Medical Amnesty Policy
Overview
Student health and safety are of primary concern at Denison University. As such, in cases of intoxication or other medical emergency as a result of use or abuse of alcohol or other drugs, individuals are encouraged to seek medical assistance for themselves or others. If a student seeks medical attention due to his/her level of intoxication or use or abuse of drugs or another person seeks medical attention for that student, the Office of Community Rights and Standards will not pursue conduct sanctions against that student for violations of the Student Code of Conduct that specifically relate to alcohol or other drug use. Additionally, students who assist in obtaining medical attention for other individuals who are intoxicated will not receive conduct sanctions for violations of alcohol or other drug use policies of the Student Code of Conduct. This policy does not grant amnesty for possession with intent to distribute drugs.
In lieu of conduct sanctions under the Student Code of Conduct, the intoxicated student (and possibly the referring student) will be required to meet with a member of the Student Affairs staff who may issue educational requirements such as alcohol and/or drug education, counseling, and/or a substance abuse assessment. Serious or repeated incidents will prompt a higher degree of concern/response. Failure to complete educational assignments or recommendations issued under this policy normally will result in conduct action. When a student is referred for alcohol and/or drug education interventions outside of Denison University, the student shall be responsible for any associated costs.
The Medical Amnesty Policy does not preclude conduct action or sanctions due to any other violations of the Student Code of Conduct not related to the alcohol and/or other drug policies or conduct action or sanctions for conduct occurring when the student is under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs that violates the rights of others or leads to disorderly or dangerous behavior (such as assault, sexual misconduct, vandalism, driving under the influence, etc.). Likewise, the Medical Amnesty Policy does not prevent action by police or other law enforcement personnel.
Application to Student Organizations/Groups
The Medical Amnesty Policy shall apply in circumstances where an organization or group is found to be hosting an event where medical assistance is sought for an intoxicated guest. Similar to the policy for individuals, in lieu of conduct sanctions under the Student Code of Conduct, members of the organization and/or group will be required to meet with a member of the Student Affairs staff who may issue educational requirements. Serious or repeated incidents will prompt a higher degree of concern/response. Failure to complete educational assignments or recommendations issued under this policy normally will result in conduct action.
When an organization or group is referred for alcohol and/or other drug education interventions outside of Denison University, that organization or group shall be responsible for any associated costs. The Medical Amnesty Policy does not prevent action by police or other law enforcement personnel.