Merit University (MU) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or service in the uniformed services. The university also prohibits sexual harassment. This nondiscrimination policy covers admission, access, and treatment in university programs and activities. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX of the Educational Amendment of 1972 and other non-discriminatory statutes should be directed to the Dean of Academic Affairs for assessment of such matters.
Merit University makes a pledge to embrace inclusivity and diversity within its international student body, faculty, and administrative staff. We believe diversity, equity, and inclusivity serve the common good and empower our students to become world leaders that are determined, dedicated, and driven while being respectful of each other’s differences and broadening each other’s perspectives. We encourage applications from international and local students and actively fill positions in faculty and administrative roles from members of all racial/ethnic groups, nationalities, ages, genders, ability, socioeconomic classes, and others that are underrepresented in higher education.
MU is committed to creating and maintaining an academic learning environment that is safe and hospitable in which individuals are free from sexual assault or sexual harassment from any party. Sexual assault is defined by California Education Code Section 94385 to include without limitation, rape, forced sodomy, forced oral copulation, rape by a foreign object, sexual battery, or threat of sexual assault. Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual flirtations, advances or propositions, requests for sexual favors, verbal abuse of a sexual nature, subtle pressure or request for sexual activities, unnecessary touching of an individual, graphic verbal commentaries about an individual’s body, sexually degrading words used to describe an individual, a display in the school of sexually suggestive objects or pictures, sexually explicit or offensive jokes, physical assault, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
No student, applicant, faculty member or other employee of the university shall: (a) sexually assault any student or applicant; or (b) threaten or insinuate, either explicitly or implicitly that a student’s or applicant’s refusal to submit to sexual advances will adversely affect that student or applicant’s application, enrollment, grades, studies, or educational experience at MU. Similarly, no faculty member or other employee of the university shall promise, imply or grant any preferential treatment in connection with any student or applicant with the intent of rewarding for or engaging in sexual conduct.
Any student, applicant, faculty member, or other employee of the university who feels that he or she is a victim of sexual assault or harassment (including, but not limited to, any of the conduct listed above) by any student, applicant, faculty member, or other MU employee, or visitor or invitee of the school, in connection with the educational experience offered by the university, should bring the matter to the immediate attention of the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student, applicant, faculty member, or other employee of the university who is uncomfortable for any reason in bringing such a matter to the attention of the Dean, or who is not satisfied after bringing the matter to the attention of the Dean, should report the matter to the President of the university. Any questions about this policy or potential sexual assault or harassment should also be brought to the attention of the same persons.
MU encourages students, applicants, faculty members, or its employees to promptly and accurately report all sexual assaults occurring at any of the school’s facilities to the Dean and the appropriate police agencies. Upon the request of a sexual assault complainant, the university personnel will: (a) transport the complainant to the hospital or contact emergency personnel on behalf of the complainant; (b) refer the complainant to a counseling center or an agency that can make such referral; and (c) notify the police on behalf of the complainant if this has not been reported previously.
The office of the Dean will promptly investigate all allegations of sexual assault and harassment in as confidential a manner as it deems reasonably possible and take appropriate corrective action if warranted. MU will inform the complainant of the results of the school’s investigation. Sexual assault complainants may, in their sole discretion, pursue their own remedies against the alleged perpetrator, whether civilly and/or criminally. The university will assist any student with academic difficulties arising as a direct result of a sexual assault on the student by any MU student, applicant, faculty member, or employee occurring on campus.
A student or any member of the public may file a complaint about this institution with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) by calling Toll Free: (888) 370-7589 or by completing a complaint form, which can be obtained on the bureau’s website (www.bppe.ca.gov).
MU strongly supports the goals of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA). It is MU’s policy that no person shall manufacture, distribute, possess, or use illegal drugs, a controlled substance, on its premises or as a part of any of their activities. A controlled substance includes but is not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, cocaine derivatives, heroin, amphetamines, barbiturates, LSD, PCP, and substances typically known as “Designer Drugs” such as ecstasy or ketamine. Possession of paraphernalia associated with the illegal use, possession, or manufacture of a controlled substance is also prohibited. The President has designated the Dean of Academic Affairs to act in all matters pertaining to the enforcement of this policy with regard to students and faculty and the President to act in all matters pertaining to this policy with regard to staff. Whenever possible or reasonable university personnel will counsel offenders and make available sources of rehabilitative services. At the discretion of the administration, the university may impose the following sanctions:
University policies concerning the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages do not contravene federal, state, or municipal law. Gatherings on university premises or as part of university activities, at which alcoholic beverages are to be served, must receive prior approval from the Dean.
It is the policy of MU that smoking is prohibited in all university facilities. At the discretion of the administration, outside areas may be set aside within the university facilities to accommodate students, staff members, and faculty who smoke. Violations of the smoking policy may result in suspension or termination of academic status or employment.