Help Seeking Protocol

Substance Use Help Seeking Protocol

A priority of UNC Charlotte is students’ health, safety, and welfare. Students are expected to demonstrate compassion by seeking help in potentially dangerous or life-threatening situations. The University does not want the fear of repercussions to be a barrier for seeking help. The Help Seeking Protocol provides students an opportunity to seek help for themselves or others while being connected to campus and community resources, in lieu of Accountability Procedures through the University.

FAQs

When does the help seeking protocol apply?

The Help Seeking Protocol applies to the following circumstances regarding the possession, consumption, or use of alcohol and/or drugs:

  • students who seek assistance from emergency personnel or University officials on their own behalf;
  • students who seek assistance from emergency personnel or University officials on behalf of another person(s) and who remain present until emergency personnel or University officials arrive;
  • students who had assistance from emergency personnel or University officials sought on their behalf;
  • organizations in which a representative(s) seeks assistance from emergency personnel or University officials on behalf of another person(s) and who remains present until emergency personnel or University officials arrive; or
  • students and/or organizations who are victims and/or witnesses of a crime (including, but not limited to, sexual misconduct, interpersonal violence, assault, theft, or vandalism) and may have simultaneously violated University policy regarding the possession, consumption, or use of alcohol and/or drugs.
When does the help seeking protocol not apply?

The Help Seeking Protocol does not apply to the following circumstances:

  • students who are confronted by emergency personnel or University officials without having sought help or having help sought on their behalf      
  • law enforcement agencies working within their jurisdictions enforcing federal, state, or local laws (however, state laws related to medical amnesty may apply); or
  • students who are engaging in behaviors other than possession, consumption, or use of alcohol and/or drugs (including, but not limited to, driving under the influence, manufacturing/distribution/delivery of drugs, possessing with intent to manufacture/distribute/deliver drugs, sexual misconduct, or interpersonal violence).
How is the help seeking protocol initiated?

When the Help Seeking Protocol is initiated, the student or an organizational representative will be required to meet with a staff member from Student Accountability & Conflict Resolution to discuss the incident and available campus and community resources. The student or organization must agree to a recommended action plan, which may include a referral to the University’s Center for Wellness Promotion, referrals to other campus and/or community resources, educational programming, and/or parental notification. A student or organization, who fails to attend the required meeting or fails to complete any agreed upon action plan, will no longer be eligible for the Protocol and may be referred for Accountability Procedures, as outlined in University Policy 406, The Code of Student Responsibility.

Initiation of the Help Seeking Protocol is at the discretion of the Director of Student Accountability & Conflict Resolution or designee, who will consider all relevant facts in making the decision.  If students or organizational representatives believe the Protocol applies, they are encouraged to contact the Director. Decisions on initiation of the Protocol are final and not appealable.