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Drug-Free Schools & Communities

Sauk Valley Community College is committed to providing and maintaining an environment for faculty, staff, and students that is drug-free, healthy, safe, and secure. To this purpose, and in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226), the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-690) and the Illinois Drug Free Workplace Act of 1986 (PA 86-1459) the following procedures exist to prevent the unlawful use of controlled substances and abuse of alcohol by students and employees. For more information please see our Full Disclosure Drug Free Schools and Campuses Act Annual Notification PDF.

Standards of Conduct

SVCC prohibits the unlawful possession, use, distribution, dispensing, manufacture, possession, or use of illicit controlled substances and alcohol by students, employees, and visitors on its owned and controlled properties, at college-sponsored activities, and in College vehicles.

Penalties for Violation of Policy

Students who violate this policy will be governed by the College’s Student Code of Conduct and subject to disciplinary action. For students, this action may include suspension, expulsion, and/or other corrective actions aimed at rehabilitation. For employees who violate this policy, sanctions may include personnel action up to termination or a requirement that the employee satisfactorily participates in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program, as consistent with law and Board policy. Visitors determined to have violated this policy are subject to removal from College premises and may also be subject to legal action.

Legal Sanctions for Unlawful Possession, Use or Distribution of Illicit Drugs andAlcohol

Federal, state, and local laws determine legal sanctions for the unlawful possession, use, distribution, dispensing and manufacture of illicit drugs and alcohol. Those laws provide legal sanctions that include, but are not limited to, incarceration and large monetary fines.

Notice of Convictions

In compliance with The Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, Sauk Valley Community College employees are required to notify the Director of Human Resources of any conviction of a federal or state drug statue violation in the workplace within five days of the conviction. The College will then notify any federal granting agency required to be notified under the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 within ten days of receiving notification. Failure to inform the Director of Human Resources of such convictions may result in disciplinary action.

Health Risks

Various serious short-term and long-term health risks are associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol. For complete information, please consult a health care professional, local library, or the website of the National Institute of Drug Misuse at https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/health-consequences-drug-misuse

State and Federal Law Misalignment

The Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (410 ILCS 705/) became effective January 1, 2020. With the implementation of The Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, the state of Illinois decriminalized the possession and use of cannabis under certain specific circumstances. Despite changes in state laws, Sauk Valley Community College remains cannabis free. Possessing, selling, or using cannabis in any form at any SVCC location or event or in college vehicles is not permitted. SVCC receives federal funding and therefore abides by federal regulations.  

Information, Counseling, Treatment & Rehabilitation

SVCC recognizes violations of its drug and alcohol policy as serious breaches of the College's standards and policies. The College also recognizes drug and alcohol dependence as illnesses. When student, faculty, or staff members are misusing drugs or abusing alcohol, they are encouraged to seek assistance through a substance abuse assistance program and/or a rehabilitation program. Students may visit svcc.edu/personal-counseling to complete a campus counseling referral form.

Local Drug and Alcohol Treatment Programs not affiliated with SVCC

Sinnissippi Centers
Locations in: Sterling, Dixon, Oregon, Mount Carroll, and Rochelle
815-284-6611
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois
1901 1st Ave, Sterling, IL 61081
815-626-7333
Safe Passage Opiate Addiction Program
https://www.discoverdixon.org/departments/police-department/inside-the-dixon-police-dept/safe-passage.html
Dixon Police Department: 815-288-6631, Lee County Sheriff’s Department: 815-288-6631, Whiteside County Sherriff’s Office: 815-772-4044
Whiteside County Health Department
1300 W. 2nd Street, Rock Falls, IL 61071
815-626-2230
Private Practitioners
Refer to local yellow pages