Medical Assistance Policy

Medical Assistance Policy

Auburn University students' health, safety and welfare are of the utmost importance. As such, all students are expected to alert appropriate emergency officials in potentially serious or life-threatening situations. The Medical Assistance Policy empowers students and student organizations to seek medical assistance for individuals who may be experiencing health-related complications from any potentially serious or life-threatening situation, including those involving the use of alcohol, drugs or other substances. This policy aims to reduce barriers to seeking help, and to encourage students and student organizations to make responsible decisions when faced with a serious emergency.

For individual students eligible for exemption under the Medical Assistance Policy, the incident will not appear on a student’s disciplinary record. A student organization’s compliance with this policy may be considered a mitigating factor for sanctioning by the appropriate judicial body.

In potentially serious or life-threatening situations, students and student organizations are expected to:

  1. Immediately contact emergency officials by calling 911 to report the incident.

  2. Remain with the individual(s) needing medical assistance, so long as it is safe to do so.

  3. Cooperate with emergency officials.

  4. Meet with appropriate university officials after the incident.

  5. Cooperate with any university and/or law enforcement investigation(s).

The Medical Assistance Policy applies to students who:

  • Seek medical assistance on their own behalf.

  • Obtain medical assistance under this policy.

  • Seek and obtain medical assistance on behalf of another individual.

  • Student organizations who seek and obtain medical assistance on behalf of a member or guest.

A student or student organization will not be considered eligible for exemption under this policy if the incident is first discovered by a university employee or public safety official (i.e., Auburn Police, faculty, administrative staff, residence hall staff, etc.) acting within the scope of their responsibilities.

The policy does not protect against flagrant or serious violations of the Code of Student Conduct or other university policies including but not limited to:

  • Physical abuse or violence

  • Sexual misconduct

  • Harassment

  • Theft

  • Vandalism

This policy does not preclude or prevent action by police or other legal authorities. Additional and/or elevated disciplinary outcomes may be applied for students and student organizations that fail to follow the Medical Assistance Protocol in potentially serious or life-threatening situations.