Good Samaritan Policy

The health and safety of students is always our highest priority at Purchase College. However, students or others may be reluctant to get immediate medical or other professional assistance or provide it to others, because of concerns that their own behavior may be a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and/or law. To minimize any hesitation students or student organizations may have in obtaining help for themselves or others due to these concerns, Student Affairs has developed the following “Good Samaritan” approach:

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 College for violating the alcohol or drug policies. Additionally, any student who seeks emergency medical assistance on behalf of another student experiencing an alcohol or drug related medical emergency may be eligible for amnesty from Alcohol or Drug Use charges under the Student Code of Conduct. Upon receiving a report that a student needs medical assistance, College 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.

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:

1. The student may be sent an Official Notification letter issuing reminders about College policies for drugs/alcohol. This letter would also include if the Good Samaritan Policy was applied for the purpose of medical amnesty. Lastly, the letter would include information about parental notification (see below).
2. Parental Notification Policy: If the student is under the age of 21, the College notifies the parents/ guardians of students whose consumption of alcohol or drugs results in the student being transported.
3. In cases where a student receives emergency medical assistance related to his/her consumption of alcohol or drugs two or more times, whether transported or not, SUNY Purchase will initiate risk assessment and judicial charges appropriate to the circumstances

This policy is intended for use in isolated situations; therefore, it does not excuse or protect those who flagrantly or repeatedly violate College policy.