Alcohol and Drugs Policy

Policy Number: #700

Responsible Executive(s):

• Vice President, Student Affairs

Responsible Office(s):

• Student Affairs

Date Revised: 12-20-2022

1. Alcohol and Drugs Policy
   As an academic community deeply rooted in Catholic and Jesuit traditions, Regis University’s policy on alcohol and drugs is centrally informed by our ethic of care and concern for the individual person and the welfare of our community members (cura personalis). Regis University is committed to providing a learning, living, and work environment for all members of its community of students, faculty, and staff that promotes adhering to personal standards and values that are socially responsible and develop the skills and leadership abilities necessary for distinguished professional performance and important contributions to the improvement of society. In pursuit of this mission, and consistent with the requirements of applicable law, including the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and the federal Drug Free Workplace Act, the University is committed to preventing the unlawful use of illegal and/or controlled substances, including marijuana, by students, faculty and staff, and to encourage and require lawful and responsible behavior regarding the consumption of alcoholic beverages. This policy, and the resources found in it, provide the framework for the University’s commitment to these goals and reinforces the University’s commitment to maintain an environment that is dedicated to the physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological development of our community members.
2. Drug Policy 
   1. The University prohibits in or on any University Property or at any other location where a University-Sponsored Activity is conducted: (i) the actual or attempted unauthorized possession, use, distribution, sale or manufacture of any Controlled Substance; (ii) being impaired by any Controlled Substance; (iii) being under the influence of or testing positive for any Controlled Substance, except for a prescription medication taken in accordance with a prescription duly issued by the individual’s licensed health care provider for treatment of a health condition (Note, however, that marijuana, even prescribed for medical use, is prohibited under this policy. See paragraph C below.); (iv) the actual or attempted possession, use, distribution, sale or manufacture of any Drug Paraphernalia; or (v) the actual or attempted possession or use of a hookah. The University also prohibits knowing presence where a Controlled Substance is being illegitimately consumed or is illegitimately present. As indicated by the definition of the term Controlled Substance shown above, these prohibitions cover marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids and prescription medication.
      1. Any individual, including, but not limited to, any student, employee, contractor, agent, volunteer, or guest who violates this policy may be subject to applicable screening procedures and shall be subject to discipline, dismissal, exclusion, termination, arrest or citation, and referral by University officials for prosecution, as may be applicable. Also, any student who violates this policy may be required to complete a mandatory psychoeducational substance use program provided by either the University’s Counseling Services or its Center for Counseling, Family and Play Therapy (CCFPT), or through a pre-approved off-campus provider, as directed by the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students, or their designee; any employee who violates this policy may be required to consult with appropriate counseling professionals through the Employee Assistance Program or the CCFPT, or through a pre-approved off-campus provider, as directed by the Associate Vice President of Human Resources or their designee.
      2. Students in certain academic programs may be subject to screening procedures required by the University or an affiliated experiential learning site for detection of Controlled Substances and/or alcoholic beverages as a condition to enrollment and continued matriculation in the program and participation in such related experiential education activities. For further information, please refer to the applicable procedures of the academic program in question.
      3. Despite its legal status and permitted medical and recreational uses under Colorado state law and the laws of other states, marijuana is still an illegal substance under federal law. The federal Controlled Substances Act includes marijuana as an Illegal Drug. Under the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and its implementing regulations, any college or university that receives funding from any federal program must have a program to prohibit the unlawful possession and use of illegal drugs, including marijuana. Failure to comply jeopardizes continued federal funding. As a recipient of federal funding that benefits many of its students, faculty and staff, the University’s above-stated policy prohibiting the possession or use of Controlled Substances includes marijuana, regardless of the marijuana’s form or method of consumption, and regardless of whether it is for recreational or medical use.
3. Alcohol Policy
   1. The University prohibits the possession, use, distribution, sale or manufacture of alcoholic beverages, except at such activities, or in such areas and in such a manner as may be specifically authorized by the University. Possession or use of alcoholic beverages by students, employees or guests in or on any University Property or at any University-Sponsored Activity is restricted to specifically designated University functions for individuals who may lawfully consume alcoholic beverages with proper identification under the applicable age limit in the jurisdiction where the alcoholic beverage is to be consumed.
      1. Student organizations that seek to conduct a University-Sponsored Activity on or off campus that includes the service of alcoholic beverages must be granted prior approval by the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students, or their designee. All other University- Sponsored Activities that include the service of alcoholic beverages must be granted prior approval by the Provost, or their designee (for academic-related units) or the appropriate Vice President, or their designee (for operations-related units). Additional security may be required to obtain such permission. Sponsors of social activities are expected to limit alcohol to moderate amounts and to keep the focus of the event on social interaction rather than alcohol consumption. Food and non- alcoholic beverages should be available at any event where alcohol is served, and both ought to be served in equal proportions. Advertising for student-sponsored events that includes any reference to alcohol, or states or suggests that alcohol will be available at an event is prohibited.
      2. The age limit for the lawful consumption of alcoholic beverages in Colorado is 21 years of age or older. Residents of the University’s Residence Halls (including Boryla Apartments) who are 21 years of age or older may possess and consume alcoholic beverages subject to the requirements stated below. Students and employees 21 years of age or older with proper identification may purchase and consume beer and or wine at Walker’s Pub on the University’s Northwest Denver Campus during designated hours of operation. Underage consumption of any alcoholic beverage on any University Property or at any University- Sponsored Activity is prohibited.
      3. The University prohibits being intoxicated (i.e., being mentally and/or physically impaired due to the consumption of alcoholic beverages or drugs) in or on University Property or at any University-Sponsored Activity. The University also prohibits knowing presence where an alcoholic beverage is being illegitimately consumed or is present without the University’s authorization. Possession of an alcoholic beverage container, whether empty, full, or partially full, in any area of the University Residence Halls where any party is not of legal age is prohibited except as specifically authorized in designated areas. Except as specifically authorized, no student or employee may possess or consume any alcoholic beverage in or on any University Property or at any University-Sponsored Activity.
      4. Alcohol Policy for University Residence Halls (Including Boryla Apartments):
         1. Possession and consumption of alcohol within the University Residence Halls (Including Boryla Hall) is strictly limited to beer/seltzers and wine. Other types and varieties of alcohol (including powder form) are prohibited including ready to drink beverages containing hard liquor/ spirits otherwise not allowed. Residents and their guests must be at least 21 years old in order to consume alcohol in any residential living unit. If any party in a residential living unit is under the age of 21, regardless if they are consuming alcohol or not, alcohol is prohibited in that living unit. Students or guests under the age of 21 are not permitted to possess or consume alcohol at any time.
         2. It is the responsibility of the ‘of legal age’ resident to determine that all guests or other residents are of legal age in order for alcohol to be permitted in the space. If no resident of a living unit is 21 years of age or older, no alcoholic beverages or containers may be present in that unit at any time.
         3. The consumption of alcohol may take place only inside the confines of the residential living unit. Open containers of alcohol may not be transported between residential units. A container is considered open once the manufacturer’s seal has been broken.
      5. The residents where alcohol is being consumed are responsible for the behavior of their guests under provisions of the Student Code of Conduct.
         1. Large containers of alcohol such as kegs, party balls, garbage cans, drinking games and paraphernalia intended for the rapid consumption of large amounts of alcohol (e.g., beer bongs) are prohibited, regardless of age of consumers, or location, except as permitted by the University.
         2. The maximum capacity for a social gathering is determined by the residential unit. These social gatherings must be entirely contained within the residence and comply with quiet and courtesy hour guidelines. Maximum Social gathering sizes are as follows: DeSmet, O’Connell, and West Halls, no more than six (6) persons in a room. Boryla, Ignatian Village, and Residential Village no more than twelve (12) persons per unit.
         3. Students must comply with all Colorado state laws regarding the purchase, serving, possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
         4. Display of alcohol containers - full, empty, or as decoration (e.g., visible in windows, on shelving, or for use in another way) is prohibited.
      6. Any individual, including, but not limited to, any student, employee, contractor, agent, volunteer or guest who violates this policy may be subject to applicable screening procedures and shall be subject to discipline, dismissal, exclusion, termination, arrest or citation, and referral by University officials for prosecution, as may be applicable. Also, any student who violates this policy may be required to complete a mandatory psychoeducational substance use program provided by either the University’s Counseling Services or its CCFPT, or through a pre-approved off-campus provider, as directed by the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students, or their designee; any employee who violates this policy may be required to consult with appropriate counseling professionals through the Employee Assistance Program or the CCFPT, or through a pre-approved off-campus provider, as directed by the Associate Vice President of Human Resources, or their designee.
         
         Required Disclosure after Formal Charge/Conviction
         Student Disclosure
         

         Any student formally cited or charged with violating a local, state or federal law pertaining to unlawful possession, use or distribution of any Controlled Substance, alcoholic beverage, and/or Drug Paraphernalia must notify the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students, or their designee, in writing, no later than five calendar days after such citation or charge. Failure to comply with this notification requirement may result in immediate dismissal.

         No later than 120 calendar days after receiving notification of such citation or charge from a student, the University shall:

         1. Take action against the student, which may include any range of authorized disciplinary actions up to dismissal; and/or
         2. Require the student to complete a mandatory psychoeducational substance use program provided by either the University’s Counseling Services or its CCFPT, or through a pre-approved off-campus provider, as directed by the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students, or their designee.

         If the student is authorized to work on a grant provided by the federal government at the time of the incident upon which the conviction is based, the University shall notify the agency that awarded the grant within 10 calendar days after receipt of such notification.

         Employee Disclosure
         

         Any employee convicted of violating a local, state, or federal law pertaining to unlawful possession, use or distribution of any Controlled Substance, alcoholic beverage or Drug Paraphernalia must notify the Assistant Vice President of Human Resources, or their designee, in writing, no later than five calendar days after such conviction. Failure to comply with this notification requirement may result in immediate termination.

         No later than 30 calendar days after receiving notification of such conviction from an employee, the University shall:

         1. Take action against the employee, which may include any range of authorized disciplinary actions up to termination; and/ or
         2. Require the employee to consult with appropriate counseling professionals through the Employee Assistance Program or the CCFPT, or through a pre-approved off-campus provider, as directed by the Associate Vice President of Human Resources, or their

         If the employee is authorized to work on a grant provided by the federal government at the time of the incident upon which the conviction is based, the University shall notify the agency that awarded the grant within 10 calendar days after receipt of such notification.

4. General Provisions
   1. A conviction for violating a local, state, or federal law pertaining to unlawful possession, use or distribution of any Controlled Substance, alcoholic beverage or Drug Paraphernalia, or a violation of this policy that results in a disciplinary sanction may adversely affect an individual’s eligibility for admission to a University academic program. For further information, please refer to the applicable admissions policy for the academic program in question.
   2. Any action taken by the University against a student or employee for any violation of this Policy shall not prohibit, and may be in addition to any action lawfully taken by any other entity for a violation of that entity’s similar policy related to drugs and/or alcoholic beverages committed by that student or employee at a University-Sponsored Activity. Furthermore, the University may rely, in whole or in part, on the other entity’s findings in determining whether to charge the student or employee with a violation of this Policy.
   3. Any disciplinary action based on a violation of this policy on alcohol and drugs shall be conducted pursuant to the procedures applicable to such action, whether in the Community Standards process, the Nondiscrimination and Sexual Misconduct Policy, or the Human Resources Manual. In any disciplinary action where an actual or potential violation of this policy also involves an alleged violation of the University’s policy on nondiscrimination and sexual misconduct, the procedures from the Nondiscrimination and Sexual Misconduct Policy shall control.
   4. The application of this policy on alcohol and drugs may be affected by the Good Samaritan/Amnesty Policy or the amnesty policy applicable to a victim of sexual assault under the Nondiscrimination and Sexual Misconduct Policy. Refer to those policies for more information, both of which may be found in the Student Handbook.
   5. The University shall, at least annually, distribute to each employee and each student who is taking one or more courses for any kind of academic credit at the University a copy or summary of this Policy.
   6. The University will review this Policy and the related drug and alcohol programs at least biannually to determine their effectiveness, implement any indicated changes and ensure that sanctions are consistently The University reserves the right to implement changes to this Policy at any time by approval of the University’s President.
      
      Health Risks and Hazards Associated with Alcohol, Tobacco, and Illegal Drug Use

      The following is a brief summary illustrating some of the health risks and hazards associated with alcohol and certain illegal drugs. This summary is not intended to be comprehensive. For more information concerning the dangers of alcohol and illegal drug use, you may want to consult your primary health care provider or a drug and alcohol rehabilitation counselor, or read information available from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, niaaa.nih.gov/publications/, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse, drugabuse.gov/publications .

      1. Alcohol and Other Depressants (barbiturates, sedatives and tranquilizers). Addiction, accidents as a result of impaired ability and judgment, alcohol poisoning, overdose when used with other depressants, damage or impairment of vital organs, or if pregnant, damage to a developing fetus, heart and liver damage.
      2. Marijuana. Impair short-term memory, thinking, and physical coordination. Can cause panic reaction and increase the risk of lung cancer and emphysema. Can interfere with judgment, attention span, concentration, and overall intellectual performance. Impairs driving ability. May cause psychological dependence and compromise the immune.
      3. Cocaine. Addiction, cardiovascular system damage including heart attack, brain damage, seizures, lung damage, severe depression, paranoia, and psychosis. Similar risks are associated with other stimulants, such as speed.
      4. Nicotine. Tobacco smoke contains many chemical compounds, some of which are known to cause cancer. Nicotine, which is a central nervous system stimulant, produces an increase in heart and respiration rates, blood pressure, adrenaline production and metabolism. People can rapidly become physically and psychologically dependent on tobacco. Compromises the immune system.
      5. Inhalants. Inhalants are a diverse group of chemicals that easily evaporate and can cause intoxication when their vapors are inhaled. Most inhalants are central nervous system depressants. Use of these drugs slows down many body functions. High doses can cause severe breathing failure and sudden death. Chronic abuse of some of these chemicals can lead to irreversible liver damage and other health problems.
      6. Prescription Drug Abuse. Adverse reactions, dependency, withdrawal, and overdose.
         

         Legal Risks Associated with Illegal Drug and Alcohol Use

         The following is a brief summary illustrating some of the criminal sanctions for the unlawful possession, use and distribution of illegal drugs and alcohol. For a more comprehensive description of applicable criminal sanctions, you should refer to Title 18 of the Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) and Titles 18 and 21 of the United States Code. The following is for general informational purposes only and does not reflect all of the possible criminal sanctions under current law. If necessary, legal advice should be obtained from a licensed attorney.

5. Colorado Law
   1. Uniform Controlled Substances Act of 1992, C.R.S. 18-18-101 et seq.
      1. If you are charged and found guilty of being in possession of a controlled substance, the criminal sanctions will depend on, among other things, the substance involved. For example, cocaine is a Schedule II drug under CRS 18-18-204 (2) (a) (IV). A first conviction for possessing this Schedule II drug is a Class 4 felony, punishable by imprisonment from six months to one year and/or a fine of $1,000 to $100,000.
      2. If you are charged and found guilty of distributing or selling a controlled substance, the criminal sanctions will depend on, among other things, the type and amount of substance involved. For example, heroin is a Schedule I drug under CRS 18- 18-203 (2) (b) (XI). A first conviction for distributing not more than seven (7) grams of this Schedule I drug to an adult is a Class 3 felony, punishable by imprisonment from two years to four years and/or a fine of $2,000 to $500,000.
      3. Being charged and found guilty of using a controlled substance (i.e., using a controlled substance which was not dispensed or under the direction of a person licensed or authorized by law to prescribe, dispense or administer it for a bona fide medical need), is a Level 2 misdemeanor, punishable either by no imprisonment and a $50 fine or up to twelve (12) months of imprisonment and/or a $750 fine.
      4. While Colorado law authorizes the limited use of marijuana for medical and recreational purposes, criminal sanctions still exist for marijuana possession and use in certain circumstances. For example, being charged and found guilty of possessing more than two (2) ounces of marijuana, but not more than six (6) ounces is a Level 2 drug misdemeanor punishable either by no imprisonment and a $50 fine or up to twelve (12) months of imprisonment and/or a $750 fine. Public consumption or use of marijuana is also prohibited and can result in criminal sanctions that can vary depending on the amount consumed or used
         1. NOTE, HOWEVER, THAT MARIJUANA IS AN ILLEGAL DRUG UNDER FEDERAL LAW, AND AS STATED IN PARAGRAPH C ABOVE, THE UNIVERSITY’S POLICY PROHIBITING THE POSSESSION OR USE OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES INCLUDES MARIJUANA, REGARDLESS OF THE MARIJUANA’S FORM OR METHOD OF CONSUMPTION, AND REGARDLESS OF WHETHER IT IS FOR RECREATIONAL OR MEDICAL USE.
   2. Underage Possession or Consumption of Alcohol
      1. Being charged and convicted of possessing or consuming alcohol while under 21 years of age is a strict liability offense, and as a first offense is punishable by a fine of up to $100 and/or completion of a government approved substance abuse education program.
6. Federal Law 
   1. Federal law includes, among other things, comprehensive prohibitions on the manufacture, distribution and dispensing of Illegal Drugs. Depending on the nature of the prohibited activity and the type and quantity of Illegal Drugs involved, criminal sanctions can range from not less than ten (10) years to life imprisonment and/or fines of up to $10,000,000 or more.
      
      

      Support Systems for Students

      Students with alcohol or drug-related problems are encouraged to seek the help of the University’s Counseling Services or its Center for Counseling, Family and Play Therapy. Their counseling staff are experienced in working with issues of substance use and abuse and can provide direct assistance, as well as provide information about off-campus assessments, treatment facilities and area support groups.

       

      Counseling Services Coors Life Directions Center, Room 114 3333 Regis Blvd., F-12 Denver, CO 80221 303-458-3558
      Center for Counseling, Family and Play Therapy Regis University Thornton Campus 500 E. 84th Ave., Suite B-12 Thornton, CO 80229 303-964-6295	Center for Counseling, Family and Play Therapy Regis University Colorado  Springs Campus 7450 Campus Drive, Suite 100 Colorado Springs, CO 80920 719-264-7027

       

      Support Systems for Employees

      Employees needing assistance in addressing issues related to alcohol or drug use or abuse have available to them confidential and professional assessment, counseling and referral services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and through the Center for Counseling, Family and Play Therapy. Information about the EAP is available through the EAP link on the Employee Benefits page in the Human Resources site in Workday.

       

      Center for Counseling, Family and Play Therapy Regis University Thornton Campus 500 E. 84th Ave., Suite B-12 Thornton, CO 80229 303-964-6295

      Center for Counseling, Family and Play Therapy Regis University Colorado Springs Campus 7450 Campus Drive, Suite 100 Colorado Springs, CO 80920 719-264-7027

       

      Other Resources for Students and Employees

      Denver Metro Area
      Greater Denver Area West Pines Behavioral Health 3400 Lutheran Parkway Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 303-467-4080 www.sclhealth.org/locations/west-pines/	Centennial Peaks Hospital 2255 S. 88th Street Louisville, CO 80027 303-673-9990 www.centennialpeaks.com
      Independence House North Side 4300 Kalamath Street Denver, CO 80211 303.433.1306 www.ind-house.com/northside.html	Serenity Education & Therapy 2525 S. Wadsworth Blvd. Lakewood, CO 80227 (303) 984-0590 www.serenityeducation.com
      Center for Recovery, Inc. 2121 S. Oneida St. #412 Denver, CO 80224 303-694-7492 www.centerforrecovery.net	Affordable Counseling Connection 8774 Yates Dr. Westminster, CO 80031 303-295-3326
      Catholic Charities Family Services 6240 Smith Rd. Denver, Co 80216 303-742-0828 www.ccdenver.org	Comitis Crisis Center 2178 Victor St. Aurora, CO 80045 720-859-7100 comitiscrisiscenter.org
      Maria Droste Counseling Services 1355 S. Colorado Blvd. Denver, CO 80222 303-756-9052	People House, Inc. 3035 W. 25th Ave. Denver, CO 80211 303-480-5130 / 303-525-3038
      Colorado Springs Area
      Franciscan Community Counseling (2 locations) (719) 955-7008 community.stfrancis.org/
      Mount Saint Francis 7665 Assisi Heights Colorado Springs, CO 80919	Saint Francis Health Center 228 N. Cascade Colorado Springs, CO 80903

      
      
      
7. Definitions
   
   1. Controlled Substance: any drug or chemical whose manufacture, possession, use or distribution is regulated by government, including illegal drugs and prescription medications.
   2. Illegal Drug: those drugs for which the manufacture, possession, use, or distribution is unlawful under the federal Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. §§ 801 et seq.); marijuana is an illegal drug under that Act.
   3. Drug Paraphernalia: any equipment, product or material of any kind that is used or is intended or designed for use in manufacturing, producing, processing, injecting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing into the human body an Illegal Drug and/or controlled substance.
   4. Screening Procedures: a method or process commonly used to detect the improper use of a Controlled Substance or alcoholic beverage, which may include, among others: observations of behavior and/or appearance that are characteristic of misuse of a Controlled Substance or alcoholic beverage; random drug testing or drug testing based on reasonable suspicion, using a commonly applied testing method; and testing blood alcohol concentration (BAC) based on reasonable suspicion, using an evidential breath testing device, commonly known as a breathalyzer.
   5. University-Sponsored Activity/Activities: any activity, whether or not conducted in or on University Property, sponsored, authorized, administered, and/or coordinated by or through the University or any of its colleges, schools, departments or approved organizations and related to any University academic or co-curricular program, including, but not limited to, off- campus excursions and events, service learning activities, clinical learning experiences, study abroad, academic internships and externships, athletic events, social and recreational activities, religious services and events, and leadership functions.
   6. University Property: Any real or personal property owned, leased, or operated by the University, including, but not limited to, any of the University’s campuses, any of the University’s off-campus properties providing residential accommodations for students, or any motor vehicle.