Policy

When it comes to alcohol or drug-related medical emergencies, Susquehanna University recognizes the possibility that some students may be reluctant to seek assistance out of fear that they may face sanctions through the student conduct process. The University seeks to remove barriers that prevent students from seeking the medical attention they need.

When someone is in need of medical assistance due to alcohol and/or other drug use, individuals should always call 911 to contact trained medical emergency personnel.

• Students who seek emergency medical assistance for themselves for potential health risks related to the use of alcohol and/or drugs will not be charged with violations of the Student Code of Conduct related to consumption of alcohol or other drugs.
  
  
• Students who seek emergency medical assistance for someone else for potential health risks related to the use of alcohol and/or drugs will not be charged with violations of the Student Code of Conduct related to consumption of alcohol or other drugs, so long as the student remains with the other student until help arrives and fully cooperates with University and emergency officials. In this situation, the student for whom the call was made will not be charged with violations of the Student Code of Conduct related to consumption of alcohol or other drugs.
  
  
• Student Organizations are required to seek immediate medical assistance for their members or guests when any potential health risk is observed, including medical emergencies related to the use of alcohol and/or drugs.  If leadership of a recognized student organization seeks emergency medical assistance for someone attending the organization’s function because of potential health risks related to the attendee’s use of alcohol and/or drugs, then the organization will not be charged with violations of the Student Code of Conduct related to registered events or consumption of alcohol. A student organization that fails to seek assistance for a member or guest in need may be charged with violations of the Code Student of Conduct. It is paramount that organizations seek assistance in any emergency situation. In this situation, the attendee for whom the call was made will not be charged with violations of the Student Code of Conduct related to consumption of alcohol or other drugs.

Importantly, in the situations described above, while not resulting in official charges or sanctions, all students seeking or receiving amnesty from disciplinary action under this Policy must meet with a university official within the Division of Student Life. This meeting may result in required educational outcomes related to the health and wellness of involved students. Failure to complete the educational outcomes may result in disciplinary action.

Additional Amnesty Information:

• This policy does not apply to students experiencing an alcohol or drug-related medical emergency who are found by University officials, including student staff, law enforcement officials, or individuals not associated with the University.
• A student organization that fails to seek assistance for a member or guest in need may be charged with violations of the Student Code of Conduct. It is paramount that organizations seek assistance in any emergency situation.
• Students are not limited to one use of this policy, as the expectation is students should always feel empowered to help those in need.
• This policy is subject to the discretion of the Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students who may decide to overturn amnesty based on the health and safety of the student(s) involved.
• This policy does not preclude the University from taking disciplinary action for other Prohibited Conduct that may be associated with the incident and outlined in the Student Handbook, including but not limited to damage to property, supplying alcohol or other drugs, sexual misconduct, theft, harassment, or assault.
• Students should be aware that the University does not control action taken by local or state law enforcement officials.