Medical Amnesty Policy
At Merrimack College, the primary concern of our community standards is the safety and well-being of all members of our community.
In cases of a medical emergency resulting from alcohol and/or other drug use, students are strongly encouraged to seek out medical attention by contacting residence life staff and/or the Merrimack College Police Department. Any student who seeks out medical assistance on behalf of themselves or another student, and remains with the student until a time when help arrives, will not be subject to disciplinary action for violations of the alcohol and/or drug policies, at the discretion of the director of community standards. The medical amnesty policy does not apply to students who are found and confronted by staff (Merrimack College Police Department, residence life staff, etc.).
Though a student may not be subject to disciplinary action for violations of the alcohol and/or drug policies, other violations of the community standards will be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to disorderly conduct, vandalism, distribution and violence.
Any student who is assessed and/or transported by medical professionals will be required to complete certain educational interventions, including one to two confidential meetings with staff in either the Hamel Health and Counseling Center or the Office of Wellness Education. Failure to complete this requirement will result in disciplinary action. In addition, they will be responsible for all financial costs associated with their medical treatment/care.
Students who seek help for alcohol- and/or other drug-related medical emergencies more than once during their enrollment at the college will be subject to disciplinary action. The Director of Community Standards reserves the right to deny medical amnesty when instances of alcohol- or other drug-related emergencies persist.
