This month, SUNY Poly’s Title IX Working Group would like to take the opportunity to present another element of the new SUNY-wide uniform sexual violence prevention and response policies; Alcohol and/or Drug Use Amnesty for Sexual Violence Cases.  While the SUNY wide Amnesty Policy for Alcohol and/or Drug Use in Sexual Violence Cases provided below goes into effect in the Fall 2015 semester, please note that the current SUNY Poly Student Handbook 2014-2015 includes a Good Samaritan Policy (page 46) that mitigates sanctions associated with alcohol and other drug offenses for “Good Samaritans” who summon aid in life-threatening situations.

Amnesty Policy for Alcohol and/or Drug Use in Sexual Violence Cases: The health and safety of every student at the State University of New York and its State-operated and community colleges is of utmost importance. SUNY Poly recognizes that students who have been drinking and/or using drugs (whether such use is voluntary or involuntary) at the time a sexual violence incident occurs may be hesitant to report such incidents due to fear of potential consequences for their own conduct. SUNY Poly strongly encourages students to report incidents of sexual violence to campus officials. A bystander reporting in good faith or a victim/survivor reporting sexual violence to SUNY Poly officials or law enforcement will not be subject to campus conduct action for violations of alcohol and/or drug use policies occurring at or near the time of the sexual violence.

Please contact any of the Title IX Coordinators if you have questions.

Thank you,

SUNY Poly Title IX Working Group Website: https://sunypoly.edu/titleix/ Email: TitleIX@sunycnse.com

SUNY Poly Title IX Coordinators

Rhonda Haines Title IX Coordinator Associate VP for Human Resources NFE #4105 (Albany Campus) Kunsela Hall, A011 (Utica Campus) (518) 956-7362 hainesr@sunypoly.edu rhaines@sunycnse.com

Stacey Genther Deputy Title IX Coordinator Health Educator Oriskany Hall, Suite B (315) 792-7808 stacey.genther@sunypoly.edu

Kevin Grimmer Gender Equity in Athletics Athletics Director Wildcat Field House, F 2227 (315) 792-7520 grimmek@sunypoly.edu