Parent Resources

Community Standards and Conflict Resolution

All students at the University of Northern Colorado are bound by the Student Code of Conduct (Student Code).

All Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) are bound by the Registered Student Organization Code of Conduct (RSO). Each code outlines the procedures for due process and general policies for students to know.

Student Records 

Student Disciplinary Records are private as required by law. The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of student records. No one, aside from the student and those with a legitimate educational need, may view a student’s record without written consent from the student. If your student wants to know what is in their record, they may request to view the record through our office. 

Request for Student Disciplinary Records 

More about FERPA and students’ rights 

Parent Notifications 

We send letters to the parent(s) or guardian(s) of students when they were involved in an alcohol or drug incident while under 21 years of age. A partnership between the parent(s) and UNC is valuable to working with your student. We hope that this letter will allow you to open the door to talk with your student about expectations about alcohol and drug use while at school. 

Talk with Your Student

College is a time of great transition and can often be difficult for students and parents. Maintaining a communicative relationship is important. Students can still make decisions and parents can facilitate this process. This is a time for students to stretch their thinking, take interesting and new classes, and begin to separate from parents. As your student explores who they are, we encourage you to support your student by keeping the lines of communication open.

A conversation you can’t afford not to have… 

While your student is away from home, you should talk with them about alcohol and/or drugs. Let them know you’re available to talk and listen. It can do more than shape a life – it can save a life. College Parents of America has developed eight points to assist parents with discussing alcohol issues with their students. They are listed here, along with tips for how and when to begin this important conversation. 

  • Set clear and realistic expectations about your student’s academic performance. Studies show that partying may contribute as much to a student’s decline in grades as difficulty with academic work. 
  • Stress to your student that alcohol and drugs are toxic, and excessive consumption can be deadly. Discourage dangerous drinking habits like: 
    • Participating in drinking games 
    • Hazing 
    • Other similar activities 
  • Encourage your student to intervene when friends are in trouble with alcohol or drugs. Tell your student to stand up for their right to a safe campus environment. Students who do not drink can be affected by the behavior of those who do. Students should discuss problems with their peers, or the residence hall staff. 
  • Understand the alcohol scene on campus and talk to your student about it. Students grossly exaggerate their peers’ use of alcohol and drugs. They tend to consume up to what they perceive to be the norm. Avoid telling tales of drinking exploits from your own college years. Entertaining students with stories of drinking back in “the good old days” normalizes what, even then, was abnormal behavior. 
  • Encourage your student to volunteer in the community. Volunteerism can help structure free time for your student. It can also provide your student with ways to develop job-related skills and gain valuable experience. 
  • Make it clear to your student that underage alcohol or drug consumption and substance-impaired driving are against the law. And, if you drink, you should be a positive role model in the responsible use of alcohol. 

Having conversations around alcohol or drugs can be difficult. Here are some strategies you may want to consider when having a conversation with your student. 

  • Be prepared to establish an ongoing conversation, not a one-time speech. 
  • Evaluate and be willing to articulate your own feelings about alcohol and other drug use. 
  • Be prepared to start the discussion. 
  • Avoid contradictions between your words and your actions. 
  • Speak with other parents of college students who have learned by experience. 
  • Exchange information face-to-face rather than over the telephone. 
  • Look for and create “teachable moments” for your student. These can come from places like news or social media posts that deal with substance use. 
  • Don’t try to talk while your student under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Wait until they are sober. 
  • Make sure you are calm and open. You do not need to exaggerate, because the facts speak for themselves. 
  • Listen actively and try to understand your student’s point of view. 
  • Allow your student to express fears and concerns without your interruption or “preaching.” 
  • Identify potential situations your student may encounter in college. Role-play for your student how they can intervene when someone else is consuming alcohol or drugs. 

Content in this section developed by the Alcohol and Other Drugs program at the University of Colorado Denver.