Penalties and Sanctions

 

Statement Addressing Possession, Use, and Sale of Alcoholic Beverages Alcohol Use at the University:

UCCS is committed to excellence in all aspects of personal and academic life. Alcohol abuse and misuse is a significant impediment to achieving this excellence. Therefore, UCCS permits only responsible, legal consumption of alcohol.

The university complies with all federal, state and local laws concerning alcohol and illegal drugs. As a UCCS student, you are responsible for acquainting yourself with the laws and university policies regarding alcohol and illegal drugs.  This page outlines potential penalties and sanctions for violating federal, state and local laws  and university policies.

Possible Student Sanctions

As a student, if you are involved in an infraction of the rules, the primary goal will be to help you correct your behavior and become a more responsible member of the community. You will be given every opportunity to do so. Allegations of misconduct will be handled according to the policies and procedures outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. The following are possible sanctions for drug and alcohol violations.


Educational Sanctions: The student may be required to perform a specific number of hours of community service, complete a reflection or research paper, attend a class, workshop, program, or lecture, or be involved with the community in a way that brings about a new understanding of the community and how his/her behavior may have impacted others.  This is not an exhaustive list but should serve as a reference for the types of educational sanctions that may be levied.
Warning/Written Reprimand:  A written statement that the behavior was inappropriate and subsequent infractions should not occur or more serious conduct action will be taken.

Residence Hall Reassignment:   The resident, through the conduct process, is assigned to a different residence hall on campus.

Residence Hall Termination:  The student's residence hall agreement is terminated through the conduct process and the student is prohibited from residing in any University residence hall on either a permanent or temporary basis.  Specific exclusion from the residence halls may also be imposed.  Termination may occur in cases where a student appears to be involved in violations of the Student Conduct Code and the behavior or pattern of behavior has a significant negative impact on his/her living community.

Probation:  Probation lasts for a specific period of time, and is implemented by semesters.  Any violation of the Student Conduct Code or the conditions of probation committed during the probationary period will subject the student to further action, with a likely result of suspension or expulsion.

Suspension in Abeyance: The student is suspended from the university, but due to mitigating circumstances the suspension is deferred, allowing the student to continue with daily university activities and providing a student with one final opportunity to prove they can operate responsibly within the community.  If the student, through the conduct process, is found to have violated the Student Conduct Code during the period of the suspension in abeyance, the student will be immediately suspended from the University for the duration of the abeyance, as well as given additional sanctions, including an extension of the suspension, or expulsion.

Suspension: The student is required to leave the university for a specific period of time.  An indication of suspension appears on the student's transcript.  After the period of suspension has expired, the transcript notation will be removed upon request.  The student is required to apply for readmission to the university after his/her suspension period. Suspension from the university includes an automatic exclusion from campus property during the period of suspension.  A suspension decision results in the student being suspended from all campuses of the University of Colorado system.

Expulsion:  The student is required to permanently leave the University.  A notation of expulsion keeps the incident on file in the Office of the Dean of Students permanently.  Expulsion from the University includes an automatic exclusion from the campus property.  An expulsion decision results in the student being expelled from all campuses in the University of Colorado system.

Exclusion: The student is denied access to all or a portion of campus.

Restriction or Denial of University Services: The student is restricted from using or is denied specific university services, including participation in university activities.

Delayed Conferral of Degree:  The issuance of a student's diploma is delayed for a specific period of time.

Recommendation for Revocation of Degree:  The judicial officer or hearing board may recommend to the Regents of the University of Colorado revocation of an earned degree.

Additional Sanctions:  Additional sanctions include, but are not limited to, requiring the student to compensate a victim for theft or damage.


Possible Residential Student Sanctions

As a member of the UCCS residential community, you are expected to uphold University standards, which include abiding by criminal and civil laws. These standards and laws assist in promoting a safe and civilized community. If you are involved in an infraction of the rules, the primary goal will be to help you correct your behavior and become a more responsible member of the community. You will be given every opportunity to do so. Residence Life follows the University's Judicial Affairs Procedures.

If efforts to work with you fail, or if the violation is serious, further disciplinary action will be taken, including one or more of the following:


Counseling: A dialogue takes place between the Residence Life and Housing staff and you about the incident and the behavior expected from you.

Warning: This written warning states that the behavior is inappropriate and that subsequent infractions should not occur or more serious action could be taken.

Probation: A stringent action can be issued in response to serious or frequent violations of Village policies. Probationary status is issued for a specific period of time with specific restrictions placed on you. Parent(s) or guardian(s) will be notified of this action. Subsequent violations may result in termination of your Housing Agreement.

Behavioral Stipulation: A condition or requisite is specified in response to an infraction of the rules.

Restitution: You pay for damages or expenses incurred because of your behavior.

Fines: A financial sanction to serve as a monetary incentive to uphold the Village policies.

Community Service: You are assigned to a specific duty for a specified period of time. The community service assignment corresponds to the nature and seriousness of the incident. Failure to complete this portion of a sanction within the stipulated time will result in a monetary fine of $25.00 per community service hour placed on your student account.

Reassignment: You are reassigned to a different room within one of the Villages.

 

In addition to the above measures, the following may apply:


Exclusion from an Area or Person: The Office of Residence Life and Housing reserves the right to exclude (prohibit entry to a specific area or House) or prohibit contact with specific persons to those persons whose behavior is determined to be detrimental to the well-being of the Village community or a specific individual or is incompatible with its function as part of an educational institution. Exclusions will normally be for a specified period of time, after when they are eligible for review. Failure to comply with the terms of exclusion may result in disciplinary action and/or arrest.

Suspension or Expulsion: You will be prohibited from residing in any University-operated residential building on either a permanent or temporary basis. Parents of students under age 21 will be notified of this action. If you are removed from housing for disciplinary action you will still be financially liable for your room and board.

University Action: This may result in University probation, suspension, expulsion or exclusion.

Incidents vary in seriousness, degree of disruption, and damage to the facilities. These factors are considered when deciding disciplinary action. Repeat offenders are dealt with more severely than first-time offenders even when violations are not individually serious. If you have been advised and warned that you are in violation of a rule or policy, you are expected to not 1repeat the violation. If it is, you should expect a rapid escalation in the seriousness of the disciplinary response.


Alcohol and all drug related conduct infractions will include but is not limited to the following:


Alcohol

  • First Time-Low Level Offence: Warning, Choices ($60 fee)
  • First Time-Aggravated Probation: Choices ($60 fee), MIP,  Parental Notification
  • Second Time-Low Level Probation: Community Service (8 hours), MIP, Parental Notification
  • Second Time Aggravated Probation: Community Service (16 hours), MIP, Parental Notification
  • Third Time At risk for suspension from housing, life time probation in housing, Community Service (24 hours), MIP, Parental Notification

Notification of all university scholarships as well as Athletics, CLC and PGM when any infraction occurs

Drugs - Marijuana

  • First Time-Low Level Offense: Probation, E-Check Up to Go ($60 fee), classroom education  ($60 Fee), Parental Notification
  • First Time-Aggravated Offence: Probation, E- Check Up to Go ($60 fee),  classroom education  ($60 Fee), Parental Notification, Community Service (8 hours)
  • Second Time Low Level Offence: Extended Probation, At Risk for a 30 day suspension, Community Service (16 hours),  Parental Notification, Reflection Paper, Counseling Assessment
  • Second Time Aggravated Offence: Extended Probation, At Risk for a 30 day suspension, Community Service (24 hours), Parental Notification, Reflection Paper, Counseling Assessment,
  • Third Time At risk for suspension from housing (minimum one semester), life time probation in housing, Community Service (24 hours), Parental Notification, Counseling Assessment

Notification all university scholarships as well as Athletics, CLC and PGM when any infraction occurs

Drugs - Other Illegal Drugs or Misuse of Prescription Medication and Distribution

  • First Time-Low Level Offense: Probation, At Risk for Suspension,  E-Check Up to Go ($60 fee), Classroom education TBD ($60 Fee), Parental Notification
  • First Time-Aggravated Offence: Probation, At Risk for Suspension, E- Check Up to Go ($60 fee),  Classroom education  ($60 Fee), Parental Notification, Community Service (8 hours)
  • Second Time-Suspension for one semester, Counseling Assessment needed for return to housing

Notification all university scholarships as well as Athletics, CLC and PGM when any infraction occurs

 

Local and State Laws


Colorado Springs Alcohol Offenses:

Colorado Laws and Regulations:

  • Below is a partial list of state laws, regulations, and penalties regarding sale and use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.  Due to the volume of statutes, we are unable to list them all.  For a complete listing,  please visit the Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) publication website. 

Sale and distribution: CRS 12, Professions and Occupations

    • Fermented malt beverages: CRS 12-46
    • Alcohol beverages: CRS 12-47
    • Liquors – special event permits: CRS 12-48
    • Medical marijuana: CRS 12-43.3

Criminal code: CRS 18  

    • Illegal possession or consumption of ethyl alcohol by an underage person: CRS 18-13-122
    • Furnishing cigarettes or tobacco products to minors: CRS 18-13-121
    • Unlawful administration of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) or ketamine: CRS 18-13-123
    • Uniformed controlled substances act of 1992, offenses and penalties: CRS Title 18, Article 18
    • Sentencing in criminal cases: CRS Title 18, Articles 18-1-101 through 18-1-110

Penalties for Driving Under the Influence / Driving While Ability Impaired:

Federal Trafficking Penalties:





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For more information or any questions regarding Drug and Alcohol abuse and intervention,
please contact the Office of the Dean of Students at (719) 255-3091