University of Colorado at Boulder and city officials are passing along "smart party" tips to new and returning CU students to help them avoid the potentially serious risks of hosting irresponsible parties.
Suspensions, legal charges, fines and injuries are some of the possible consequences of hosting or attending a party that violates city of Boulder ordinances or campus rules.
A guide called "The Smart Party" has been sent to students via campus Buff Bulletins, and Off-Campus Student Services has provided information through its Student Party Guide distributed at its office and other venues.
"It's vital for our students to not only keep their safety in mind while partying, but to also be considerate to those around them," said Julie Wong, vice chancellor for student affairs at CU-Boulder. "Most of them are, but we want to take all the steps we can to ensure that partying remains fun and does not become dangerous or jeopardize the safety and well-being of others. This guide provides helpful ideas in achieving this balance."
Smart party tips focus on party hosts and things to do, or not to do, when hosting a party. Guidelines for hosting a safe and smart party include:
o Don't make alcohol the focus of your party, and be sure to provide nonalcoholic drinks and food.
o Don't be afraid to help. Students who have overconsumed alcohol and are slurring their words, having trouble walking or standing up or who are passed out should be taken to a hospital. Students who seek medical assistance for another student will not be subject to university disciplinary actions under the Good Samaritan Provision, which is part of CU-Boulder's student conduct code.
o Encourage a buddy system to watch for overconsumption and to ensure safe trips home.
o Get to know your neighbors and tell them when you are having a party.
o Don't let strangers enter your party because you are responsible for their actions.
o Designate a nondrinking monitor to control noise - the most common cause of complaints and police responses.
o Noise tickets for loud music or speaking outside in louder than conversational tones can be issued at any time, day or night.
o CU's Student Conduct Code covers all CU students, whether they live on campus or not. It is your responsibility to read, know and live these policies, particularly as related to the use of alcohol and other drugs. Violations of the conduct code can be viewed at www.colorado.edu/studentaffairs/judicialaffairs/code.html. Students can be suspended for their second Student Conduct Code violation.
o Cooperate with police if they come to your home or apartment. Running from police will result in increased penalties.
o Failure to move or disperse when requested could threaten your safety. Once police demand dispersal, failure to do so can result in criminal charges.
o Observe current city, county and state fire restrictions that may prohibit all open flames or fires, outdoor cigarette smoking, fireworks and charcoal grills in parks and recreation areas.
o Use extreme caution when cooking with a charcoal grill, do not leave it unattended and be sure to extinguish coals once cooking is finished. Fires, even small ones, can be especially dangerous because of Boulder's unpredictable high winds, arid climate and high number of trees and wood homes.
o Be sure emergency vehicles have access to an emergency area. Since visibility is minimized at night for drivers of emergency vehicles, stay out of their way and away from their access routes. Failure to do so is considered criminal obstruction.
o Sororities planning a party should contact the CU-Boulder Greek Liaison office at 303-492-5425.
o Call the CU Police at 303-492-6666 for on-campus non-emergencies. For off-campus non-emergencies call the Boulder Police or Fire departments at 303-441-3333. A community police center is located on the Hill at College Avenue and 13th Street.
For more information about "The Smart Party" guide visit the Web site at www.colorado.edu/alcohol/downloads/The_Smart_Party_Guide.pdf.
