Amnesty Policy

When the health and safety of a fellow Buff are at risk, calling for help is always the right thing to do. Under the Amnesty Policy, calling for help in an alcohol- or drug-related emergency means neither the person who calls for help nor the person who needs help will be subject to formal disciplinary sanctions by the university. 

What is the Amnesty Policy?

Alcohol- or Drug-related Emergency

Whenever a student assists an intoxicated individual in procuring the appropriate assistance as determined by SCCR, neither the intoxicated individual nor the individual(s) who assists will be subject to the formal resolution process with respect to the alcohol, drug, or infectious disease policy. Educational outcomes may still be assigned.

Public Health Orders

Whenever a student calls for appropriate assistance in ending large social gatherings in their homes, neither the individual who called for assistance nor other tenants who are present or on the lease will be subject to the formal resolution process with respect to the violation of law or infectious disease policy violation pertaining to the gathering. Resolution of the incident under the Amnesty Policy is contingent upon all tenants at the address completing a restorative justice process with SCCR.

How does it work?

To be covered by the Amnesty Policy, the student must:

  • Call for help (911 or university staff).
  • ​Stay with the individual until help arrives.
  • Cooperate with staff and emergency responders.

The student must fully comply with police and medical responders for the Amnesty Policy to be considered.

CU Boulder Amnesty Policy

 
Recognize when someone needs help and call 911 in an emergency.
Learn more about alcohol and other drugs emergencies.

 

Alcohol Emergencies

  • Passed out and unresponsive
  • Fewer than 12 breaths/minute
  • Vomiting while passed out
  • Pale/bluish or cool/clammy skin
  • Uncontrolled peeing or pooping

Opioid Emergencies

  • Pinpoint pupils
  • Shallow breathing or not breathing
  • Gurgling, wheezing or snoring sounds
  • Blue or grayish lips and nails
  • Not responding to stimuli, including pain

How to Respond

  • Call 911 and put them in the recovery position.
  • If the person may have used opiates in any form, including pain pills, administering naloxone can reverse an overdose.
  • Stay with the person until help arrives.
  • In the case of an overdose, if they do not respond, begin CPR.