Campus Safety - Health and Safety

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INFLUENZA

For information on COVID-19 or other pandemic responses please go here: GU Alert Updates

Concerns about various flu virus rise and rumors spread each season. Greenville University wants to provide you as much information as possible about the plans in place to protect you from the flu virus.
The University begins preparing for flu season prior to students arriving and is ready with a preparedness plan based on guidelines provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

We are actively working to protect this community from the spread of the flu virus and thank you for supporting these efforts by following the suggestions below to stay healthy. If you have further questions, contact Community Life at 618.664.7121, Campus Safety at 618.664.7118 or check this site regularly for up to date information on campus news.

Personal Steps for Prevention

1. Practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of viruses.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective if soap and water are not available.
  • Use the hand sanitizer station posted near the check in desk in the dining commons. Please use this every time you enter. It would also be helpful to use the one at the dish-tray return on the way out.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, to limit the spread of germs.
  • Regularly clean high touch surfaces with over the counter cleaning solutions.

2. Practice respiratory etiquette.

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
  • If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands.

3. Talk with your health care provider about seasonal flu vaccinations.

  • If you are at higher risk for flu complications you should consider getting a flu vaccine. People with higher risk include pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes).
  • For more information about priority groups for vaccination, visit www.cdc.gov
  • If you have trouble getting an appointment with a health care provider or need assistance setting up an appointment, please call 618.664.7121

4. Know the signs and symptoms of the flu.

  • A fever (at least 100° F or 38° C) and
  • Cough or sore throat.
  • Additional symptoms may include headache, fatigue, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.

5. STAY HOME if you have the flu or a flu-like illness until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever.

  • Fever should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medication that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen).
  • Don't go to class or work.
  • Establish a "buddy" on campus who agrees to check on you if you do not show up for classes or activities and to bring you food and supplies if needed.

If You Are Sick With the Flu

  1. NOTIFY STUDENT DEVELOPMENT IMMEDIATELY by calling 618.664.7119 (employees should notify their department head)
  2. Stay at home or in your residence except to go see your health care provider.
  3. Go home until you are well. Students who live too far from home, please contact Student Development for alternate housing for rest and recovery.
  4. Avoid contact with others as much as possible.
  5. Drink plenty of clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks and electrolyte beverages) to keep from becoming dehydrated.

GU Prevention Efforts

  1. Campus wide information distribution
  2. Active participation in the Bond County Emergency Response meetings - GU representatives are attending Bond County Emergency Response meetings to discuss flu plans, next steps, and information dissemination for students, employees and families.
  3. Hygiene awareness posters placed around campus - Community Life staff is educating students living in residence halls about good hygiene via posters and ongoing discussions.
  4. Point person collaborating with state public health officials - GU's Emergency Management Team is registered with the Illinois Board of Higher Education and Illinois Department of Public Health and has an established campus contact person in order to collaborate and coordinate with the state's ongoing information and vaccination activities.
  5. Website information kept up to date - We are constantly updating the greenville.edu website with the most up to date flu information.
  6. Hand Sanitizers installed around campus - Facilities Management continues to add hand sanitizers to highly trafficked areas on campus, including the dining area, the athletics complex and the library.

 

Warning Signs for Urgent Medical Attention

The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends that if any warning signs are apparent, individuals should seek immediate emergency medical attention.

Sign up for the GU Emergency Notification System.

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

  • Fast breathing or trouble breathing
  • Bluish skin color (for fair tones) and grayish skin color (for darker tones)
  • Not drinking enough fluids
  • Not waking up or not interacting
  • Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
  • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
  • Fever with a rash

 

International travelers should check travel advisories

Anyone who is planning international travel should check with the U.S. Department of State for the most up-to-date travel advisories.

Please go to http://www.flu.gov for further Influenza information.

Understanding MRSA 

Due to the nature of college settings, it is not uncommon for schools to face an occurrence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). In order to keep our students as safe and healthy as possible, Greenville University is taking a proactive approach to reducing the threat of MRSA on our campus.

The following are steps the university is taking to reduce this threat:

  • Paper towels and spray anti-microbial are at all weight lifting stations.
  • Staff (wearing gloves) will spray and wipe down equipment every hour.
  • Hand sanitizers are available in all high traffic areas, and more are continually being added.
  • Towels and laundry left unattended in the Fitness Center for extended periods of time will be thrown away.
  • Residence Life Staff will have informal inspections during evening rounds and all towels/laundry left unattended for extended periods of time will be thrown away.
  • All athletes will be encouraged to have all wounds, scrapes, and cuts inspected by a trainer.
  • Trainers will hold education workshops on this topic.
  • All athletes will be encouraged to shower before entering the Dining Commons.
  • Posters outlining CDC recommendations will be hung in locker rooms and residence hall bathrooms.
  • All jerseys and athletic equipment will be sprayed with an anti-microbial spray that lasts for 60 washes.
  • Circulation fans and new washing machines were added at the Fitness Center.
  • Improved communication and reporting processes developed between an athletic trainer and community life.

Sign up for the GU Emergency Notification System.

Drug Abuse and Alcohol Prevention Program-DAAPP

Standards of Conduct

In order for Greenville University to be in compliance with Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) Part 86, the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations, Greenville University is required to notify the campus community of the following: policies related to drugs and alcohol, sanctions for violating these policies, and resources available for education and assistance. Additional information regarding student policies and procedures may be found in the Student Handbook available on-line. If you have any questions related to this notification you may contact the Office of Community Life at 618.664.7115.

Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs

No person shall possess, use or have under his/her control narcotics, dangerous drugs, synthetic drugs, or any controlled substance without prescription including, but not limited to, marijuana, methamphetamines, barbiturates, cocaine, or hallucinogens in any building or on any property owned or controlled by the University. Additionally, any person suspected of selling controlled substances and/or dangerous drugs as described above will be immediately reported to Campus Security for investigation and may be subsequently subject to civil prosecution as well as University judicial action under the provisions of this document. The University may hold persons responsible for their behavior at all times. 

Possession or Use of Alcoholic Beverages

No person shall possess or consume any alcoholic beverage on University property. University property is defined as all property owned, supervised by, or controlled by Greenville University. Possession is defined as holding an alcoholic beverage, having it near you (on a table, etc.), or having it stored in your living area or vehicle. You are also presumed to be in violation of this regulation if you are present and aware that alcohol is being consumed and/or stored in this space. 

Legal Sanctions

This information is provided as a general summary of the major federal, state, and local laws on alcohol and illicit drugs. Laws frequently change and applications of law to specific situations require legal counsel. 

State Sanctions

State of Illinois statutes and sanctions on alcohol and/or illicit drugs include: driving under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs (625 ILCS 5/11-501); driving while in violation of the underage consumption of alcohol (625 ILCS 5/11-501.8); transporting or possessing alcohol in a motor vehicle (625 ILCS 5/11-502); selling or possessing alcohol by persons under the age of 21, permitting a gathering where alcohol is consumed by those under the age of 21, selling or giving a false ID to a person under the age of 21 (235 ILCS 5/6-16); misrepresenting one’s age to be over the age of 21 for the purpose of obtaining alcohol (235 ILCS 5/10-11); and possessing and delivering illicit drugs (740 ILCS 40/0.01 et seq., 720 ILCS 570/100 et seq., 720 ILCS 550/1 et seq. and 720 ILCS 570/401 seq.). Violations of these laws involving alcohol may include one or more of the following penalties: fines up to $2,500, one year in jail, felony charges, and suspension or revocation of driver’s license. Violations of these laws involving drugs as a first offense may include fines up to $25,000 and one- to three-year imprisonment. Repeat offenders and those individuals participating in the manufacture and distribution of controlled substances may be subjected to longer prison terms and fined up to $500,000. See the Illinois Compiled Statutes for more information: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs.asp.

Synthetic Drugs

Potentially deadly drugs marketed as Bath Salts, Synthetic Marijuana, K2, Spice, K3, K4 White Widow, and other names are illegal in Illinois as of January 1, 2012. Individuals face felony charges for possession or sale of the drug. Individuals in possession of the drug face three years in prison and $25,000 in fines. 

Federal Sanctions

Federal law penalizes the manufacture, distribution, possession with intent to manufacture or distribute, and simple possession of drugs (“controlled substances”). A first conviction may include up to one-year imprisonment, a fine of at least $1,000, or both. After one prior drug conviction: at least fifteen days in prison, not to exceed two years, and a fine of at least $2,500. After two or more prior drug convictions: at least ninety days in prison, not to exceed three years, and a fine of at least $5,000. A special, harsher sentencing provision applies for possession of crack cocaine (21 U.S.C. §844(a)). If personal or real property was used to possess or facilitate possession of the controlled substance, that personal and real property as well as vehicles, boats, aircraft, or any other conveyance used to transport or conceal a controlled substance may be forfeited (21 U.S.C. §§853(a) & 881(a)). Student loans, grants, contracts, and professional and commercial licenses, up to one year for the first offense and up to five years for second and subsequent offenses may be denied (21 U.S.C. §§853(a) & 881(a)). Firearms may not be received or purchased (18 U.S.C. §922(g)). Certain federal licenses and benefits (e.g., pilot licenses, public housing tenancy) are vested within the authorities of individual federal agencies. These penalties may be doubled, however, when a person at least eighteen years old: (1) distributes a controlled substance to a person under twenty-one years of age (a term of imprisonment for this offense shall not be less than one year), and/or (2) distributes, possesses with intent to distribute, or manufactures a controlled substance in or on, or within one thousand feet of, the real property comprising a public or private elementary or secondary school, or a public or private college (21 U.S.C. §§859 & 860). 

See the United States Code for more information: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/uscode/index.html

Local Sanctions

There are no local sanctions in addition to the state and federal sanctions listed above. 

Health Risks

The Greenville University community commits to a set of principles that promote our ability to fulfill the university’s mission of that focus on the development of the whole person so that each student thrives spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, relationally, and physically as God created them to uniquely shape the world. One of these commitments is related to the use of drugs and alcohol.

FREEDOM FROM SUBSTANCE ABUSE. As Christians we believe that life is full, abundant and free in Jesus Christ. Therefore, we abstain from whatever damages, destroys, or distorts His life in us. Illicit drugs are prime offenders. The abuse of alcohol or use of tobacco products can have equal or greater destructive effects, thus, we encourage abstaining from the use of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. Consequently, consumption of alcohol or use of tobacco on Greenville University property or at sponsored events is prohibited. While enrolled in Greenville University, traditional undergraduate members of the community will abstain from the consumption of alcohol and tobacco products. Further, all members of the community are to refrain from the use of illegal drugs and substances, or the use of prescription drugs not authorized by a physician.

Lifestyle Statement

Under no circumstances does Greenville University condone drug abuse, underage drinking, alcohol abuse, or alcohol on campus. All students will be subject to federal, state and local laws as well as appropriate disciplinary action as described in the Greenville University Student Handbook. 

The following is a list of examples of drugs of abuse and their health risks. This is not to be considered a complete list, but serves as an example. This list can change at the discretion of the University. 

Examples of Health Risks:

1. Narcotics

  • Heroin, Morphine, Hydrocodone
  • Effects: Euphoria, drowsiness, respiratory depression, constricted pupils, nausea
  • Effects of Overdose: Slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma, possible death

2. Depressants

  • GHB, Liquid Ecstasy, Valium, Xanax, Halicion, Activan
  • Effects: Slurred speech, disorientation, drunken behavior without odor of alcohol
  • Effects of Overdose: Shallow respirations, clammy skin, dilated pupils, weak and rapid pulse, coma, possible death

3. Stimulants

  • Cocaine, Amphetamine/Methamphetamine
  • Effects: Increased alertness, excitation, euphoria, increased pulse and blood pressure, insomnia, loss of appetite
  • Effects of Overdose: Agitation, increased body temperature, hallucinations, possible death

4. Hallucinogens

  • Analogs, LSD, PCP, Angel Dust
  • Effects: Heightened senses, teeth grinding and dehydration, illusions and hallucinations
  • Effects of Overdose: Increased body temperature, electrolyte imbalance, possible cardiac arrest

5. Cannabis

  • Marijuana, Tetrahydrocannabinol, Hashish
  • Effects: Euphoria, relaxed inhibitions, increased appetite, disorientation
  • Effects of Overdose: Fatigue, paranoia, possible psychosis 

6. Anabolic Steroids

  • Testosterone
  • Effects: Virilization, edema, testicular atrophy, gyneco-mastia, acne, aggressive behavior
  • Effects of Overdose: Unknown

7. Synthetic Drugs

  • Bath Salts, Synthetic Marijuana, K2, Spice, K3, K4 White Widow, and other names
  • Effects: LSD-like hallucinations, elevated blood pressure and heart rate
  • Effects of Overdose: Possible death

8. Inhalants

  • Amyl and Butyl Nitrate (pearls, poppers, rush, locker room)
  • Effects: Flushing, hypotension, headache
  • Effects of Overdose: Vomiting, respiratory depression, loss of conscious, possible death

9. Alcohol

  • Beer, wine, liquor
  • Effects: Lowers inhibitions and brain functioning, judgment impaired, poor concentration, impaired coordination, increased heart rate
  • Effects of Overdose: Vomiting, unconsciousness, cold, clammy, pale or bluish skin, slow or irregular breathing, mental confusion, seizures, permanent brain
  • damage, or death.

Drug and Alcohol Programs

In addition to providing various educational programs regarding alcohol and drug use throughout the course of the year, students may also get information regarding potential issues related to alcohol and/or drugs by contacting Counseling Services or the Office of Student Affairs at 618.664.7115. 

Disciplinary Sanctions

Violation of the above policies may result in Probation or Referral to the Dean of Students for expulsion. In addition to sanctions imposed by the University members of the Greenville community may face prosecution by civil authorities for violating the Alcohol and Drug Policies.