Amnesty Through Responsible Action Protocol

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 action 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 policy prioritizes a culture of communal care, necessary to build lasting, meaningful change and to limit the recurrence of dangerous behavior.

This provision was developed as a mechanism for students and recognized fraternities and sororities who, in good faith, take immediate steps to seek medical treatment or professional assistance by notifying the appropriate authorities that they or their peer is in a serious or life-threatening situations as a result of alcohol or drug over consumption. When a student bystander 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, they will not be subject to disciplinary action.

Scope and Applicability

Provided that the requisite procedures are followed, amnesty applies to:

  • The student who calls on behalf of a peer who is unconscious or unresponsive, even if they engaged in consumption.
  • The student who required emergency medical assistance for personal consumption.
  • The student who contacts emergency services for themselves.
  • 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.

Responsible Action Protocol

  • In medical emergencies, immediate action should be taken by calling 911, University Police, or alerting a university official or a resident assistant if the situation occurred in a residence hall or apartment complex.
  • Remain with that individual until assistance arrives or until you are told that your assistance is no longer needed.
  • Fully cooperate with emergency responders, including all requests for information and assistance.
  • Attend any follow-up meeting(s) requested by Community Standards.

Intake and Review

The Director will facilitate an initial review to determine eligibility for amnesty. Typically, when a student is found responsible for violating the University’s policies that govern alcohol and drug consumption and the conduct required medical transportation, sanctions could reasonably result with the student being placed on a probationary period, mandatory referrals to complete an alcohol or drug assessment at the student’s expense and a notification to the student’s parent or guardian informing them of the violation and the transport.

Similar incidents involving some recognized student organizations are responsible to governing councils and subject to its appropriate by-laws and procedures where the organization would be at risk of losing specific privileges including, limitation or revocation to host or sponsor social events.

Conditions of Amnesty

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 and complete appropriate alcohol or drug assessment and any required follow-up meetings.
  2. Comply with recommendations set forth by AOD provider.
  3. Complete any other educational referrals issued by Community Standards.

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.