ALCOHOL, DRUG, AND SMOKING POLICY
Drug and Alcohol-Free Campus
Merced College is an alcohol and drug free educational institution. In addition to being a violation of state and federal laws, Merced College Board Policy 3550 and Administrative Procedure 3550 Drug-free Environment and Drug Prevention Program, and Board Policy 5500 and Administrative Procedure 5500 Standards of Conduct, make the distribution, possession, use, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal controlled substances, or offering, arranging or negotiating the sale of any drug paraphernalia [as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 11014.5], forbidden on campus, at off-campus centers, or at campus sponsored events or activities [except as noted in Board Policy 3560 and Administrative Procedure 3560 Alcohol Beverages].
The following information is provided to inform the campus community of the disciplinary and/or criminal actions that can result from violations as stipulated in Board Policies and Administrative Procedures 3550 and 5500. Students are asked to review the “Standards of Conduct” section in the College catalog for details regarding legal and disciplinary sanctions for violations of these policies.
As an educational institution, we recognize the importance of providing all members of the college community with information on the effects of alcohol and drug use. Information is available on the Student Health Services website.
If there are any questions regarding these regulations, please contact the Vice-President of Student Services.
Disciplinary Actions
In addition to the penalties stated in the Merced College Board Policies and Administrative Procedures 3550 and 5500, the Merced College Police Department will be notified of the offenses and may initiate criminal action with the Merced County District Attorney’s Office.
Health Risks
Use of controlled substances can lead to memory loss, indifference to academic achievement, impaired judgment, overdose, sudden death, liver disease, psychological disorders, and brain damage. Long-term alcohol abuse can cause ulcers, gastritis, pancreatitis, liver disease, cancer, loss of coordination, heart disease, stroke, emotional distress, sexual dysfunction, and other health problems.
Other problems associated with alcohol and other drug abuse include poor academic or job performance; relationship difficulties; a tendency toward verbal and physical violence; financial stress; injuries or accidents; and violations of the law such as driving under the influence and willfully destroying property.
Alcohol and drug abuse have significant consequences for the health and well-being of those who use, as well as those around them. If you or a fellow student has a drug or alcohol related problem, you are encouraged to contact Student Health Services at (209) 384-6045 for assistance with locating available resources within the community.
Smoke-free District
The Merced Community College District is a smoke-free district. Smoking, the use of tobacco products, and/or the use of unregulated nicotine products (e.g. e-cigarettes) by students, staff, and visitors on any owned, rented or leased Merced Community College District property is prohibited. Violators of Board Policy/Administrative Procedure 3570 may be subject to fines. Board Policy 3570 and Administrative Procedure 3570 Smoking on Campus outlines the policy and procedure for enforcement of the smoke-free District policy.