The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

Assistance in time of trouble

Students have used the Medical Amnesty Program (MAP) since last fall to call for medical assistance in cases of extreme intoxication, Vice President for Student and Campus Life Annie Stevens said. MAP serves to remove or reduce the consequences students face after violating UVM’s Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities concerning alcohol or other drugs, the UVM website said. “We care more about safety than anything else,” Stevens said. “Don’t worry about getting in trouble; please call.” At the time of the incident, Police Services will do a medical assessment of the individual in need of assistance, she said. The student will then be sent to one of three places: the hospital for immediate medical attention, ACT 1 for monitoring or Chittenden County Correctional Facility, the website stated. Students are only taken to the Correctional Facility if ACT 1 is full or the student is being non-compliant, according the website. “Jail is really a last resort,” Student Life Professional Nick Negrete said. “There is no fine, [the police] let you sleep it off and there is a medical unit available.” The Dean of Students said she wanted to emphasize that off-campus students receive medical amnesty as well. “If a case is really serious, call 911,” Stevens said. “Or you can get your RA; it’s still considered MAP.” Last semester, there were 21 MAP cases where students were granted amnesty, Negrete said. “Students are calling more now than when the program was called Got Your Back,” Stevens said. Some students said they had concerns about the Dean of Students Office contacting parents, however, the staff ensures students that it’s just to make sure they get the support they need. “We really care about the students here and the parents appreciate that,” Negrete said. “Students aren’t just left out in the cold.” Students that are members of Greek Life or athletes should note that they have their own sanctions and codes of conduct that affect how amnesty works for them, Stevens said. “Overall, I think that it is a great program and I will never take it away from the students,” she said. “It’s there to make sure students and their friends are safe.”  

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Assistance in time of trouble