Amnesty & Safe Harbor

Amnesty

The University of Saint Francis may provide amnesty to students based on one of the following grounds.

• For victims.
  The University of Saint Francis provides amnesty to victims who may be hesitant to report to University of Saint Francis officials because they fear that they themselves may be accused of minor policy violations, such as underage drinking or drug use, at the time of the incident.

• For those who offer assistance.
  To encourage students to offer help and assistance to others, University of Saint Francis promotes a practice of by-stander intervention and pursues a policy of amnesty for minor violations when students offer help to others in need. At the discretion of the Vice President for Student Affairs (or designee), amnesty may also be extended on a case-by-case basis to the person receiving assistance.

• For those who report serious violations.
  Students who are engaged in minor violations but who choose to bring related serious violations by others to the attention of the University of Saint Francis are offered amnesty for their minor violations.

In all cases of amnesty, educational options will be explored, but no conduct proceedings or conduct record will result. Records regarding the provision of amnesty, however, will be maintained.

Abuse of amnesty requests can result in a decision not to extend amnesty to the same person repeatedly.

Safe Harbor

The University of Saint Francis has a Safe Harbor practice for students. The University of Saint Francis believes that students who have an alcohol or drug abuse and/or substance addiction problem have the right to receive help. If any USF student shares a concern about their own use, addiction, or dependency to the attention of University of Saint Francis officials, a conduct complaint will not be pursued. Please note, Safe Harbor only applies when the student(s) raise the concern outside the threat of drug tests or conduct proceedings and seeks assistance. A written action plan may be used to track cooperation by the student within the Safe Harbor provision. Failure to follow the action plan may nullify the Safe Harbor protection and student conduct processes will be initiated.