The Division of Student Life operates a number of offices, facilities, programs and organizations that exist primarily to enhance and support students’ academic lives at the university. 

HOUSING 

Freshman Live-in Policy 

All single, first year freshmen under the age of 21 with a home address more than 50 miles from campus, are required to live in the Belmont Residence Hall.  The housing agreement is for the entire academic year.  All questions regarding this policy should be directed toward the Housing Office staff.  They can be reached at 719-549-2602. 

Belmont Residence Hall 

Belmont Residence Hall (BRH) houses nearly 500 students in three wings, which are joined by a large commons area.  The common area serves as a gathering area and a large-screen television viewing area.  The housing office and student mailroom are located adjacent to the area.  The lower level of the commons area consists of a recreation area (including a court for volleyball and basketball), study lounge/music room, and laundry facilities. BRH also has a computer lab, pool table, ping-pong table, video arcade, and an ice machine.  Our front desk has extended hours and is staffed by students to answer questions and check out equipment.  All rooms are designed for two people, although single occupancy is available. First year students are not guaranteed a single room.  Freshmen can be placed on a single room waiting list based on the date in which the Housing Office received their room reservation form and deposit. Rooms are approximately 12 feet by 13 feet in size.  Each room contains two extra long twin beds, with drawer space below, two desks with a study lamp built into the desk, two bookshelves, and two desk chairs. 

A $125 deposit must accompany each application for space in BRH; $25 of the deposit is used as an application fee and is non-refundable; $100 of the fee is used as a security/damage deposit. The deposit is held in escrow for the duration of the student’s occupancy. 

University Village at Walking Stick 
(In cooperation with The University of Southern Colorado)

University Village at Walking Stick is an on-campus apartment community for students at the University of Southern Colorado. University Village offers a unique on-campus housing opportunity for sophomores, juniors, seniors and students exempt form the BRH live-in requirement. 

These newly constructed and spacious two-story town homes are energy efficient, feature apartment controlled heating and air-conditioning, and are 10-Base T Ethernet ready.  Each student at University Village has an individual housing contract to fit his or her academic housing needs.  Full calendar year occupancy is always available and by design University Village students are not required to purchase a meal plan. 

University Village is located west of BRH and the Art/Music Building and across from the Walking Stick Golf Course.  Students at University Village experience a more private living environment while in the heart of USC campus life.  Classes and campus facilities, just minutes away, are easily accessible and convenient for a busy student’s life. 

The two-story apartment floor plan features two private locking bedrooms and a semi-private locking vanity and bathroom on each floor.  The main level of the apartment also features a living room, dining area and modern kitchen, equipped with dishwasher, range and refrigerator; while the second story offers a quiet, spacious study loft with free, convenient 10-Base T Ethernet access to the Web. 

Study in the privacy of your own home or lounge on your patio, grill your dinner and enjoy the magnificent mountain views available at University Village.  University Village also features a spacious and inviting clubhouse and office, on-site professional management, a 24-hour laundry facility, an outdoor basketball court and on-site parking. 

University Village at Walking Stick is Pueblo’s only student-centered apartment community, built and designed with the student in mind. Discover why we think University Village at Walking Stick is “The students’ choice for on-campus apartment living”.  Make it your choice!  Join us at University Village at Walking Stick! 

Call of stop by the office for academic year and summer housing contract information or to schedule a tour of one of our apartment homes.  You may also visit our website or email us for more information. 

University Village at Walking Stick
4000 Walking Stick Boulevard 
Pueblo, Co 81001 
Phone: (719) 549-2860 
Fax: (719) 549-2861
Email: walkingstick@colostate-pueblo.edu 
Website: www.uscolo.edu/walkstik 

Off-campus Housing 

The Occhiato Center Office maintains a file of off-campus, privately owned rooming houses and apartments.  Since listings change rapidly, prepared housing lists are not furnished. 

Housing for Married Students 

Presently, no housing is available on campus for married students. Married students should contact the Occhiato Center Office (Room 113) for referral to housing in the community. 

Contract Board Policies 

Belmont Residence Hall students are required to contract for meals at the university.  Meal plans are purchased each semester and allow the student full dining privileges for that term.  Meal passes are not transferable.  Special diets prescribed by a physician are given consideration. 

FOOD SERVICE 

Campus food services are located in the Occhiato Center.  The cafeteria is on the main floor.  Serving hours are: 

Monday through Friday 

Saturday and Sunday 

The La Cantina is located on the lower level of the Occhiato University Center and is open during Fall & Spring semesters while classes are in session. 

A small restaurant, the Aspen Leaf, is on the top floor of the center. Serving hours are from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  weekdays when classes are in session.  The Pavillion Convenience Store is located just West of the Hasan School of Business.  The store is operated by our food service vendor and serves as a “grab and go” type of food and drink station.  The hours of operation Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.  They accept cash and fiesta cash. 

Students may go to the Auxiliary Services Office, Occhiato University Center, Room 101 to purchase “Fiesta Cash”.  Fiesta cash may be used in all food service areas located in the Occhiato University Center. 

STUDENT LIFE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES 

Counseling 

The mission of the Counseling Center is to provide students with a means to more fully understand those issues that interface with the effective functioning of their lives and to then support them as they make new or different choices.  We are not here to “analyze”  individuals or to give them advice.  Rather it is our intent to act as guides for students who are attempting to live happier, more enjoyable, productive lives. 

Your visits with a counselor are confidential and the records of your counseling sessions are kept separate from you academic records. There are some exceptions to confidentiality and they relate to those  situations in which an individual describes behavior that indicates a potential for child or elder abuse, threats to harm oneself or someone else, or instances where their behavior would indicate a risk to national security. 

The Counseling Center staff operates in a manner consistent with the concept that any client of the Center should be fully informed of their treatment options and should participate in decisions as to the nature of that treatment. We also work to honor and protect each individual’s values, beliefs, and general orientation of life.  We act in a manner that demonstrates respect for and supports an individual regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or country of origin. 

The Center’s staff works with individuals whose concerns include stress, depression, loneliness, difficulty adjusting to college life, difficulty adjusting to life in America, suicidal thoughts, relationship violence, sexual assault, addictions, eating disorders, and marriage and family conflict to name a few.  Crisis services are provided during regular business hours. 

The Counseling Center also offers walk-in consultation, which is available to anyone who has a particular question about a mental health issue.  This service is provided to help the student who has a question, who doesn’t believe they need counseling, to talk to a  counselor in order to get specific information related to their question.  The Counseling Center is free service to all USC 
students. 

Experiential Learning Center 

The Experiential Learning Center encompasses Outdoor Programs, USC Challenge Rope Course, Wilderness Education Association Certification, Climbing Wall and Intramural Sports.  The Center is located in Room 004 of the Occhiato Center.  Inquiries and questions can be made to: (719) 549-2085.  Everyone is encouraged and welcome to all of the activities offered by ELC 

Outdoor Programs 

The office of Outdoor Programs (ODP) offers trips designed to provide maximum access to outdoor activities at a reasonable cost. Four programs serve as the foundation of the ODP: Mountain Orientation which takes place in the Colorado Rockies right before school starts in the fall; Winter Orientation in January which is a backcountry ski trip into the huts of the Tenth Mountain trail; Desert Orientation during spring break in which students spend a week in the Sonoma Desert and Mexico; and finally in May there is a Canyon 
Orientation where students travel to the canyon country of Utah. ODP also offers one-day and weekend mountaineering trips, climbs, bike rides, and of course ski ventures to many of Colorado’s finest resorts. 

The Outdoor program activities are open to student, faculty, staff, alumni and guests of the university. ODP trips are a great way for participants to develop new friendships, learn lifelong wilderness skills, develop leadership skills, increase interpersonal skills, and expand appreciation and concern for the environment.  From the first-timer to the expert, ODP has something for everyone. 

USC Challenge Rope Course 

USC Challenge Rope Course consists of a series of 33 elements. The course offers a safe yet challenging environment designed to promote cooperation and group problem solving skills, and develop individual self-confidence. 

Varying in degrees of difficulty, course elements range form the trust building low course to the challenging high courses.  Physical prowess is not necessary for participation.  Teamwork however is essential. 

Located next to the Rawlings Sport Complex, the course is open to all students, faculty, staff, alumni and the general public. While the standard time frames are four and eight-hour sessions, the program director will design customized sessions for your own individual  group needs. Beware, challenge course participants frequently report an increase of sense of joy, self-confidence and well being. 

Wilderness Education Association Leadership Program 

USC is one of twenty institutions that offer the Wilderness Education Association (WEA) Leadership Certificate. Individuals seeking certification are trained in effective judgment, decision-making, leadership, communication and teaching skills. In addition the WEA curriculum incorporates principles of wilderness ethic, land stewardship, effective group dynamics and technical travel skills sufficient to move a group through the wilderness safely with minimum environmental impact. Students who become WEA certified often lead trips offered by the Outdoor Programs.  The WEA program is open to all students. 

Climbing Wall 

USC has a 28 by 32 foot climbing wall that is located in the Northeast corner of the Massari Arena. Routes are designed for the beginner to advance climber. Climbing shoes, harnesses, and any other equipment needed for a safe and fun day on the wall are available. Instructors are provided to teach participants how to belay, climb and use correct knots. 

Intramural Sports and Recreation 

Intramural’s involves students and staff in organized recreation and sports activities. Coeducational and men’s and women’s activities are offered in a variety of sports. They are: co-ed volleyball, co-ed bowling, co-ed badminton, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s basketball, and flag football, and individual  competitions in table tennis, billiards and racquetball. Each year additional activities are added dependent on interest. All students are encouraged to participate, either as individuals or with teams. 

T.L.C. (Tackling Life’s Choices)/Drug Prevention and Awareness Program 

The Tackling Life’s Choices program is a dynamic and proactive approach to changing the perception of the USC community and of the college culture by the promotion of healthy lifestyle choices. Its mission statement is to create an environment on campus that promotes healthy lifestyle choices for health and spiritual wellness and the prevention of alcohol and drug abuse. 

Leadership Education and Development 
(LEAD Program) 

The LEAD Program is a planned, structured approach to building and enhancing leadership and inter-personal skills. The purpose of the LEAD Program is to enroll and retain students with proven leadership ability. The program also provides students with opportunities to volunteer in the community, develop leadership abilities and contribute to academic and student life at the university. Participants of the LEAD Program are required to live in the Belmont Residence Hall. Participants will receive a $750 room waiver/scholarship per semester for as long as they live in the residence hall and successfully complete the LEAD Program  requirements.  For more information about this program, please contact the Office of Student Life at (719) 549-2586. 

Women and Non-Traditional Students Services (WANTS) 

The WANTS Center is an informal social and educational environment for women and non-traditional students where they can become aware of the services and programs of the university and local community. The WANTS Center provides many of the  conveniences of a home away from home. It is a place where students can hang their hat, warm a lunch, or relax and network with other students. Students who work the center also plan programs and activities for the USC community. Past programs include the Annual Halloween Carnival, Holiday Food Basket Distribution,  Personal Finance Workshops, and Nacho Days. The WANTS Center is located in Psychology Building, Room 142. 

Special Events Committee 

In 1999 the USC Concert Committee was formed by a referendum enacted by the student body, which proposed a concert fee in order to bring nationally recognized musical talent to the campus of USC. The fee was established to aid in retention efforts of the University and to enhance the quality of campus life. In the spring of 2001, the fee was changed to a permanent fee and renamed the Special Events Fee. 

The Special Events fee is used to bring nationally recognized speakers, musical talent and performing arts events to the campus of USC.  In addition, the fee may be used to fund special events as designated by the Special Events Committee. Recent events  sponsored by the committee include: Vertical Horizon/Nine Days musical concert, Madrigal Dinner, Winterfest, Second City Comedy Club, and Parti Gras. 

Student Health Services 

“The mission of the University of Southern Colorado Student Health Services is to help each student achieve maximum physical health so that each may participate fully in the educational and personal growth opportunities afforded by the University. Student Health  Services is committed to providing the highest quality primary health care, health education/promotion, through trust-based, caring, accessible and affordable services. All activities and programs of the Student Health Services operate to assure a nonjudgmental  environment and sensitivity to individuals with disabilities and those representing diverse cultural, racial, religious, gender or sexual orientation groups.” 

Students are encouraged to visit the health clinic whenever necessary.  Patients are seen by appointment.  Walk-ins will be seen at the first available time. Student Health Services is in the back courtyard of the Occhiato University Center (to the left of the cafeteria exit). 

Student Activities Board 

The Student Activities Board (SAB) is located in the lower level of the Occhiato University Center, Room 002. The mission of the Student Activities Board is to enhance the educational experience of students by creating an atmosphere, which promotes  educational  stimulation, cross-cultural awareness, interpersonal skills building, leadership development, entertainment, and fun. 

Throughout the academic year, the Student Activities Board promotes events that motivate, challenge, and encourage divergent thinking through lecturers, poetry, symposiums, open mic nights, and special theme weeks. The Student Activities Board also provides  events that promote social opportunities such as the Town & Gown Series, and Casino Night. The Student Activities Board celebrates the rich culture and diversity of the University of Southern Colorado campus community, through international celebrations like Black  History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Native American Month, and Asian American Month to name a few. Finally, Student Activities Board provides programs that entertain such as virtual reality  experiences, comedians, hypnotists, illusionist, jugglers, novelty items, and movies. 

Co-Curricular Transcript Service 

Co-Curricular transcripts are official USC transcripts of all the activities a student is involved in other than sses. Its purpose is to help students in the process of searching for jobs as an official part of the application. The transcript provides potential employers with information relating to various skills, leadership opportunities, and experiences of the applicant. Students interested in the service should contact the }Student Activities Office, Occhiato University Center, Room 036. 

Associated Students’ Government (ASG) 

All registered USC students who have paid fees are members of the Associated Students’ Government (ASG). ASG is the students’ governing body and promotes student life and the general welfare of the student body.  It also addresses student concerns and/or complaints regarding any campus issue. ASG also works to make students aware of administrative decisions on campus by having Senators as representatives on most of the boards and committees on campus. 

ASG functions through three branches of government: legislative, executive and judicial. The legislative branch, the ASG Senate, is composed of 15 senators elected from the student body. It is presided over by the speaker of the Senate. The executive branch consists of the president and the vice president. The judicial branch is composed of five justices, one of whom is designated the chief justice.  The senate meets weekly. 

Clubs 

USC students have opportunities to take part in the activities of a number of clubs, organizations, and honor societies. Membership often is based on special qualifications. Students interested in starting a new official campus group must first find a faculty or staff member willing to sponsor the group. Students then must obtain a charter packet from the Associated Students Government (ASG) Office and complete and return the forms to ASG. Five copies of a proposed constitution should be submitted to the chairperson of the Club Organization and Facilitating Committee (COFC). 

Following is a list of the Campus Clubs: 

Every effort has been made to list all chartered student clubs at the time this catalog went to press. For further information or an updated list of student clubs or organizations, contact the Associated Students’ Government Office, Occhiato Center, Room 201, or call  (719) 549-2866. 

Alpha Lambda Delta 
Alpha Sigma Alpha (Sorority) 
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) 
Association of Information and Technology 
Professionals (A.I.T.P.) 
Association of Peer Educators (APES) 
Association of Worksite Health Promotion (AWHP) 
Automotive Booster Club Black Student Organization (BSO) 
Catholic Students’ Union (CSU) 
Chemistry Club 
Christian Challenge 
College Republicans 
Colorado international Student Association 
CoPirg 
English Club 
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) 
Gamer’s Guild 
Hawaii Club 
Hungry Eye Literary Club 
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 
Institute of Industrial Engineers 
International Facility Management Association (IFMA) 
International Soccer Club 
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) 
Kappa Sigma (Fraternity) 
La Association De Espanol 
La Sociedad de Las Hermanas y Los Hermanos 
LaCrosse Club 
Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity 
Mamas and Papas of Daycare 
Marketing Club 
Masters of Business Association (MBA) 
Medical Science Society 
Mexican American Engineers and Scientists (MAES) 
Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan (MECHA) 
National Assoc. for the Advancement of 
Colored People (NAACP) 
Native Collegiate Council 
Nu-Delta (Fraternity )
One-in-Ten 
Past Masters History Club 
Phi Alpha Pre-law Fraternity 
Physical Educators Club 
Pre-Law Club 
Professional Recreation Association 
Psychology Club/Psi Chi* 
Racquetball Club 
Residence Hall Association (RHA) 
Sailing Club 
Sigma Tau Delta, Lambda Chapter 
Society of Human Resource Management 
Society of Mexican Engineers and Scientists 
Society of Physics Students (SPS) 
Society of Women Engineers 
Student Athletic Trainers Club 
Student Social Work Association (SSWA) 
Tau Alpha Pi 
Teacher Education Association 
Team USC 
Thunderwolves Dance Squad 
Tri Beta Biology Club 
University Village @ Walking Stick Executive Board (UVWS) 
USC Ambassadors 
USC Art Club 
USC Chess Club 
USC Country Club 
USC Rodeo Club 
USC Running Club 
USC Sign Language Club 
USC Students in Free Enterprise 
USC Table Tennis 
Young Life-Pueblo 

ATHLETICS 

USC views participation in intercollegiate athletics as a beneficial experience and a worthwhile part of the entire educational process. Sports contribute significantly to student life at USC. The sports offered take place either in the spring or fall. Fall sports include: men’s and women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, golf, and men’s and women’s basketball. Those sports played in the spring include: women’s softball, men’s baseball, golf, and tennis.  All students are invited to participate. The university is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II and the Rocky Mountain  Athletic Conference. USC sponsors the following 

intercollegiate sports: 

Men:                basketball, baseball, soccer, golf, 
                        and tennis 

Women:          volleyball, basketball, soccer, softball, 
                        and tennis 

MASSARI ARENA AND SAM JONES SPORTS CENTER 

This facility is located directly east of the Occhiato University Center. It includes a large indoor swimming pool, four racquetball courts, a weight room (including free weights, stationary bicycles, stair climbers, etc.), and the gymnasium. Racquetball equipment may be checked out at the Massari Arena Office. 

RAWLINGS OUTDOOR SPORTS COMPLEX 

The Rawlings Outdoor Sports Complex consists of tennis courts, baseball and softball fields and a soccer field. These areas are used by sports teams for training and for use by student and public groups. 

STUDENT CONDUCT 

The dean of student life and development, or his/her designee, is responsible for promoting observance of student code of conduct, enforcing the standards, and administering sanctions for violations of the code. If it is determined that a student has violated a university  regulation, a sanction may be imposed. Sanctions range from warning to expulsion from the university. Decisions made by the dean of student life and development, or his/her designee, may be appealed to the Campus Appeals Board, the highest hearing and appeal board for non-academic matters at the university. 

Students participating in the university’s intercollegiate athletic programs are also subject to the Athletic 

Department’s Code of Conduct. 

Details of the hearing processes, including the provost’s authority to intervene, are contained in the Student Code of Conduct Handbook which contains a detailed explanation and description of institutional disciplinary philosophy, rules and regulations. Decisions involving  academic infractions, appeals, etc., must follow the procedures established by the academic division of the university. 

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT 

Members of the University of Southern Colorado community are expected to observe the laws of the City of Pueblo, the State of Colorado, and the Federal Government, and to respect the rights and privileges of other members of the community. USC students, non-students, faculty, and staff, upon entrance to the university, neither gain nor lose any of their rights or responsibilities of citizenship. 

As a community, USC has the obligation to establish those regulations that best serve and protect its integrity as an institution of higher learning. Activities which will render students or non-students subject to disciplinary action are as follows: 

1)     violation of federal, state and city laws and ordinances or any other conduct that adversely affects the functions of the university in the pursuit of its educational mission or objectives; 

2)     attempted or actual theft and/or damage to property of the university or of a member or guest of the university community; 

3)     unauthorized entry into or use of university or  university- controlled \facilities or property; 

4)     failure to comply with directions of university officials acting in the performance of their duties; 

5)     unauthorized possession, duplication or use of keys to any university premises or unauthorized entry to or use of university premises; 

6)     violation of the university’s and/or residence hall’s regulations and rules related to the use, possession or consumption of alcoholic  beverages; 

7)     use, sale, distribution or possession of drugs, controlled substances, barbiturates, etc., not authorized by a physician or expressly permitted by law; 

8)     violation of published university, campus or residence hall policies, rules or regulations; 

9)     hazing, defined as an act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or which destroys or removes public or private property, for the purpose of initiation, admission  into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization; 

10)   disorderly conduct or loud, indecent or obscene conduct on university or university-controlled property or at university-sponsored functions; 

11)   physical or verbal abuse, threats, harassment, coercion or intimidation of anyone on university-controlled premises or at university-sponsored functions or any conduct that endangers or threatens to endanger the health, safety, or well-being of any person; 

12)   dishonesty, such as cheating, plagiarism, misrepresenting oneself or facts or knowingly  furnishing false information to any person or agency within the university community; 

13)   any form of academic dishonesty, including the acquisition of tests or other academic material  belonging to a member of the university community without proper authorization, whether for personal gain or for the benefit of someone else; 

14)   forgery, alterations or misuse of any university documents, records, of instruments of identification with intent to defraud or mislead; 

15)   tampering with the election of any university-recognized student organization; 

16)   violation of university traffic or parking regulations; 

17)   intentional obstruction or disruptions or inciting others to obstruct or disrupt teaching, meetings, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings or other authorized university activities; 

18)   obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on university premises or at university-sponsored or supervised functions; 

19)   possessing or using illegal or unauthorized firearms, explosives, dangerous chemicals, or other weapons on university-owned or controlled property; 

20)   public intoxication, use, possession, distribution or consumption of alcoholic beverages on  university property; except in those areas  authorized by the university and then only those types of beverages authorized by the university; 

21)   failing to show proper identification to university police officers or other university staff (acting in an official capacity) when requested to do so; furnishing false information to any university official, faculty member or office; 

22)   abuse of the judicial system, including but not limited to: 

        a) failure to obey a summons of a judicial body or university          official; 

        b) falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information before a judicial body; 

        c) disruption or interference with the orderly conduct of a judicial proceeding; 

        d) institution of a judicial proceeding knowingly without cause; 

        e) attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participation   in, or use of, the judicial system; 

        f) attempting to influence the impartiality of a member of a judicial body prior and/or during the course of, the judicial proceeding; 

        g) harassment (verbal or physical) and/or intimidation of a member of a judicial body prior to, during, and/or after a judicial proceeding; 

        h) failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under the Standards of Conduct; 

        i) influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the judicial system; 

23)   failure to meet financial obligations to the university; 

24)   tampering with fire equipment in any manner; 

25)   any fraudulent misuse of university computer hardware or software; 

26)   any violation of the safety requirements for food sales by student groups; 

27)   any action which would violate the USC policy on demonstrations and mass gatherings; 

28)   stalking—to follow or harass repeatedly another person so as to put that person in fear for their safety; and 

29)   Attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit any violation of items 1 to 28 as cited above. 

GROUP OFFENSES 

1)     Societies, clubs, or similar organized groups in, or recognized by the university are subject to the same USC Standards of Conduct as those for individuals in the community. 

2)     The knowing failure of any organized group to exercise preventive measures relative to violations of the USC Standards of Conduct  by member will constitute a group offense. 

VIOLATIONS OF LAW ON CAMPUS 

To protect its educational mission, the university takes a firm stand concerning violations of law on campus. The University Police are charged with the responsibility of maintaining law and order at the University of Southern Colorado and for enforcing all laws, local ordinances and regulations of the university, except when such  enforcement is, by such law, made the responsibility of another department, official or agency. 

Deliberate illegal activity, which comes to the attention of USC officials is not tolerated.  No one should assume that USC is a sanctuary for persons breaking the law. At USC, each individual is responsible for his or her behavior. An offense requiring police action may also be treated internally as a university disciplinary  matter.  A full document detailing police policies and statistics is available from the police upon request.