Good Samaritan

About This Policy

Policy Statement

The university commits to providing prompt and appropriate medical attention to students at medical risk due to alcohol use. Members of the North Central University community, specifically students, have an ethical responsibility to contact a Residence Life staff member or the Campus Safety & Emergency Preparedness when they believe an intoxicated student requires assistance.

Students who seek assistance from university or emergency personnel (e.g., resident advisor, Public Safety, 911) for a peer experiencing an alcohol- or drug-related medical emergency, and the student(s) requiring that assistance, must not fear university disciplinary action for their own potential alcohol or drug policy violations directly related to that incident. In such cases, the university will address these violations through mandated health and safety education initiatives rather than punitive disciplinary sanctions. The university will determine a student’s eligibility for this alternative resolution by reviewing the specific sequence of events and circumstances surrounding the incident.

To uphold the Good Samaritan principle, which emphasizes the ethical responsibility of community members to aid individuals in need, the university expects students to take active steps to preserve the health, safety, and well-being of all individuals within the university community.

Applicability and Restrictions on Amnesty

Amnesty will only be granted for violations of the Code of Conduct related to the possession or consumption of alcohol and/or other drugs. This excludes distribution of these substances to others. Except as described below, amnesty does not extend to violations of other portions of the Code of Conduct or other university policies.

Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) may receive amnesty for specified alcohol or drug policy violations if they proactively seek medical assistance for an individual during a scheduled or unscheduled organizational event, as defined by the standards in the university’s Code of Conduct. To receive amnesty, a designated representative of the RSO must attend a mandatory meeting with a staff member from the Dean of Students Office to discuss the incident’s circumstances in detail and collaboratively develop a written plan of action to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Office of Student Development may initiate conduct proceedings against RSOs that fail to implement the outlined plan of action or demonstrate a pattern of repeatedly seeking amnesty, and these RSOs may be deemed ineligible for future amnesty consideration.

In situations involving both alcohol/drug use and sexual misconduct, the amnesty provisions of the University’s Title IX/Sexual Misconduct Policy take precedence regarding violations of other University policies.

Amnesty granted through the university conduct process does not apply to or impact criminal or civil processes. The university’s accountability processes are not legal processes and operate separately.

Amnesty Requirements
Students who seek medical assistance for themselves or others will not receive disciplinary sanctions for violations of the Student Code of Conduct that occur at or near the time of the incident. Instead, the university may assign the students involved to alcohol or other drug education and assessment programs. The assignment of such programs will be determined on a case-by-case basis, with the intention of providing support and preventing future occurrences.

To qualify for amnesty under this policy, students, or Recognized Student Organizations (RSO) requesting medical assistance must adhere to the “Call. Stay. Cooperate.” Protocol:

• Call: If on campus, contact a university official (e.g., resident advisor, Public Safety); if off campus, call 911 or contact any appropriate official (e.g., event staff manager, police officer).
• Stay: Remain and monitor the student’s condition until medical assistance arrives.
• Cooperate: Cooperate and be honest throughout the incident and any follow-up investigation.

The university does not intend to shield or protect students or organizations that repeatedly violate the Code of Conduct. In cases of repeated violations of the Code of Conduct, the university retains the right to initiate conduct proceedings on a case-by-case basis, regardless of the incident’s reporting method. The university additionally retains the right to resolve any case involving violations that threaten the safety of others.

The Office of Student Development retains the right to contact any student to discuss an incident.

Amnesty Classifications

• Individual Amnesty: A student requiring emergency medical assistance due to alcohol or drug intoxication/impairment will be exempt from formal student conduct proceedings administered by the Office of Student Development. However, to receive this exemption, the student must schedule and attend a meeting with a designated representative from the Dean of Students Office. The purpose of this mandatory meeting is to provide individualized support, assess the student’s well-being, and determine if further intervention is necessary. This intervention may include the student’s completion of an alcohol/drug assessment, educational workshop, or counseling program. The student’s failure to schedule, attend, and fully participate in this meeting will result in the immediate revocation of any amnesty granted under this policy, and the student’s case will be referred to the Office of Student Development for conduct review.
• Reporter Amnesty: Students who actively assist another student experiencing an alcohol- or drug-related medical emergency will not face university conduct charges for their own potential violations of the Code of Conduct related to alcohol or other drugs. The Dean of Students Office will contact students who report such emergencies to offer support and resources; however, an in-person meeting will not be mandatory. Students who repeatedly request amnesty under this policy provision may lose future eligibility for reporter amnesty and may be required to meet with a designated representative of the Dean of Students Office. These students may also be required to complete an alcohol/drug assessment or educational program. A student’s failure to complete any mandated assessment or program will result in the revocation of any previously granted amnesty, and the student’s case will be referred to the Office of Student Development for conduct review.
• Recognized Student Organization Amnesty: Recognized Student Organizations may receive amnesty for specified alcohol or drug policy violations if they proactively seek medical assistance for an individual during a scheduled or unscheduled organizational event, as defined by the standards in the university’s Code of Conduct. To receive amnesty, a designated representative of the RSO must attend a mandatory meeting with a staff member from the Dean of Students Office to discuss the incident’s circumstances in detail and collaboratively develop a written plan of action to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Office of Student Development may initiate conduct proceedings against RSOs that fail to implement the outlined plan of action or demonstrate a pattern of repeatedly seeking amnesty, and these RSOs may be deemed ineligible for future amnesty consideration.

Application to Sexual Misconduct
Students who report sexual misconduct (including sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking) or participate as a witness in sexual misconduct investigations, or who seek assistance for themselves or another by contacting an appropriate official (e.g., Title IX Coordinator, resident advisor, Public Safety officer, or calling 911), will not face disciplinary action for a violation by the student of the Student Code of Conduct occurring at or near the time of the incident.

Application to Student Organizations
In circumstances where a student organization is found responsible for hosting event where medical assistance is sought by anyone in attendance for a member or guest, this Good Samaritan action will be considered a mitigating factor in determining the appropriate sanction for the student organization. Conversely, failure to call will be considered an aggravating factor in any disciplinary action against the organization. Members of an organization hosting an event must promptly call for assistance if they become aware of an emergency.

Application to Hosts of Parties
Students found responsible for hosting a party (or in any way assisting or promoting a gathering that includes drunkenness or drug use or underage drinking) on or off campus normally results in suspension. However, if any of the hosts act as a Good Samaritan, then no disciplinary action will be taken against the hosts. If medical assistance is sought by someone else in attendance, this Good Samaritan action by the attendee will be viewed as a mitigating factor in determining the appropriate sanction for the hosts. Conversely, failure to call will be considered an aggravating factor if the hosts become aware of an emergency and do not promptly call for assistance.

Reason For Policy

As a Christian community called to embody Christ’s love and the Good Samaritan’s compassion, our foremost commitment is protecting the God-given life of every student. This amnesty policy ensures safety prevails in emergencies by removing the fear of discipline for related minor violations, guaranteeing that help is always sought without hesitation. This act of grace prioritizes life above all and leads to restorative educational support, demonstrating our shared responsibility in faith to actively care for one another.

The university recognizes that students may encounter situations where medical assistance is necessary to ensure proper care; therefore, it has established this Good Samaritan Policy.

Policy Scope

Applicability covers students and recognized student organizations regarding incidents occurring both on and off campus and includes the relevant university personnel and departments involved in administration.

Procedures

• There are no procedures associated with this policy.

Forms

• There are no forms associated with this policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the policy apply both on and off campus?
A: Yes.

Q: Do I have to call Public Safety or notify the University for the Good Samaritan policy to apply?
A: Yes, you must call for appropriate help (e.g., university officials on campus, 911 off campus).

Q: Will I get in trouble if I am underage and have been drinking if I call for somebody else?
A: No, you are covered by Reporter Amnesty for related violations.

Q: Can the policy be used for multiple people?
A: Yes, it can apply to multiple students in an incident.

Q: Will the policy cover other party attendees?
A: It primarily covers the student(s) needing aid and those calling for help for their related violations.

Q: Can I call on myself?
A: Yes, you can seek assistance for yourself.

Q: Can the policy be applied to more than just incidents involving alcohol and other drugs?
A: Amnesty covers alcohol/drug violations, applicable in emergencies or when reporting sexual misconduct.

Q: Will parents be notified?
A: Possibly. If hospitalized, contacts may be notified if deemed necessary for health/safety, following university/FERPA emergency protocols.

Q: Is there a limit to how many times Good Samaritan can apply to me?
A: There’s no specific limit, but repeated incidents may affect future eligibility for amnesty or lead to conduct review on a case-by-case basis.

Q: Will the Good Samaritan incident be reported as part of my disciplinary record?
A: No, it’s handled through education, not punitive disciplinary sanctions/records.

Q: How do I aid a friend who I feel is in need of medical attention?
A: Call for help (e.g., RA/Public Safety/911), Stay with them, Cooperate fully.

Appendices

• There are no appendices associated with this policy.

Additional Contacts

Definitions

Aggravating Factor

A circumstance that may increase the severity of disciplinary sanctions. In this context, failing to call for help when aware of an emergency at an event one is hosting or responsible for is considered an aggravating factor.

Amnesty

Formal protection granted by the university from disciplinary sanctions for specific violations of the Code of Conduct (related to personal alcohol/drug possession or consumption) when medical assistance is sought for an emergency. It does not apply to legal processes or other types of policy violations unless specified.

Good Samaritan Principle

The ethical expectation that members of the university community will take active steps to help others in need, particularly by seeking medical assistance for individuals experiencing alcohol- or drug-related emergencies.

Impaired

A state of diminished physical or mental capacity due to the effects of alcohol or other drugs.

Individual Amnesty

Amnesty granted to the student who required emergency medical assistance due to alcohol or drug use. Requires a mandatory follow-up meeting and potential educational interventions.

Intoxicated

A condition of being affected by alcohol or other drugs, often to the point of losing control over physical and mental functions.

Reporter Amnesty

Amnesty granted to the student(s) who actively sought medical assistance for another student. While follow-up support is offered, a meeting is not typically mandatory unless there are repeated requests for amnesty.

Sanctions

Consequences imposed for violating university policies intended to be educational and growth opportunity for the student, and they reflect the university’s assessment of whether the student can engage in our community in an acceptable and successful way, rather than punishment.

Responsibilities

Dean of Students

• Address policy violations.
• Assign educational/intervention measures.
• Determine eligibility for alternative resolutions.
• Provide support for student well-being.

Campus Safety & Emergency Preparedness

• Respond to situations and offer assistance.
• Coordinate with emergency medical services.
• Investigate where appropriate

Office of Student Development

• Offer assistance to students.
• Respond to student concerns and emergencies within residences.
• Assess the situation and provide initial support
• Contact appropriate resources (e.g., university safety and public safety personnel, medical personnel) when necessary
• Document incidents within residence halls.
• Address repeated misconduct.
• Administer conduct and accountability procedures.
• Initiate conduct processes.
• Manage case referrals.
• Resolve cases involving safety concerns.

Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs)

• Adhere to policy requirements.
• Participate in post-incident review.
• Seek assistance for incidents.
• Implement prevention strategies.

Students

• Comply with policy guidelines.
• Provide accurate information.
• Protect community safety and well-being.
• Seek assistance in emergencies.

RELATED INFORMATION

Related Policies

• Sexual Misconduct (Title IX) – https://www.northcentral.edu/policy/sexualmisconduct/
• Non-Retaliation – https://www.northcentral.edu/policy/non-retaliation/
• Whistleblower Protection – https://www.northcentral.edu/policy/whistleblower/

Relevant Legislation

• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1681-1688. https://www.justice.gov/crt/title-ix-education-amendments-1972

History

Issued

2025-04-14