What Kind Of Buff Are You?

Students from the CU-Boulder

Students from CU-Boulder

There’s so many different kinds of people at CU. It’s really cool to be a campus with a merging of a whole bunch of different people.

At CU-Boulder, we take great pride in being the Buffs—but there’s more to it than you might realize. The following pages will help you get involved on campus, learn how to handle yourself as college student, represent your peers and your university well, and make the most of your Buff experience.

CU-Boulder Buffaloes…

  • are here to succeed academically and build strong lifelong relationships.
  • take responsibility for their actions and care for others in the campus community.
  • know how to have fun and take good care of themselves.
  • are engaged in the life of CU-Boulder, work toward the greater good, and are informed about the world.
  • welcome everyone’s differences as opportunities to learn and grow as a community.
  • are up for any challenge and prepared to make their fellow Buffs proud.
Ralphie

Ralphie

Ralphie the Buffalo is a symbol of CU-Boulder and the number one mascot in the nation—but we’ve got lots of other outstanding Buffaloes, too. From our 4 Nobel laureates; to our 2,000 alumni Peace Corps volunteers; to the more than 17,000 students who take part in service, honors, and study abroad programs each year, there are countless ways to show the world your pride in what it means to be a Buff.

Get involved. Gain experience. Make connections.

Yeah, you’ve got to focus on schoolwork, but you won’t really get what you can out of CU unless you participate in other events… It’s beneficial to everything.

Believe it or not, the majority of your college career happens outside of the classroom. CU-Boulder has hundreds of on-campus activities you can take part in—including more than 300 academic, political, social, religious, and recreational organizations and clubs—with more created every day. These groups give you the chance to find your place at CU-Boulder by exploring your interests, meeting new people, building your résumé, and making connections for your career.

Academic Clubs, Student Government, and Leadership Programs

If you’re trying to spruce up your résumé, get some connections within your field, or explore something outside of your major, choosing from among our dozens of academic clubs, student government, and leadership programs is a great way to do it.

www.colorado.edu/studentlife/activities

Greek Life

The CU-Boulder Greek system has a long and rich history, providing decades of students with a great way to develop leadership skills, participate in community service, enrich their academic experience, and make lifelong friendships. Today, CU-Boulder Greek life consists of the Pan-Hellenic sororities and multicultural Greek organizations, which are governed by the Pan-Hellenic Executive Council and the Multicultural Greek Council.

Personal Interest Groups

Whether you’re looking for a group that emphasizes political affiliation, the arts, cultural heritage, gender identity, hobbies, or environmental issues, CU-Boulder has a variety of groups where you can meet people who share your interests while getting involved on campus and building lifelong friendships.

Recreation, Intramurals, and Club Sports

Recreation

Recreation

The work–play ethos is alive and well at CU-Boulder, and we’ve got the recreation, intramurals, and club sports programs to prove it. More than 90 percent of CU-Boulder students take advantage of our 220,000-square-foot recreation center, and 15,000 students each year compete in intramural sports ranging from co-rec basketball to wiffleball. Feeling really competitive? Our club sports program is one of the largest and most successful in the country, with national championships in cycling, hockey, snowboarding, soccer, swimming, triathlon, and ultimate.

Volunteering

Nothing feels better than giving back, and let’s be honest—it looks great on your résumé. With opportunities through our Volunteer Resource Center, Habitat for Humanity, the CU Wellness Center, and much more, there are literally dozens of ways you can connect as a CU-Boulder student and do good for the community at the same time.

For details on how to get involved in student activities, clubs, and organizations, visit www.colorado.edu/studentlife/activities.

Be responsible and look out for each other

Every year we try to prepare students to make the most of the freedom of college, and every year we see students who, for whatever reason, just can’t handle it.

There’s nothing quite like being a college student—flexible schedules, lots of time for socializing, and no one looking over your shoulder to see what you’re doing every day. There are also many temptations to goof off, cut class, test your limits, and blow off steam with your friends—and that’s where some of you will likely get yourselves into trouble.

We want to help you steer clear of trouble, so here’s some information about our student conduct code and CU-Boulder honor code. By keeping up with your coursework, showing respect for your peers, and being honest and accountable in your actions, you can avoid sanctions, learn to make the most of your freedom, make friends for life, and succeed as a Colorado Buffalo.

If you do get off track for some reason, we will be here to hold you accountable and to help you make amends and become a productive member of our community.

Student Conduct Code

www.colorado.edu/studentaffairs/judicialaffairs/code.html

CU-Boulder strives to make the campus community a place of study, work, and residence where people are treated, and treat one another, with respect and courtesy. The purpose of the Student Conduct Code is to maintain the general welfare of the university community. The university views the student conduct process as a learning experience that can result in growth and personal understanding of one’s responsibilities and privileges within both the university community and the greater community. All students must follow these standards. Students who violate these standards will be subject to the actions described within the code.

CU-Boulder Honor Code

www.colorado.edu/honorcode

As citizens of an academic community of trust, CU-Boulder students do not lie or cheat whether they are on campus or acting as representatives of the university in surrounding communities. Neither should they suffer by the dishonest acts of others, The Honor Code works to secure an environment in which all individuals have responsibility and are appropriately recognized for their individual academic and personal achievements. It is dedicated to strengthening the community through trust, respect, and facilitating the intellectual and personal development of all students.

Welcome everyone’s differences.

Be open to new things. I’ve really enjoyed meeting and being able to socialize with new people, and I’d say just be ready for new ideas and new influences.

CU-Boulder Students

CU-Boulder Students

One of the best things about CU-Boulder is the variety of backgrounds, interests, beliefs, and pursuits shared by our campus community.

Just walking through the University Memorial Center you can see future teachers, engineers, songwriters, professional athletes, Peace Corps volunteers, writers, lawyers, and businesspeople. You will also see people from every continent, cultural and economic background, and belief system.

It’s a great thing to have this kind of diversity on our campus—and what’s even better is when our differing perspectives combine to build a strong and open community that prepares graduates ready to thrive as citizens of an increasingly diverse and multicultural society.

Office of Diversity, Equity, and Community Engagement

www.colorado.edu/cu-diversity

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Community Engagement (ODECE) provides dedicated leadership to CU-Boulder’s campus diversity efforts. The office fosters CU-Boulder’s vision for a diverse campus climate and works with students, faculty, and staff to implement the campus diversity plan. An important effort of ODECE has been the creation of the CU-LEAD (Leadership, Excellence, Achievement, and Diversity) Alliance, which provides academic support and scholarships for students of color and first-generation students. As a part of the office, the Department of Equal Opportunity is responsible for assuring equal education and employment opportunity on the Boulder campus. Get more details, including links to diversity resources and events, at the ODECE website.

Q Resources—CU-Boulder’s Guide to LGBTQQIA Life on Campus

  • Information about campus experiences for LGBTQQIA-identified members of the CU-Boulder community
  • Resources and support for incoming members of the campus community
  • Information and resources for allies to the LGBTQQIA community
  • A space to share voices through stories, quotes and other creative mediums

www.q-resources.org

CU-LEAD Alliance and Scholarship Program

  • Leadership in a diverse world,
  • Excellence in all endeavors,
  • Achievement through scholarship and community service, and
  • Diversity as a core value in education and in society.

Programs and information at www.colorado.edu/cu-diversity/lead.html

Alcohol—make smart decisions.

If you choose to drink, be informed. Get complete details about our Alcohol and Other Drugs Program at www.colorado.edu/alcohol.

GORD Flags on Norlin Quad

GORD Flags on Norlin Quad

We know you’ve been bombarded with information about alcohol use—and you probably don’t want to hear it anymore—but we care about you, and we want to give you every possible resource to help you avoid the alcohol-related issues that affect many students at colleges and universities across the country.

Here are a few facts about alcohol, some information about the rules concerning its use at CU-Boulder, and some tips that can help you avoid trouble when it comes time to make your decisions about alcohol and drug use.

Minor in Possession (MIP)

If you’re under 21 and you’re convicted of possession and/or consumption of alcohol, you run the risk of losing your driver’s license. A first offense results in a fine of up to $100, court costs, and the strong possibility of a three-month license suspension. Penalties increase dramatically with additional offenses.

Fake IDs

The drinking age in Colorado is 21. If you’re under age, we realize that sounds so far away. The thing is, altering your own ID, using someone else’s ID, or getting a fake is really not worth it. Liquor stores and bars are strict about checking IDs and making sure they are valid, and the consequences of getting caught could change you life in some very unpleasant ways—including jail time, fines, court costs, loss of your driver’s license, and a criminal record that wouldn’t be particularly fun to explain when you apply for jobs after graduation.

Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI)/Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Driving after drinking is not a smart thing to do. If you’re pulled over and your blood alcohol content is between .05 and .07 percent (DWAI), you could receive a mandatory two-day jail sentence that can go up to 180 days, a mandatory public service program, a fine of $100 to $500, and license revocation for 12 months if you’re under 21 years old. If you’re blood alcohol content is .08 percent of higher (DUI), you will receive a mandatory five-day jail sentence that can go up to one year, mandatory public service, a fine of $300 to $1,000, and the loss of your license for one year, even for your first offense. If you refuse to take a blood alcohol content test, you automatically lose your license for one year. In addition to these legal penalties, you will also be subject to university sanctions.

Alcohol Poisoning

A person who has been drinking heavily and passes out may be suffering from acute alcohol poisoning and could die if you don’t help. Signs of alcohol poisoning include:

  • Person cannot be awakened
  • Cold, clammy, or bluish skin
  • Breathing is slow and/or irregular
  • Person has vomited while passed out

TAKE ACTION!

  • Call 911, and do NOT leave the person alone
  • Never put the person to bed to sleep it off
  • Turn the person on his or her side
  • If breathing stops, perform CPR or find someone who knows how[end box]

Alcohol and Date Rape Drugs

Roofies, rope, roaches, liquid X, cherry meth, GHB, and rohypnol are just some of the names of a dangerous group of substances commonly known as “date rape drugs.” They are colorless, odorless, and nearly tasteless. When slipped into someone’s beverage, they can cause a range of reactions from drowsiness and nausea to coma or even death when mixed with alcohol. Those who slip these substances into another’s drink can be charged with second-degree assault even if no rape occurs. If you suspect you have been “roofed” or “GHBed,” freeze a sample of your urine and seek immediate assistance so you can be tested for the drug.

  • Emergencies – 911
  • Boulder Rape Crisis Team – 303-443-7300
  • CU Victim Assistance – 303-492-8855
  • University Police Assistance – 303-492-6666

University Sanctions for Alcohol and Drug Offenses*

University Sanctions for Alcohol and Drug Offenses can include parental notifi cation, community service, alcohol classes, probation, and possible suspension from the university, depending upon the circumstances involved. Consult the Student Conduct Code for more information.

Guidelines and Objective of Responsible Drinking (GORD)

www.gordcolorado.com

GORD was developed by students in response to the death of CU-Boulder student Gordon Bailey. GORD promotes alcohol awareness and how to help someone at risk, specifically someone who is drinking excessively.

Have fun and take good care of yourself.

Mix in the fun, you know? You have to do the work, but it makes the fun all that much better when you get to do it.

Students at Convocation

Students at Convocation

Don’t let anyone fool you—being a CU-Boulder student is hard work. Successfully preparing for class, completing projects, and studying for exams requires a great deal of discipline and energy.

To keep up the pace, you need to take time to relax and enjoy yourself. With that in mind, there are many positive ways to relieve stress on campus, in Boulder, in Denver, and throughout Colorado. Here are just a few:

On-campus events

www.colorado.edu/events

There are many different kinds of “Buffs” on campus—from film Buffs to music Buffs, culture Buffs to art Buffs, and more. The online events calendar has listings of everything happening at CU-Boulder—from Colorado Buffaloes athletics; to our world-famous Conference on World Affairs, International Film Series, and Colorado Shakespeare Festival; to our natural history museum, planetarium, and art galleries; to live music at Club 156 in the UMC—and so much more.

Alcohol-Free Events

www.colorado.edu/studentaffairs/latenight

Students at Global Jam

Students at Global Jam

We have a variety of ongoing alcohol-free events on campus, from movies, to late nights at the rec center, to live music, bowling, laser shows at the Fiske Planetarium, and more. Visit the late night website for more information—or check the on-campus events calendar at www.colorado.edu/events to see what’s going on.

The Boulder Scene

www.bouldercoloradousa.com

Boulder has a lot of exciting entertainment opportunities, including live concerts, recreational activities, film festivals, and more—in historic places like the Fox Theatre and Boulder Theater, scenic locations like the Boulder Reservoir and Boulder Creek, and great neighborhoods like the Hill and the Pearl Street Mall.

Best spots to take a hike or job

  1. Chautauqua/the Flatirons
  2. Flagstaff Mountain
  3. Boulder Creek Path
  4. Mount Sanitas
  5. Campus/The Hill

Best spots to see live music

  1. The Fox
  2. The Fillmore (Denver)
  3. The Boulder Theater
  4. Red Rocks

Best spots to throw a Frisbee

  1. Norlin Quad
  2. Farrand Field
  3. Sewall Beach
  4. North Boulder Park
  5. Chautauqua Park

Best spots to chill/relax

  1. On The Hill
  2. Pearl Street
  3. Farrand Field
  4. Sewall Beach
  5. “At home on my couch”

Things to Do in Denver

www.denver.org

Want to expand your horizons on the weekend? Don’t forget that the Mile High City is only 30 miles away. Denver has world-class professional sports, theatre, museums, and parks, and you can get there fast and for free on the RTD with your Buff OneCard.

Discover Colorado

The great outdoors is always close by with more than 40 state parks, plus national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, national forests, and wildlife areas. Mountain towns such as Estes Park and Nederland have a personality all their own—and rumor has it there’s some pretty good skiing in Colorado (visit www.coloradoskicountry.com for details).