Campus Housing

• Proof of current health insurance coverage is required of every student prior to moving into the dorm and must be in effect at all times during residency.
• Any student who wishes to live in the dorm must be enrolled in at least 12 units at all times during the academic year.
• Residents living in the dorm during the summer must be enrolled in at least one class at all times while they are living in the dorm.
• Students must regularly attend each of their classes while maintaining a semester and cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Sierra College’s policy and procedures for Tuberculosis and Meningitis have been adopted from the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the American College Health Association (ACHA).

Tuberculosis Clearance (International Student Requirement)

To be a student at Sierra College you must provide evidence of freedom from tuberculosis. If you are unable to receive the skin test at home, we will offer it at Sierra College. However, to make your transition easier it is best you do the screening while in your home country. All documentation must be translated into English, be within three months of the beginning of the semester for which you are applying, and must be completed in one of the following ways:

• Mantoux skin test, 5 T.U. (Tuberculin Units) with measurement in millimeters
  • 0-4mm is negative
  • 5-9mm is questionable. Repeat test no sooner than six days from initial test
  • 10mm and above is positive. Chest x-ray needed

• Negative chest x-ray for those who react to the Mantoux test with 10mm or more or who have reacted to the Mantoux skin test in the past.

Meningococcal Meningitis Form
All incoming freshmen residing in the residence halls receive information about Meningococcal Meningitis and sign a form that indicates whether or not they received or declined the vaccine. This form is signed and returned with the Residence Halls License Agreement.

Download and fill out this form and read the information below about Meningococcal Disease:

• Meningitis by the American College Health Association
• Meningitis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

About Meningococcal Disease

• What is meningococcal disease? Meningococcal disease is caused by the Neisseria meningitides bacteria. The two most common forms of meningococcal disease are meningitis, an infection of the fluid and covering of the spinal cord and brain; or septicemia, an infection of the bloodstream. Meningitis has other causes as well, the most common being viral infection.
• How common is Meningococcal disease? Meningococcal disease is uncommon. In the U.S. each year there about 2,500 cases (1-2 cases for every 10,000 people), with 300-400 occurring in California. Of 14 million students enrolled in colleges nation-wide, approximately 100 acquire meningococcal disease each year.
• How is Meningococcal diagnosed? A diagnosis is commonly made by growing the bacteria from the spinal fluid or blood. Identifying the bacteria is important for the selection of the best treatment for the infection.
• Is the vaccine recommended for college students? The Centers for Disease Control and the American College Health Association both recommend routine vaccination for incoming freshmen residing in residence halls.
• Are college students at increased risk? Overall, undergraduate students have lower risk of acquiring meningococcal meningitis than the non-student population. College students who live in residence halls have a slightly increased risk of infection. Reasons for this increase are not fully understood, but probably relate to living in close proximity with others.
• How can I prevent meningococcal disease? You can protect yourself by maintaining good health and hygiene. As a general recommendation, you should wash your hands frequently. Avoid sharing items such as eating utensils, bottles, cigarettes, or lip balm. Contact a health care provider immediately if you are in close contact with someone who is known or suspected to have meningococcal infection.
• How are meningococcal bacteria spread? The bacteria are transmitted from person to person in secretions from the nose and throat. They are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air near an infected person. The bacteria can live outside the body for only a few minutes; so if the germs contaminate a desk or book, they soon die and cannot infect anyone.

Sierra Joint Community College District is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for its students, employees, and visitors.

Smoking Policy
In light of evidence that the use of tobacco and exposure to second-hand smoke pose significant health hazards, the District has established a smoke, vapor and tobacco-free environment.

• The use of such products is prohibited upon all District-owned or controlled properties.
• The use of such products is also prohibited in all vehicles owned, leased, or operated by the District. This includes the smoking of cigarettes, pipes, cigars, or other tobacco products or the smoking of any substance.
• The use of smokeless tobacco products (e.g. chewing tobacco) and the use of non-regulated nicotine or other vapor producing products (e.g. electronic cigarettes) is also prohibited.

Anyone who violates this policy shall be deemed to have disrupted the orderly operation of the College and may be required to leave the premises. Those who violate this policy shall be subject to citation and fines per California Government Code section 7597.1

For more information about the smoking policy see Sierra College Board Policy No. 3570.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

The meal plan is offered in connection with DishOut. Each resident will receive a meal card, with meal plan money divided into specific amounts per week. Money will be deposited onto the meal card on either a weekly or monthly basis.

When the meal card has been activated the resident will be able to use the meal card in the Campus Center (Building J) on-campus according to the cafeteria’s hours of operation.

Residents are also able to use the meal card at certain restaurants off-campus. The list of restaurants is available at Sierra College Advantage Cash. It is the resident’s responsibility to budget the meal plan money accordingly.

Does the Money on the Meal Card Carry Over to the Next Week?

Yes, the money does carry over into the next week. However, the money does not carry over into the next semester. All accumulated money at the end of the semester will be cleared off the card. There is no refund for unused monies remaining on the card at the end of the semester.

The Sierra College campus community strives to provide a safe and secure environment for its students, employees and visitors. Residents are expected to assist in maintaining a safe environment within the Residence Hall complex. If safety and security issues arise, students should report these concerns to a member of the Residence Hall staff or to Community Safety.

Behavioral Intervention CARE Team

The Sierra College Behavioral Intervention CARE Team assists at-risk students who are displaying distressing behaviors that are escalating, concerning and require additional support. If you believe a student may pose an immediate threat to the health and safety of themselves or others, call 911 and/or Community Safety. Otherwise, submit a referral form from any of our campuses.

Residence Hall Security Measures

For those students living on campus, the residence hall has a computerized access system that controls all exterior doors. Residents are issued an access key for admittance to the building as well as a key to their room. Residents are not to admit non-residents into the Residence Hall who are not their guests. All guests must sign in with a member of the Residence Hall staff. This practice helps to ensure safety and security of the hall community. Students will be held responsible for their invited guests. Campus Security Officers patrol our parking lot, exterior building areas and grounds, and community areas each evening. Residence Hall staff also provides a variety of programs throughout the academic year on matters of personal safety and precautionary tactics.

Personal Property Security Measures

Residents are responsible for the security of their personal property, and it is recommended that room doors remain locked at all times. Insurance on personal property is also recommended to help guard against financial loss. (Check to see if your family’s home owners policy covers you while at school.) You can also purchase theft/fire insurance with National Student Services, Inc.