|
Policy Title |
Notification of Parent, Guardian, or Emergency Contact for Alcohol and Controlled Substance Violations |
|
Type or category of Policy: |
Administrative/Departmental |
|
Approval Authority: |
|
|
Responsible Executive: |
Vice President for Student Life |
|
Responsible Office: |
Student Life |
|
Owner Contact: |
(518) 783-2328, 302 Sarazen Student Union |
|
Reviewed By: |
College Counsel, Vice President for Student Life, Associate Dean of Students |
|
Reviewed Date: |
08/17/2026 |
|
Last Revised and Effective Date of Revision: |
08/17/2026 |
Policy Overview
Siena University is committed to protecting student health and safety while respecting student privacy in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and New York State Education Law §6438-d (Beau’s Law). When a student under the age of 21 is involved in certain alcohol- or controlled substance-related violations or incidents, the University may notify a student’s parent(s), guardian(s), or emergency contact(s). Notification decisions are made by authorized University offices and are guided by considerations of student health, safety, and welfare, as well as compliance with applicable federal and state laws.
Incidents Subject to Notification
A parent, guardian, or emergency contact may be notified when a student under the age of 21 is involved in one or more of the following, including but not limited to:
● Violations of institutional rules or policies related to the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance
● Violations of federal, state, or local laws involving alcohol or controlled substances
● Alcohol- or controlled substance-related medical emergencies, including: hospitalization, overdose, or other situations presenting a serious risk to the student’s health or safety
Relationship to Other Policies
This policy is distinct from and operates independently of the University’s Drug and Alcohol Policy, Student Code of Conduct, and Welfare of the Community (Amnesty) Policy. Specifically, this policy:
● Does not supersede or amend existing institutional conduct or safety regulations;
● Maintains the University’s discretion to implement disciplinary measures or provide supportive resources; and
● Neither establishes nor implies any contractual rights or binding obligations between the institution and the student.
Notification Authority and Process
● Notification determinations are made only by designated University offices, which may include units within the Division of Student Life (e.g., Dean of Students Office, Office of Community Living, Office of Public Safety, or other authorized officials.
● Individual faculty or staff members do not contact parents, guardians, or emergency contacts unless specifically authorized.
● Notifications are made on a case-by-case basis, considering the totality of the circumstances.
Student Notification
When feasible and appropriate, students will be informed that a parent, guardian, or emergency contact has been or may be notified. This notification to the student may be withheld if it would compromise health or safety or interfere with an ongoing investigation.
Confidentiality and Privacy
All notifications under this policy are handled with sensitivity and respect for student privacy in accordance with applicable privacy laws. Information shared is limited to what is necessary to address health, safety, or welfare concerns. All disclosures made pursuant to this policy are documented in accordance with FERPA requirements.
Training and Awareness
The University provides regular training to employees regarding:
● FERPA requirements and exceptions;
● This policy and its requirements; and
● Appropriate reporting and escalation procedures.
Background
FERPA permits institutions of higher education to disclose personally identifiable information (PII) from an education record of a student without consent when there is an articulable and significant threat to the health or safety of the student or others. New York State Education Law §6438-d (Beau’s Law), effective July 1, 2026, requires institutions to publicly display their policy for notifying a parent, guardian, or emergency contact when a student under the age of 21 is involved in certain alcohol- or controlled substance-related incidents.
Applicability
This policy applies to all enrolled students who are under the age of 21 and involved in alcohol or controlled substance-related incidents which occur on or off campus and are addressed through University processes.
Definitions
● Controlled Substance: A drug or other substance regulated under federal, state, or local law.
● Emergency Contact: A person designated by the student in the University’s student information system.
● Parent: A natural parent, guardian, or individual acting as a parent.
● Guardian: A person legally appointed by a court to act in place of a parent.