Residence Life

Substance Use Regulations

CMC is concerned with the health and success of each student. We believe that drug and alcohol use, whether on an individual basis or in a community setting, does not contribute to academic success. CMC is committed to the concept of providing a comprehensive alcohol and drug education program that will promote health, wellness, and responsible decision-making. CMC’s regulation on alcohol or drug use and abuse, as stated in the Student Handbook, has been developed to provide students and employees with the opportunity to make responsible decisions with regard to the use of alcohol or other drugs.

As of the fall of 1998, a federal law was amended to allow colleges and universities to notify parents of alcohol or other drug related violations.

Although possession and use of marijuana for recreational and certain medical conditions consistent with the requirements of the Colorado Constitution is no longer a crime in the State of Colorado, the possession and use of marijuana remains illegal under federal law. Consistent with federal law, including the Controlled Substances Act and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, the use and/or possession of marijuana continues to be prohibited while a student is on college property including residence halls or as part of college courses/activities.

Alcohol

All individuals on college premises are not allowed to possess, consume, manufacture, distribute (exchange), or sell any alcoholic beverages. The term “college premises” includes all land, buildings, facilities and other property in possession of or owned, used or controlled by CMC. Based on the College regulation stated in the Student Handbook, the following may result in judicial action:

1. Students who engage in alcohol activity off-campus and who are disruptive and/or noticeably intoxicated when they return to the residence hall or other campus property.

2. Empty/Full or keepsake alcohol containers or other alcohol paraphernalia (i.e., alcohol packaging, steins, shot glasses, etc.) are prohibited on college premises.

3. Students found in rooms where others are consuming alcohol have the responsibility to report or remove themselves from the room. Failure to do so will result in judicial action.

Illegal Drugs and/or Controlled Substances Regulation

The Residence Life staff supports the enforcement of the State of Colorado laws, Federal laws, and CMC policy on controlled substances. Residents are reminded that CMC staff are required to respond to and report any drug-related activity on the College premises.

All individuals on college premises are not allowed to possess, use, manufacture, cultivate, distribute, or sell drugs, narcotics or controlled substances in violation of state and federal law and CMC policy. Possession of drug paraphernalia on College premises is prohibited.

Based on College policy, a number of residence hall rules concerning drugs, controlled substances, and possession of paraphernalia have been established.

1. Students who engage in drug and/or controlled substance activities off-campus and who are disruptive, and/or noticeably under the influence by odor, sight, sound, when they return to the residence hall or other campus property, will be subject to judicial action.

2. Physical evidence of drugs or drug paraphernalia are prohibited. Items will be confiscated and the matter may be referred to local law enforcement agencies.

3. Students found in rooms where evidence of drugs or drug paraphernalia are present will be held responsible for a violation of the drugs and/or controlled substance regulation. Residents have the responsibility to report or remove themselves from the room. Failure to do so will result in judicial action.

When residence hall staff members have reasonable evidence that alcohol or drugs are being used in a room, they will be expected to contact the occupants of the room, diffuse the situation and document the incident for review by the Coordinator of Student Life.

If staff members become aware of any physical evidence of drugs, or drug paraphernalia, or have “sufficient reason” to believe that a policy violation is occurring or has occurred, the room may be searched and items will be confiscated. Items including paraphernalia and any form of drugs will most likely be referred to local law enforcement agencies.

Additionally, in the interest of public health and the safety of our students, the college prohibits the possession and consumption of legal or illegal substances not intended for human consumption, experimental drugs, incense, bath salts and mind altering plants, including “K-2/Spice,” and “Salvia” and other substances used to induce intoxication or impairment.

Substance Use Emergencies

Colorado Mountain College is committed to ensuring a student’s health, safety, and well-being. To that end, the College seeks to reduce barriers for students who may need to seek emergency assistance for themselves or others when alcohol or other drugs may be involved. To achieve this goal Residence Life has adopted the following medical amnesty policy:

Any residence hall student who actively seeks to contact a member of the College staff or certified emergency medical personnel for a medical emergency when their or another person’s health or safety may be in jeopardy will not be referred to the student conduct process as it relates to alcohol or other drugs.

Students that commit other College or criminal violations (i.e., vandalism, disorderly conduct, possession of false identification, sale to minors etc.) associated with the incident may be referred to the student conduct process. No part of this policy will preempt any civil or criminal charges/proceedings brought forth by non-College parties. While individuals who invoke the medical amnesty policy for themselves or another student will not be referred to the student conduct process as it relates to alcohol or other drugs, individuals may be required, depending on the circumstances, to complete educational and/or health requirements as deemed necessary by the Office of Student Life or the Dean of Student Affairs. These educational and/or health requirements may include, but are not limited to, an online or in-person educational program, a substance abuse evaluation, independent treatment as warranted, and/or appropriate follow-up with internal or external agencies. Students who fail to complete required programs will be charged with a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

Students are allowed to proactively invoke this policy as needed; however, repeated use of the policy may require further action by the College to ensure the health, safety and well-being of a member of the community. This policy applies only when a person provides the first notification for an emergency, and its use retroactively would be contrary to the policies’ intent.

Amplified/Acoustic Instruments

Amplified instruments, excessively loud speakers, subwoofers, and drums of any kind may not be played in the residence hall at any time. The playing of acoustic instruments will require prior arrangements made with the Assistant Coordinator. We reserve the right to prohibit the use of an instrument should it become necessary.

Bicycle Parking/Storage

Bicycles must be locked in designated areas only and may not be locked to ramps, trees, light poles, etc. Bicycles found in non-designated areas will be removed by CMC staff. No motorized bikes are permitted inside the building at any time.

Bicycle storage varies from campus to campus. Check with the Residence Life staff to ensure you are aware of proper bicycle storage procedures at your campus. Remaining bicycles will be disposed of after hall closing in the spring.

Candles and Incense

Candles, sage, scented wax warmers, and incense, for use or decoration, are forbidden due to their high fire potential as well as the smoke or odor they may create. These items will be confiscated and will be dealt with through judicial action.

Gambling/Wagering

Gambling is an illegal activity and is not condoned. Residents who engage in wagering/gambling in the hall are reminded that such activity can result in financial and/or personal problems. Gambling activities may be dealt with through judicial action.

Firearms, Explosives and Other Weapons

Possession of firearms (including, but not limited to, B-B, pellet or paint guns), fireworks (cherry-bombs, bottle rockets, firecrackers, etc.) and other explosives, knives, bows, arrows and slingshots are prohibited on all College premises. The use of any object to cause, or to attempt to cause, either injury to a person or damage to property is prohibited.

The possession or use of any fireworks is in violation of city, state and federal law, as well as College regulations. The discharge of firearms and explosives is restricted by municipal code. Students identified as responsible for such activity will face judicial action, and/or hall suspension as well as court prosecution.

The possession and/or use of a knife three inches in length or over, or one with a blade which is automatically projected from the handle, are prohibited.

Furnishing False Information/Uncooperative Behavior

Supplying false information, refusing to identify oneself, or refusing to produce identification to any CMC staff or faculty member will not be tolerated and students may be subject to judicial action. Residents are expected to comply with all reasonable requests which are made by Residence Life staff in their efforts to create an academic environment in the residence hall and maximize the residential experience for all residents.

It is the students’ responsibility to see the appropriate college official (as directed by Residence Life staff). Failure to do as directed or in a prompt manner may result in further judicial action, including fines as listed on the inside front cover.

Guests and Visitors

The privilege of both visiting and hosting others carries with it an equal responsibility to consider the feelings, rights, values, and principles of the members of the residence hall community. Consideration for an occupant of a room should take precedent over the right of a roommate to entertain a guest in the room. You may not have guests on campus between the hours of 12 a.m. and 8 a.m., Sunday through Wednesday. However, guests may be permitted to stay in the residence hall on Thursday, Friday and Saturday under the following conditions:

1. Guests must comply with CMC policies and procedures.

2. The student host/hostess is responsible for the guest’s conduct, and must be with them at all times.

3. The host/hostess must obtain their roommate’s consent for the guest’s stay.

4. All overnight guests must be registered with the Residence Life staff. (Limit 2 guests per room, per night, never to exceed 4 occupants in the room)

5. An overnight guest is limited to a stay of three consecutive nights per visit, with a maximum not to exceed 12 nights per semester.

6. No overnight guests under the age of 18 years are permitted without prior approval of the Assistant Coordinator.

7. No guests are allowed in the building before classes have begun or during finals week.

8. All guests in the building after 10 p.m. must register at the front desk with the Resident Assistants.

Please be aware that students who have been suspended or non-residents who have been restricted from campus may not be allowed in the residence hall. Any student found hosting these persons will be subject to judicial action.

A guest may be asked to leave the residence hall should they be involved in a violation of residence hall regulation or procedure. A student who fails to comply with the guest regulation will face judicial action which could result in loss of privileges, probation, or suspension.

Courtesy and Quiet Hours

CMC is committed to providing an environment within the residence hall that is conducive to academic achievement. The right to sleep and study supersedes the privilege to entertain oneself or others at all times. Violation of quiet hour guidelines will not be tolerated and will result in judicial action.

Quiet hours are in effect from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 12 a.m. midnight to 10 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. During quiet hours, noise from any student room which emanates to any public area, and noise in public areas emanating into any student room is prohibited. Noise from the areas immediately adjacent to the building is expected to be minimized.

The Intensive Study wing is designed to provide a continuous academic environment and is therefore a 24 hour quiet zone. Signs are posted at the entry to remind you that you are entering an Intensive Study area. Residents of the Intensive Study wing who are not able to meet the expectations of 24 hour quiet hours may be moved to a different room and be assessed the room change fee.

During all those times when quiet hours are not in effect, “courtesy hours” will be in effect. Courtesy hours mean that any resident has the right to ask someone to quiet down. The right to sleep and study will always take precedence. Residents are expected to comply with all requests from fellow residents as well as CMC staff to minimize noise and maximize the academic environment in the hall. Failure to comply with such requests will result in judicial action. Stereo speakers may never be positioned so that music is directed outside of the room. Local community and neighborhood ordinances should also be respected.

Special Quiet Hours

Quiet Hours are in effect for 22 hours a day the last week of classes each semester or other specific times with 48 hours notice. This policy is necessary to provide support to students completing academic projects or preparing for final exams. Policy violations during finals week may result in you being asked to vacate the community immediately.

Offensive Odors

Please understand that some odors you find appealing can be offensive and harmful to others. Perfumes, scented sprays, patchouli, and strong body odor may be unappealing to others. Please keep these odors in check by limiting their use and by maintaining personal hygiene. Offensive odors will be confronted to create a positive community and may result in judicial action.

Displaying Offensive Items

Residents displaying offensive or disrespectful items in common areas or in areas susceptible to public viewing, such as doors, windows or near the doorway, will be challenged to consider the possible ramifications to self and others. Some statements made or illustrated may potentially reflect poorly on the individual(s) or the College as a whole. Severe cases may warrant judicial action or some type of public forum to address the issues. Students are encouraged to be assertive in expressing their views to the person or persons who are offending them or showing disrespect.

Appropriate Attire and Obscenity

Public areas of our community are meant for the use of all residence hall students. Individuals have varying comfort levels with manner of dress, conduct, and display of affection that may be greater or lesser than your own. We encourage students to have open dialogue about behavior they find uncomfortable, directly with the students involved. Residence Life staff are willing to assist in facilitating these conversations. To maintain a community level of decorum and respect; obscene or indecent behaviors are prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: public nudity, indecent affection, public sexual activity, stripping, mooning, flashing, streaking or public urination.

Animals

For the health, safety and comfort of residents, and because of the residence hall design and the problems (noise, sanitation, inhumane treatment) inherent in keeping animals in or around the residence hall, no animals of any kind are permitted. (Service dogs/Assistance animals may be exempt with prior authorization according to the College’s policy on Service dogs/Assistance animals - see the Coordinator of Disability Services.) A student having an animal in or around the residence hall will be asked to remove it immediately; if the pet is seen again, it will be turned over to the nearest animal control facility. The student will also be financially responsible for any damages done by the animal to the carpet or other CMC property. Repeated incidents involving animals are likely to result in hall suspension.

The keeping of fish may be allowed at your campus. Please ask your Resident Assistant or Assistant Coordinator about the proper procedures to follow to be granted that privilege.

Certain students are allowed the accommodation of a Service dog or Assistance animal in the residence halls. These animals are required to be approved and registered in advance with the Office of Disability Services and the Office of Residence Life. This approval process includes those animals which may be accompanying guests. This process could take up to 30 days and students are encouraged to begin the process as soon as possible. Students found to be hindering, interfering or harassing a service or assistance animal are subject to the student Code of Conduct.

Possession of Public Signs

Street signs, road signs, construction signs, property, business advertising, and other public signs taken/stolen/acquired illegally are prohibited and subject to confiscation. Theft and display of public signs reflects poorly on the College and on the character of CMC students. Students in possession of signs that were legally obtained must have the receipt of purchase attached to the backside of each sign.

Posting of Public Information

Posting of public information such as posters, advertisements, announcements, etc., must be approved by a Residence Life staff member before they are posted, and may only be posted in designated areas. Placing information under student doors is restricted to official College activities and business, and must be approved.

Pranks

Pranks usually start out harmlessly but often escalate into serious violations. As members of a community, residents are expected to make choices that eliminate the potential for harm to another student or damage to College property. Pranks such as water fights, squirt guns, phone calls, jamming doors to student rooms, or any other activity that disrupts the community, presents a fire or safety hazard, or damages property is prohibited in the residence hall. Such activity may result in judicial action.

Relocating Campus Furniture

All CMC, residential, and campus furniture is intended for use by the entire residential and campus community. Removing furniture from any public area is not permitted under any circumstances. Student room furniture must also remain in the room to which it has been assigned. Residents found removing or possessing campus furniture may be subject to conduct action and fines of $50 per item and can be considered as theft. They will also be responsible for any damage, repair, or replacement costs to such furniture. Residents are held accountable for keeping track of the specific pieces of furniture they were issued at check-in.

Use of Tobacco Products

The residence halls are a tobacco-free environment which includes all student rooms as well as all public areas. Colorado State law prohibits smoking in any public areas in the residence hall. Public areas are defined as rooms or hallways designed for the common use of all residents (i.e., the Multipurpose room, study and/or TV lounges, public restrooms, hallways, stairways, laundry rooms, etc.). Smoking may only occur in designated smoking shelters, not on/in parking lots or sidewalks. Trash and waste need to be disposed of in appropriate receptacles. NO smoking on sidewalks.

1. Hookahs are not permitted on-campus.

2. E-cigarettes and vaporizers are prohibited in the building and from use on campus. See Fire Hazards regulation.

These policies resulted from the health concerns and excessive damage to the residence hall furnishings resulting from tobacco use. Please contact the Coordinator if you have questions regarding this regulation.

Smokeless/spit tobacco products are regulated in the same manner as smoking and may not be used outside the designated areas.

Sports & Recreational Equipment

Recreational sports equipment such as bicycles, skis, snowboards, skateboards, roller skates/blades and all other recreational equipment is to be kept clear of hallways, lounges, laundry rooms, and disabled access areas. Sports equipment found in these areas may result in fines and may be restricted from campus or confiscated.

Recreational equipment is not to be used or ridden inside any campus building or near vehicles. Repairs, tuning, and/or maintenance to bikes, snowboards, or skis are not permitted except in designated areas as provided.

Sports in the Residence Hall

Sports (such as hacky-sac, soccer, skateboarding, biking, skiing and snowboarding, or running, etc.) are not allowed in the residence hall. These type of activities have the potential to cause damage to rooms, hallways, stairwells and common areas as well as creating potential harm to individuals and excessive noise. You should expect to be confronted by Residence Life staff and documented for disturbing the residence hall environment.

Theft

CMC is not liable for the loss of personal goods housed in College facilities. You are encouraged to take precautionary measures against theft such as locking doors properly, identifying personal belongings, and carrying private property insurance. In the event a theft should occur on campus, residents are encouraged to file a report with the local police and/or sheriff department. The Residence Life staff will assist in the resolution whenever possible.

Any individual responsible for or involved in theft will face judicial action. This action may include suspension from the residence hall. In addition, the responsible party will be subject to prosecution. Other forms of theft include possession of road signs, name plates, or dining hall food and tableware. These types of theft will also be dealt with through the judicial process.

Vandalism

Vandalism of any type will not be tolerated. This includes damaging, destroying, or defacing the property of another, as well as College buildings and contents. Individuals are responsible for their actions regardless of their intent and will be subject to strict disciplinary action, including but not limited to repair and replacement costs. The Office of Student Life strives at all times to hold only the guilty parties responsible. In the event we are unable to identify the individuals responsible the damages will be divided among the community as a whole.