Good Samaritan Policy

The outcomes and processes developed for this document were created by MIT undergraduate students, staff and other members of the MIT coalition known as the MIT Alcohol & Other Drug Collaborative- Policy Committee.

1.1 Principles – MIT emphasizes that anyone who is experiencing the potentially dangerous effects associated with substance abuse should seek medical attention and treatment. The safety and health of our students is the primary concern. Alcohol intoxication requiring medical attention is first considered a health issue, therefore, the primary Institute response is a medical one.

MIT expects students to help each other by promoting moderate and responsible use of alcohol thereby minimizing the incidence of alcohol poisoning. The MIT community acknowledges there may be times when students may face uncertain situations involving excessive drinking. In these situations, students are expected to call for assistance when concerned for the health of another student. Since alcohol related emergencies may be life-threatening, MIT, as a community, established procedures to reduce barriers for seeking help.

1.2 For those who call for help – A person who calls for help on another student’s behalf will not be subject to disciplinary action unless the situation also involves violent behavior, sexual assault, hazing or other serious conduct issues.

It is the obligation of every member within the MIT community when in the presence of a severely intoxicated person to contact medical assistance. This can be done through a Graduate Resident Tutor, Housemaster, Resident Advisor, or gaining medical transport directly by contacting 100 (on campus) or 617.253.1212.

Office of the Dean for Student Life; for full policy see
http://cdsa.mit.edu/goodsamaritan

Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Contact Us