March 3, 2011

March 3, 2011

Dear Students,

The spring semester is well under way and the campus is buzzing with programs, lectures and events. There are also many activities happening off campus.

In the past few weeks, we have become increasingly concerned about partying — with underage drinking — taking place off campus. While we want students to have a well-rounded social experience at UC Merced, our primary concerns remain on your academic success and personal health and safety. The abuse of alcohol by members of the campus community conflicts with the goals of the university.

Regardless of your age, if you choose to drink, do so responsibly and be aware of the consequences. Before hosting a party, make an appointment with a staff or student health educator to learn ways to minimize negative consequences associated with your event.

Students are accountable to state and local laws, as well as the campus' Student Code of Conduct — which addresses the unauthorized possession, distribution or consumption of alcohol — on or off campus. In addition, the city of Merced has a social host ordinance that places liability upon persons who serve, or allow to be served, alcohol to minors on their residential property, and state law allows civil claims against persons over 21 who provide alcohol at their residence to an underage person if the event results in injury.

If you host a party, be a good neighbor. Moderate the noise level in order to build positive relationships with neighbors. Loud parties with public drunkenness lead to complaints, which can lead to arrests or university judicial sanctions.

We urge each of you to make informed and responsible choices and always keep an eye on your fellow classmates. Intervene when necessary and call the local law enforcement should a situation arise. Call 9-1-1 immediately if an individual is experiencing the following:

• passed out and cannot be awakened;
• cold, clammy and/or bluish skin;
• slow or irregular breathing; or
• repeated and uncontrolled vomiting.

Here are a few resources to have on hand:

• Health Promotion and the HEROES Program — Talk with staff or trained student health educators about strategies for drinking responsibly, hosting a safe party and legal implications of underage alcohol use. (209-228-4191 or heroes@ucmerced.edu)
• AlcoholScreening.org — A free and anonymous assessment of your individual behaviors related to alcohol use. This website also provides tips on drinking responsibly.

Have an academically successful and healthy semester!

Jane Lawrence, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Charles Nies, Ph.D., Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Fuji Collins, Ph.D., Assistant Vice Chancellor for Health and Wellness