Campus Policies

Campus Policies and Local Laws

Binghamton University is committed to helping students, faculty and staff develop the skills and knowledge to minimize risk to themselves and others while also holding them accountable to community policies and laws. Below is a list containing links to important University policies and local laws pertaining to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs:

Amnesty from Drug and Alcohol Use Conduct Charges

New York State 911 Good Samaritan Law

No student seeking medical treatment for an alcohol or other drug-related overdose or other life-threatening medical emergency will be subject to University discipline for the sole violation of using or possessing alcohol or drugs. This policy shall extend to another student seeking help for the intoxicated student or the student who is facing a life-threatening medical emergency. In cases of alcohol and prohibitive drug intoxication, the primary concern is the health and safety of the individual(s) involved. For additional information visit the New York State Department of Health website.

NYS Education Law, Title 7, Article 129-B § 6442

The health and safety of every student at Binghamton University is of utmost importance. The University recognizes that students who have been drinking and/or using drugs (whether such use is voluntary or involuntary) at the time that violence, including but not limited to domestic violence, dating violence, stalking or sexual assault occurs, may be hesitant to report such incidents due to fear of potential consequences for their own conduct. The University strongly encourages students to report domestic violence, dating violence, stalking or sexual assault to institution officials. A bystander acting in good faith or a reporting individual acting in good faith that discloses any incident of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking or sexual assault to Binghamton University officials or law enforcement will not be subject to Binghamton University Student Code of Conduct action for violations of alcohol and/or drug use policies occurring at or near the time of the commission of the domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault.

This information is available in 100+ languages by clicking HERE. 

Legal Amnesty

Some individuals may fear that police will respond to a 911 call and that there will be criminal charges for themselves or for the person who has consumed drugs or overdosed. Those fears should never keep anyone from calling 911 immediately. The New York State 911 Good Samaritan Law allows people to call 911 without fear of arrest if they are having a drug or alcohol overdose that requires emergency medical care or if they witness someone overdosing.

In September 2011, the 911 Good Samaritan Law went into effect to address fears about a police response to an overdose. The New York State 911 Good Samaritan Law allows people to call 911 without fear of arrest if they are having a drug or alcohol overdose that requires emergency medical care or if they witness someone overdosing. This law provides significant legal protection against criminal charge and prosecution for possession of controlled substances, as well as possession of drug paraphernalia. This protection applies to both the person seeking assistance in good faith, as well as to the person who has overdosed. Class A-1 drug felonies, as well as sale or intent to sell controlled substances, are not covered by the law.

For more information visit the NYS OOPP website.

The following are signs of an overdose. CALL 911 if the person:

  • Is passed out and cannot be woken up;
  • Is not breathing, breathing very slowly, or making gurgling sounds;
  • Has lips that are blue or grayish color.

Why should you care about the 911 Good Samaritan Law?

  • The law empowers YOU to save a person’s life.
  • The law encourages anyone to call 911 when they see or experience a drug or alcohol overdose.

Who is protected by the 911 Good Samaritan Law?

  • Everyone — regardless of age — who seeks medical help for themselves or someone else during an overdose.
  • The person who has overdosed.