Medical Amnesty Policy/Good Samaritan Policy

Marist University seeks to educate students and increase the likelihood that medical attention is provided to students due to alcohol intoxication or use of drugs by removing barriers to seeking such assistance. This policy is intended for use in isolated situations and students may receive additional medical amnesty at the discretion of the Office of Community Standards. 

Medical Amnesty Policy: When a student is intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or drugs and seeks medical assistance, they may be granted amnesty from formal disciplinary action by the University for violating the alcohol or drug policies. Campus Safety will typically call EMS services to assist students. This policy does not apply in cases where a student is discovered to be intoxicated by University staff. If a student brings their own use, addiction, or dependency to the attention of University officials outside of conduct sanctions and seeks assistance, a conduct allegation will not be pursued. 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 University conduct processes and does not protect students from criminal or civil penalties.

Actively assisting requires that an individual: Call the Office of Campus Safety (5555) or 911 or seek another individual qualified to report the student’s condition such as a Resident Director (RD), administrator, or other Residence Life paraprofessionals. 

The following are not covered by the Medical Amnesty Policy: Medical Amnesty will not be granted to students who do not seek medical assistance. Those who are confronted by University staff (i.e. Residence Life staff, Campus Safety) or other authorities will be referred to the Office of Community Standards for alleged policy violation. The University is concerned with the use and abuse of alcohol, drugs, and other substances. Any student found intoxicated may be transported to Mid-Hudson Regional Medical Center or other local medical facilities for medical evaluation. 

Amnesty in cases of sexual assault or other sexual misconduct: Similarly, the University will not pursue conduct violations for violations of the University’s Alcohol and Drug Policies against a student who reports or seeks assistance after experiencing an incident of sexual assault or other sexual misconduct. See the University’s Title IX policy. 

Good Samaritan Policy: Student health and safety are of primary concern at Marist University. In cases of intoxication by alcohol and/or other substances, the University encourages individuals to seek medical assistance for themselves or others. Those involved may be required to meet with the Director of Community Standards/designee to discuss the incident. In lieu, a student may be required to complete educational requirements, including but not limited to, alcohol awareness/education and/or referral to the Health and Wellness Center. Failure to follow the action plan will nullify the Medical Amnesty protection and campus conduct processes will be initiated. Students who are engaged in minor violations but who choose to bring related serious violations by others to the attention of the University are offered amnesty for their minor violations and educational options may be explored. 

Application to Student Organizations: In circumstances where an organization is found to be hosting an event where medical assistance is sought for an intoxicated guest, the organization (depending upon the circumstances) may be held responsible for violations of the Alcohol Policy and/or Drug Policy. However, the organization’s willingness to seek medical assistance for a member or guest will be viewed as a mitigating factor in determining a sanction for any violations of the Alcohol Policy and/or Drug Policy. 

Sanctions Related To Alcohol And Other Drugs

The information below is intended to provide broad recommendations for common violations of the Marist Code of Student Conduct. Factors that may contribute to decisions regarding these sanctions are past disciplinary record of the student, the nature of the offense, and severity of any damage, injury, or harm resulting from it as perceived by the victim and/or appropriate University officials. These will only go over 1st and 2nd violations. Please note that these are guidelines and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. 

Alcohol Sanctions

Empty Alcohol Containers (Including Display And Paraphernalia)

• 1st violation – Written Warning and educational sanction (typically Judicial Educator, BASICS or Under the Influence).
• 2nd violation – Possible probation, loss of 2 priority points, and educational sanctions. 

In The Presence, Use, Or Possession Of Alcohol 

• 1st violation – Written Warning and educational sanction (depending on severity, additional sanctions may occur if overly intoxicated and/or transported). 
• 2nd violation – Possible probation, loss of 2 priority points, and educational sanctions. 

Medical Amnesty

• Medical Amnesty will be given to students who actively seek assistance in concern of alcohol policy violations that need medical assistance. Actively seeking assistance means getting aid from an RA, RD, or Campus Safety. Those who are granted medical amnesty may still receive educational sanctions and typically medical amnesty is only granted once. 

Drug Sanctions 

Drug Paraphernalia

• 1st violation – Written Warning or Probation (depending on severity) and educational sanctions. 
• 2nd violation – Possible probation, loss of 2 priority points, and educational sanctions. 

Drug Policy 

• 1st violation – Probation, loss of 2 priority points, and educational sanctions. 
• 2nd violation – Possible disciplinary probation, loss of 3 priority points, and educational sanctions. 
• Selling and distribution may result in suspension or expulsion. 

Medical Amnesty 

• Medical Amnesty will be given to students who actively seek assistance in concern of drug policy violations that need medical assistance. Actively seeking assistance means getting aid from an RA, RD, or Campus Safety. Those who are granted medical amnesty may still receive educational sanctions and typically medical amnesty is only granted once.

BASICS and CASICS

What is BASICS and CASICS? 

BASICS stands for Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students. CASICS stands for Cannabis Screening and Intervention for College Students. These programs are offered for all Marist University students who may want to explore their alcohol and drug use, but the goal of the program is to reduce risky behaviors and harmful consequences of alcohol or cannabis abuse. The program is designed to assist students in examining their own behavior in a judgment-free environment. The BASICS/CASICS facilitator will provide objective feedback, based on an interview and questionnaire filled out by the student, in order to encourage positive changes in behavior. The program provides guidance and resources, but it is up to the student to choose to make behavior changes. 

Some students may be referred to the program based on high-risk behavior. Additionally, students can self-refer to the program by calling Student Affairs 845-575-3514 to schedule an appointment. 

Health Risks

The use of alcohol and other drugs may have serious health consequences, including damage to the heart, lungs, and other organs. Alcohol related accidents are the number one cause of death for person aged 15-24. The most significant health risk, besides death, is addiction. Chemical dependency is a disease that, if not addressed, is fatal. No addict (including alcoholics and smokers) ever thought they would become addicted. 

Additional Risks 

• The use of cocaine or amphetamines greatly increases the risk of a heart attack. 
• Stimulants (“uppers,” speed, crack, methyl, crystal) may cause permanent damage to the brain, heart, lungs, and other organs from long-term use. 
• Medical Consequences of alcohol abuse include liver damage and disease, gastrointestinal problems and brain damage, as well as causing injury to the fetus during pregnancy. 
• Abuse of alcohol and marijuana during puberty can result in an imbalance of sex hormones resulting in reduced muscle mass and shrinkage of testicles in males and menstrual difficulties and infertility in females. 
• Inhalants (“popper,” rush, laughing gas, glue, paint thinner) may cause mental confusion, mood swings, delusions, and hallucinations. 
• The risk of breast cancer is increased by 30% among women who consume as few as three alcoholic drinks per day. 
• Depressants (“downers,” ludes, reds, 714s, barbs) greatly increase the risk of car crashes because they affect vision, judgment, coordination, and physical skills. 
• The use of hallucinogens, especially PCP, can result in an irreversible drug induced psychotic state and/or delusions that may trigger life-threatening behavior. 
• Users of heroin and other opiates risk HIV infection/AIDS from sharing needles. 
• In cases of rape, 75% of the men and 55% of the women involved had been using alcohol or other drugs.