Responsible Action Plan & Substance Use Policies
How to get help for alcohol or drug emergencies
At UC Santa Cruz, your safety comes first. Be informed and make safe choices. Here’s what to do in alcohol or drug-related emergencies, how the Responsible Action Plan (RAP) can protect you when you or someone else calls for help, and what to expect afterward.
Responsible Action Plan
The Responsible Action Plan (RAP) is a safety-focused policy designed to encourage students to seek medical help during alcohol- or drug-related emergencies—without fear of disciplinary action for substance use. At UC Santa Cruz, your health and safety are top priorities, and we want you to act quickly in emergencies without hesitation.
If someone is severely intoxicated, whether it’s you or someone else, call for help. When you do, and certain conditions are met, you may not receive a conduct record for violations of the University’s Alcohol and Drugs policies.
Learn more about the Responsible Action Plan Policy.
RAP conditions for amnesty
To qualify for protection under the RAP, all of the following must be true:
- A student requests medical assistance for themselves, or someone else contacts a University Official (such as a Resident Assistant (RA), Community Safety Officer (CSO), police officer, or Residence Life professional) on behalf of the intoxicated student.
- The individual seeking help monitors the intoxicated student’s condition and remains with them until help arrives.
- The student follows all directions from medical and/or university staff.
- The student meets with appropriate University Officials and cooperates fully with any follow-up investigation.
- No other violations of the UC Santa Cruz Code of Student Conduct occurred during the same incident.
- The student has not used the Responsible Action Plan more than twice in the past two calendar years (starting from the date of the first incident).
- Other immunity policies (such as the UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Interim Policy or the UC Santa Cruz Anti-Hazing Policy) do not already apply.
Student responsibilities when assisting
To be considered actively assisting:
- Call for help by contacting UCSC Police (831-459-2231 or 911), or notify an RA, CSO, or Residence Life professional.
- Stay with the individual and monitor their condition until help arrives.
Not covered by the RAP
The following situations are not covered under the Responsible Action Plan:
- Students who do not take action before emergency personnel or a University Official arrives.
- Action taken by law enforcement (e.g., UCSC Police or outside agencies).
- Violations of the Student Code of Conduct beyond alcohol and drugs, such as assault or property damage.
- Possession with the intent to distribute drugs.
- Students who have already used RAP more than twice within a two-year period.
Actions by the Office of Student Conduct
Even if no formal conduct record is created, the following actions may occur:
- The intoxicated student—and possibly those who assisted—must meet with a conduct administrator.
- Educational requirements may be assigned, such as:
- Alcohol and/or drug education programs
- Counseling
- A substance abuse assessment
- Serious or repeated incidents may result in a more significant response.
- Failure to complete the assigned education or recommendations may lead to formal disciplinary action
- The student may be responsible for any costs associated with alcohol and or drug education interventions.
What student organizations should know
If a student organization hosts an event where a medical emergency occurs and help is requested:
- The organization will not be held responsible for alcohol/drug policy violations if they meet the conditions outlined in the RAP.
- The organization must meet with a University Official and participate in educational follow-up to remain eligible under the plan.
