Amnesty Through Responsible Action Protocol

  1. Purpose. Amnesty Through Responsible Action is part of University’s comprehensive environmental approach to address high-risk behaviors. Because the University understands that perceived fear of disciplinary actions may act as a barrier to students seeking emergency assistance, it has adopted the following Responsible Action Protocol to alleviate such concerns. Essential to our values, the Amnesty Through Responsible Action policy prioritizes a culture of communal care, necessary to build lasting, meaningful change and to limit the recurrence of problematic behavior.  
    This provision was developed as a mechanism to grant amnesty to students and student organizations who, in good faith, take immediate steps to seek medical treatment or professional assistance by notifying the appropriate authorities for a peer or themselves in serious or life-threatening situations as a result of over-consumption of alcohol, drugs or other substances. When a student calls on behalf of an impaired individual, remains with that individual until assistance arrives, fully cooperates with emergency responders, and attends any follow-up meeting(s) requested by university staff, the caller will not be subject to disciplinary actions. 
  2. Scope. Provided that the requisite procedures are followed, amnesty applies to:  
    1. The student who calls on behalf of a peer who has passed out, is unconscious or unresponsive 
    2. The student who required medical assistance for personal consumption  
    3. The student who contacts emergency services for themselves 
    4. A recognized fraternity or sorority that could be charged for violations of the Code for behavior that occurs during an approved social event when representatives from that organization seek medical assistance on behalf of an individual attending the event
  3. Responsible Caller.    
    1. Get help: In medical emergencies, immediate action should be taken by calling University Police, 911, or alerting a resident assistant. 
    2. Remain with that individual until assistance arrives or until you are told that your assistance is no longer needed.  
    3. Fully cooperate with emergency responders, including all requests for information and assistance.  
    4. Attend any follow-up meeting(s) requested by Community Standards.  
  4. Review. The Director will determine eligibility for amnesty under the Responsible Action Protocol during the initial review or investigation. 
    ​Typically, when the Responsible Action Protocol is not being applied, violations of the University’s alcohol, drug, and other substances policies that require medical transportation and reviewed through the conduct process, will likely result in the following sanctions:
    1. For students:   
      1. Disciplinary Probation 
      2. Referral to Health & Wellness to complete an appropriate alcohol and other drug (AOD) educational program/intervention ranging in cost from $75 to $150 
      3. A parent or guardian is notified when a student, under the age of 21, violates the law and/or university policy that governs alcohol and drug use and consumption 
    2. For organizations:   
      1. Organization Probation 
      2. Loss of privileges precludes the organization from participating in certain activities or may require an organization to forfeit specific privileges. Privileges may include, but are not limited to, loss or limitation of social events or limitation of ability to participate in university events or activities. 
      3. Additional sanctions assigned by the appropriate governing body 
  5. Following the Incident. When it is determined a student or organization qualifies for this program, Community Standards will not create a conduct record, hold any sanctions, and waive the cost of any AOD educational program/intervention in abeyance, pending the timely completion of the following requirements:  
    1. Attend an appropriate alcohol and other drug (AOD) educational program/intervention (e.g., BASICS, CASICS, AOD assessment and evaluation). 
    2. Comply with recommendations set forth by AOD provider. 
    3. Complete any other educational recommendations from Community Standards.  
    4. Complete any necessary follow-up meetings with Community Standards, Off-Campus Engagement & Fraternity and Sorority Life, or Health and Wellness as specified. 
  6. Provision Limitations. This protocol does not apply to individuals who are found by university officials, law enforcement agencies or student staff acting in performance of their duties. 
    Costs associated with hospital transportation, treatment, assessment, or damage are the responsibility of the student in need of medical attention.
    The Responsible Action Protocol applies only to alcohol and other drug-related medical emergencies.  It does not apply to other prohibited conduct such as disorderly conduct (including physical or verbal abuse), property damage, or distribution of illicit substances. Amnesty does not forgive or cover criminal, civil, or other legal consequences for violations of federal, state, or local laws or ordinances. 
    The Responsible Action Protocol is not intended to shield or protect students and student organizations that repeatedly engage in high-risk consumption. In cases where repeated policy violations occur, the University reserves the right to take disciplinary action on a case-by-case basis regardless of how the incident was reported.