Student Amnesty for Alcohol and Drug Emergencies

Alcohol poisoning and drug overdose are serious and life threatening medical emergencies. Students may encounter this type of emergency during their time at UT. Sometimes students are afraid to seek emergency medical care when alcohol poisoning or drug overdose is suspected because they do not want to get themselves or others in trouble. In order to encourage students to seek emergency medical care, the University has instituted the Student Amnesty for Alcohol and Drug Emergencies.

What is Student Amnesty for Alcohol and Drug Emergencies?

Amnesty means current UT students can avoid formal University disciplinary action and the creation of a formal disciplinary record when they call for help for an alcohol or drug-related medical emergency.

Student Amnesty for Alcohol and Drug Emergencies applies in the case of the following:

Possession of alcohol or drugs by a minor (Minor In Possession)
Unauthorized possession or use of alcohol or drugs on campus
Consumption of alcohol by a minor (Minor In Consumption)
Use of drugs
Intoxication as the result of using alcohol (including Public Intoxication)

Who is it for?

Amnesty may be granted to the UT student(s) calling for help, as well as the student who is experiencing the medical emergency.

Who grants amnesty?

Student Conduct and Academic Integrity deems students appropriate for amnesty when they are referred for alcohol- and drug-related incidents. Learn more about UT's alcohol policies.

How does it work?

CALL: Call 911 immediately when you see the signs of alcohol poisoning or drug overdose.
STAY: Stay with the person.
HELP: Gently turn the person on their side to facilitate breathing and avoid choking should the person vomit.
ANSWER: Cooperate with all emergency personnel.

AFTER THE INCIDENT:

Students will be referred to Student Conduct and Academic Integrity and will be evaluated for amnesty.
Students eligible for amnesty will still be required to participate in an educational component and may be referred for an individual consultation, however they will not face formal disciplinary action. Students who decline or fail to attend the educational component or fail to comply with the counselor's recommendations will become subject to formal disciplinary action.

There are limitations to this program and inclusion in the program is not automatic.

This program is separate, but in congruence with, the state amnesty policy, Senate Bill 1331 (Texas 911 Lifeline legislation), which provides amnesty against criminal citations for those seeking medical attention as the result of an illegal action, such as minor in consumption or possession of alcohol by a minor. Student Amnesty for Alcohol Emergencies provides protection against formal disciplinary action by the University, whereas the Texas 911 Lifeline legislation provides protection against legal action.

What should I do in an alcohol medical emergency?

Know the signs of alcohol poisoning.
Call 911, even if you're not sure.
Stay with the person and cooperate with all emergency personnel.

What should I do in the case of a drug overdose?

Know the signs of a drug overdose.
Call 911, even if you’re not sure.
Stay with the person and cooperate with all emergency personnel.
If the person has overdosed on an opioid, administer Naloxone.

Texas Amnesty Law

The University's policy is separate from the state amnesty policy, Senate Bill 1331 (Texas 911 Lifeline legislation), which provides amnesty against criminal citations for those seeking medical attention as the result of an illegal action, such as minor in consumption or possession of alcohol by a minor. Student Amnesty for Alcohol and Drug Emergencies provides protection against formal disciplinary action by the University for both alcohol- and drug-related incidences, whereas the Texas 911 Lifeline legislation provides protection against legal action in relation only to alcohol-related incidences.