Mount St. Mary's College Policies

Alcohol Policy

Mount St. Mary’s College encourages students to adopt responsible and healthy behaviors regarding the use of alcohol. Any student demonstrating inappropriate or disruptive behavior associated with the use of alcohol may be subject to college disciplinary action. All students may obtain confidential health care and counseling through Student Health Services.

In accordance with California Law,

  • Only persons 21 years of age or older may consume alcoholic beverages.
  • It is unlawful to sell, furnish, give, or cause to be sold, furnished, or given away any alcoholic beverage to any person under the age of 21 years old. (California Penal Code Section 272)
  • Any person under the age of 21 years of age who has any alcoholic beverage in his/her possession on any street or highway or in any public place is guilty of a misdemeanor. (Business and Professional Code Section 25662_

Doheny Campus Alcohol Policy

Mount St. Mary's College prohibits traditional underage students and their guests from possessing and consuming alcoholic beverages on or around the Doheny Campus. Furthermore, it is a violation of the college's alcohol policy to display alcoholic containers either full or empty anywhere on campus.

Chalon Campus Alcohol Policy

  • Students of legal drinking age (21 years) have the right to consume and possess alcoholic beverages in a residence hall living space ONLY.
  • The door to that room must remain closed at all times while alcohol is being consumed. An open door nullifies this privilege.
  • All present occupants, including guests, must be 21 years of age or older.
  • No alcohol is to be consumed in the presence of an underage resident/student/guest.
  • Alcohol may only be stored by residents over the age of 21 in a paper bag in his/her closet if he/she has a roommate who is not of the legal drinking age.
  • The transfer of alcohol to the rooms must be direct and the alcohol must be unopened and in a paper bag.
  • The visual display of empty or full alcohol containers is not permitted regardless of age.
  • To dispose of empty alcohol containers, students of legal drinking age (21 years) must wrap containers in a paper bag before disposing of them.
  • Drinking games of any kind are not permitted on campus at any time.
  • The Residence Life staff has the right to question the age of any student/guest who is transporting, consuming, or possessing alcohol.
  • Falsification of age, verbally or otherwise, will lead to a more sever disciplinary conduct resolution.
  • All guests found in violation of the alcohol and other drugs policy will be escorted off campus immediately by the Department of Campus Security.
  • A Residence Life staff member can confiscate alcohol due to (1) underage possession, (2) open containers, (3) excessive amounts or (4) consumption of alcohol in the presence of an underage resident/student.guest.
  • Kegs are not allowed in the residence halls.
  • Alcoholic beverages may not be sold, consumed or served at any college event sponsored by students or student organizations.
  • Alcohol permists: no alcohol permits will be issued to MSMC students for events that occur on-campus.
  • Safety: the inability to exercise care for one's own safety or the safety of others due in whole or in part to alcohol consumption is considered a violation of policy.

Students who violate California's laws or College policies regarding the use of alcohol or demonstrate irresponsible and/or disruptive behavior associated with the use of alcohol are subject to College disciplinary action which may include warning, restitution, community service, recommendation for counseling, referral for alcohol evaluation, removla from on-campus residence, dismissal or supsension, and police referral.

Back to top

Escort Policy

At the Chalon Campus, all guests must be escorted by a resident student in the residence halls after 10:00 p.m.  At the Doheny Campus, guests in the residence halls must be escorted by a resident student at all times.

  • Visitors and guests of Mount St. Mary’s students, faculty and staff are welcome on campus. However, the college reserves the right to refuse admittance to anyone.
  • During the day, visitors wishing to park on campus must receive a parking pass from the guard at the Main Entrance Kiosk in the Chalon campus or Post #2 in the Doheny campus.
  • At dusk, visitors and guests will be required to stop at the Main Entrance to show identification and inform the guard of their intended destination.

Back to top

Illegal Drug Policy

  • The use or possession of illegal drugs on the college campus, in the residence halls, or at college- sponsored events is prohibited by California State Law and may result in arrest, fines, and/or imprisonment.
  • College disciplinary action may include warnings, probation, restitution, community service, referral to counseling, recommendation for alcohol/drug evaluation, removal from on-campus residence, dismissal or suspension, and police referral.
  • Students caught selling or providing illegal drugs on campus will be subject to disciplinary action and police referral.

Back to top

Mount Sex Offense Policy

Mount St. Mary's College encourages sex crime victims to report offenses and offers the option to be assisted by college staff in notifying authorities both internally and externally.

Literature distribution and programs oriented to promote awareness of rape, acquaintance rape, and other forcible or non-forcible sex offenses are offered to students through residence life programs and freshmen orientation class workshops.

The student handbook describes the policies and procedures for dealing with incidents of sexual harassment.

Mount St. Mary's stresses the importance and encourages sex crime victims to preserve any evidence as it may be necessary as proof of the criminal offense.

If a sex offense occurs, students may contact the following administration for support and guidance Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm:

  • Michael McFatridge, Director of Campus Security, 310.954.4084 or 213.477.2995
  • Laura Crow, Director of Residence Life, 310.954.4325
  • Dr. Susan Salem, Director of Counseling & Psychological Services, 310.954.4112
  • Gail Gresser, Director of Campus Ministry, 310.954.4126
  • Jessica Rojas, Associate Director of Residence Life, 310.954.4326, 213.477.2661
  • Dr. Mari Wadsworth, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, 310.954.4130

If an on campus disciplinary procedure takes place, the accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during the campus disciplinary proceedings. Both the accuser and the accused are entitled to know the outcome of the disciplinary process.

Resolutions resulting from a disciplinary procedure regarding rape, acquaintance rape or other sexual offenses (forcible or non-forcible) include disciplinary warning, disciplinary probation, restitution, interim suspension, termination of license agreement (removal from on-campus housing), suspension and/or expulsion.

Students may contact the Los Angeles Police Department to report a sexual offense.  When reported, a college staff member will be available to assist the student during this process.

If a sex offense occurs on campus, students should immediately contact the residence life staff member on duty.  The following departments may be notified: Residence Life, Student Affairs, Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, Academic Affairs and/or campus security.

Victims of sexual offenses will be advised of academic and student life options for changes if requested and available.

Back to top

Smoking Policy

Smoking in buildings is not permitted. The Chalon Campus is located in a high fire danger area.  Smoking is allowed only in the Circle area.  The general smoking area for the Doheny campus is on the McIntyre patio.

Back to top