Good Samaritan Clause

The Good Samaritan Clause acknowledges that, as members of this community, students have a responsibility to each other. It is expected that students take active steps to protect the safety and well-being of our community. The university is aware that students are sometimes reluctant, in alcohol, drug-related, or sexual assault emergencies, to seek medical or other assistance on behalf of themselves or another individual out of fear that they may face sanctions related to their own violations of university policy. Because such emergencies are potentially life-threatening, IWU seeks to create a culture of trust and care, paired with safety and responsibility, while reducing barriers that would prevent students from seeking assistance by implementing this clause.

The Good Samaritan Clause allows those students who, while in violation of the alcohol or drug policies, responsibly report alcohol, drug-related emergencies to the proper authorities for the intention of seeking medical or safety assistance for themselves or anyone in need of emergency care, to go through the Self-Report Process mentioned above.

It should be noted that this policy refers to isolated incidents only and does not excuse or protect those who flagrantly or repeatedly violate university policies. Furthermore, it does not preclude disciplinary action regarding other violations of University standards, such as causing or threatening physical harm, sexual abuse, damage to property, harassment, hazing, etc… It should also be noted that this policy does not prevent action by local and state authorities.