University Catalog 2016-2017

University of Colorado Boulder
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    Academic Integrity

    A university’s intellectual reputation depends on maintaining the highest standards of intellectual honesty. Commitment to those standards is a responsibility of every student, faculty member and staff member on the University of Colorado Boulder campus.

    Honor Code

    A student-run Honor Code was instituted on the Boulder campus in 2002. The intent of the Honor Code is to establish a community of trust in which students do not plagiarize, cheat or obtain unauthorized academic materials. An Honor Code Council collaborates with the colleges and schools in addressing allegations and instances of academic dishonesty and in assisting to educate all members of the university community on academic integrity issues.

    Breaches of academic honesty include but are not limited to cheating, plagiarism and the unauthorized possession of examinations, papers and computer programs.

    A student accused of academic dishonesty may either accept the accusation made by a faculty member or request a hearing before a student panel, which will make a decision on the accusation of academic dishonesty. In addition to academic sanctions imposed by the faculty, students found responsible for academic dishonesty also face consequences from the Honor Code Council including but not limited to Honor Code probation, education seminars concerning academic writing and ethics, suspension and expulsion from the university. More information about CU-Boulder’s Honor Code may be found at honorcode.colorado.edu.

    The following terms are defined here for the benefit of all members of the university community.

    Cheating

    Cheating is defined as using unauthorized materials or receiving unauthorized assistance during an examination or other academic exercise. Examples of cheating include: copying the work of another student during an examination or other academic exercise or permitting another student to copy one’s work; taking an examination for another student or allowing another student to take one’s examination; possessing unauthorized notes, study sheets, examinations or other materials during an examination or other academic exercise; collaborating with another student during an academic exercise without the instructor’s consent; using unauthorized technologies, such as calculators, computers and smart phones; and/or falsifying examination results.

    Plagiarism

    Plagiarism is defined as the use of another’s ideas or words without appropriate acknowledgment. Examples of plagiarism include: failing to use quotation marks when directly quoting from a source; failing to document distinctive ideas from a source; fabricating or inventing sources; and copying information from computer-based sources, i.e., the Internet.

    Unauthorized Possession or Disposition of Academic Materials

    Unauthorized possession or disposition of academic materials may include: selling or purchasing examinations, papers, reports or other academic work; possessing unauthorized solutions, instruction manuals or texts; taking another student’s academic work without permission; possessing examinations, papers, reports or other assignments not released by an instructor; and/or submitting the same paper for multiple classes without advance instructor authorization and approval.

    Academic Program Discontinuance

    In the event a degree program is discontinued, students currently enrolled in the program have a four-year period in which to complete their degree requirements. This four-year period starts at the end of the academic year in which the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) takes action to discontinue the program. No new or returning students will be admitted into a discontinued degree program. Students not completing the degree requirements in the four-year period are not permitted to receive the discontinued degree. In such cases, credits accumulated may be applied to the overall number of credits required toward graduation, but the student must seek the advice of their college or school to determine how these credits might apply to a new degree program.

    Alcohol and Other Drugs

    In order to create the best possible environment for teaching and learning, the University of Colorado Boulder affirms its support for a responsible campus policy that addresses the inappropriate use of alcohol and other drugs.

    In compliance with the federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, the University of Colorado Boulder prohibits the unlawful manufacture, possession, use or distribution of a controlled substance (illicit drugs and alcohol) of any kind and in any amount. These prohibitions cover any individual's actions that are part of any university activities, including those occurring while on university property or in the conduct of university business away from the campus.

    Information on policies, penalties, health effects and resources available to students and staff regarding alcohol and other drugs can be found online at colorado.edu/aod. These policies are also described by various university offices in several publications:

    Individual and group counseling for students with substance abuse concerns is available through the Counseling and Psychiatry Services department of Wardenburg Health Services (303-492-5654 or 303-492-6766).


    Colorado Creed

    The Colorado Creed, developed by students in 2003, is a code of conduct and a lifestyle by which students at CU-Boulder live. The text of the Creed is:

    As a member of the Boulder community and the University of Colorado, I agree to:

    • Act with honor, integrity and accountability in my interactions with students, faculty, staff and neighbors.

    • Respect the rights of others and accept our differences.

    • Contribute to the greater good of this community.

    I will strive to uphold these principles in all aspects of my collegiate experience and beyond.

    For further information, go to www.colorado.edu/creed.

    Copyright and Fair Use

    The University of Colorado Boulder community respects the intellectual property of others, regardless of the medium by which it is transmitted. This is a cornerstone of academic integrity. We prohibit the use of unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, which is subject to both civil and criminal penalties as well as university procedures.

    Distributing copyrighted materials using peer-to-peer or file-sharing programs is illegal and the university uses technological solutions to deter this activity. Still, the university regularly receives notices of copyright violations and is required by law to take action. Common consequences include loss of network access and referral to the Office of Judicial Affairs. Guidance on campus fair use and copyright issues is provided at ucblibraries.colorado.edu/copyright.

    Institutional Equity and Compliance, Office of

    The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to maintaining a positive learning, working and living environment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, pregnancy, sex, age, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation or political philosophy. The Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance investigates all claims alleging sexual misconduct, harassment and/or discrimination, or related retailiation by students, staff or faculty pursuant to the University of Colorado Sexual Misconduct Policy, the University of Colorado Boulder Policy on Discrimination and Harassment, and the University of Colorado Policy on Amorous Relationships. Investigations are conducted by neutral fact-finders who treat all parties involved with respect and dignity and refer them to appropriate support services as needed. The University is committed to taking appropriate action against those who violate these policies.

    The Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance also provides directly, or assists with the coordination of, educational workshops and trainings for all members of our community designed to promote an inclusive environment and to prevent acts of discrimination, harassment or sexual misconduct.

    For more information or copies of the policies and procedures, or to report an allegation of sexual misconduct or protected class discrimination or harassment, please call 303-492-2127 or visit the Institutional Equity and Compliance website at colorado.edu/institutionalequity.

    Diversity

    "At the University of Colorado Boulder we are committed to building a campus community in which diversity is a fundamental value. People are different and the differences among us are what we call diversity—a natural and enriching hallmark of life. Diversity includes, but is not limited to, ethnicity, race, gender, age, class, sexual orientation, religion, disability, veteran status, gender identity/expression, veteran status, political affiliation or political philosophy and health status. A climate of healthy diversity is one in which people value individual and group differences, respect the perspectives of others and communicate openly." 

    "Diversity is a key to inclusive excellence in education. A diverse learning environment better prepares all students for the world that awaits them. CU-Boulder is committed to enriching the lives of our students, faculty and staff by providing a diverse campus where the exchange of ideas, knowledge and perspectives is an active part of learning."   —from the Guidelines for Diversity Planning

    Final Examinations

    It is the policy of the University of Colorado Boulder to adhere to the final examination schedule as published in the online at the registrar’s website (registrar.colorado.edu) each semester. While it may be appropriate not to give a final in some cases, such as laboratory courses, seminars and colloquia, final examinations are integral parts of the instructional program and should be given in all other undergraduate courses. Unless notified otherwise in writing during the first week of classes, students should assume that an examination will be given.

    In addition to the principles stated above, the following guidelines should be followed by all faculty members and administrators in order to assure fairness and the best possible educational experience for students.

    1. The final examination in a course must be given as scheduled and not at other times, even if the faculty member and all students in a course agree to such a change.
    2. The week of classes preceding the scheduled final examination period should be used primarily for continued instruction and may include the introduction of new material. No hourly examinations are to be given during the seven days preceding the start of the final examination period. However, lab practicums and seminar presentations may be scheduled during this week.
    3. Individual students may be granted a variance from these policies, provided the instructor is satisfied that the exception is based on good and sufficient reasons, and that such an exception for an early or late examination will not prejudice the interests of other students in the course. 
    4. When students have three or more final examinations on the same day, they are entitled to arrange an alternative examination time for the last exam(s) scheduled on that day. When students have two final exams scheduled to meet at the same time, they are entitled to arrange an alternative examination time for the later course offered that day or week. Such arrangement must be made by the deadline to drop the course without dean and instructor permission in the tenth week of the semester. Students should make arrangements with the instructor of the affected course and are expected to provide evidence of these situations to qualify for exceptions.
    5. This policy applies to all undergraduate students, including seniors. Graduating seniors are not exempted from final examinations. Such exemptions are inappropriate on both procedural and academic grounds.
    6. The submission deadline of all grades for each semester is 90 hours after the conclusion of the final exam, minus Sundays and official designated university holidays.

    Personal Safety on Campus

    While the University of Colorado Boulder is a relatively safe place to be, the campus is not a haven from community problems. Through the joint effort of various organizations on campus, CU is committed to providing ample safety resources for faculty, staff and students.

    Specific efforts to promote safety on campus include the provision of adequate lighting, police protection, educational programs and special prevention programs, such as the CU NightRide escort services and laptop and bicycle registration programs. 

    In compliance with the Federal Clery Act, students and employees receive (at the start of the fall semester) information on campus security policies and programs, including crime statistics. The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report can be viewed at www.colorado.edu/clery. In any emergency or life-threatening situation, always call 9-1-1.

    Members of the university community are encouraged to report any incident of threatening or harmful behavior to the University Police at 303-492-6666. Other resources include the Office of Student Conduct at 303-492-5550, the Ombuds Office at 303-492-5077, and the CU-Boulder Alcohol and Other Drugs Program at 303-492-5703. 

    Additional safety information can be found at police.colorado.edu and www.colorado.edu/safety. For information on crime alerts, trends and safety tips, see the CU Police social media pages at www.twitter.com/cuboulderpolice and www.facebook.com/cuboulderpolice.

    Smoking

    For student health and the health of our community, smoking is prohibited in all campus buildings and on all campus grounds. 

    At this time, the use of smoking products of any sort shall be prohibited on all university-owned and operated campus grounds both indoors and outdoors. This smoking ban does not apply to public rights-of-way (sidewalks, streets) on the perimeter of the campus.

    "Smoking," as used in this policy, means smoking any substance, including but not limited to, tobacco, cloves or marijuana. "Smoking Products" include, but are not limited to, all cigarette products (cigarettes, bidis, kreteks, e-cigarettes, etc.) and all smoke-producing products (cigars, pipes, hookahs, etc.). University-owned and operated campus grounds include, but are not limited to: all outdoor common and educational areas; all university buildings; university-owned on-campus housing; campus sidewalks; campus parking lots; recreational areas; outdoor stadiums; and university-owned and leased vehicles (regardless of location). In keeping with university policy, the sale, distribution and sampling of all tobacco products and tobacco-related merchandise is prohibited on all university-owned and operated property and at university-sponsored events. Littering campus with remains of smoking products is prohibited.

    This policy applies to all employees, students, visitors, contractors and externally affiliated individuals or companies renting university-owned space on university-owned and operated property campus grounds.

    Those employees who wish to stop smoking may call the Employee Assistance Program (303-492-3020) for information on available programs. Additional smoking policy information can be found at www.colorado.edu/smokefree/.

    Student Email

    All CU students receive an email account from the university, which is an official means of sending information to students. Students are responsible for maintaining this CU email address. The official email address can be used by professors to contact students and provide course-related information. Administrative offices, such as the Office of the Registrar, use official email addresses to contact students and provide important information. Students are responsible for frequently checking their official CU email address. For more information on the student email policy, visit www.colorado.edu/policies/student-e-mail-policy or call the IT Service Center at 303-735-HELP or email them at HELP@colorado.edu. To learn more about student email accounts, visit www.colorado.edu/oit/email.

    Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution

    Student Conduct Code

    The purpose of the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution is to support community safety, student growth and success by helping students:

    • Reflect on decisions
    • Be accountable for their actions
    • Make decisions in congruence with community standards of conduct

    Clarification of Values

    1. The student will understand the effect of their behavior on others.
    2. The student will demonstrate ethical development, will comply with institutional policy and will commit no further violations of policy.
    3. The student will gain understanding of the institutional values reflected in institutional policies.
    4. The student will gain a better understanding of the importance of personal integrity. Through our process the student will be asked to reflect on their beliefs, ethics and values. The student will be able to articulate their personal ethics and values, will act in congruence with those ethics and values, and will make decisions that reflect their beliefs.
    5. The student will contribute positively to the university community and beyond.
    6. The student will gain a better understanding of the consequences and potential consequences of their personal actions and will learn the purposes of institutional policies.
    7. The student will employ critical thinking in problem solving and ultimately obtain a degree.

    Authority

    Article 7, Part B, of the Laws of the Regents requires each campus to develop a student code of conduct. The Office of Student Conduct is authorized to establish and administer this policy. Any questions regarding interpretation of this code or any of its provisions should be directed to the vice chancellor for student affairs or his/her designee for final determination. Questions regarding behavioral problems should be directed to the Office of Student Conduct, University of Colorado Boulder, 10 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309; phone 303-492-5550.

    Jurisdiction

    This policy governs:

    • Student conduct that occurs on or as it relates to university property, or at official functions and university-sponsored programs conducted away from the campus. University property is defined as land, buildings and facilities in possession of or owned, used or controlled by the university or funded by university budgets.
    • Student conduct that occurs off university property is subject to this policy if it: (1) adversely affects the health, safety or security of any member of the university community or the mission of the university; or (2) involves any records or documents of the university. For purposes of this policy, the university’s mission is broadly defined to include both its academic goals and the importance of developing civic responsibility in its students.

    Student Conduct Process

    Informal Resolution:

    • This process may generally include, but is not limited to, a meeting with a conduct officer, completion of the agreement, and/or participation in the Restorative Justice program as is referenced in H.5.
    • During the meeting, if the conduct officer determines that the informal resolution process may be appropriate, the conduct officer will offer it as an option to the student and address any questions the student may have about the process. If the student accepts responsibility for the alleged prohibited conduct and agrees to and completes the agreement developed during the meeting, then the OSC will consider the matter to be resolved informally.

    Formal Resolution:

    • This process generally includes written notice of the factual allegations and alleged violations of the Student Conduct Code, the opportunity to meet with the conduct officer to address the allegations and provide information to the conduct officer, the conduct officer reviewing the allegations and making factual and violation determinations based on the preponderance of the evidence, and written notice to the student of the conduct officer’s determinations.

    All students residing in Housing & Dining Services facilities are subject to Residence Hall policies or any policy properly communicated through Housing and Dining Services staff. See Residence Hall Policies at https://housing.colorado.edu/policies-procedures/residence-hall-handbook for more information

    Proceedings initiated under this policy are separate from civil or criminal proceedings that may relate to the same incident. Investigations or conduct proceedings by the university are not postponed while criminal or civil proceedings are pending, unless otherwise determined by the conduct officer.

    The unexcused failure of a student to appear and/or respond to the conduct process does not prevent the university from proceeding with the conduct process.

    Cases involving sexual misconduct (including sexual assault, sexual harassment, intimate partner violence and gender/sex-based stalking), protected class discrimination and harassment and any related retaliation are subject to the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance Process and Procedures http://www.colorado.edu/institutionalequity/policies. For more information, contact the Office of Institutional Equity & Compliance at (303) 492-2127 or www.colorado.edu/institutionalequity .

    Excerpts from the Colorado Revised Statutes regarding hazing, ethnic intimidation and riots are also presented. Colorado law prohibits persons convicted of rioting from enrolling in state-supported universities/colleges for 12 months following the date of a conviction.

    For information about classroom behavior, see the following website: www.colorado.edu/policies/classbehavior.html.