Alcohol Policy & Program

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. Please view the complete University Alcohol Policy EM99-11(opens in new window).

Alcohol is not permitted in university-administered student housing under any circumstances. Please view the University Housing Regulations on Alcohol (PDF).

Programs and Services

The University has a comprehensive alcohol and drug-abuse prevention program. A number of campus offices work cooperatively to prevent and address substance abuse issues including

WellCat Prevention

WellCat Prevention was established in 1988 with the purpose of 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.WellCat Prevention also conducts a bi-yearly, campuswide student alcohol survey for use in program planning and evaluation.

WellCat Counseling Center

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(opens in new window)

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.

WellCat Health Center(opens in new window)

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

University Police(opens in new window)

University Police vigorously enforces state law and the campus alcohol and drug policy including issuing citations for minors in possession and driving under the influence.

Advising and Orientation(opens in new window)

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(opens in new window)

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

Student Conduct, Rights, and Responsibilities

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 on campus property, including residence halls. Sanctions for violating the campus alcohol and drug policy can range from education and remediation to disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion from the University. Those who violate the alcohol policy are required to pay for and attend an alcohol-education course in addition to a disciplinary sanction and may be required to perform community service. Those students who violate the policy more than once may undergo an individual substance abuse assessment in addition to disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion. Students residing in University Housing facilities who violate the policy a second 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 academic year.

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. First time drug policy violators will be assigned a disciplinary sanction and pay for and attend a drug education course. Subsequent violations may result in suspension or expulsion from the University. Students residing in University Housing facilities who violate the drug policy are subject to removal from the residence halls and are responsible for their housing payment for the remainder of the semester.

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 and alcohol issues:

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.