A student enrolling in Merced College may rightfully expect that the faculty and administrators will maintain an environment in which there is freedom to learn. This requires that there be appropriate conditions and opportunities in the classroom and on the campus. As members of the college community, students are encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgment; to engage in sustained and independent search for truth; and to exercise their rights to free inquiry and free speech in a responsible, non-violent manner. Students shall respect and obey civil and criminal law, and are subject to legal penalties for violation of laws of the city, county, state, and nation. Student conduct at Merced College must conform to District and college rules and regulations. Violations of such rules and regulations, for which students are subject to disciplinary action, include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Willful disobedience to directions of college officials acting in the performance of their duties.
2. Violation of college rules and regulations including those concerning student organizations, the use of college facilities, or the time, place, and manner of public expression or distribution of materials.
3. Dishonesty, such as cheating, plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information to the college.
4. Unauthorized entry to, or use of, college facilities.
5. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of college documents, records or identification.
6. Obstruction or disruption of classes, administration, disciplinary procedures, or authorized college activities.
7. Theft of, or damage to, property belonging to the college, a member of the college community, or a campus visitor.
8. Disorderly, lewd, indecent, obscene, or offensive conduct or expression which interferes with the college's primary educational responsibility or adversely affects a student's standing as a responsible member of the college community.
9. Assault or battery, abuse, or any threat of force or violence directed toward any member of the college community or campus visitor engaged in authorized activities.
10. Use, sale or possession on campus of, or present on campus under the influence of, alcoholic beverages or other controlled substances, or any poison classified as such by Schedule D in Section 4160 of the Business and Professions Code.
11. Possession, while on campus or at a college sponsored function, of any of the following weapons (except persons given permission by the College Superintendent/President or designated representatives or member of law enforcement agencies, such as police officers): any instrument or weapons of the kind commonly known as blackjack, sling shot, fire bomb, billy club, sandclub, sandbag, metal knuckles, and dirk, dagger, firearms (loaded or unloaded), such as a pistol, revolver, rifle, etc; any switchblade longer than two inches; any razor with an unguarded blade; any metal pipe or bar used or intended to be used as a club; or any item, such as a chain, used to threaten bodily harm. Ref. Board Policy 5500