Alcohol, Drugs, & Smoking on Campus

Drug-Free Environment 

The district is committed to providing its employees, students, student workers and volunteers with a drug free workplace and campus environment. It emphasizes prevention and intervention through education. Health services provides confidential individual counseling for students who have questions or concerns about their use of alcohol or use of other substances, referral to community resources such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, and smoking cessation information and referral.

MCCCD Administrative Procedure 3550

Prohibition of Drugs

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of alcohol* or any controlled substance is prohibited on district property, during district-sponsored field trips, activities or workshops, and in any facility or vehicle operated by the district. Violation of this prohibition will result in appropriate action up to and including termination of employment, expulsion, and referral for prosecution, or, as permitted by law, may require satisfactory participation in an alcohol or drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.

As a condition of employment, employees must notify the district within ten (10) calendar days of any conviction for violating a criminal drug statute while in the workplace. The district is required to inform any agencies that require this drug-free policy within ten (10) calendar days after receiving notice of a workplace drug conviction.

*Alcoholic beverages may be served in the context of certain instructional programs (culinary arts, viticulture, etc.) and at certain college functions per MCCCD Board Policy 3560.

Smoking on Campus

Under California state law, smoking is prohibited within twenty feet of any main exit, entrance, or operable window of any campus building. MiraCosta Community College District also prohibits smoking within twenty feet of any exit, entrance, or operable window of any campus building. Smoking is prohibited inside any indoor area of any campus building, except that smoking may be permitted on stage as part of a theatrical performance. Smoking is prohibited in any enclosed place of employment on campus, including lobbies, lounges, waiting areas, stairwells, and restrooms that are a structural part of any building that is a place of employment.

Smoking is permitted only in outdoor, designated smoking areas. These areas are clearly marked with signs posted at each campus, as well as on campus maps printed in the class schedules, and posted on the college website.

The appropriate committee will review this administrative procedure and the designated smoking areas at least annually and make revisions as needed.

MCCCD Administrative Procedure 3570