Good Samaritan Policy (GSP)

In cases of a medical emergency or crisis, Marquette students are expected to care for themselves and others in the Marquette community by seeking help from appropriate university staff members.

Marquette students in good standing with the university can take advantage of the Good Samaritan Policy to eliminate any reasons for hesitation that they may have in seeking help for themselves or others should an emergency or crisis arise.

In any situation involving danger to the health or safety of a member of the Marquette University community, students are expected to take action and to determine the appropriate response, regardless of the potential for disciplinary action related to their own alcohol or drug use.

This means that no formal university disciplinary actions will be assigned for violations of university standards of conduct involving alcohol or drug use by the reporting student(s) that occurred at or immediately before the time of the incident.

The incident will still be documented, and educational outcomes may still be required. Formal disciplinary charges will be held in abeyance pending the completion of the assigned outcomes.

Other violations of the student code of conduct do not fall within the scope of this Policy. 

In addition, the university continues to be obligated by applicable law to report all violations of the law to local law enforcement authorities. 

Students who abuse the protections of the Policy by seeking help for others when there is no good-faith basis for doing so will not be able to claim the benefits of the Policy. The University reserves the right to evaluate incidents on a case-by-case basis regardless of the way the incident was reported.

Students who fail to take appropriate action in situations involving danger to the health or safety of others who are part of the Marquette University community remain liable for violations of the student code of conduct. 

 

Sexual Misconduct

In a situation where sexual misconduct is alleged to have been committed, this policy also applies to the student reporting the sexual misconduct and/or witnesses participating in a sexual misconduct investigation who may have engaged in more minor policy violations at the time of the incident (e.g. underage alcohol consumption or drug use).

In situations involving danger to the health and safety of one or more individuals, students are expected

  1. To contact Marquette University Police Department (414-288-1911), Residence Life, or other university staff to report the incident;
  2. To remain with individual(s) needing emergency treatment and cooperate with emergency personnel as long as it is safe to do so; and
  3. To meet with appropriate university officials after the incident and cooperate with any university investigation.

Failure to meet these three basic expectations will likely void the application of this policy.

 

Good Samaritan Policy FAQs

Q. How do I help a friend who I feel is in need of medical attention?

The best option when you feel someone is in need of medical attention is to seek help. Remember the 3 steps to comply with the GSP:

  • Get Help: Contact Marquette University Police Department (414-288-1911), Residence Life staff, or other emergency official.
  • Stay With the Individual: Until emergency help arrives, do not leave the individual alone.
  • Follow Up Afterward: You are expected to meet with appropriate university officials after the incident and cooperate with any university investigation.

 

Q. Will I still get in trouble if I am underage and have been drinking if I call for help on behalf of somebody else?

No formal university disciplinary actions will be assigned to the reporting student(s) for alcohol or drug violations relating to the incident. The incident will still be documented, and educational outcomes may be required as a condition of there being no disciplinary sanctions. The policy does not prevent action by police, legal authorities nor does it protect a reporting student from potential criminal or civil liability.

 

Q. Can the GSP be used for multiple people?

Yes. The GSP can be applied to multiple people in one incident. The policy is intended to encourage students to make the right call for any and all individuals who are in need of medical attention.

 

Q. Is there a limit to the number of times the GSP can be utilized?

No. Students are encouraged to look after their friends and peers and are expected to take responsible actions any time they are necessary.  Seeking help for others in order to obtain the protections of the Policy, when there is no good-faith basis for doing so, is not permitted.

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