Chico State, along with the rest of the nation's colleges and universities, is very concerned, about the irresponsible and potentially dangerous use of alcohol by its students, particularly those under 21 years of age. We know that irresponsible and/or illegal use of alcohol often creates academic, social, physical, emotional, and legal problems for our students that prevent them from being successful at the university and beyond. As an institution, we are committed to working with community partners to prevent these problems and to keep our students, and the community, safe.

Policies

As a matter of institutional policy, alcohol is generally prohibited on the Chico State campus. Alcohol abuse, including possession of alcohol by a minor, binge drinking or drunk driving is not tolerated. Click here to view the complete University Alcohol Policy EM99-11.

Alcohol is not permitted in university-administered student housing under any circumstances. Click here to view University Housing Regulations on Alcohol.

Programs and Services

The university has a comprehensive alcohol & drug-abuse prevention program.

A number of campus offices work cooperatively to prevent and address substance abuse issues including:

Campus Alcohol and Drug Education Center (CADEC)

CADEC was established in 1988 with the purpose educating the campus community and aiding in the prevention of substance abuse at CSU, Chico. The program uses a variety of prevention strategies to encourage and help students make responsible choices about alcohol and drug use. CADEC also conducts a bi-yearly campus-wide student alcohol survey for use in program planning and evaluation.

Campus Wellness Center

Provides education material and information. Peer interns make presentations on a variety of health and wellness topics throughout the semester.

Psychological Counseling

Professional, licensed counselors and psychologists provide counseling and therapy to help students with personal issues that may involve or lead to alcohol or drug abuse.

University Housing and Food Service

The residence halls have a "no warning " policy regarding the reporting of violation of any alcohol policy. This means that students are subject to disciplinary action the first time they are observed with alcohol. Students who violate the alcohol policy receive sanctions ranging from a written reprimand to expulsion from the university.

Health Center

Clinicians provide counseling and referrals to students seeking assistance with alcohol and drug-related issues. Student Health Service staff and interns are available to address the effect that substance abuse has on students.

University Police

University Police vigorously enforces state law and the Campus Alcohol and Drug Policy including issuing citations for Minor in Possession and Driving Under the Influence.

Advising and Orientation

At all advising and orientation sessions, educational and informational materials are provided to students, parents, and staff addressing issues of personal choices, alternatives to drinking and consequences to underage drinking and violation of the Campus Alcohol and Drug Policy.

Intercollegiate Athletics

Every coach ensures that their student athletes, prior to beginning their season, receives information on the responsible use of alcohol and admonitions about hazing. Violations are referred to Student Judicial Affairs.

Student Judicial Affairs

Students who violate the Campus Alcohol and Drug Policy will be held responsible for their actions. All disciplinary action relating to alcohol and drug use is conducted through the Student Judicial Affairs Office and is intended to be educational and constructive while adhering to university standards. Therefore, an important aspect of the disciplinary process is to educate students about the reasons why their behavior(s) are unacceptable as well as keeping them informed on consequences if further infractions occur.

Individual Student Sanctions

Consequences for violations of the Campus Alcohol and Drug Policy depend on the severity and frequency of the incidents and how the student's actions have impacted the university community.

Alcohol Violations: Possession and consumption of alcohol by CSU, Chico students is not allowed in the residence halls or any place on campus.

Sanctions for violating the Campus Alcohol and Drug Policy can range from a "Formal Written Reprimand" (usually for a first offense) to disciplinary probation, to suspension or expulsion from the university. Those who violate the alcohol policy for the first time are required to perform community service as well as pay for and attend an alcohol-education course. Those students who violate the policy more than once will typically undergo an individual substance abuse assessment in addition to disciplinary probation or suspension or expulsion. Students residing in University Housing facilities who violate the policy a third time will, in addition to university sanctions, be removed from the residence halls and are responsible for their housing payment for the rest of the semester.

Drug Violations: Sale or use of Illegal drugs is not tolerated on university property. If drugs are seen or detected, suspected persons are subject to lawful personal or room searches and disciplinary action. Depending on the situation, first time drug policy violators will be assigned disciplinary probation, including community service and paying a fee to attend a drug education course. Subsequent violations result in suspension or expulsion from the university.

Student Organization Sanctions: The primary sanction used for Student Organizations violating any University policy is withdrawal of University recognition. This means they may not use University facilities for their events nor can they use University facilities or resources to advertise their events. The status of having University recognition as a student organization in good standing is also withdrawn.

Campus and Community Efforts: 

University representatives participate in a variety of community committees and task force related to drug & alcohol issues:

The President's Alcohol and Other Drug Advisory Committee

Meets twice a semester to examine program and goals, share pertinent information and make recommendations to the university president

The City Police Chief's Advisory Committee

Meets on a monthly basis to discuss law enforcement issues and to provide a variety of community perspectives to the Chief of Police

Chico Community Youth & Alcohol Committee

This local community committee is designed to identify the problems created by the alcohol-related inappropriate behavior of both residents and non-residents of the Chico community and to develop positive actions that can be embraced by the community as possible solutions to the problem

Healthy Chico Youth.

This is a community coalition including school district and county prevention unit representatives aimed at reducing and preventing alcohol and substance-related problems among Chico youth.