The University of Central Florida (UCF) supports a safe environment by encouraging students and student organizations to take immediate action in seeking emergency medical attention for individuals who need medical care.
The university’s Code of Conduct highly encourages students to call for medical assistance whenever an individual experiences severe intoxication or serious injury after consuming alcohol and/or other drugs.
Review the Code of Conduct section(s) related to Medical Emergencies.
How does this policy work?
In serious or life-threatening situations, particularly where alcohol poisoning or drug overdose is suspected or where other medical treatment is reasonably believed to be appropriate, students should take the following steps. Students who receive medical attention due to alcohol-related emergencies who seek medical assistance on behalf of another intoxicated student may be exempt from disciplinary action
What happens if you are the person who receives medical help?
The following next steps outline the process after medical help is provided to a student in need of medical attention as a result of alcohol and/or drug use:
If the situation qualifies, students are required to meet with a professional staff member in Student Conduct and Academic Integrity. The staff member, after evaluating the situation, will determine appropriate educational actions for the student. These educational actions are required to be completed by the student. Actions may include- but are not limited to:
Students who fail to complete the above requirements in their entirety may be subject to additional requirements or may face the possibility of student conduct action.
If it is determined, independent of the call for assistance, that a violation or violations of the Student Conduct Code have occurred, students involved in the incident may be charged with those violations.
Does this policy protect students from police or legal actions?
No. This policy only applies to the UCF Student Code of Conduct, Residence Life/Housing Code and policies, and Fraternity & Sorority Life and RSO policies. It does not prevent or preclude police or other legal actions.
What does this policy NOT apply to?
Other prohibited conduct (including but not limited to distribution of illegal substances, harassment, and/or physical misconduct). However, other prohibited conduct should not be a barrier for reporting emergencies and getting help.
Will my parents find out?
If a student is transported to an emergency medical treatment center for any reason, the student’s parents or guardians may be notified by a university official if necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.
Will incidents involving medical emergencies be on my academic or disciplinary record?
No. These incidents will not be entered on the student’s disciplinary record.
Is there a limit to the number of times Amnesty can be used?
No. Students are encouraged to look after their friends and peers and to take responsible action when needed, However, if a student is involved in repeat alcohol and/or drug incidents, measures will be taken to appropriately address the behavior accordingly:
University of Central Florida students who receive medical attention due to alcohol-related emergencies may be exempt from disciplinary action as part of the conditions for alcohol emergencies after review by the Director of the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity. Students eligible for exemption will be referred for assessment and follow-up services in lieu of the student conduct review process.
The Director of the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity reserves the right to review each incident individually to determine whether the student will be exempt from disciplinary action. The Director of the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity maintains the right to recommend additional requirements for students who are referred for assessment and fail to meet the requirements of their assessment. For subsequent incidents, appropriate interventions will be handled on a case by case basis.
Students who seek medical assistance on behalf of another intoxicated student may be exempt from disciplinary action. For more information regarding parental notification involving medical transports for alcohol-related incidents, refer to the Parental Notification Policy.
Student organizations may be eligible for exemptions from disciplinary action when a representative of an organization at a student organizational event calls for emergency assistance on behalf of a person experiencing an alcohol and/or drug related emergency. Student organizations that seek medical assistance for alcohol and/or drug emergencies may receive exemption for violations of the Organizational Code of Conduct Section 6 subsections a through f; however, exemption for other Organizational Code of Conduct violations may not be granted. Student organizations may be eligible for this exemption on a case by case basis at the discretion of the Director of the SCAI or designee.