Applicability. This Policy applies to all Meridian University Faculty, Staff, Student Employees, Enrolled Students, and prospective students while visiting Meridian's campus or attending a Meridian-sponsored event.Statement of Purpose. Meridian University ("Meridian" or the "University") is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and drug-free learning and working environment that is conducive to intellectual growth and personal development. The University, therefore, prohibits the unauthorized possession, use, manufacture, distribution, and sale of controlled substances, illegal drugs, including marijuana, and illegal drug paraphernalia, in compliance with the requirements of, inter alia, the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (DFSCA) (20 U.S.C. § 1011i), the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and the California Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1990 (Gov. Code § 8350 et seq.).
Updated August 19, 2026
The Policy
The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, use, sale, or being under the influence of illicit drugs and alcohol is strictly prohibited on University property, in University-owned or controlled residential housing, and as part of any University-sanctioned or University-sponsored event or activity. Any questions about this Policy may be directed to the Human Resources Team at humanresources@meridianuniversity.edu or the Legal Affairs Team at legalaffairs@meridianuniversity.edu.Meridian University reserves the right to amend this Policy in accordance with the law or for any other reason that, in its opinion, may require doing so, provided that such reason does not violate applicable law.Special Note on the Use of Marijuana
While California state law (Proposition 64) permits the recreational and medicinal use of cannabis for individuals aged 21 and older, federal law classifies marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance. Because the University receives federal funding, including Title IV student financial aid, it is legally bound by federal mandates. Therefore, marijuana, in any form—such as edibles and extracts and including for medicinal use—remains completely prohibited on all University grounds, in all University-owned or controlled residential facilities, and at all University events, regardless of the age of the individual or the purposes for which it is being used.Compliance and Mandatory Disclosures for Faculty, Staff, and Student Employees
- Condition of Employment. Compliance with this Policy is a strict condition of employment at Meridian University.
- Use of Prescription Medications. This Policy does not prohibit the appropriate use of prescribed medications (excluding marijuana), to the extent that such medication does not impair an employee's job performance or jeopardize their safety or the safety of others. Any employee who takes prescribed medication that could or does impair their job performance or ability to perform the essential requirements of their job, and who believes that they require an accommodation, should inform their supervisor or contact Human Resources. Employees are not required to disclose the medical condition(s) being treated by such prescribed medication. Any employee who shows up for work under the influence of a prescribed medication, and who has not otherwise complied with this Policy, may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
- Right to Require Drug and/or Alcohol Testing. If the University reasonably suspects that an employee has violated this Policy, it may, if and as allowed by law, investigate the matter by, among other things, searching the employee's personal property located at or upon the University's premises, and/or require that the employee take a drug test to test for the presence of drugs or alcohol, which shall be conducted at the University's expense at an independent laboratory chosen by the University. Any employee who is asked to undergo drug or alcohol testing may be placed on paid leave until further notice. An employee who refuses to submit to such testing may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of their employment with Meridian.
- Treatment and Rehabilitation. Meridian University encourages employees with drug and/or alcohol substance abuse problems to seek treatment and/or rehabilitation. Toward that end, employees are responsible for seeking and obtaining such assistance, and they are encouraged to contact Human Resources to obtain guidance about obtaining support through the University's Employee Assistance Plan before their substance-abuse problem results in job-related disciplinary action. An employee's decision to seek such assistance or any treatment for a substance-abuse problem may not be used against them in any disciplinary proceedings. However, an employee is still expected to comply with this Policy, and violations may still subject that employee to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of their employment with Meridian. Employees who have questions about this Policy in relation to a substance abuse problem, and who wish to discuss available support options, are encouraged to contact Human Resources.
- Mandatory Conviction Reporting. Pursuant to California Government Code § 8355, any employee convicted of a criminal drug statute violation for conduct occurring in the workplace must notify Human Resources, in writing, no later than five (5) calendar days after such conviction.
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Disciplinary Actions and Sanctions. Within thirty (30) calendar days of receiving notice of an employee's workplace drug conviction, the University will:
- Take appropriate personnel action against the employee, up to and including immediate termination of employment; and/or
- Require the employee to satisfactorily participate in an approved drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program at the employee's expense.
Availability of Student Medical Amnesty and Good Samaritan Protocol
- Purpose. To ensure that the fear of institutional disciplinary action does not deter students from seeking critical medical attention during an alcohol or drug-related emergency.
- Emergency Medical Assistance Amnesty. A student who experiences a drug or alcohol overdose, or a student bystander who actively seeks immediate emergency medical assistance (e.g., by calling 911 or any school-sponsored security personnel) on behalf of an individual experiencing an overdose, will not be subject to formal University disciplinary sanctions (such as suspension or expulsion) for the personal possession or consumption of alcohol or controlled substances.
- Conditions for Amnesty. In order to receive amnesty in lieu of being subject to punitive disciplinary actions, the student(s) receiving amnesty must meet with the Legal Affairs Team within five (5) business days to discuss recommended substance abuse assessments, educational modules, and/or a restorative counseling program. Failure to complete these health interventions will result in the reinstatement and pursuit of the standard disciplinary process.
- Amnesty Exclusions and Limitations. The amnesty granted under this Policy does not grant immunity from disciplinary action for other accompanying severe violations, including but not limited to physical assault, sexual misconduct, property damage, hazing, or the illicit distribution, sale, or manufacture of controlled substances. Additionally, while first-time minor violations of this Policy may result in less severe sanctions, such as warning, censure, restitution, or referral to a substance abuse counseling or educational program, subsequent and/or repeated violations of this Policy by a student may result in more severe sanctions.
Health and Other Risks of Substance Abuse
The use, misuse, and abuse of alcohol and illicit drugs carry significant psychological and physical health hazards. These include, but are not limited to, the following:- Alcohol: Impairment of central nervous system function, blackouts, liver disease, cardiovascular damage, fetal alcohol syndrome, and fatal respiratory depression due to alcohol poisoning.
- Fentanyl and Prescription Opioids: Rapid psychological and physical dependence, severe respiratory arrest, and a high risk of immediate death via accidental lethal overdose.
- Stimulants (Cocaine/Amphetamines): Severe cardiovascular stress, elevated blood pressure, psychological paranoia, hallucinations, and cardiac arrest.
Support, Recovery, and Emergency Resources
Meridian University provides confidential assistance for students and employees experiencing substance-abuse related difficulties:- For Students: Meridian offers referrals to off-campus rehabilitation programs. For more information about this type of support, please contact the Student Services Team at studentservices@meridianuniversity.edu.
- For Employees: Meridian's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides confidential support, short-term assessment, and/or referral services. For more information about this type of support, please contact Human Resources at humanresources@meridianuniversity.edu.
- Alcoholics Anonymous: www.aa.org
- Al-Anon: www.al-anon.alateen.org
- Narcotics Anonymous: www.na.org
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: www.drugabuse.gov
Disciplinary Action and Sanctions
Meridian University is permitted to take disciplinary action against and impose sanctions on students and employees who violate the standards of conduct outlined in this Policy.For Students. Violations of this Policy may result in sanctions up to and including mandatory educational seminars, disciplinary probation, suspension, and/or permanent expulsion.For Employees. Violations of this Policy by faculty or staff will be handled by Human Resources and may result in disciplinary action up to and including immediate termination of employment.Special Note Regarding Students Who Take Prescription Drugs
Any student taking prescription drugs who believes that their ability to participate in classes, clinical programs, or other events offered by Meridian may be affected by such drug usage is encouraged to request a disability accommodation by contacting Meridian at disabilityservices@meridianuniversity.edu or +1 (833) 256-2295. The disclosure of any such prescription drug usage on the Transformative Learning History form completed by students at the time of their enrollment with Meridian does not relieve any student of the obligation to monitor their use of prescription medications while participating in any classes, clinical programs, or other events offered by Meridian. All students are expected to meet their established program requirements, with or without a reasonable accommodation, while taking prescription drugs.Appendix A: Legal Sanctions and Penalties Matrix
| Jurisdiction / Offense | Legal Classification | Summary of Maximum Statutory Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| Underage Possession / Purchase of Alcohol (CA Bus. & Prof. Code § 25658(b)) | Misdemeanor | 1st Offense: $250 fine; 24–32 hours of
community service at an alcohol treatment center or coroner's office. Subsequent Offense: Up to $500 fine; 36–48 hours of community service. |
| Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor (CA Bus. & Prof. Code § 25658(a)) | Misdemeanor | $1,000 fine and a mandatory minimum of 24 hours of community service. Note: Up to 1 year in jail if the minor consumes the alcohol and causes great bodily injury or death. |
| Driving Under the Influence (DUI) (CA Vehicle Code § 23152) | Misdemeanor (standard first offense) | 1st Offense: Up to 6 months in jail; $390–$1,000 in base fines (escalating to $1,800+ with penalty assessments); mandatory 3-month DUI school; 6-month license suspension; required Ignition Interlock Device (IID). |
| Underage Driving Under the Influence (CA Vehicle Code § 23136 / § 23140) | Administrative / Infraction | BAC 0.01% or higher (under 21): Immediate 1-year
administrative driver's license suspension. BAC 0.05% or higher (under 21): Alcohol infraction charge, mandatory fine, and attendance at an alcohol education program. |
| Possession of Controlled Substances (CA Health & Safety Code § 11350) | Misdemeanor (Prop 47 adjustment) | Up to 1 year in county jail and/or a fine up to $1,000. Note: First-time non-violent offenders may qualify for diversion programs (e.g., PC 1000) instead of incarceration. |
| Possession with Intent to Sell / Distribute (CA Health & Safety Code § 11351) | Felony | Imprisonment in state prison for 2, 3, or 4 years. Fines up to $20,000. |
| Federal Illicit Drug Possession (21 U.S.C. § 844(a)) | Federal Misdemeanor / Felony | 1st Offense: Up to 1 year in prison, minimum $1,000
fine, or both. Subsequent Offenses: Up to 3 years in prison, minimum $5,000 fine, or both. |
| Federal Trafficking / Distribution (21 U.S.C. § 841) | Federal Felony | Imprisonment ranging from 5 years to life, depending on the schedule
and quantity of the drug. Fines up to $10 million for individuals. |