Amnesty Through Responsible Action

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Policy Number:
UW-2006
Responsible Office:
Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards

University Policy

Rationale/​Purpose:

Amnesty Through Responsible Action is part of UW–Madison’s comprehensive environmental approach to address high-risk behaviors. Because the health and safety of the members of the UW–Madison community are of primary concern, we want to remove the perceived barriers that prevent students from seeking immediate medical attention. This program has been designed for the student who is concerned for the wellbeing of a fellow student and enables the university to more effectively address the issue of civility and good citizenship with our students. Students are expected to come to the aid of fellow students who are suffering a medical emergency.

Scope:

Members of the UW–Madison community.

Policy:

  1. Introduction

    1. In cases where individuals are incapacitated due to alcohol and/or other drugs, it is imperative that someone calls for medical assistance. In the interest of student safety, this program serves to remove or reduce punitive consequences faced by students in violation of Non-Academic Misconduct (UWS 17 and/or UWS 18).
    2. Amnesty Through Responsible Action allows the student who required medical assistance to receive medical attention without a violation of UWS 17 and/or UWS 18. It would also remove violations for those who assisted the student in need.
    3. The following guidelines apply only to disciplinary actions related to a caller’s personal consumption of alcohol and/or other drugs and of the individual who is in need of medical attention. They do not apply to the supplying of alcohol or other drugs, or to other crimes/violations of university rules.

  2. The Caller

    1. When a student 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 (Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards or Dean of Students Office), the caller will not be subject to disciplinary actions as outlined in Non-Academic Misconduct (UWS 17 and/or UWS 18), sanctions from the Division of University Housing, or citation by the UW–Madison Police Department for their personal consumption of alcohol (e.g., underage drinking) and/or other drugs.
    2. Failure to call for assistance in an alcohol- and/or other drug-related emergency is a very serious matter and will be considered an “aggravating circumstance” factored into disciplinary action against the student should violations of Non-Academic Misconduct (UWS 17 and/or UWS 18) have occurred in relation to the incident.

  3. Following the Incident

    1. Person in Need of Medical Attention: When a student requires emergency evaluation and/or treatment at a medical facility for an overdose of alcohol and/or other drugs, the student will be required to meet with a staff member from the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (OSCCS) to discuss the incident and to connect with appropriate resources and support. If the student qualifies for this program, they will not receive official sanctions through the disciplinary procedures outlined in UWS 17 and/or UWS 18 provided they complete the following:
      1. Attend an appropriate alcohol and other drug (AOD) educational program/intervention (e.g., BASICS, CASICS, AOD assessment and evaluation).
      2. Comply with recommendations set forth by AOD provider.
      3. Complete any other educational recommendations from the OSCCS staff member.
      4. Complete any necessary follow-up meetings with OSCCS.


        There may be charges/fees incurred for some AOD Programs. Students who have a verified financial need may request a waiver through the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.

        When it is determined a student qualifies for this program, UW-Madison Police will hold the underage alcohol and/or other drug citation in abeyance, pending the student’s completion of the requirements from OSCCS. OSCCS staff will notify UW-Madison Police when the requirements have been completed.

        In addition, as per the University Parental/Guardian Involvement Policy, a parental/guardian contact normally occurs when a student is transported to Detox/Emergency Room for overdoses of alcohol and/or other drugs. When the student’s behavior involves other UWS 17 and/or UWS 18 violations, or the student exhibits a pattern of problematic behavior with alcohol and/or other drugs, they may be subject to additional disciplinary action.

    2. Amnesty Through Responsible Action May Also Apply in the Following Situations
      1. Victims of Crime – In cases where a student has been a victim of sexual assault and/or a violent crime while under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs, neither the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards (OSCCS), University Housing, nor UW-Madison Police will pursue disciplinary actions against the student victim (or against a witness) for their improper use of alcohol (e.g., underage drinking) and/or other drugs. A student victim who is under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs at the• time of a sexual assault and/or violent crime is entitled to university and community assistance and encouraged to seek help.
      2. Student Organizations – A representative of a student organization hosting an event is expected to promptly call for assistance if they become aware of an emergency. Failure to call will be considered an “aggravating circumstance” and will be factored into disciplinary action for the student organization.
External References:

Policy Administration

Approval Authority:
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Policy Manager:
Assistant Dean of Students and Director
Contact:
Assistant Dean of Students and Director -- Tonya Schmidt, tonya.schmidt@wisc.edu, (608) 263-5701
Retrieved:
04-25-2024 23:07:39