Students at the University of Colorado at Boulder are being reminded in several ways of the risks associated with hosting parties and are being provided tips to avoid injuries, legal consequences and even suspensions.
"Smart Celebrating Tips" are being emailed to students in the form of Buff Bulletins, and Off-Campus Student Services has provided information at orientations and through its campus office and mailings. CU and Boulder police also will address the issue at their biannual "Hill Stops" on Aug. 23-24.
As in the past, the city is conducting door-to-door stops along with CU-Boulder personnel in the University Hill neighborhood.
"We're making an attempt to educate all of our returning students and our first-year students about how to make the right decisions about reasonable limits and safe, fun get-togethers," said Ron Stump, vice chancellor for student affairs.Ìý
"We've had problems in the past, as have many universities, caused by a very small percentage of our students. But we're optimistic that with declining high-risk drinking rates at CU and the fact that each year we're enrolling even higher caliber incoming students, we will minimize those occurrences in the future."
Earlier this spring, Harvard's "College Alcohol Survey" indicated that almost 70 percent of CU-Boulder students consume from zero to four drinks -- categorized as low-risk drinking -- per time that they drink. The data show that more students are drinking less at parties, if they choose to drink at all.
The Smart Celebrating Tips focus on party hosts and things to do or not do when hosting a party. Party hosts are advised to:
ß Have a theme and don't make alcohol the focus of your party.
ß Don't let strangers enter your party, since you are responsible for their actions. Have someone near the door to avoid problems before they happen.
ß Get to know your neighbors and let them know if you are hosting a party.
ß Designate a non-drinking monitor to control noise, which is the most common cause of complaints and police response. Reduce music and loud conversation after 10 p.m.
ß You are responsible if alcohol leaves the premises, so keep alcohol inside the party.
ß Provide food and non-alcoholic drinks.
ß Use paper or plastic to avoid broken glass.
ß Encourage buddy systems to watch for over-consumption and to ensure safe trips home. Take keys away from anyone who should not be driving or offer rides with a responsible driver or pay for cabs.
ß Observe current city, county and state fire bans prohibiting all open flames or fires, cigarette smoking and charcoal grills in parks and recreation areas, and fireworks.
ß Cooperate with police if they come to your home or apartment.
ß If planning a block party, contact the City of Boulder's Citizens Services department at (303) 441-3090. Fraternities and sororities should contact the CU-Boulder Greek Liaison office at (303) 492-0769 and the Boulder Police Department Greek Liaison Officer.
ß 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 the corner of College and 13th streets.
For additional information about the AMOD Program, see the Web site at , or call (303) 492-3149.