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Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Information

Information about drug and alcohol abuse prevention is made available to students and employees in the Consumer Information Guide and Annual Security Report documents. These documents are available online on the student portal and on the public website.

In accordance with the requirements of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 (Public Law 101-226), the University provides all students with the following information concerning University policies and the consequences of the manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of any drug made illegal as a matter of federal, state or local law or the illegal possession and/or use of alcohol.  In addition, the University conducts a biennial review of its drug and alcohol abuse prevention program to determine its effectiveness and ensure that sanctions are being consistently enforced.  For more information about the biennial review, contact the University President.  The University also enforces all federal, state and local drug laws, and also enforces the state’s underage drinking laws.

Colorado constitutional amendment 64 legalizes certain activities related to marijuana under Colorado law, yet Amendment 64 specifically authorizes the University – as a school and an employer – to prohibit the possession and use of marijuana.  In addition, although Amendment 64 passed in Colorado, marijuana remains illegal under the federal Controlled Substances Act, which prohibits marijuana possession and use.  This federal law applies to recreational and medical use of marijuana.  It is not a defense that the person holds a medical marijuana card.

Students must notify the President or Vice Chancellor, in writing, within five days of being convicted of a criminal drug statute at the University.  Disciplinary action will occur within 30 days of receipt of the written notification and may range from a letter of admonishment to dismissal from the University.

Policy Regarding the Possession, Use and Sale of Drugs and Alcohol
Students are prohibited from the unlawfully manufacturing, distributing, possessing, or using any drugs made illegal as a matter of federal, state or local law, or illegally possessing or using alcohol while on University property or misusing alcohol while participating in any University-related activity outside the University.  Violation of this policy will subject students to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.  In addition, a violation may result in local, state, and/or federal criminal charges.

Enforcement of State and Federal Laws Related to Drugs
The University enforces all federal, state, and local drug laws by referring individuals suspected of violating these laws to local law enforcement.  This policy applies to all students, employees, and visitors.  Many of the acts which violate this policy also violate criminal law and must be referred for prosecution. 

Legal sanctions under local, state, or federal laws may include:

  • suspension, revocation, or denial of a driver's license

  • loss of eligibility for federal financial aid or other federal benefits

  • property seizure

  • mandated community service

  • felony conviction that may result in 20-50 years imprisonment at hard labor without benefit of parole

  • monetary fines

Enforcement of State Laws Related to Underage Drinking
The University enforces all state laws related to underage drinking by referring individuals suspected of violating these laws to local law enforcement.  This policy applies to all students, employees, and visitors.  State laws related to underage drinking prohibit persons under 21 years of age from possessing or consuming alcoholic beverages.  Furnishing alcoholic beverages to underage persons is also prohibited.  No person under legal drinking age or any obviously intoxicated person shall be furnished, served, or given an alcoholic beverage.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention
In addition to local and state authorities, the federal government has four agencies (the Drug Enforcement Agency, U.S. Customs Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Coast Guard) engaged in combating illicit drugs.  One should be aware that:

  • it is a crime to hold someone else's illicit drugs

  • it is a crime to sell fake "dope"

  • it is a crime to be in a house where people are using illicit drugs, even if you are not using them

  • it is a crime if drugs are in your locker, car, purse, or house which is considered "constructive possession"

Drug abuse, which can affect one’s physical and emotional health and social life, is the utilization of natural and/or synthetic chemical substances for non-medical reasons to affect the body and its processes, the mind and nervous system and behavior.  Drugs can be highly addictive and injurious to the body.  Among the manifestations may be loss of a sense of responsibility and coordination, restlessness, irritability, anxiety, paranoia, depression, acting slow-moving, inattentiveness, loss of appetite, sexual indifference, coma, convulsions, and death.

There are classic danger signals that could be indicative of drug use.  These warning signs include:

  1. Unexplained change in personality or attitude

  2. Drop in attendance and performance at work or school

  3. Deterioration of physical appearance, personal grooming habits

  4. Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts

  5. Unexplained need for money or financial problems. May borrow or steal to get it

  6. Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors

  7. Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, hobbies

Information regarding the effects of commonly abused drugs may be found on the internet at: https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics

Drug and alcohol abuse education programs are offered by local community agencies. The University will post information about such education programs on the bulletin board outside the library or at the office of the Campus Manager of Operations.

In certain instances, students may be referred to counseling and/or a substance abuse help center.  If such a referral is made, continued enrollment is contingent upon attendance and successful completion of any prescribed counseling or treatment.  The cost of such assistance or treatment will be the responsibility of the student. Students who are seeking treatment for a substance abuse problem may contact the President’s or Vice Chancellor’s Office.  Confidentiality will be maintained.  In addition, students who believe they have a substance abuse problem may find sources of treatment or advice by referring to the section of the local telephone book titled "Drug Abuse & Addiction Information and Treatment."

There are also national organizations that may be contacted for help, such as:

  • The Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Hotline 1-800-ALCOHOL (1-800-252-6465)

  • National Drug Abuse Helpline 1-866-874-4553

  • The National Institute on Drug Abuse Treatment Referral Hotline 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or  http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/

Al-Anon for Families of Alcoholics 1-800-344-2666

As stated in the University Catalog students convicted of any criminal offense, other than a criminal drug statute, while enrolled must report that conviction to the University within ten (10) days of receiving the conviction.

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