ALCOHOL & OTHER DRUG AMNESTY PROGRAM

The health and safety of students at The George Washington University are of great importance to the entire GW community. It is understood that the potential for non-academic student conduct action may deter students from seeking needed medical assistance, either for themselves or others, as the result of harmful use of alcohol and other drugs. The university has adopted a limited "amnesty" program in an effort to address this concern in the first instance where a student receives medical attention for the harmful use of alcohol and/or other drugs and otherwise violates no additional university policies. The Alcohol and Other Drug Medical Amnesty Program and the Good Samaritan Statement may also apply to university-registered student groups and organizations.

Through the university’s Alcohol & Other Drug Medical Amnesty program, a student needing to be evaluated for transport, regardless of the outcome of that evaluation, to medical professionals for the first time as the result of alcohol intoxication and/or other drug use will not face formal non-academic student conduct action by Conflict Education & Student Accountability (CESA), provided that the student has not committed any other violations of the Code of Student Conduct that warrant formal nonacademic disciplinary action. A "Good Samaritan" who makes a call to obtain medical assistance for a student following harmful use of alcohol and other drugs also will not face formal non-academic student conduct action, provided that they have committed no violation of the Code of Student Conduct other than the possession or use of alcohol by persons under 21 years of age or intoxication on or off university premises or possession or use of other drugs. A student who participates in the university’s Alcohol & Other Drug Medical Amnesty program will be required to meet with professional staff members at the university for an educational conversation, assessment, and potential referral for additional services. In the event that a student fails to meet with the professional staff member as required or chooses not to participate in the required follow-up, the student will be subject to formal non-academic student conduct action.

Previous administrative or student conduct history or lack of cooperation with University or responding officials, among other factors, may limit eligibility for this program.

For more information about The George Washington University’s Alcohol and Other Drug Medical Amnesty program, please contact CESA at [email protected] or call us at (202) 994-6757.

Good Samaritan Statement

The health and safety of each and every member of the GW community is of paramount importance. The Division of Student Affairs including the Office of CESA understands that the potential for non-academic student conduct action may deter students from seeking needed medical assistance, either for themselves or others, as the result of the harmful use of alcohol and/or other drugs.

The university has instituted a “Good Samaritan” policy in an effort to encourage students to obtain help when needed. We urge members of GW’s community to contact the Emergency Medical Response Group (EMeRG) through the GW Police Department (GWPD) when they believe a person may be in need of assistance. To reach medical help if on campus, contact GWPD at 202-994-6111 and contact 911 if off campus. We encourage all students who reach out for assistance to identify themselves so that the university can acknowledge their role as Good Samaritans.

GW is thankful to the students who take an active role in caring for fellow students by acting in responsible and timely ways during a serious situation such as alcohol or other drug overdoses. Seeking help that is critically needed for a fellow student shows courage and leadership. Therefore, a Good Samaritan who makes a call to obtain medical assistance for another student due to harmful use of alcohol or other drugs also will not face formal nonacademic student conduct action, provided that they have committed no violation of the Code of Student Conduct other than the possession or use of alcohol by persons under 21, intoxication on or off University premises, or possession or use of other drugs.

Additionally, GW recognizes that situations may arise during a university-sponsored activity at which alcoholic beverages are served where an individual may need medical assistance as a result of the over-consumption of alcohol. Therefore, the university has implemented policies to protect the health and safety of students and their guests during a sponsored activity. However, should a situation arise, the university will consider the actions taken by students into consideration when addressing any policy violation(s) which may have occurred.

For more information about The George Washington University’s Good Samaritan policy, please contact CESA at [email protected] or at (202) 994-6757.

Possible Outcomes of Amnesty

Alcohol eCHECKUP TO GO is an interactive online module designed to help you review your alcohol use. In the module, you will fill out a survey, and the program will generate a personalized feedback report based on your current behaviors. The module will also explore your goals and motivations around alcohol use. The module takes about 30 minutes to complete.
Cannabis eCHECKUP TO GO is an interactive online module designed to help you review your cannabis use. In the module, you will fill out a survey, and the program will generate a personalized feedback report based on your current behaviors. The module will also explore your goals and motivations around cannabis use. The module takes about 30 minutes to complete.
The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is a simple and effective method of screening for unhealthy alcohol use, defined as risky or hazardous consumption or any alcohol use disorder.
Cannabis Use Disorders Identification Test (CUDIT) is an 8-item screening tool that assesses individual cannabis consumption, problems associated with abuse, dependence, as well as psychological consequences.
Continued conversations
- Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS) is a program designed to assist students in examining their drinking and other drug-use behavior in a judgment-free environment. This is not an abstinence-only program. Instead, the goals are selected by the student and are aimed at reducing risky behaviors and potential harmful consequences. Services provided through the BASICS program are non-judgmental, non-labeling, and private. BASICS is conducted through two one-hour long meetings, which must be at least one week apart.
- Cannabis Screening and Intervention for College Students (CASICS) is a program designed to assist students in examining their cannabis and other drug-use behavior in a judgment-free environment. This is not an abstinence-only program. Instead, the goals are selected by the student and are aimed at reducing risky behaviors and potential harmful consequences. Services provided through the CASICS program are non-judgmental, non-labeling, and private. CASICS is conducted through two one-hour long meetings, which must be at least one week apart.