Alcohol- & Drug-Free Community Policy

Alcohol

The College has established behavioral guidelines in the Student Handbook based on the Community Covenant that we believe will help foster a Christ-honoring academic community. Wheaton does not believe consuming alcohol is a sin. Wheaton believes that the Bible’s instructions about self-control and moderation apply to, among other practices, the consumption of alcohol. However, the fact that alcohol is often glorified, abused, and addictive during the college years, suggests the need for wisdom and discernment.

We acknowledge that there are differing perspectives within the evangelical community about the role of alcohol in a Christian’s life. Wheaton College prohibits alcohol consumption among undergraduate students because of its negative impact on physical and mental wellbeing, academic performance, personal relationships, and to campus facilities within a living/learning collegiate environment.

Additionally, more than half the undergraduate population is under the legal age of 21 for alcohol possession as well as consumption.

Therefore, it is essential that every member of the College community clearly understands the College’s expectations, outlined in the Student Handbook and Community Covenant. Namely, Wheaton College and all Wheaton College-related functions will be alcohol-free. This means the possession or consumption of alcohol and non-alcohol substitutes in any form and for any purpose (e.g., cooking) will be prohibited in, on, or around all campus properties, owned or leased. The same prohibition applies to all Wheaton College vehicles, whether on or off-campus, and to all Wheaton College events or programs, wherever they may be held.

While enrolled in Wheaton College or participating in a program sponsored by or earning credit granted by Wheaton College, undergraduate members of the community will refrain from the consumption of alcohol in all settings, with the sole exception that students are permitted to drink the wine of Holy Communion in local church settings.

Fasting, a common spiritual practice for Christians, is an opportunity to deny oneself a freedom as a physical reminder that only Jesus fulfills and sustains. The College’s expectation for undergraduates to refrain from consuming alcohol is an opportunity to practice the discipline of fasting to draw near to the Lord and grow in self-control.

Students should avoid attending peer-led gatherings where alcohol is present during the school year. A student’s presence at a place where other students are drinking alcohol can communicate an implicit affirmation of possessing and/or drinking alcohol while enrolled (except during Christmas and/or summer break when not involved in a Wheaton sponsored program) when in fact it is not permissible. If a student is found to have attended a peer led gathering where alcohol is present and/or being consumed, the College may issue a written warning as documentation.

Graduate students, faculty members and staff members will use careful and loving discretion in any use of alcohol. They will avoid the serving or consumption of alcohol in any situation in which undergraduate members of the Wheaton College family are or are likely to be present.

Nontraditionally aged undergraduate students who are at least 25 years old at the time of their matriculation to the College and who are living off-campus (with no other undergraduate students) may apply for graduate student privileges in relation to the College’s alcohol policy through an administrative review with the Dean of Residence Life, Student Services Building, Suite 218. The administrative review will consist of submitting a written request for an exception and participating in an interview. If graduate student privileges are granted to a nontraditionally aged undergraduate student and said student violates the alcohol policy, then the privileges will be revoked for the duration of the student’s academic experience.

Drugs

The Student Handbook and Community Covenant prohibit the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of controlled substances, as well as sharing, misusing, or abusing over-the-counter or prescription drugs or any illegal drug while one is a student at Wheaton College in accordance with federal, state, or local law. The College also prohibits the recreational use of cannabis in states where it has become legalized, which effective January 1, 2020, includes the State of Illinois.

Although possession and use of cannabis is no longer a crime in the State of Illinois, the possession and use of cannabis remains illegal under federal law. Consistent with federal law, including the Controlled Substances Act and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, the use and/or possession of cannabis (smoked or edible) continues to be prohibited for all Wheaton students on or off-campus. This includes the use of synthetic cannabis (e.g., K2 or Spice or any other synthetic product which, when consumed mimics the effects of cannabis).

In addition, smoking, vaping, or ingesting cannabidiol (CBD) is not allowed, nor is drinking THC/CBD-infused beverages. Medically prescribed CBD oils and creams are legal under federal law (e.g., consist of no more than 0.3% THC) and are also legal in any state or locality where used. Wheaton approves medically prescribed oils and creams that adhere to the <0.3% THC level.

In addition to illegal drugs, students are prohibited from using prescriptions other than their own and substances that are meant to illicit feeling “buzzed”, high or intoxicated. The use of any substance to alter one’s personality, behavior, physical or emotional state or to enhance academic or athletic performance is prohibited.

Accountability

Students in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion and referral for prosecution. (Please refer to the Student Conduct Policy for details concerning the conduct process and list of possible sanctions.) In addition to Wheaton College sanctions, violating Illinois and Federal laws may lead to fines and/or imprisonment.

The College expects that students will personally uphold their commitment to the Student Handbook guidelines and the Community Covenant by refraining from the use of illegal drugs and alcohol while they are enrolled, and to create living environments that are free from alcohol and illegal drug use. This includes not possessing cooking wine/liquor or non-alcoholic beer in one’s space, as well as displaying drug and alcohol paraphernalia or advertisements. Students who allow alcohol and/or illegal drugs into their living spaces will be held accountable under the Student Conduct Policy. Additionally, Illinois law 235 ILCS 5/6-16(c) states, “Any person shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor where he or she knowingly authorizes or permits a residence which he or she occupies to be used by an invitee under 21 years of age, and the person occupying the residence knows that any such person under the age of 21 is in possession of or is consuming any alcoholic beverage.” Furthermore, the illegal use of alcohol and/or drugs can carry criminal penalties upon conviction, including the imposition of fines, community service, probation, loss of license, and/or imprisonment. More details on about Illinois state regulations can be found on the Illinois State website. Federal penalties involving drugs can be found in this DEA publication beginning on page 36.