The purpose of these policies is to increase the likelihood that medical attention is provided to students who need it due to alcohol intoxication or use of drugs by removing impediments to seeking such assistance. This policy is intended for use in isolated situations; therefore, it does not excuse or protect those who flagrantly or repeatedly violate University policy.
Good Samaritan Policy:
The spirit of the Good Samaritan is that we all have an ethical responsibility to help people in need. SUNY New Paltz expects that students will take an active role in protecting the safety and well-being of their peers and the University community. In order to promote this, when a student assists an individual who is intoxicated or under the influence of drugs in procuring medical assistance, the caller may be granted amnesty from formal disciplinary action by the University for violating the alcohol or drug policies. The caller may be required to meet with the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards or designee to discuss the incident and may be referred to a brief educational program.
Medical Amnesty Policy:
When a student is intoxicated or under the influence of drugs and seeks medical assistance, they may be granted amnesty from formal disciplinary action by the University for violating the alcohol or drug policies. Upon receiving a report that a student needs medical assistance, University staff will respond through University Police to obtain EMS services, and responding officials will use standard procedures for documenting information and collecting identification of all persons involved. In lieu of student conduct charges, students will be required to complete a brief educational program. Failure to successfully complete the recommended alcohol and/or drug program may result in student conduct action.
Amnesty will not extend to other conduct violations associated with the incident, including but not limited to distribution of drugs, hazing, vandalism, or sexual assault. Amnesty can only extend to Student Conduct processes and does not protect students from criminal or civil penalties.
Upon receipt of an incident report/police report, detailing an emergency medical assessment, the following may occur:
A. The student may be required to participate in a brief alcohol and or drug related educational program with the Coordinator of Wellbeing Initiatives & Outreach. Progress of completion will be provided to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.
B. Parental Notification Policy: If the student is under the age of 21, the University notifies the parents/ guardians of students whose consumption of alcohol or drugs results in the student being transported. The student will meet with the Director of Student Conduct and Community Standards or designee to discuss the Parental Notification Letter before notification is sent.
C. A second transport or evaluation may not invoke the above Good Samaritan Policy or Medical Amnesty Policy.
Policy for Alcohol and/or Drug Use Amnesty in Sexual Violence and Interpersonal Violence Cases:
The health and safety of every student at the State University of New York and its State -operated and community Universitys is of utmost importance. SUNY New Paltz recognizes that students who have been drinking and/ or using drugs (whether such use is voluntary or involuntary) at the time that violence, including but not limited to domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault occurs may be hesitant to report such incidents due to fear of potential consequences for their own conduct. SUNY New Paltz strongly encourages students to report incidents of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault to SUNY New Paltz officials or law enforcement. A bystander acting in good faith or a reporting individual acting in good faith that discloses any incident of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault to SUNY New Paltz officials or law enforcement will not be subject to New Paltz’s campus code of conduct action for violations of alcohol and/or drug use policies occurring at or near the time of the commission of the domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault.
