Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act

/ Student Life / Counseling and Mental Health Support / Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act

Alcohol and Other Drug Notification and Policy

In accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, this notification is presented annually to each Black Hawk College (BHC) student and employee. Its purpose is to serve as a reminder of the standards of conduct relating to drugs and alcohol; the health risks associated with drug and alcohol abuse; of the availability of treatment for drug or alcohol problems; of BHC policies related to the illegal possession and use or distribution of drugs or alcohol; and of the internal sanctions and federal, state, and local legal penalties that may result from the illegal sale, possession, consumption, or distribution of drugs or alcohol.

Standards of Conduct

In accordance with BHC’s Student Code of Conduct, students, including those of the legal drinking age, are not permitted to use, possess, manufacture, sell, deliver, or distribute alcohol or illegal drugs on College property, property used by Black Hawk College, as part of any College sponsored event, or while conducting or participating in Black Hawk College business and/or events. Students under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs are not permitted to be present on campus or at campus-related activities. Students who are aware of alcohol or drug abuse by other students have a responsibility to report such infractions or violations to the Vice President of Student Services (309) 796-5041.

BHC employees are subject to the College’s Drug-Free College Policy (Board Policy 8.70) which states in part: “The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession and use of a controlled substance is prohibited (1) in and on property owned or controlled by Black Hawk College, or (2) as part of College-sponsored functions. The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol on College premises and/or as part of College-sponsored functions is prohibited. No employee or student will report to the College while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.” Employees can report infractions or violations to College management (Supervisor, Police Department, Director of Human Resources, a Vice President or other Administrator).

Health Risks of Alcohol and Other Drugs

Drugs are designed to produce physical and/or psychological change(s) within the body. Alcohol or any other drug used in excess over time can produce illness, disability, and death. The health consequences of substance abuse may be immediate and unpredictable, such as cardiac arrest with cocaine use, or more subtle and long term, such as liver deterioration associated with the prolonged use of alcohol. Some health risks associated with the use of illegal/illicit drugs and alcohol include:

Damage to the brain.
High blood pressure, seizures, strokes, heart attacks, cardiac arrest and/or respiratory arrest.
Impaired judgment, loss of memory, poor hand and eye coordination and poor concentration.
Sleep Disturbances, depression, paranoia, and anxiety.
Increased risk of HIV infection.
Painful withdrawal symptoms (tremors, panic attacks, chills, sweating, muscle cramps, etc.).
Physical and psychological dependence.

In addition to health related problems, other concerns include financial difficulties, domestic violence, deterioration of the family structure, motor vehicle accident injuries, and reduced job performance.

More on Local Alcohol and Drug Treatment Programs (PDF)

Alcohol and Drug Prevention and Counseling Services

Black Hawk College offers limited counseling services to students, faculty, and staff, most often in the form of referrals to outside organizations. Individuals who feel the need to seek assistance may contact a BHC Counselor at either campus by calling 309-796-5199 or emailing counseling@866kq.com.

Some Local Alcohol and Drug Treatment Programs

Riverside Retreat – Robert Young Mental Health Center – Rock Island 309-779-3000
Center for Alcohol and Drug Services – Rock Island 309-788-4571 or Fairmount location (Iowa residents only) 563-322-2667
Psychological Services, Inc. – Moline 309-757-9000
Good Shepherd Foundation – Geneseo 309-944-6205 or 309-944-3258
Bridgeway, Inc – Kewanee – 309-344-2323 or 309-852-4331

More on Local Alcohol and Drug Treatment Programs (PDF)

Violation of the Code of Conduct

Student Drug Policy

Any student found in violation of the Code of Conduct will be subject to the sanctions outlined in the ‘Disciplinary Procedures’ section of the Student Handbook (located at k27n.866kq.com). Upon determination that an individual has violated the Code of Conduct, the Student Disciplinary Committee will be convened in order to provide the individual with a full and fair hearing. After completing the student’s hearing in regard to the allegation, the Student Disciplinary Committee will impose one or more of the following sanctions: (a) restitution, (b) warning, (c) reprimand, (d) restriction, (e) probation, (f) suspension, (g) expulsion.

More on Federal Penalties and Sanctions for Illegal Trafficking and Possession of a Controlled Substance (PDF)

Employee Corrective Action

The College reserves the right to prescribe the nature and type of corrective action to be imposed on employees found in violation of the Drug-Free College Policy (Board Policy 8.70). Such corrective action may include: 1) issuance of a written warning, 2) requirement to seek treatment; or 3) termination.

A full description of the procedures the College will take if an employee is suspected to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and the conditions under which various sanctions will be dispensed can be found in Administrative Guideline 3-1.11, Employee Drug/Alcohol Abuse Procedures. A copy of the Administrative Guidelines can be found in myBHC under the Employees tab, Publications, Forms, and Manuals link.

Local, State and Federal Sanctions

llinois Criminal Code states that the possession, sale and/or distribution of “Controlled Substances” (drugs) by anyone is a felony under Illinois Law. If the offense happens on College property the felony classification changes from 1, 2 or 3 and becomes a Class “X” felony. The fines and jail time can double and even triple depending on the substance and the amount.

Employees and students should be aware that their actions are also subject to all local, state, and federal laws relating to drug and alcohol abuse. The College will bring unlawful acts to the attention of proper law enforcement authorities.

Black Hawk College wishes to maintain a safe and healthful working environment for all of its employees, students, and guests. If you suspect you or someone you know has a drug or alcohol abuse problem, please contact a BHC Counselor for a confidential consultation.