Office of Policy and Compliance

Absences from Campus

Section F.1 of the Academic Faculty and Administrative Professional Manual provides:

A long-standing Board regulation forbids unauthorized absence of employees from the campus. It is the responsibility of the department head to authorize absences of faculty members and administrative professionals for legitimate purposes and to have available at their offices at all times information on the whereabouts of absent employees, that they may be reached in event of administrative necessity or family emergency. Each individual is responsible for notifying his or her administrative superior of any absence.

Application for leave, the granting of which will require the University to obtain a replacement, shall be submitted at least ninety (90) days prior to the date on which leave is expected to begin. A faculty member or administrative professional whose application for leave is approved to permit him or her to accept temporary employment outside the University shall be responsible for informing the temporary employer that such employment is on the basis of leave granted by the University.

Section F.2 Leave Records

Department heads are responsible for maintaining records relating to all types of leaves of absence for personnel in their department. Reports of absences due to earned annual and sick leave must be submitted to the Director of Human Resource Services for all employees involved.

For further information regarding leave types and conditions, see the Manual, section F, generally, and the Human Resource Manual sections 1-12 and 2-6, linked below.

Within the University the major policy making body on academic affairs is the Faculty Council. The Council is a representative body of elected and ex-officio members having jurisdiction over educational policy, rules and regulations, subject to governing Board approval in some instances.

The Faculty Council was established by the faculty in 1915. The Council acts as a representative body for the academic faculty and performs those duties delegated to the faculty by acts of the legislature. Faculty government is an instrument by which the collective intelligence of the institution through direct and representative participation can do effective work in establishing policies. Membership consists of one elected representative from each academic department and an equal number of college representatives proportionate to the sum of academic faculty members in each college as voting members.

The University Curriculum Committee (UCC) of Faculty Council approves all policies and procedures regarding academic curriculum. The Curriculum and Catalog Administration Office maintains the Curricular Policies and Procedures Handbook.

For more information, see: Faculty Council Responsibilities

Source: AFAPM

The University's computer and network services provide access to resources on and off campus and shall be used in a manner consistent with the instructional, research, and administrative objectives of the University community in general and with the purpose for which such was intended. Such open access is a privilege and imposes upon users certain responsibilities and obligations. Access to the University's computer and network services is granted subject to University policies, and local, state, and federal laws. Acceptable use is always ethical, reflects academic honesty, and shows restraint in the consumption of shared resources. It demonstrates respect for intellectual property, protection of sensitive information, ownership of data, copyright laws, system security mechanisms, and individuals' rights to privacy and to freedom from intimidation and harassment. All activities inconsistent with these objectives are considered to be inappropriate and may jeopardize continued use of computing facilities and networks.

Students have a reasonable expectation that their parent/family contact information (home addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses) is non-public information in the University’s records, and that it will be used or disclosed by the University only for necessary and appropriate purposes. Such information is protected under FERPA and in accordance with the University’s FERPA Policy. The purpose of this policy is to further limit and control internal access to students’ parent/family contact information and to codify the procedure by which the Vice President for Student Affairs’ (VPSA’s) office reviews requests before access to a student’s parent/family information is granted.

Policy Summary:

Colorado State University recognizes the importance and benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and their infants, and in promoting a family-friendly work environment. Colorado law requires that all employers, including state government, must provide for the needs of employees who are nursing mothers, as set forth in C.R.S. §8-13.5-103 - 104. In addition, federal law requires employers to provide break time and private lactation facilities for nursing mothers, and allows states to enact more stringent requirements. (29 U.S.C. § 207(r)[1]). This policy will assure compliance with these laws while supporting the needs of our campus community.

The purpose of this Policy is to support the health of CSU’s working mothers and their children by providing resources to assist nursing mothers at CSU, including private lactation areas where breastfeeding or milk expression may be done in sanitary and comfortable settings, and to authorize reasonable flexibility in scheduling break times to allow for breastfeeding during the workday. It is the policy of Colorado State University that all applicable laws, rules and regulations relating to the public accommodation of nursing mothers should be understood, communicated to campus, and observed.

For more information or to schedule the use of a lactation room, contact Facilities Management at 970-492-4089, or contact the building proctor for the building location that you wish to use. A list of building proctors may be found in the printed CSU Directory or online (click the link below).

Compliance Resources:

Federal regulations contained in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ("PPACA") include an amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act ("FLSA") requiring employers to grant reasonable breaks for an employee to express breast milk for up to one year after giving birth, and to provide a private location (other than a bathroom) for this purpose. The U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, has provided compliance guidance. Click the "compliance" link below for more information.

Colorado State University values the important contributions of the Administrative Professional staff and non-tenured Academic Faculty. The value of all of these employees to the effective and efficient operation of Colorado State University and to the fulfillment of its tripartite mission of teaching, research, and service cannot be overstated. The University seeks to promote an employment environment where all employees are given fair and equal consideration in all matters concerning their employment. To that end, it is expected that administrators making personnel recommendations, including those relating to disciplinary measures or termination of employment, will keep those principles in mind.

Administrative Professional Staff and non-tenured Academic Faculty have appointments that are "at-will." The term "at-will" refers to a specific type of employment status. Simply stated, "at-will" employment is subject to termination by either party at any time with or without cause. However, "at-will" employees obviously still enjoy constitutional rights, including due process rights, in appropriate circumstances. It is the policy of Colorado State University that the Dean or Vice President in charge of an academic department or administrative unit must review and approve any recommendations for termination of "at-will" employees on any grounds, including for disciplinary or budgetary reasons, or any disciplinary action resulting in a reduction in salary. Additionally, University policy generally provides "at-will" employees the opportunity to meet with appropriate supervisors and/or administrators to discuss their terminations, or disciplinary actions resulting in reduction in salary, prior to implementation. Final approval of the President, pursuant to the authority over personnel power delegated by the Board of Governors, must be obtained prior to implementation of any termination or disciplinary action resulting in reduction in salary. Further, the termination of "at-will" employees, or any disciplinary measure, cannot occur for any reason that is contrary to applicable federal, state, or local laws. This policy does not apply to terminations at the end of predetermined maximum employment periods or terminations due to loss of external grant funding.

Colorado State University will consider applications for admission of individuals convicted of crimes. However, the University reserves the right to deny or place conditions on admission, continued enrollment, or re-enrollment of applicants, students or former students whose personal history and background, including their criminal record, indicates that their presence at Colorado State may endanger the health, safety, welfare or property of members of the academic community or interfere with the orderly and effective performance of the University functions.

CSU reviews applications for admission to the University on an individual, holistic basis. Evaluating factors such as extraordinary talent in athletics or music may present unique challenges. Therefore, in the case of a potential student whose admission to the University may be denied by the Office of Admissions, but whose potential contribution to either the Athletics or Music program is highly valued by the responsible department, an additional review may be warranted to evaluate talent and potential to be a successful student. This policy provides for a standing Admissions Committee for Exceptional Performance (the “Committee”) to review the applications of potential students with extraordinary talent in music or intercollegiate athletics, whom the Office of Admissions has indicated its intent-to-deny university admission upon review of the application.

Paid banner advertising opportunities are available for Today @ Colorado State and Colorado State Magazine for entities on and off campus. No advertising of tobacco or alcohol products will be accepted, nor may these advertisements contain religious, political or sexual content. Preference will be given to advertisements, notices and announcements promoting University events, programs, etc.

Alcohol on Campus:

The age for legal possession and consumption of alcohol in the State of Colorado is 21 years of age. State law is followed on campus.

History:

Campus policy adopted in 1990 states:

"University policy now expressly prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances, illicit drugs, and alcohol on University property or in connection with any University activity, including work. This policy applies to all students and to all employees, including state classified personnel. Any employee whose act in violation of the policy also results in a conviction under a criminal drug statute must report the conviction in writing to the employee's departmental supervisor within five days. The University, in turn, is obliged by law to report certain convictions to the federal government.

The University will impose sanctions for violation of this policy, which may include mandatory participation in a rehabilitation program, or disciplinary action such as reprimand, suspension, salary reduction, demotion, or termination of employment for employees, and for students a warning, probation, suspension, ineligibility for financial assistance, athletic ineligibility, expulsion from University housing, or dismissal or expulsion from the University Itself. Sanctions will be imposed in accordance with applicable laws and University processes. Grievance and appeal procedures will remain available to assure that due process is afforded to those who are subjected to disciplinary action."

Current Policies:

1. The CSU Academic Faculty and Administrative Professional Manual, sec.I.16, states in part: No member of the academic community (faculty members, administrative professionals, staff, and students) may unlawfully possess, use, manufacture, dispense, or distribute controlled substances, illicit drugs, or alcohol on University property or as a part of any University activity. The University, through its established committees and procedures, will impose sanctions on students and employees found to be in violation of this policy, possibly including, but not limited to, one (1) or more of the following: required rehabilitative treatment, reprimand, probation, expulsion, eliminating or lowering salary increases for a period of time, temporary suspension with or without pay, termination, and referral to civil authorities for prosecution consistent with local, State, and Federal law and University policy.

University employees who are convicted under a criminal drug statute for an act in violation of this policy must report the conviction to their appropriate supervisor in writing within five (5) days.

For the complete Policy, click on the AF/AP Manual link, below.

2. The CSU Student Conduct Code, Art.III, Section A(16) expressly prohibits the use, possession, manufacturing, or distribution of alcoholic beverages on campus. Other proscribed conduct relating to alcohol and drugs is clearly set forth in other sections of the Code. See link below.

Marijuana and Other Illicit Drugs on Campus:

1. CSU is required under the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C. §701, et seq.) and the Federal Drug-Free schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 (20 U.S.C. §1011i; 34 C.F.R. §86.1, et seq.) to adopt a policy with specific provisions that prohibit the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, and use of illicit drugs and alcohol in the workplace. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in significant detriment to the institution, including the loss of all federal grants for up to a five-year period. CSU complies with these requirements by maintaining the policies noted herein.

2. The State of Colorado, Department of Personnel and Administration, maintains a Universal Policy for all state employers, entitled “Impairment in the Workplace,” that is instructive. The policy may be viewed by clicking the link below. As an institution of higher education, Colorado State University has the authority to maintain its own policies that are consistent with the state’s policy, and does so. For more information, see the annual Safety Update and Alcohol/Drug Policy published by CSUPD and the Vice President for Student Affairs. See the State of Colorado Policy Statement link below.

3. CSU students and employees should understand that possessing, using or selling marijuana continues to be prohibited on campus and during University activities. Amendment 64 legalizes certain activities related to marijuana under Colorado law, yet Amendment 64 specifically authorizes the University - as a school and an employer - to prohibit the possession and use of marijuana. In addition, although Amendment 64 passed in Colorado, the possession and use of marijuana is still prohibited under federal law. As a federally controlled substance, the use and possession of marijuana is prohibited by CSU policy and the CSU Student Conduct Code, and is not permitted on campus. For further details on CSU's policy on marijuana, click here.

Compliance Resources:

For information and compliance guidance on the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, click on the links below.

• Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (amendments to Higher Education Act)
• 34 C.F.R. Part 86 – Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Regulations

For further information on University Policies and Programs Concerning Drugs and Alcohol, select from the Policy Links below.

Colorado State University complies with The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in the areas of employment, public accommodations and services, public transportation and telecommunications. The Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity is responsible for the coordination of University compliance with ADA.

Acquisition of animals to be used for teaching, testing or research at Colorado State University is subject to certain required approvals and procedures. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approval is required prior to acquisition of animals unless the purchase is made from CSU Laboratory Animal Research (LAR). Animals acquired by or for the use of CSU or its departments are subject to the policies referenced below.

For further information, contact the University Veterinarian at (970) 491-5668.

Colorado State University supports the adoption of animals whenever feasible as a positive alternative to euthanasia.

Research, testing and teaching activities involving the use of live vertebrate animals must be approved by the Colorado State University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) before they can be commenced. Protocols describing the animal use activity must be submitted to the IACUC for review and approval. The IACUC is also mandated to review concerns, raised by anyone, regarding the care and use of animals at Colorado State University. For more information on all CSU policies concerning animal welfare, click the link below.

No person owning or having under his/her control any animal, shall permit such animal to be brought upon University property without a leash/restraint suitably attached to the animal and with the leash/restraint held by the person having such animal under control. No person shall bring any animal into any University building. No person shall ever tie any dog to any University property or any other object within the bounds of the University campus. Exceptions include assistance dogs for physically disabled persons, dogs engaged in law enforcement activities, and similar matters.

To report vicious dogs or in case of animal attack call 911.

This Policy governs the acquisition (accession), protection and deaccession of items in the collection of the University Art Museum and the disposition of proceeds from deacessioned items, as well as the manner in which assets within the Museum's collections are categorized under applicable accounting principles.  Its purposes are to meet prevailing standards in the industry, help assure future accredditation of the University Art Museum, encourage donations to the Museum, and protect the Museum's assets.  The intent of the University in adopting this Policy is to express its commitment to the fiduciary obligations to protect the Museum's assets, both tangible and intangible, and to fully support the University Art Museum in its compliance with the standards set forth by the American Alliance of Museums, including policies related to collection, deacession, and the use of deacccession proceeds. 

The University must adhere to specific procedures in handling asbestos abatement. If asbestos is discovered during the course of any remodeling, maintenance, or construction project, all work must stop immediately in the area where the presence of asbestos is suspected.

University self-governance is based upon the principle of appropriately shared responsibility and joint effort involving the administration, faculty, and students.  Shared responsibility and joint efforts presuppose that all participants employ reasoned discussion as the means of solving problems.  University self-governance requires that students have primary responsibility for regulating their own affairs and a significant voice in shaping policy at the department, college and university level.  The students of Colorado State University, in accordance with the statutes of the State of Colorado, in order to establish and maintain a representative and orderly system of self-government, to assure legal, social and economic justice do ordain and establish this Constitution of the Associated Students of Colorado State University.