Geneva College offers Amnesty

Students who struggle with issues that violate the Student Handbook are encouraged to seek support and help. Examples include, but are not limited to, pregnancy, drugs, alcohol, pornography, sexual relationships, eating disorders and homosexual behavior. Knowing that many College students who struggle with these issues may fear asking for help because of the potential consequences, Geneva College has established an Amnesty Policy. This policy allows students who want to receive help and support to work through these issues and accept accountability for these behaviors without going through the normal discipline process. Those students who seek help from Student Development receive appropriate assistance.

Students requesting help are asked to abstain from the behavior and may be required to sign a behavioral agreement and/or to seek professional help. Students must request Amnesty before any disciplinary confrontation, addressing the specific inappropriate behavior(s), occurs. Typical disciplinary confrontations are carried out by staff members, from the offices of Residence Life, RAs included, Campus Safety, Dean of Students Office, or any person specifically designated on their behalf (this includes before notification of required drug or alcohol tests). Students also must be honest, cooperative, compliant with amnesty requirements, and demonstrate a true desire to change. Students may contact the Dean of Students Office, Residence Life, Health Services, or the Counseling Center to request Amnesty or learn more about the policy. Confidentiality related to Amnesty is fully detailed in the Amnesty Informed Consent Form, which is available in any of the above named offices.

When students request Amnesty, according to the above guidelines, they are not suspended for behaviors they have engaged in prior to their confession. The behavior in question will have to eventually change for the student to remain at Geneva College. However, there are instances where a student may be required to withdraw for reasons of safety, or in order to get further help before returning as a student.