Drug & Alcohol Policy - Colorado College

Drug and Alcohol Policy and Information

A. The College’s Policy

In compliance with the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, Colorado College has adopted this policy regarding the unlawful use of drugs and alcohol by students and employees. Abiding by this policy is a condition of continued employment for employees and continued enrollment for students. However, no policy can cover all possible situations. When this policy is not specific on a certain point, students, student organizations and employees are expected to conduct their activities in a socially responsible manner, and sanctions may be invoked for failure to do so.

The unlawful use, possession, distribution, manufacture or dispensing of illicit drugs* or alcohol is prohibited on Colorado College property or as part of any of the college’s activities.

As an educational institution, Colorado College attempts to educate its community members about unlawful use of illicit drugs and alcohol, and to encourage appropriate, responsible behavior. The health risks associated with the abuse of alcohol and the use of illicit drugs are numerous. They include malnutrition, brain damage, heart disease, pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, emotional illness, coma and death. In addition, use during pregnancy endangers the fetus. Personal relationships and the ability to work and study are at risk. There is also the possibility of blackout (temporary amnesia) when a person consumes a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time.

The college recognizes that chemical dependency of any sort is a major health problem and encourages employees and students who need help in overcoming such dependency to use the counseling, treatment and rehabilitation programs described in this policy.

Disciplinary sanctions for the violation of this policy by any employee may include, but are not limited to, reprimand, reassignment, demotion, suspension, or termination of employment. Disciplinary sanctions for students may include, but are not limited to, disciplinary warning, probation, suspension, or expulsion. A disciplinary sanction for either employees or students may include the completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program. Referral to the authorities for prosecution under criminal law may also be invoked, especially in cases of unlawful sale or distribution of drugs or alcoholic beverages. All disciplinary sanctions for violation of this policy shall be subject to other applicable college policies and regulations regarding disciplinary action with respect to students, faculty, administrators and support staff.

In addition to internal disciplinary sanctions, any employee or student who is convicted of unlawful use, possession, distribution, manufacture or dispensing of illicit drugs or alcohol may be subject to applicable criminal sanctions under local, state and federal law. Penalties range in severity from relatively minor fines to fines of several million dollars. Imprisonment is also a possibility, for terms ranging from six months to a life sentence.

Any employee, whether faculty, administrator or support staff, who is convicted under a criminal drug statute for a violation occurring in the workplace must so notify the college’s legal counsel within five (5) days from the date of the conviction.

The Residential Life staff, Student Life administrators, legal counsel, Human Resources, and Boettcher Health Center staff will provide information or counseling on the physiological, psychological, and legal aspects of drug and alcohol use. For more information, please contact their offices.

B. College Resources

Drug and alcohol confidential assessment, referral, and counseling are available to students at Boettcher Health Center (for more information contact 389-6384). The alcohol and drug education coordinator may be reached at 389-6618. Employees
may contact Human Resources at 389-6421 for more information.

C. Community Resources

The following community counseling, treatment and rehabilitation programs are available to students and employees (students must be referred by Boettcher Health Center):

The Center for Behavioral Health/St. Francis Health Center Riegel Center Referral Center	776-8741 776-8482
Alcoholics Anonymous (24 hour)	573-5020
Al-Anon	632-0063
Cocaine Hotline	1-800-262-2463
TESSA	633-3819
El Paso County Health Department, Drug Treatment Clinic	578-3150
Narcotics Anonymous	637-1580
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol & Drug Information	1-800-729-6686
Pikes Peak Mental Health Chemical Dependency Emergency (24 hour) Crisis Center General Information	390-2400 635-7000 572-6100
Suicide Prevention Partnership Crisis Center	596-5433 635-7000
Youth Power	1-800-258-2766

D. Alcohol Use at the College

Introduction

While the college’s alcohol policy reflects current interpretations of federal, state and local laws governing the possession, distribution, and use of alcohol, it also expresses the college’s commitment to responsible drinking and behavior.
The following regulations apply to all functions sponsored by college groups on and off campus. Non-college groups that use college facilities may not serve alcohol.

Colorado Law

Colorado law prohibits consumption of alcoholic beverages by people under age 21. The law also imposes social host liability on people who serve alcohol, or permit it to be served, to minors, visibly intoxicated persons, or habitual drunkards.

Sale of Alcoholic Beverages

Any attempt to sell alcoholic beverages without a license violates the Colorado State Liquor Code and is subject to college disciplinary action. A special events permit can be obtained from the Colorado Springs City Clerk’s Office in order to sell alcoholic beverages at a particular college event.

Locations

• Student Residences. Students who are 21 or older may drink alcoholic beverages in the privacy of their residence hall rooms or apartments, providing they do not infringe upon the rights of others. (Colorado law prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages by students under the age of 21.) Open containers of alcohol are prohibited in the common areas of student residence halls.
• NOTE: Kegs are not permitted in any college residences.
• Athletic Facilities. Alcohol is prohibited in Honnen Ice Rink, Schlessman Pool, or El Pomar Gymnasium, courts, and exercise facilities. Alcohol is prohibited for both players and officials at indoor or outdoor intercollegiate, intramural or club sport activities.
• In accordance with the Colorado Springs Open Container law, the college prohibits alcohol in outdoor campus areas which can be viewed from a public thoroughfare, e.g., Worner, Cutler, and Armstrong quads.

College Functions

For the purposes of this policy, “function” is defined as a gathering sponsored by Colorado College, or any of its constituent groups, at which alcohol is served. The presence of alcohol at these functions creates a need to manage the activity with care and to be more concerned with the conduct of those present. Those who plan or choose to attend functions where alcoholic beverages will be served and consumed must assume responsibility for the consequences of their actions. In addition, events advertised ahead of time or events at which 20 or more people are present at any time may be defined as a function if alcohol is present.

Function registration offers a number of benefits to the college community and the function sponsors: it requires the sponsors to think through their plans carefully and to recognize their liability in sponsoring a function with alcohol. It allows college staff to communicate directly with the function sponsors if a problem occurs, as an alternative to security inspecting the function. Function registration is not for the purpose of disciplining students, but rather to promote safety and communication between college staff and students.

The college holds hosts of student functions and officers of student organizations specifically responsible for the activities of their organization, members, and guests. Any student or student organization that intends to sponsor a function will be required to:

1. Have the organization president and social chair attend a college-sponsored alcohol education orientation.
2. Conduct or attend an alcohol education seminar for organization membership as approved by the associate dean of students.

In addition, events advertised ahead of time, or events where 20 or more people are present at any time may be defined as a function if alcohol is present.

Off-Campus College Functions

• College functions which take place off-campus at establishments licensed to sell alcohol are subject to the college’s alcohol policy, and are subject to the procedures for off-campus functions.
• College functions which take place off-campus at locations not licensed to sell alcohol are governed by the college’s alcohol policy.
• Federal, state, and local laws (and not the college’s alcohol policy) govern off-campus employee sponsored functions, such as class parties and field trips; however, sponsors have the right to prohibit alcohol consumption.
• The Stabler-Gilmore Cabin and Baca Campus are considered on-campus and are governed by the college’s alcohol policy.

Procedures for Student Functions On-Campus at Which Alcohol is Served

• Functions must be approved by the associate dean of students. Registration forms should be received by the campus activities office at least two weeks prior to the function. Sponsors must follow the “Procedures for Student Functions On-Campus at Which Alcohol is Served.”
• Locations must be fitting for the event. Approval will depend upon time, intent, and expected attendance.
• Appropriate custodial services must be arranged at least 7 days in advance per the approval of Associate Dean of Students
• Beer is the only alcoholic beverage that may be served at student-sponsored functions.
• Beer may be served only until 1 a.m., unless approved for a later time by the Associate Dean of Students.
• Alcohol must be served by a college trained server or licensed bartender. The Campus Activities Office will assign the trained server(s). Official identification must be checked to verify legal drinking age. CC ID will be the only acceptable form of identification for Colorado College students. Unless a special events permit to sell alcohol has been obtained, only members of the CC community with valid ID may be served alcohol.
• CC Security or other professional security must be hired based on the following: a minimum of one guard for every 100 persons expected. Additional security may be required at the discretion of the associate dean of students.
• The amount of alcohol permitted will depend upon the number expected in attendance that are over age 21. Amount approved will be no greater than one keg per 50 legal drinkers expected, dependent upon length of event and approval.
• Non-alcoholic beverages and food must be available throughout the entire event. The continuance of alcohol service is dependent upon the availability of food and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the duration of alcohol service. A general guideline for amounts is to provide one case (24 cans) or four two-liter bottles for every 20 people expected in attendance.
• Cover charges, donations, gifts or costs of any kind for an event during which alcohol is served constitutes violation of the Colorado State Liquor Code. (NOTE: this includes taking a collection, informal or formal, either prior to, during, or after the event to pay for alcohol at the event or to purchase additional alcohol).
• Campus publicity for functions may not include reference, either verbal, written, pictorial, or otherwise, to the availability of alcohol. Failure to observe this policy may result in cancellation of the event or other disciplinary action.

Procedures for Student Functions Off-Campus at Which Alcohol is Served

• Functions must be approved by the associate dean of students. Registration forms must be received by the campus activities office at least two weeks prior to the function. Sponsors must follow the “Procedures for Student Functions Off-Campus at Which Alcohol is Served.”
• Appropriate transportation must be provided to and from the function and must be approved by the associate dean of students.
• When large transportation is used (such as buses), CC security or other professional security must be hired based on the following: a minimum of one guard per vehicle plus one guard to be present at both the pick-up point and drop-off points for the function.
• Appropriate clean-up of public areas adjacent to off-campus parties must take place by 8:00 a.m. of the following morning.
• Campus publicity for functions may not include reference, either verbal, written, pictorial, or otherwise, to the availability of alcohol. Failure to observe this policy may result in cancellation of the function or other disciplinary action.

Employee Functions on Campus

• Faculty, administrators, and support staff who wish to sponsor a college function must register the function with the office of the legal counsel. “Request to Serve Alcohol” forms must be received at least one week prior to the function.
• Non-college groups that use college facilities may not serve alcohol.
• Generally, alcoholic beverages are not permitted in academic buildings, but exceptions may be made for employee functions in Gates Common Room, Packard Lounge and Gallery, Armstrong Great Hall, Dern and Mierow.
• Only wine and beer with food may be served at functions in Worner Center and Bemis Great Hall.
• No alcoholic beverages may be served in campus areas that can be viewed from a public thoroughfare.
• Trained servers/bartenders must be used at functions where guests under age 21 will be present.
• Cover charges, donations, gifts, or costs of any kind for a function at which alcohol is served constitutes a violation of the Colorado State Liquor Code, unless a Special Events Permit to sell alcohol has been obtained.
• Sponsors must provide adequate food and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Campus publicity for functions may not include any reference to the availability of alcohol; however, personal invitations may reference cocktail hour, etc.

Risk-Management Guidelines

• Be familiar with and observe the Colorado College alcohol policy and guidelines.
• Inform the group advisor and the person(s) responsible for the event at least 72 hours in advance of the event.
• Focus on a theme rather than on alcohol.
• When alcohol is served, encourage mature and responsible use.
• Supervise parties throughout their duration.
• Designate officers or members who will not drink alcohol during the function.
• Sponsor activities that do not require driving afterward if alcohol is served.
• Help guests find escorts or transportation home if needed.
• Call Security (ext. 6707) for assistance with on-campus emergencies.
• Observe proper fire and building codes with respect to maximum occupancy.