III. Amnesty
Amnesty is a provision that exempts a student or organization/group from sanctions under specific conditions to encourage safety and reporting. Amnesty is not intended to shield students or organizations/groups that repeatedly violate the code. The decision to grant amnesty may be left to the Dean of Students and/or the Director of Student Conduct & Title IX. Students should understand that a grant of amnesty by the university does not prevent action that a law enforcement agency or national headquarters may take.

A. Crime Victim
If a victim of a crime is suspected of having used alcohol and/or drugs, amnesty would be extended to the victim and the person seeking assistance and the student will be exempt from disciplinary sanctioning through the Office of Student Conduct & Title IX for violations of the student code of conduct's University Drug Free Communities Policy as referenced. Prosecution of individuals under local, state, or federal laws would be at the discretion of appropriate officials of the applicable jurisdiction.
Any student that believes she/he has been a victim of sexual assault is encouraged to notify the VSU University Police (229-333- 7816), the Valdosta City Police (229-242-2606), the VSU Title IX Coordinator (229-333-5409), the VSU Counseling Center (229-333- 5940), or The Haven Rape Crisis Center (229-244-4477).


B. Medical Amnesty
Medical amnesty is offered to students and organizations/groups who become aware of a medical emergency involving suspected alcohol or drug overdose and seek emergency assistance on behalf of another student. The student(s) making the notification of a medical emergency, and the victim(s) will be exempt from disciplinary sanctioning through the Office of Student Conduct & Title IX for violations of the student code of conduct's University Drug Free Communities Policy.
Prosecution of individuals under local, state, or federal laws would be at the discretion of appropriate officials of the applicable jurisdiction.

C. Hazing Amnesty
In effort to stop and remove any behaviors or actions that degrades, intimidates, or endangers the health, safety, and well-being of any VSU student, individuals/organizations/groups who report an ongoing or pending act of hazing will be provided amnesty, provided that:

  1. The disclosure is made by a survivor of, a bystander who is not an active participant in the acts, or for an organization/group - the report is made by an executive officer;
  2. The disclosure is a good faith report of hazing made before or during an incident. In situations where one’s own safety and well-being would be at risk, reports should be made as soon as it is safe to do so – for organizations/groups the incident must be reported within three (3) calendar days;
  3. Emergency medical assistance is sought if necessary;
  4. Reporting parties identify themselves and cooperate with medical personnel, law enforcement, and/or university officials;
  5. Reporting parties remain with anyone needing medical assistance; and
  6. Reporting parties complete any additional conditions imposed by the Office of Student Conduct & Title IX. For organizations and groups, this will include creating and implementing a plan to prevent future incidents.
  7. Information given is truthful and accurate. If information given is found to be knowingly false or fabricated or material details are withheld, amnesty will be revoked.
This opportunity will be extended only once per academic year. Any additional conditions will be discussed with the Dean of Students and/or Director of Student Conduct & Title IX.
 

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