Alcohol and Other Drugs

In order to create the best possible environment for teaching and learning, the University of Colorado Boulder affirms its support for a responsible campus policy that addresses the inappropriate use of alcohol and other drugs.

In compliance with the federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, the University of Colorado Boulder prohibits the unlawful manufacture, possession, use or distribution of a controlled substance (illicit drugs and alcohol) of any kind and in any amount. These prohibitions cover any individual's actions that are part of any university activities, including those occurring while on university property or in the conduct of university business away from the campus.

Information on policies, penalties, health effects and resources available to students and staff regarding alcohol and other drugs can be found on the Alcohol & Other Drugs Information website.

These policies are also described by various university offices in several publications:

Individual and group counseling for students with substance abuse concerns is available through Counseling and Psychiatric Services. For more information, visit the Counseling and Psychiatric Services webpage or call 303-492-2277.

Smoking

For student health and the health of our community, smoking is prohibited in all campus buildings and on all campus grounds.

At this time, the use of smoking products of any sort shall be prohibited on all university-owned and operated campus grounds both indoors and outdoors. This smoking ban does not apply to public rights-of-way (sidewalks, streets) on the perimeter of the campus.

"Smoking," as used in this policy, means smoking any substance, including but not limited to, tobacco, cloves or marijuana. "Smoking products" include, but are not limited to, all cigarette products (cigarettes, bidis, kreteks, e-cigarettes, etc.) and all smoke-producing products (cigars, pipes, hookahs, etc.). University-owned and operated campus grounds include, but are not limited to: all outdoor common and educational areas; all university buildings; university-owned on-campus housing; campus sidewalks; campus parking lots; recreational areas; outdoor stadiums; and university-owned and leased vehicles (regardless of location). In keeping with university policy, the sale, distribution and sampling of all tobacco products and tobacco-related merchandise is prohibited on all university-owned and operated property and at university-sponsored events. Littering campus with remains of smoking products is prohibited.

This policy applies to all employees, students, visitors, contractors and externally affiliated individuals or companies renting university-owned space on university-owned and operated property campus grounds.

Campus Safety

Personal Safety on Campus

While the University of Colorado Boulder is a relatively safe place to be, the campus is not a haven from community problems. Through the joint effort of various organizations on campus, CU is committed to providing ample safety resources for faculty, staff and students.

Specific efforts to promote safety on campus include the provision of adequate lighting, police protection, educational programs and special prevention programs, such as the CU NightRide escort services and laptop and bicycle registration programs.

In compliance with the federal Clery Act, students and employees receive information on campus security policies and programs, including crime statistics, in an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report will be sent to CU Boulder affiliates by Oct. 1 of each year. In any emergency or life-threatening situation, always call 9-1-1.

Members of the university community are encouraged to report any incident of threatening or harmful behavior to the CU Boulder Police by calling 9-1-1 in an emergency or the non-emergency line, 303-492-6666. Visit Don't Ignore It for more information about the wide range of campus and community resources and reporting options available.

Additional safety information can be found on the CU Police Department website. For information on crime alerts, trends and safety tips, follow the CU Police Department on Twitter (@CUBoulderPolice) and Facebook (CUBoulderPolice).

Communication

Student Email

All CU students receive an email account from the university, which is an official means of sending information to students. Students are responsible for maintaining this CU email address. The official email address can be used by professors to contact students and provide course-related information. Administrative offices, such as the Office of the Registrar, use official email addresses to contact students and provide important information. Students are responsible for frequently checking their official CU email address. For more information on the student email policy, visit the Student E-mail Policy webpage, call the IT Service Center at 303-735-HELP or email HELP@colorado.edu. To learn more about student email accounts, visit the Office of Information Technology's Messaging and Collaboration webpage.

Copyright & Fair Use

The University of Colorado Boulder community respects the intellectual property of others, regardless of the medium by which it is transmitted. This is a cornerstone of academic integrity. We prohibit the use of unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, which is subject to both civil and criminal penalties as well as university procedures.

Distributing copyrighted materials using peer-to-peer or file-sharing programs is illegal and the university uses technological solutions to deter this activity. Still, the university regularly receives notices of copyright violations and is required by law to take action. Common consequences include loss of network access and referral to the Office of Judicial Affairs. Guidance on campus fair use and copyright issues is provided on the University Libraries website.

Diversity & Nondiscrimination

Commitment to Diversity

The Division of Student Affairs supports and contributes to creating and sustaining a diverse, multicultural, socially just and inclusive campus climate by learning about, recognizing and honoring the diverse backgrounds, histories, identities and life experiences of all our students, faculty and staff. Our goal is to create an environment in which all campus community members can thrive while feeling welcomed, safe and at home.

At the University of Colorado Boulder we are committed to building a campus community in which diversity is a fundamental value. People are different and the differences among us are what we call diversity—a natural and enriching hallmark of life. Diversity includes, but is not limited to, ethnicity, race, gender, age, class, sexual orientation, religion, disability, veteran status, gender identity/expression, veteran status, political affiliation or political philosophy and health status. A climate of healthy diversity is one in which people value individual and group differences, respect the perspectives of others and communicate openly.

"Diversity is a key to inclusive excellence in education. A diverse learning environment better prepares all students for the world that awaits them. CU Boulder is committed to enriching the lives of our students, faculty and staff by providing a diverse campus where the exchange of ideas, knowledge and perspectives is an active part of learning."—from the Guidelines for Diversity Planning.

Nondiscrimination Statement

The University of Colorado Boulder does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation or political philosophy in admission and access to, and treatment and employment in, its educational programs and activities. The university takes affirmative action to increase ethnic, cultural, and gender diversity; to employ qualified disabled individuals; and to provide equal access and opportunity to all students and employees.

Equity & Compliance

The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to maintaining a positive learning, working, and living environment free from discrimination and harassment. The Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC) addresses all claims of sexual misconduct, harassment and/or discrimination, or related retaliation by students, staff or faculty pursuant to the University of Colorado Sexual Misconduct, Intimate Partner Violence and Stalking Policy, the University of Colorado Boulder Policy on Protected-Class Discrimination and Harassment, and the University of Colorado Policy on Conflict of Interest in Cases of Amorous Relationships. The university is committed to addressing concerns and taking appropriate action against those found in violation of these policies.

In response to a report, OIEC determines what immediate and long-term support and safety measures are needed in order to minimize disruptions to education or employment and to help keep the involved parties and the campus safe. OIEC also offers education and assessment to identify areas in need of improvement and foster a more welcoming campus culture.

To learn more about university policy or the role and programs offered by OIEC, please visit the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance website or call 303-492-2127.