Amnesty Policy

Because the health and safety of students are of primary importance, students are encouraged not only to look out for their own health and safety, but also for that of their peers. When a person's health and safety are threatened or appear to be in jeopardy, immediate action should be taken. The college has developed this Amnesty Policy to remove concerns about conduct board action from the decision to seek medical assistance for yourself or others.

Do not hesitate to call Smith College Campus Safety x5555 (413-585-5555 from non-campus phones) or a residence life staff member for assistance and guidance. Whatever the particular need/problem, it is important to respond to a health or safety concern in a responsible and timely manner.

IF A PERSON IS IN NEED OF MEDICAL TREATMENT

An individual who receives emergency medical attention related to their use of alcohol or drugs will not be subject to conduct board action for use and/or possession of alcohol or drugs, distribution of alcoholic beverages, or for public intoxication.

This amnesty is granted to the individual when two educational sessions are completed. Please contact the associate dean of students to begin this process. Based on this meeting you and the associate dean of students will determine your appropriate follow-up meeting.

It is the responsibility of the student to set the meeting with the associate dean of students within two weeks of the incident.

CALLING ON BEHALF OF SOMEONE ELSE

INDIVIDUAL - An individual who calls for emergency assistance on behalf of a person experiencing an alcohol or drug-related emergency will not be subject to conduct action by Smith College for the following Code violations in relation to the incident: use and/or possession of alcohol or drugs, distribution of alcoholic beverages, or for public intoxication.

ORGANIZATION - A representative of an organization hosting an event is expected to promptly call for medical assistance in an alcohol or drug-related emergency. This act of responsibility will mitigate the conduct consequences against the organization resulting from any policy violations that may have occurred at the time of the incident. Likewise, failure to call for medical assistance in an alcohol drug-related emergency will be considered an "aggravating circumstance" if conduct board action is taken in response to other Conduct Code violations.

REPEATED INCIDENTS

Consistent with putting the student's health first, the College will approach repeated incidents as a serious health and wellness risk. While amnesty from the conduct process may be applied, a meeting with the dean of students and possible notification of parents or guardians may also result. Repeated failure to seek assistance by an organization will result in conduct board action, and possibly organization probation or suspension.