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Community and Ethical Standards

MAP - Medical Amnesty Policy

Purpose

The purpose of the policy is to facilitate access and remove barriers to students who require medical assistance in alcohol and/or drug related emergencies, and to provide the opportunity for caring, non-punitive interventions in response to such incidents.

The Medical Amnesty Policy (MAP) is a key component of Clemson University’s comprehensive approach to reducing the harmful consequences caused by the excessive consumption of alcohol and/or drugs.  The MAP represents the University’s commitment to informed decision-making and promotion of responsible behaviors when faced with alcohol and/or drug related emergencies.  To achieve these goals, the MAP mandates that discretion be exercised, as permitted under Clemson University’s Code of Conduct, as follows:

Person In Need of Medical Attention

The policy may apply when a student receives emergency medical assistance that is related to the consumption of alcohol and/or drugs.  The student will not be charged or sanctioned for violations of University’s alcohol and/or drug-related policies.  Students receiving medical assistance in compliance with this policy shall not be referred for prosecution for any state, local or federal crime solely related to the possession, consumption or supplying of alcohol and/or drugs.  The student will be required to consult with the Office of Community & Ethical Standards, or their designee, and may be required to participate in an appropriate educational program.  Nothing in this policy shall prevent an individual who is obligated by federal, state, or local law, or University policy, practice, or procedure, to do so from reporting, charging, or taking other action related to the possible criminal prosecution of any student.

No individual may receive amnesty under this section more than once in a two-year period.  Records of all requests for assistance under this policy shall be maintained by the Office of Community and Ethical Standards.  Participation in any program because of this policy shall not be noted on the student's conduct record.  In the event an individual who previously utilized the MAP policy is involved in a subsequent alcohol and/or drug-related incident, this incident and any resulting charges shall be treated as an alleged second offense.

Other Individuals Present

Students who seek emergency assistance on behalf of persons experiencing alcohol and/or drug-related emergencies will not be charged or sanctioned for violations of the University’s alcohol and/or drug-related policies.  Students seeking assistance in compliance with this policy shall not be referred for prosecution for any state, local or federal crime solely related to the possession, consumption or supplying of alcohol and/or drugs.  Students may be required to consult with the Office of Community & Ethical Standards, or their designee, and may be required to participate in an appropriate educational program depending upon their involvement in the situation.  Nothing in this policy shall prevent an individual who is obligated by federal, state, or local law, or University policy, practice, or procedure, to do so from reporting, charging, or taking other action related to the possible criminal prosecution of any student.

No individual may receive amnesty under this section more than once in a two-year period.  Records of all requests for assistance under this policy shall be maintained by the Office of Community and Ethical Standards.  Participation in any program because of this policy shall not be noted on the student’s conduct record. In the event an individual who previously utilized the MAP policy is involved in a subsequent alcohol and/or drug-related incident, this incident and any resulting charges shall be treated as an alleged second offense.

Organizations

A representative of an organization hosting an event is required to promptly seek medical assistance in an emergency that is related to the consumption of alcohol and/or drugs.  Hosting organizations whose representatives seek emergency assistance on behalf of persons experiencing alcohol and/or drug-related emergencies will not be charged by the University or sanctioned for violations of University’s alcohol and/or drug-related policies, solely related to the possession, consumption or supplying of alcohol and/or drugs of simple possession levels.  Nothing in this policy shall prevent an individual who is obligated by federal, state, or local law, or University policy, practice, or procedure, to do so from reporting, charging, or taking other action related to possible criminal prosecution.

Organization representatives may be required to consult with the Office of Community & Ethical Standards, or their designee, and that organization may be required to participate in an appropriate educational program. Participation in any program because of this policy shall not be noted on the organization’s conduct record.  No organization may receive protection under this section more than one time in an academic year.

Reviewed 2023

Contact: Office of Community and Ethical Standards, 864-656-0510.

Office of Community and Ethical Standards
Office of Community and Ethical Standards