Safe celebrating and smart partying tips are being sent to all CU-Boulder students in an effort to help them avoid the risks they could encounter if they host irresponsible parties.
Injuries, legal charges, fines and suspensions are consequences that often befall those student hosts.
"Smart Celebrating Tips" are being e-mailed to students in the form of Buff Bulletins, and Off-Campus Student Services has provided information through its "Great Neighbors" brochure at orientations, through its campus office and via student mailings. CU and Boulder police also will address the issue at their annual "Hill Stop" on Aug. 29.
"Safe celebrations are a fun part of the college experience," said Ron Stump, vice chancellor for student affairs. "And we're trying to educate our first-year students and all of our returning students about how to make the right decisions about reasonable limits and safe, fun get-togethers."
Stump said that problem parties in the past have been "caused by a very small percentage of our students."
In Harvard's latest "College Alcohol Survey" results 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 follow these guidelines:
* Get to know your neighbors and let them know if you're hosting a party.
* Have a theme and don't make alcohol the focus of your party.
* 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.
* Designate a non-drinking monitor to control noise, which is the most common cause of complaints and police response.
* Reduce music and loud conversation at 10 p.m.
* The party host is responsible if alcohol leaves the premises, so be sure alcohol stays inside the residence.
* Provide food, water and non-alcoholic beverages as alternatives to alcohol.
* Use paper or plastic to avoid broken glass.
* Encourage a buddy system to watch for overconsumption and to ensure safe trips home and take keys away from anyone who should not be driving or offer rides with a responsible driver.
* Cooperate with police if they come to your home or apartment.
* Failure to move or disperse when requested could result in a threat to your safety. Failure to disperse, once police demand dispersal, can result in criminal obstruction charges.
* Observe current city, county and state fire restrictions that may prohibit all open flames or fires, cigarette smoking and charcoal grills in parks and recreation areas, and fireworks.
* Emergency vehicles must have access to an emergency area. Since visibility
is minimized at night for drivers of these vehicles, stay well away from emergency vehicles and their access routes. Failure to do so is criminal obstruction.
* If planning a block party, contact the City of Boulder's Citizens Services department at (303) 441-3090.
* Fraternities and sororities planning a party should contact the CU-Boulder Greek Liaison office at (303) 492-5425 and the Boulder Police Department Greek Liaison Officer.
* 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 information about the A Matter of Degree program or the Three Strikes Policy go to or , or call (303) 492-3149.