Will there be amnesty from documentation for 'Good Samaritans'?

The infamous plunge a female student took from a Campion window last year precipitated a long-awaited overhaul in Seattle University alcohol policy.

The changes will extend judicial amnesty to Good Samaritans and intoxicated friends who actively seek medical attention. Originally proposed by Peer Health Action Team member Sonia Glennie, the resolution will prevent alcohol violations from appearing on student records if medical assistance is requested.

Students will still be documented, but they will not be at risk for more severe conduct charges.

"It's an acknowledgment that [underage drinking] happens," said Kevin Eggers, one of the ASSU at-large representatives.

Objections to the resolution are being considered. The goal is not to promote underage drinking but to keep people safe, according to Glennie, junior nursing major.

Associate Dean of Students Darrell Goodwin and director of Wellness and Health Promotion Deb Hinchey will assess the legitimacy of pleas for medical amnesty as they arise.

Eggers, junior philosophy major, was the primary in conducting university research into medical amnesty. He also wrote the policy now being appraised by the executive team.

Eggers found that such policies are relatively new to college campuses, Cornell University being the first to implement medical amnesty in 2002.

Cornell released a study in 2006 suggesting that the program marginally increases calls for medical assistance relating to alcohol. The study surmised that each episode in which someone does not call for help is a potentially fatal situation.

Ninety other universities have followed suit, including fellow Jesuit institution Fordham University. Dartmouth College and Princeton University are among other universities that have medical amnesty policies.

The Seattle University policy will closely follow Cornell's model. It affects three groups of students: those requiring medical assistance, those requesting assistance for others and those hosting events where students may require assistance.

Students exhibiting symptoms of alcohol poisoning will receive medical attention as well as immunity from judicial repercussions. They will be required to attend follow-up education classes in order to receive immunity.

Good Samaritans like those who assisted the female student who fell from a Campion window last year will not be subject to any judicial action.

"People need to know what alcohol poisoning looks like," Glennie said. "It will not be effective if it is not combined with targeted education."

Organizations or students hosting events are responsible for calling medical services should the need to do so arise. Glennie stressed that amnesty policies alone do not change behaviors.

Glennie also warned that the policy is not capable of regulating drinking, but is "intended to keep kids safe and prevent unnecessary accidents."

Michael Sletten, director of Public Safety, assures that "regardless of alcohol involvement, all will be safe and cared for."

Eggers hopes students will be aware of the policy by the end of this year. He expects that it will be in place at the beginning of fall quarter for the 2010-2011 school year.

Chelsea may be reached at cnehler@su-spectator.com.