Drug and Alcohol Use Policy

The College has adopted a policy related to use of controlled or illegal substances on campus in accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. The McHenry County Board of Trustees has adopted a policy regulating the possession and use of alcoholic beverages on the campus.
Both employees and students found to be in violation of such policies may have disciplinary procedures imposed in addition to prosecution under federal and state laws.

Drug Free Campus

This information satisfies the federal requirements of the Drug Free Schools and Campus Act of 1988. McHenry County College recognizes the responsibility of maintaining an educational environment conducive to academic achievement and student growth in the development of mature and responsible adult behavior. We are prepared to help our students and employees as much as we can so each might fulfill his/her potential. The final choice, however, rests with the individual. McHenry County College does not tolerate substance abuse and the Board of Trustees has adopted policies regarding this matter. Board Policy (4.6.3) is available for viewing in the Administration Office with institutional and legal sanctions listed.

Drug Free Schools Drug List PDF

Possible Legal Sanctions

Students and employees who are prosecuted and contribute to drug or alcohol related offenses are subject to the sanctions under federal, state, or local law.

Legal Sanctions

• It is illegal to give or sell alcohol to an individual under the age of 21.
• It is illegal to have an open container of alcohol in any vehicle.
• It is illegal to serve alcohol to an intoxicated person.
• It is illegal to sell alcohol without a permit or license.
• Driving while intoxicated is a criminal offense. A fine is
  imposed and a three month license suspension is minimum.
• Being intoxicated is not a defense to any charge for a criminal act.
• An underage person involved in a drinking/driving crash may sue the person at fault and those who provided the alcohol.
• All the above carry fines and may carry a possible jail term.

Drugs

Criminal penalties for drug related offenses may be determined by the substance, the amount of the substance, where the substance is sold, or to whom. The offense may fall under one of the following classifications and receive the corresponding sentence:

• Class A - up to one year
• Class B - up to 6 months
• Class C - 1 to 3 months
• Class X - 6 to 30 years
• Class 1 - 4 to 15 years
• Class 2 - 3 to 7 years
• Class 4 - 1 to 3 years

Resources

McHenry County College maintains a list of local resources related to drugs and alcohol. This list is available in the Counseling Office, Room A262 (815) 455-8765 and the Health Promotions Office, Room B172 (815) 455-8581.

Self-Help Group

• Al-Anon/Alateen
  (815) 459-6190
• Alcoholics Anonymous
  (AA) (815) 455-3311

2/15/08