Good Samaritan Policy

At Saint Mary’s College, the welfare of our students is a priority. In instances of crisis or medical emergency, Saint Mary’s College students are expected to care for themselves and for others throughout the community by getting help from appropriate College officials even when violations of the Student Code of Conduct may have occurred. Because the College understands that fear of disciplinary actions may deter requests for emergency assistance, the Good Samaritan Policy was created to alleviate such concerns and reduce hesitation by Saint Mary’s College students to seek help.

Saint Mary’s College pursues a policy of limited immunity for students who seek help for themselves or others who are in need. While policy violations cannot be overlooked, the College will provide educational options, rather than disciplinary processes, to those who offer their assistance to others in need.

In crisis situations involving alcohol and other drugs, the College strongly considers the positive impact of taking responsible action when determining the appropriate response for alleged policy violations relating to the incident. This means that no formal College disciplinary actions or sanctions will be assigned to the reporting student(s) for Alcohol or Other Drug violations relating to the incident. The incident will still be documented and educational and/or health interventions may be required as a condition of deferring disciplinary actions. Next steps will be determined at the discretion of the Dean of Students, or designee.

This policy does not protect repeated, flagrant, or serious violations of the Community and Student Life, and Code of Conduct Policies or violations that caused harm to another person requiring emergency response, nor does the policy preclude or prevent action by police or legal authorities.

Failure of students to take responsible action under this policy where action is clearly warranted and results in harm may, in egregious circumstances, constitute violations under the College and Student Life Policies and will void all protections under this provision.

For information on amnesty related to any sex-based discrimination or harassment, or sexual misconduct, see the Sex-Based Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Retaliation Policy

Alcohol/Drugs: In a situation involving imminent danger to the health and safety of any individual(s), students are expected (1) to contact Campus Safety at 925-631-4282 or other emergency officials to report the incident; (2) to remain with the individual(s) needing emergency treatment and cooperate with emergency personnel as long as it is safe to do so; and (3) to meet with appropriate College officials after the incident and cooperate with any College investigation as well as follow through with any recommended educational interventions.