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Alcohol and Drugs: Expectations & Policies

ALCOHOL

Alcohol use during off-campus programs is a leading cause of health and safety incidents that adversely affect students, faculty and the college as a whole.  Extra efforts are required to ensure all program participants are informed of the risk of alcohol use. 

When leading a CC faculty-led off-campus programs, these guidelines apply regarding the purchase and consumption of alcohol:

Faculty/staff should not purchase, with personal or college funds, alcoholic beverages for students that requires a standalone order (i.e., not a part of a set menu). If students are of legal age in the country or countries in which they are studying, they are free to individually purchase alcohol using their personal funds. If students make personal choices to consume alcohol, the Colorado College Student Conduct Policies in the Pathfinder continues to apply in all off-campus programs.

When possible, when purchasing pre-paid group meals and set menus or when working with local hosts or organizations who are hosting a special event for the course, request to the facility/host that the meals should not include alcohol. The itinerary should seek to avoid meal/dining facilities that allow unlimited self-service of alcohol included in the price for meals.

Program itinerary must be designed such that if alcohol exposure is an important part of the content of the course (e.g., a cultural visit to a vineyard with wine-tasting) that the itinerary does not inhibit the full participation of those who do not want to drink alcohol.

Faculty members may establish course-specific expectations that are more restrictive than these college-wide guidelines. All guideline modifications should be communicated to students prior to participating in the course.

Faculty members should encourage students who are legally allowed to consume alcohol in the country or countries in which they are studying to drink responsibly and be aware of a) the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption and b) local laws and ordinances.

Faculty/staff are in a position of authority and responsibility and must always be capable of responding to an emergency should it arise, and should model good behavior and responsible alcohol consumption.

Faculty/staff must not consume alcohol before operating a motor vehicle during the course.

ILLICIT DRUGS 

        • Illegal and illicit drugs, including marijuana and drug related paraphernalia are strictly prohibited on and CC sponsored trip, overseas or domestic. Federal law governs CC as we recieve federal funding. 
        • This includes medical uses of cannibis and/or mushrooms.  Even if a student has permission to use the drug in the state or nation of the program, it remains prohibited just as if on campus. 
        • Possession or use of illicit and illegal drugs is cause for immediate dismissal from the program.  

For reference, the Colorado College Student Conduct Policies: Pathfinder states

  • Alcohol: The irresponsible use of alcohol is prohibited on Colorado College property or as a part of any of the college’s activities. Irresponsible drinking is defined by the college as consuming alcohol in a way that is likely to result in a harmful level of intoxication or intoxication related behaviors that are disruptive, damaging or dangerous. Any behaviors or decisions that promote irresponsible drinking are prohibited. Further, unlawful possession, distribution, or dispensing of alcohol either on or off-campus may result in the initiation of judicial proceedings. When this policy is not specific on a certain point, students are expected to conduct their activities in a lawful and socially responsible manner. Please read the Pathfinder section titled “Alcohol at Colorado College” for complete college policy on alcohol.   https://www.coloradocollege.edu/other/studentguide/pathfinder/college-policies/alcohol.html

*“Illicit Drugs” refers to “controlled substances” as defined in Schedules I through V, Section 22 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. Section 812) and related regulations (21 C.F.R. 1308.11 through 1308.15) as amended, or in Title 12, Article 22, Part 3 of the Colorado Statutes, as amended.

*Faculty can call the Dean of Students Office to assist in dealing with infractions of the drug and alcohol policy, including instances where students need to be sent home from the program.