Page 30 - Columbia College Chicago Student Handbook 2024-2025

LATE WITHDRAWALS Columbia College Chicago recognizes there may be significant extenuating and mitigating circumstances affecting students (death of a relative, significant change in personal circumstances, etc.). A student may petition for an administrative withdrawal from classes after the end of the official withdrawal period by submitting a petition supported by appropriate documentation. Questions regarding this process should be addressed to an academic advisor in the College Advising Center. Petitions for administrative withdrawals are evaluated and approved or denied by the Petition for Exception Committee. Students may appeal a denied petition and this request will be reviewed by the Assistant Vice President of SFS, Associate Provost for Academic Services, the Registrar, and Dean of Students. Their joint decision will be final. For further details about administrative withdrawal visit the Academic Grievance section of the College Catalog. The Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 recognize that all employees, faculty, and students have the right to a workplace and educational environment that is drug free. On a more personal level, Columbia is also committed to providing individuals with counseling, referral, DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY or rehabilitation programs for drug and alcohol abuse. As a result of these acts, Columbia is required to review college policy regarding drug and alcohol abuse and communicate this policy and the mandates of the acts. While it is not Columbia’s intention to intrude into a student’s private life, Columbia holds unalterably that an individual’s involvement with substance abuse, whether on- or off-campus, has an impermissible impact on the college’s environment and is an entirely justifiable institutional concern. Columbia College Chicago acknowledges the negative health risks of alcohol and illicit drug use. Such substances may have an impact on one’s cognition, organ and tissue function, and overall health. Students are encouraged to use the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA; www.samhsa.gov) as a resource for further information. Please read the following policy carefully as it will be strictly enforced. 28 Using or Selling Drugs or Alcohol While On-Campus or at College Events Columbia does not tolerate the possession, use, or distribution of drugs while on college property or at college events. Besides being dangerous for the student, other employees, faculty, students, and family, it is against the law. If a student unlawfully manufactures, distributes, uses, sells, or possesses narcotics, illegal drugs, or controlled substances on college premises or at college-sponsored events, both on and off-campus, disciplinary action will be taken and the student’s affiliation with the college may be terminated, even if it is a first offense. Students may also be prosecuted for a criminal offense. Students visiting or living in any of the Residence Halls should refer to the Resident Handbook. An illegal drug includes any drug which is not legally obtainable in the United States, or which is legally obtainable but is being used in a manner different from that prescribed by a doctor of medicine or intended by the manufacturer. Over-the-counter or prescription medication which is prescribed by a doctor and is being used for its intended purpose is not considered an illegal drug. Students, irrespective of age, are not permitted to possess or consume