the following conditions are met:
1. Within a campus building or on campus property, including leased housing spaces and facilities
2. On public property within or immediately adjacent to the campus, including but not limited to the sidewalk, parking lot, and/or alley.
3. In or on non-campus buildings or property that the University uses for educational purposes, including but not limited to off-site teaching locations, internship sites, and/or student life activities.
Alcohol
NLU prohibits students, student groups and employees from the following unlawful and/or unauthorized conduct involving alcohol, including being on campus or participating in University sponsored events under the influence of alcohol:
- Use, possession, distribution or sale of alcohol or containers that previously contained alcohol by anyone under 21 years of age;
- Use, possession, distribution or sale of alcohol or containers that previously contained alcohol anywhere on University property, regardless of age (except as expressly authorized by University facilities personnel);
- Providing alcohol to or procuring alcohol for anyone under 21 years of age;
- Intoxication that results in disruption of University business or raises concern for a student’s well-being, regardless of age;
- Drinking games or other practices that promote intoxication or encourage participants to consume alcohol;
- Other violations of University policy or federal, state or local laws pertaining to alcohol.
Drugs
NLU prohibits students, student groups and employees from the following unlawful and/or unauthorized conduct involving drugs or controlled substances, including being on campus or participating in University sponsored events under the influence of illegal drugs or controlled substances:
- Use, misuse, possession, manufacture, distribution or sale of illegal drugs or controlled substances (except as expressly permitted by legal authority, such as a student possessing a physician’s prescription and using the substance only as prescribed);
- Use, possession, manufacture or distribution of any drug paraphernalia;
- Intoxication that results in disruption of University business or raises concern for a student’s well-being;
- Being in the presence of the use or misuse of illegal drugs or controlled substances on University property;
- Other violations of University policy or federal, state or local laws pertaining to illegal drugs or controlled substances.
- Use or being under the influence of any marijuana, including medical marijuana on all University campuses and at any University sponsored event or activity.
Medical Marijuana and Legalization of Cannabis:
In order to comply with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, the University prohibits the use, manufacture, distribution, and possession of all marijuana, including medical marijuana, on campus, in housing and at any National Louis University sponsored event or activity off campus. Although Illinois state law permits the use of medical marijuana by persons possessing lawfully issued medical marijuana cards and recreational use is scheduled to be in effect January 2020, federal law prohibits such use. Therefore, as an institution that receives federal funds, the University must comply with federal law and is subject to the federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments, which mandate that University communities be free of controlled substances (including marijuana). Thus, the use, possession, manufacture, distribution or being under the influence of any marijuana on University property or at University-related activities is prohibited and violates this policy.
Substance Use Response
If a student is suspected of being under the influence the University reserves the right to remove the student from the on-campus location. The University will take safety precautions when a student is suspected to be under the influence of a prohibited substance, including securing safe transportation and reporting the incident for investigation and sanctioning through the Student Conduct Process. The University reserves the right to call law enforcement and/or paramedics if the University Official is concerned for the safety and well-being of the student.
Sanctions
Disciplinary sanctions that National Louis University may impose for violations of University policies are found under the Student Conduct Process section of this catalog. Students in violation of state, federal or other local regulations with respect to alcohol, illegal drugs or controlled substances may be subject to both criminal prosecution and University disciplinary action, including criminal charges and/or suspension or exclusion from the University. For more information on legal sanctions for violating federal, state or local law, refer to http://www.dea.gov/druginfo/ftp3.shtml).
Effects of Alcohol and Drug Use
Even occasional use of alcohol or drugs can have lasting impacts on health and behavior. Some of these effects include impaired judgment, addiction, negative physical symptoms, negative impact on relationships, reduced brain activity, increased risk of cancer and other organ damage and death. For a complete list of health effects and warning signs of alcohol or drug abuse, see www.nl.edu/studentservices/studentexperience/studentwellness/alcoholanddrugs/.
Treatment Resources
The University urges students who are experiencing alcohol or drug related concerns to seek help immediately. For a list of assessment tools to determine if you or someone you care about may be struggling with alcohol or drugs, see www.nl.edu/studentservices/studentexperience/studentwellness/alcoholanddrugs/.
Additionally, the following treatment centers are located near NLU campuses:
To find additional treatment centers in your area and learn more about which treatment center may be right for you, check out http://www.recovery.org/.