Consumer Information
Drug Free Campus and Workplace Policy
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Programming
Alcohol and drug abuse prevention programming and information is offered by the Student Affairs Office and is available to students and College employee. The programming is conducted at the start of the academic year primarily during New Student Orientation. All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to attend.
In accordance with the Drug Free Schools and Campus Act of 1989, the College is dedicated to the prevention of illegal possession, use, and sale of alcoholic beverages and drugs by the campus community. The campus is committed to the vigorous enforcement of State and Federal drug laws and state underage drinking laws. These programs deal with elevating awareness of alcohol and drug abuse.
Students are encouraged to contact the Senior Director of Student Development 312-949-7415 for individual counseling or with any concerns for themselves or their peers regarding alcohol or drug related problems. If necessary, the student will be assisted in locating professional counseling services.
Employees looking for confidential assistance may also contact ICO’s Employee Assistance Program, Lifeworks, at 877-234-5151, or visit LifeWorks.com.
Drug-Free Campus/Work Place Policy
The Illinois College of Optometry affirms its commitment to a drug-free campus/workplace. For information about the dangers of drug abuse reference "Drug Facts" or visit the National Institute of Health’s drug abuse webpage. A paper copy of “Drug Facts” is also available from the Office of Student Development and the Office of Human Resources. Drug related issues are detrimental for ICO students in both personal and professional ways. There are specific policy violations that can impact a student’s enrollment, eligibility for financial aid as well as future ability to be fully licensed.
The College prohibits the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance by students, including those employed by the College, on the premises of the College and at any of its auxiliary clinical sites. Any violation of this policy is to be dealt with immediately in the manner prescribed by law. Each student agrees to:
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• Abide by the terms of the above policy on prohibition of controlled substances
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• Notify the Dean for Student Affairs within 5 days of any conviction under any criminal drug statute for a violation occurring during enrollment at the College (including auxiliary clinical sites). Appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal, will be taken against a student who has experienced such a conviction.
The College reserves the right to conduct searches of any student's locker or on-campus residence when there is a reasonable suspicion of the use or sale by the student of controlled substances at any time, or the consumption of alcoholic beverages while engaged in academic or clinical activities.
Suspension of Eligibility for Drug-Related Offenses
In general, a student who has been convicted of any offense under any Federal or State law involving the possession or sale of a controlled substance shall not be eligible to receive any grant, loan, or work study assistance under this title during the period beginning on the date of such conviction and ending after the interval specified as follows:
If convicted of an offense involving:
1) The possession of a controlled substance:
First Offense - 1 Year of ineligibility
Second Offense - 2 years of ineligibility
Third Offense - Indefinite ineligibility
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2) The sale of a controlled substance:
First Offense - 2 years of ineligibility
Second Offense - Indefinite ineligibility
Rehabilitation - A student whose eligibility has been suspended may resume eligibility before the end of the ineligibility period determined under such paragraph if:
• The student satisfactorily completes a drug rehabilitation program
• The rehab program above includes two unannounced drug tests
• The conviction is reversed, set aside, or otherwise rendered nugatory
If you have any questions pertaining to the Federal Drug Violation penalties, you may contact the Department of Education at
Students, Faculty and Staff – Annual Updates
The College’s Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Prevention Information and Programming is reviewed annually as part of the review of the Campus Security and Fire Safety Report. (Most recent review September 2018.)
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