The Office of the Dean of Students will support student success by using an educational process that promotes integrity, respect and personal accountability. We strive to foster inclusivity and a safe campus environment. It is our goal to assist students in the practice of sound decision making that leads to the development of engaged and productive community members who understand the impact their actions have on the greater community.
Philosophy
- The health and safety of members of the University of Central Arkansas community is a primary concern.
- Students need to seek immediate medical attention for themselves or someone else when individual health and/or safety is at risk.
- Students may be reluctant to seek assistance for themselves or someone else for fear of facing action from the Office of the Dean of Students.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to define and describe “Student Medical Amnesty” for potential alcohol, drug, hazing and/or other policy violations. The policy seeks to encourage individuals and student organizations to seek the necessary proactive attention for community members who have overconsumed alcohol or other drugs and/or who have engaged in or been subject to hazing behavior or other forms of misconduct which might jeopardize student safety. Additionally, students or organizations seeking assistance for an individual following an assault, sexual assault, or an incidence of interpersonal violence will not be subject to disciplinary action for the use of alcohol or drugs. The purpose of Student Medical Amnesty is to ensure that concerns or fear of disciplinary and conduct sanctions do not deter students from seeking medical or other proactive assistance when the circumstances warrant.
Policy
Under the Student Medical Amnesty policy, students or student organizations who seek proactive assistance on behalf of themselves or others experiencing an emergency will not be subject to disciplinary action under University Standards of Student Conduct.
This policy is applicable to the following parties:
- A student seeking medical attention for themselves
- A student seeking medical attention on behalf of another student
- A student for whom medical assistance was provided
- A registered student organization seeking medical attention for a student
Amnesty Eligible Scenarios
- Alcohol and Drug Related Emergencies
- When assisting an intoxicated individual in receiving medical treatment, neither the intoxicated individual nor the individual(s) who assist(s) will be subject to formal university disciplinary sanctions with respect to the alcohol and drug policy. Appropriate assistance can be university or local police, residence life staff or medical professionals. In lieu of formal disciplinary action, an alternative resolution under this protocol will be implemented.
- Victims
- Victims reporting instances of sexual assault or interpersonal violence will be granted amnesty for violations of the alcohol and drug policy. Minor violations, such as drinking, will not be subject to formal disciplinary sanctions. In lieu of formal disciplinary action, an alternative resolution under this protocol will be implemented.
- Witnesses of Conduct Code Violations
- Students who are engaged in minor violations, such as underage drinking, but who cooperate with the university in providing information related to serious violations by others, while they engaged in those minor violations, will be provided amnesty for their minor violations. Educational options may be explored, but the reporting student will not be subject to formal university disciplinary sanctions. In lieu of formal disciplinary action, an alternative resolution under this protocol will be implemented.
Although students who qualify for amnesty are exempt from the charges and sanctions from the Dean of Students Office, they will be responsible for completing educational measures in relation to their alcohol or drug consumption and/or hazing or other unsafe behavior. Educational measures may include but are not limited to: alcohol, drug, or hazing prevention education, and/or other supportive opportunities. Students who qualify for amnesty may still be required to meet with a University official.
In cases where the call for emergency assistance is made by University employees acting within the scope of their responsibilities, amnesty is not available.
Note: This policy only provides amnesty from violations of the University of Central Arkansas Standards of Student Conduct. Law enforcement agencies may act within their own jurisdictions in enforcing local, state, and federal laws.