Student Code of Conduct Sanctions
Following is a list of possible sanctions. Sanctions not on this list may be given for violations of the Code of Conduct.
• Warning/Reprimand: An official written notice that the behavior is in violation of policy with notification that further violations will result in more serious sanctions.
• Educational/Creative Project(s): These sanctions are directly related to the incident or behavior and are designed to help educate the student about the consequences of their actions. These might include video or book review, attending a program, planning a program and/or assisting university staff.
• Community Service: Student participation in an activity designed to assist the university or surrounding community, i.e., volunteer activities at local churches, hospitals, agencies, campus projects or facilities.
• Restitution: Compensation for damage or loss to the University or any person’s property.
• Fines: Reasonable fines may be imposed for violation of University policy.
• Confiscation of Prohibited Property: Items whose presence is in violation of University policy will be confiscated and will become the property of the University.
• Loss of Privileges: The student will be denied specified privileges for a designated period of time.
• Visitation Privilege Loss: A student may have their visitation privileges to the residence halls suspended or revoked indefinitely.
• Behavioral Requirement: This includes required activities including, but not limited to, seeking academic counseling or substance abuse screening, writing a letter of apology, etc.
• Probation(s): Supervision of the student’s conduct for a designated period of time during which a subsequent infraction of any university regulation or any standard will result in more serious conduct action. Terms of probation are to be decided by the conduct officers and can include but are not limited to: a) inability to represent the university in an official capacity such as student leadership positions, athletics, etc. and b) inability to participate in university activities or designated events. Probationary meetings may also be imposed. The student is deemed “not in good disciplinary standing” for the period of probation.
• No-Trespass Order: The student will not be allowed to enter university buildings or other university property as defined in the sanction.
• Relocation of Housing: The student’s room assignment may be changed to an alternate room or building.
• University Housing Suspension: Removal from University housing for a specified period of time after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for re-admission to University housing may be specified. A student is required to vacate the residence hall at the date and time specified in the Hearing Outcome Letter.
• Dismissal From Residence: The student’s privilege to live in, or visit, any University housing structure is revoked for an extended period of time or permanently.
• Suspension: Separation of the student from the university for a specified minimum period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Eligibility may be contingent upon satisfaction of specific conditions noted at the time of suspension. During the suspension period, the student is banned from university property, facilities and events.
• Termination of Scholarship: Removal/termination of any scholarship provided by Dominican University.
• Dismissal: Permanent separation of the student from the university. The student will not be allowed to re-enroll in the university. The student is banned from university property, facilities and events.
• Other Sanctions: Additional or alternate sanctions may be created and designed as deemed appropriate to the offense with the approval of the Dean of Students or designee.
Any of the above sanctions may be imposed upon groups or organizations found in violation of the Student Code of Conduct. In addition, deactivation, de-recognition, loss of all privileges (including status as a University registered group or organization), for a specified period of time.
Alcohol and Drug Violation Sanctions
Each conduct hearing takes into the specific circumstances of the incident. The Conduct History of a student will be a factor in determining specific sanctions. Multiple policy violations in a single incident will be used to determine appropriate sanctions, however, typical sanctions include:
Alcohol
Underage drinking; Open alcohol in a public area; Possession of alcohol with underage individuals present; Excessive alcohol use regardless of age
1st offense: Warning, Online Alcohol Education Course with Reflection Paper
2nd offense: Semester Probation and 5 hours of community service (or equivalent educational project)
3rd offense: Extension of probation for two semesters and 10 hours of community service (or equivalent educational project)
Students with possible substance abuse problems may be sanctioned to a Wellness Assessment.
Drugs
Possession or use of illegal drugs or drug-related items in the residence halls or on campus
1st offense: Warning, Online Drug Education Course, Reflection Paper
2nd offense: Semester Probation and 5 hours of community service (or equivalent educational project)
3rd offense: Extension of probation for two semesters and 10 hours of community service (or equivalent educational project)
Students with possible substance abuse problems may be sanctioned to a Wellness Assessment.
Tobacco
Finding cigarette butts or ash in room; Smoking on university grounds; Violation of the Tobacco Policy
1st offense: Warning and 2 hours of community service
2nd offense: Semester probation and 5 hours of community service (or equivalent educational project)
3rd offense: Extension of probation for two semesters and 10 hours of community service (or equivalent educational project)
SAMPLE ILLINOIS SANCTIONS FOR VIOLATION OF ALCOHOL CONTROL STATUTES (See Illinois Compiled Statute 235 ILCS 5/ for more specific information)
A. It is a Class A Misdemeanor to possess or sell alcohol if you are under 21.
B. It is a Class A Misdemeanor to sell, give, or furnish false ID to an individual 21 years old or under (minimum $500 fine).
C. It is a Class A Misdemeanor to use or possess a false ID if you are under 21.
D. It is a Class A Misdemeanor to sell, give, or deliver alcohol to individuals under 21 years of age. Local ordinances may also be enforced.
Class A Misdemeanors are punishable with a fine of $1 to $1,000 and up to 1 year in the county jail.
FEDERAL DRUG POSSESSION PENALTIES (21 USC 844)
Persons convicted on Federal charges of possessing any controlled substance face penalties of up to 1 year in prison and a mandatory fine of no less than $1,000 up to a maximum of $100,000. Second convictions are punishable by not less than 15 days but not more than 2 years in prison and a minimum fine of $2,500 but not more than $250,000 or both. Subsequent convictions are punishable by not less than 90 days but not more than 3 years in prison and a minimum fine of $5,000 but not more than $250,000 or both. Possession of drug paraphernalia is punishable by a minimum fine of $750.
Special sentencing provisions for possession of crack cocaine impose a mandatory prison term of not less than 5 years but not more than 20 years and a fine up to $250,000, or both if:
A. It is a first conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds 5 grams;
B. It is a second conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds 3 grams;
C. It is a third or subsequent crack conviction and the amount exceeds 1 gram.
Civil penalties of up to $10,000 may also be imposed for possession of small amounts of controlled substances, whether or not criminal prosecution is pursued.
SAMPLE ILLINOIS SANCTIONS FOR VIOLATION OF DRUG CONTROL STATUTES (See Illinois Compiled Statute 720 ILCS 570/ for more specific information)
Possession of Cannabis:
A. It is a Class A Misdemeanor to possess from 10 to 29 grams of Cannabis.
B. It is a Class 4 Felony to possess 30 grams to 499 grams of Cannabis.
C. It is a Class 3 Felony to possess 500 grams to 1999 grams of Cannabis.
D. It is a Class 2 Felony to possess 2000 grams to 4999 grams of Cannabis.
E. It is a Class 1 Felony to possess more than 5000 grams of Cannabis.
Possession of Cocaine:
A. It is a Class 4 Felony to possess 0-15 grams
B. It is a Class 1 Felony to possess 15-100 grams.
C. It is a Class 1 Felony to possess 100-400 grams.
D. It is a Class 1 Felony to possess 400-900 grams.
E. It is a Class 1 Felony to possess 900+ grams.
Possession of Heroin/LSD:
A. It is a Class 4 Felony to possess 0-14 grams
B. It is a Class 1 Felony to possess 15-99 grams.
C. It is a Class 1 Felony to possess 100-399 grams.
D. It is a Class 1 Felony to possess 400-899 grams.
E. It is a Class 1 Felony to possess 900+ grams.
Class 4 Felony sentence may be from 1 to 3 years in a state penitentiary.
Class 3 Felony sentence may be from 2 to 5 years in a state penitentiary.
Class 2 Felony sentence may be from 3 to 7 years in a state penitentiary.
Class 1 Felony sentence may be from 3 to 15 years in a state penitentiary.
This is not an exhaustive list of narcotics and controlled substances that are subject to Illinois Compiled Statutes and which may have local, state, and/or federal sentencing guidelines.
State of Illinois Statutory Provisions For Illegal Drugs Manufacture or Delivery
Manufacture or Delivery (720 Illinois Compiled Statutes 570/401) Possession (720 ILCS 570/402)
Illegal Drugs Class X Felony Class 1 Felony Class 2 Felony Class 3 Felony Class 1 Felony Class 4 Felony
not more than
$500,000 fine not more than
$250,000 fine not more than
$200,000 fine not more than
$150,000 fine not more than
$20,000 fine not more than
$15,000 fine
Min. 6 years
4 to 15 years
3 to 7 years
2 to 5 years
4 to 15 years
1 to 4 years
Heroin 15 grams or more 10-14 grams 10 grams or less 15 grams or more less than 15 grams
Cocaine 15 grams or more 1-14 grams 1 gram or less 15 grams or more less than 15 grams
Morphine 15 grams or more 10-14 grams 10 grams or less 15 grams or more less than 15 grams
Peyote 200 grams or more 50-199 grams 50 grams or less 200 grams or more less than 200 grams
Barbiturates 200 grams or more 50-199 grams 50 grams or less 200 grams or more less than 200 grams
Amphetamines 200 grams or more 50-199 grams 50 grams or less 200 grams or more less than 200 grams
Lysergic Acid (LSD) 15 grams or more 5 to 14 grams or hits 5 grams or less 15 grams or more less than 15 grams
Petazocine 30 grams or more 10 to 29 grams 10 grams or less 30 grams or more less than 30 grams
Methaqualone 30 grams or more 10 to 29 grams 10 grams or less 30 grams or more less than 30 grams
Phencyclidine 30 grams or more 10 to 29 grams 30 grams or less 30 grams or more less than 30 grams
Ketamine 30 grams or more 11 to 30 grams less than 10 grams 30 grams or more less than 30 grams
GHB 200 grams or more 50 to 200 grams less than 50 grams 200 grams or more less than 200 grams
Ecstasy 200 grams or more 50 to 199 grams 50 grams or less 200 grams or more less than 200 grams
Note: Second Offense, double jail sentence and fine. This chart gives examples of the penalties which may be imposed on individuals convicted of drug possession, manufacturing, or delivery. The circumstances of the case and other factors affect whether or not these are the actual penalties imposed.
Marijuana Sale or Delivery (720 Illinois Compiled Statutes 550/5)
Class B Misdemeanor: 2.5 grams or less, $500 fine and/or six months in jail
Class A Misdemeanor: 2.5-10 grams or less, $1,000 fine and/or one year in jail
Class 4 Felony: between 10-30 grams, 1-3 years in jail and/or $10,000 fine
Class 3 Felony: between 30-500 grams, 2-5 years in jail and/or fine not to exceed $50,000
Class 2 Felony: 500 or more grams, 3-7 years in jail and/or fine not to exceed $100,000
Possession (720 Illinois compiled Statutes 550/4)
Class C Misdemeanor: 2.5 grams or less, $500 fine and/or thirty days in jail
Class B Misdemeanor: between 2.5-10 grams, $500 fine and/or six months in jail
Class A Misdemeanor: between 10-30 grams, $1,000 fine and/or one year in jail
Class 4 Felony: between 30-500 grams, 1-3 years in jail and/or $10,000 fine
Class 3 Felony: over 500 grams, 2-5 years in jail and/or fine not to exceed $50,000
Federal Drug Laws
The possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs is prohibited by federal law. Strict penalties are enforced for drug convictions, including mandatory prison terms for many offenses. The following information, although not complete, is an overview of federal penalties for first convictions. All penalties are doubled for any subsequent drug conviction.
Denial of Federal Aid (20 USC 1091)
The FAFSA Simplification Act repealed the suspension of eligibility for Title IV aid for drug-related convictions that occurred while receiving Title IV aid with early implementation for the 2021 – 2022 award cycle. The questions regarding drug convictions won’t be removed from the FAFSA until the 2023 – 2024 award cycle. However, while the questions remain, the answers provided do not impact a student’s financial aid eligibility. Visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/eligibility/criminal-convictions for information on the federal student aid policy regarding drug convictions.
Forfeiture of Personal Property and Real Estate (21 USC 853)
Any person convicted of a federal drug offense punishable by more than one year in prison shall forfeit to the United States any personal or real property related to the violation, including houses, cars, and other personal belongings. A warrant of seizure is issued and property is seized at the time an individual is arrested on charges that may result in forfeiture.
Federal Drug Trafficking Penalties (21 USC 841)
Penalties for federal drug trafficking convictions vary according to the quantity of the controlled substance involved in the transaction. The following list is a sample of the range and severity of federal penalties imposed for first convictions. Penalties for subsequent convictions are twice as severe.
If death or serious bodily injury result from the use of a controlled substance which has been illegally distributed, the person convicted on federal charges of distributing the substance faces mandatory life sentence and fines ranging up to $8 million.
Persons convicted on federal charges of drug trafficking within 1,000 feet of a University (21 USC 845a) face penalties of prison terms and fines which are twice as high as the regular penalties for the offense, with a mandatory prison sentence of at least 1 year.
Drug/Substance Amount Penalty - 1st Conviction
Barbiturates Any amount Up to 5 years prison. Fine up to $250,000
Cocaine 5 kgs. or more Not less than 10 years prison, not more than life. Fine up to $4 million
Less than 100 grams 10-63 months prison. Fine up to $1 million
Crack Cocaine 50 grams or more Not less than 10 years prison, not more than life. Fine up to $4 million
5-49 grams Not less than 5 years prison, not more than 40 years. Fine up to $2 million
5 grams or less 10-63 months prison. Fine up to $1 million
Ecstasy Any amount Up to 20 years imprisonment. Fine up to $1 million. 3 years of supervised releases (following prison)
GHB Any amount Up to 20 years imprisonment. Fine up to $1 million. 3 years of supervised releases (following prison)
Hashish 10-100 kg Up to 20 years imprisonment. Fine up to $1 million.
10 kg or less Up to 5 years imprisonment. Fine up to $250,000
Hash Oil 1-100 kg Up to 20 years imprisonment. Fine up to $1 million.
1 kg or less Up to 5 years imprisonment. Fine up to $250,000
Heroin 1 kg or more Not less than 10 years prison, not more than life. Fine up to $4 million
100-999 grams Not less than 5 years prison, not more than 40 years. Fine up to $2 million
100 grams or less 10-63 months prison. Fine up to $1 million
Ketamine Any amount Up to 5 years imprisonment. Fine up to $250,000. 2 years supervised release
LSD 10 grams or more Not less than 10 years prison, not more than life. Fine up to $4 million
1-10 grams Not less than 5 years prison, not more than 40 years. Fine up to $2 million
Marijuana 1000 kg or more Not less than 10 years prison, not more than life. Fine up to $4 million
100-999 kg Not less than 5 years prison, not more than 40 years. Fine up to $2 million
50-99 kg Up to 20 years imprisonment. Fine up to $1 million
50 kg or less Up to 5 years imprisonment. Fine up to $250,000
Methamphetamine 50 grams or more Not less than 10 years prison, not more than life. Fine up to $4 million
10-49 grams Not less than 5 years prison, not more than 40 years. Fine up to $2 million
10 grams or less 10-21 months prison. Fine up to $1 million
PCP 100 grams or more Not less than 10 years prison, not more than life. Fine up to $4 million
10-99 grams Not less than 5 years prison, not more than 40 years. Fine up to $2 million
10 grams or less 10-21 months prison. Fine up to $1 million
Rohypnol 1 gram or more Up to 20 years imprisonment. Fine up to $1 million
less than 30 mgs Up to 5 years imprisonment. Fine up to $250,000
Federal Drug Possession Penalties (21 USC 844)
Persons convicted on Federal charges of possessing any controlled substance face penalties of up to 1 year in prison and a mandatory fine of no less than $1,000 up to a maximum of $100,000. Second convictions are punishable by not less than 15 days but not more than 2 years in prison and a minimum fine of $2,500. Subsequent convictions are punishable by not less than 90 days but not more than 3 years in prison and a minimum fine of $5,000. Possession of drug paraphernalia is punishable by a minimum fine of $750.
Special sentencing provisions for possession of crack cocaine impose a mandatory prison term of not less than 5 years but not more than 20 years and a fine up to $250,000, or both if:
A. It is a first conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds 5 grams;
B. It is a second conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds 3 grams;
C. It is a third or subsequent crack conviction and the amount exceeds 1 gram.
Civil penalties of up to $10,000 may also be imposed for possession of small amounts of controlled substances, whether or not criminal prosecution is pursued.
Illinois Sanctions for Driving Under the Influence
625 Illinois Compiled Statutes 5/11-501
A. Driving while under the influence of alcohol, other drug or drugs, intoxicating compound or compounds or any combination thereof
a. First Conviction
i. Minimum of one-year loss of full driving privileges
ii. Possible imprisonment for up to one year
iii. Maximum fine of $2,500
b. Second Conviction
i. Minimum five-year loss of full driving privileges for a second conviction in a 20-year period
ii. Mandatory five days imprisonment or 240 hours of community service
iii. Possible imprisonment for up to one year
iv. Maximum fine of $2,5000
c. Third Conviction – Class 2 Felony
i. Minimum ten-year loss of full driving privileges
ii. Mandatory 18-30 month periodic imprisonment
iii. Possible imprisonment for up to seven years
iv. Maximum fine of $25,000
d. Aggravated DUI – Class 4 Felony (following a crash resulting in great bodily harm or permanent disfigurement)
i. Minimum of one-year loss of full driving privileges
ii. Mandatory ten days imprisonment or 480 hours of community service
iii. Possible imprisonment for up to twelve years
iv. Maximum fine of $25,000
B. Other alcohol offenses
a. Providing alcohol to a person under age 21
i. Possible imprisonment for up to one year
ii. Maximum fine of $2,500
b. Illegal transportation of an alcoholic beverage
i. Maximum fine of $1,000
ii. Point-assigned violation will be entered on drivers record
iii. Drivers license suspension for a second conviction in a 12 month period
c. Knowingly permitting a driver under the influence to operate a vehicle
i. Possible imprisonment for up to one year
ii. Maximum fine of $2,500
d. Summary Suspension
i. First offense
1. A chemical test indication a BAC of .08 or greater results in a mandatory six-month drivers license suspension
2. Refusal to submit to a chemical test(s) results in a twelve-month suspension
ii. Subsequent offenses
1. A chemical test indicating a BAC of .08 or greater results in a mandatory one-year drivers license suspension
2. Refusal to submit to a chemical test(s) results in a three-year license suspension
Illinois Penalties for Drinking and Driving Under Age 21
A. Driving while under the influence of alcohol, other drug or drugs, intoxicating compound or compounds or any combination thereof
a. First Conviction
i. Minimum of two-year loss of full driving privileges
ii. Possible imprisonment for up to one year
iii. Maximum fine of $2,500
b. Second Conviction
i. Minimum five-year loss of full driving privileges for a second conviction in a 20-year period
ii. Mandatory five days imprisonment or 240 hours of community service
iii. Possible imprisonment for up to one year
iv. Maximum fine of $2,5000
c. Third Conviction – Class 2 Felony
i. Minimum ten-year loss of full driving privileges
ii. Mandatory 18-30 month periodic imprisonment
iii. Possible imprisonment for up to seven years
iv. Maximum fine of $25,000
d. Aggravated DUI – Class 4 Felony (following a crash resulting in great bodily harm or permanent disfigurement)
i. Minimum of one-year loss of full driving privileges
ii. Possible imprisonment for up to twelve years
iii. Maximum fine of $25,000
B. Other alcohol offenses
e. Illegal transportation of an alcoholic beverage
i. Maximum fine of $1,000
ii. Drivers license suspended for first conviction
iii. Drivers license revoked for a second conviction
f. Summary Suspension
i. First offense
1. A chemical test indication a BAC of .08 or greater results in a mandatory six-month drivers license suspension
2. Refusal to submit to a chemical test(s) results in a twelve-month suspension
ii. Subsequent offenses
1. A chemical test indicating a BAC of .08 or greater results in a mandatory one-year drivers license suspension
2. Refusal to submit to a chemical test(s) results in a three-year license suspension
C. The Zero Tolerance Law provides that minors can have their driving privileges suspended even if they're not intoxicated at the .08 level. The following table shows the length of time your driving privileges may be suspended under the Zero Tolerance Law (for BAC of .01 or greater) and DUI Laws (for BAC of .08 or greater). The loss of driving privileges is greater if you refuse to take a sobriety test.
Under Zero Tolerance Law Under DUI Laws
If test refused If test refused
1st violation 3 months 6 months 6 months 12 months
2nd violation 1 year 2 years 1 year 3 years
Effect on Driving Record
• Zero tolerance (BAC of .01 or greater) – except during suspension period, not on public driving record as long as there is no subsequent suspension.
• DUI conviction (BAC of .08 or greater) – Permanently on public driving record
*Under certain conditions, you may be charged with DUI even though your BAC is below .08.
Except during suspension period, violation is not on public driving record as long as there is no subsequent suspension permanently on public driving record.