Responsible Action Protocol

Purpose of Protocol

Students are encouraged to make responsible decisions in life-threatening situations that result from alcohol and/or other drug abuse and to seek medical attention for someone who is in danger because of intoxication.  Students should alert University officials, UGA or local police, or professional medical personnel when they or their friends are in danger.  A student who calls for or seeks emergency assistance on behalf of a student experiencing an alcohol or other drug related emergency may not be subject to mandatory alcohol and other drug sanctions under the Student Code of Conduct.

Scope of Protocol

1. The Responsible Action Protocol applies to students who seek assistance or medical treatment on their own behalf or on the behalf of another student. 

2. The Responsible Action Protocol does not apply if the student seeking help for another student purchased, supplied, or otherwise made available the alcohol or other drug to the student needing medical assistance.

3. If a representative of an organization hosting an event calls for medical assistance, this act of responsibility might mitigate potential judicial consequences that could arise against the organization, i.e., the fact that an organization sought help might be considered in potential sanctioning for university policy violations.

4. The protocol applies only to the Student Code of Conduct and does not in any way prohibit law enforcement agencies within their jurisdictions from enforcing the laws enacted by the State of Georgia.

Requirements of Protocol

Students considered for the Responsible Action Protocol are required to meet with a member of the Office of Judicial Programs who, after evaluating the situation, may also refer the student to a substance abuse specialist in the John Fontaine, Jr. Center for Alcohol Awareness and Education for assessment, counseling, and/or possible referral for treatment.  Students who are referred to the John Fontaine, Jr. Center for Alcohol Awareness and Education but fail to meet and complete the recommendations in their entirety may be subject to further action.

Even if there is not a disciplinary action, the Office of Judicial Programs will notify the parents of the student (Parental Notification Policy) and will maintain a file of the case which can be used as a prior record should subsequent alcohol or other drug violations occur.  Academic transcripts will not reflect the incident but the file will be maintained in accordance with the Office of Judicial Programs records management.

If the student has any subsequent incidents, these will be handled through the regular judicial process.  If a violation is found to occur, prior records, including involvement in the Responsible Action Protocol, will be considered for sanctioning purposes.  With a prior record, students may receive sanctions above any minimum described in the Student Code of Conduct, which can include suspension or expulsion from the University.

Limitation of Protocol

The Responsible Action Protocol applies only to alcohol and other drug-related medical emergencies.  It does not apply to other prohibited behavior such as disorderly conduct (including physical or verbal abuse), property damage, or distribution of illicit substances.

Approved by the President’s Cabinet, April 19th 2007
Effective May 14, 2007

The University of Georgia • Office of Judicial Programs • 207 Memorial Hall • Athens, GA 30602-3115
Phone: 706-542-1131 • Fax: 706-542-8817

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