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Students visit during a Multicultural Student Life welcome back event on August 22, 2023. Photo by Steven Bridges/University of Tennessee.

Amnesty

Vols are always there to help other Vols in need.

If you see someone who needs help due to alcohol or drug use, contact law enforcement or university staff to get them assistance. Then, stay with the individual until help arrives. If you are under the influence and worried about calling for fear you or others may get in trouble, please know the university provides amnesty to students seeking help in these situations. Amnesty applies to more than one person at a time and may be granted to numerous students involved in any one incident.

Amnesty means no formal disciplinary action is taken when a good Samaritan: (1) contacts appropriate resources to report and request assistance and (2) demonstrates cooperation and care by remaining with the impaired student. Amnesty applies to the impaired student(s) and any good Samaritan(s) under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs.

  • Impaired Student: student(s) in need of emergency medical attention due to alcohol or other substance use.
  • Good Samaritan: student(s) that seek help for the impaired student(s).

Amnesty can apply to:

  • More than one impaired student at a time.
  • Both the impaired student(s) and good samaritan(s).
  • Both alcohol and/or other drugs.
  • All students, regardless of their age or classification. 
  • Students who call for help for themselves.

When granted amnesty, no formal disciplinary action occurs. Instead, students are connected to resources.

Please see the Student Code of Conduct for more information regarding amnesty.