Help Seeking Policy
Help Seeking Policy
Bowdoin College is committed to fostering a learning environment that prioritizes student health and safety. Bowdoin has adopted this Help Seeking Policy to foster responsible decision making and encourage students to take active steps toward health, community wellness and self-care. Bowdoin expects students to abide by State and Federal law and to follow College policy, including the Alcohol and Other Substances Policy. The College also recognizes that there may be times when a student faces a medical emergency involving excessive alcohol and/or cannabis use. In these situations, the College expects that students will immediately contact either Bowdoin Safety and Security at (207) 725-3500 or dial 911 whether they are concerned for their own health or welfare or that of another student. This policy is meant to encourage students to seek prompt and appropriate attention in such circumstances.
Under this policy, if an individual seeks medical attention for alcohol or cannabis use, College disciplinary action for that alcohol or cannabis use will not be taken against any of the following:
- the student for whom medical attention was sought
- the student who called Safety and Security or 911 to request assistance
- the registered hosts for the event (for instances that take place during a registered event)
The Help Seeking Policy only applies to the consumption or possession of alcohol or cannabis and does not preclude disciplinary action or sanctions related to other violations of the Code of Community Standards or College policies. The Help Seeking Policy may not apply to students who repeatedly violate college policies, and the Dean of Students or the Associate Dean for Community Standards determine whether this policy applies in such cases.
How to Access Support?
If a student finds themselves in a situation where someone (including themselves) needs medical attention, they should immediately contact Bowdoin Safety and Security at (207) 725-3500 or dial 911. Safety and Security will respond and complete a wellness check by assessing the student of concern in consultation with appropriate local resources and medical providers, including but not limited to Emergency Medical Services, Brunswick Fire Department, and/or Brunswick Police Department.
What Happens After?
The typical process for a wellness check under this policy that does not result in a transport to the hospital is as follows:
- The student who needed medical attention will be required to meet with a Dean to discuss the incident and any applicable follow-up. This conversation is not a disciplinary meeting, but rather an opportunity to reflect on the incident and explore resources.
- After this meeting, the Dean will follow up with the student in writing about any required next steps. This typically includes a required meeting with a member of Health Services or Counseling Services.
The typical process for a wellness check under this policy that does result in a transport to the hospital is as follows:
- The student who needed medical attention will be required to meet with a Dean to discuss the incident and any applicable follow-up. This conversation is not a disciplinary meeting, but rather an opportunity to reflect on the incident and explore resources.
- After this meeting, the Dean will follow up with the student in writing about any required next steps. This typically includes a required meeting with a member of Health Services or Counseling Services. Additionally, the student’s parents/guardians and coaches (if applicable) are typically notified in these instances where a student is transported to the hospital. The Dean will consider student’s extenuating personal circumstances, as appropriate.
Resources
Bowdoin College is committed to supporting students in taking active steps toward wellness and self-care. Students should contact any of the following campus resources if they need support in navigating their substance use:
Office of Gender Violence Prevention and Health Education
Office of the Dean of Students