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Division of Academic and Student Affairs 
Office of Student Conduct

Howl for Help

Learn more about this health and safety intervention for the Wolfpack community.

What is Howl for Help?

Members of the Pack take care of one another. NC State’s primary concern is the health and safety of our students and the surrounding campus community. That’s why it’s important to make the call when you or someone you know is experiencing signs of intoxication, overdose, and/or alcohol poisoning.

When you “Howl for Help”, the Office of Student Conduct (OSC) will ensure that your calling does not result in formal disciplinary action for underage possession and/or consumption of alcohol or other controlled substances. More information can be found in section 5.10 of the Student Discipline Procedures.

Who is eligible for Howl for Help?

Howl for Help is an available option under the following circumstances:

  • A Student receives assistance from emergency personnel or a University official as a result of another person(s) seeking assistance on their behalf;
  • A Student seeks medical assistance from emergency personnel or University officials on their own behalf;
  • A Student seeks medical assistance from emergency personnel or University officials on behalf of another person(s) and remains on the scene to provide support to emergency personnel or University officials;
  • A Student is reporting a crime or incident to emergency personnel or University officials or is the alleged victim of a crime (including but not limited to physical or sexual assault, theft, vandalism);
  • A Student Organization or Student Group hosting an event in which one or more representatives seeks medical assistance on behalf of another Student from emergency personnel or University officials and remains on the scene to provide support.

Know the signs of an alcohol or drug overdose

Mental confusion, unresponsiveness, snoring/gasping for air, throwing up, hypothermia, erratic breathing, loss of consciousness, paleness/blueness of skin.

Learn more

Seeking Assistance

In situations that are potentially critical, any member of the Wolfpack community should seek immediate medical attention for themselves or others, regardless of age, by contacting 911 or University Police (919.515.3000).

Students are strongly discouraged from any assumption that they or another person can just “sleep it off” or that someone can “look after” an individual.

If you are in a residence hall, you can also contact the on-call duty phone for the building/community. This number can be found at your designated service desk.

Providing Support

Students who make an emergency call for another student are required to stay at the scene until medical assistance arrives. Upon the arrival of emergency personnel, the student(s) making the report should collaborate with these experts to provide comprehensive details about the situation. Providing information in a medical crisis could potentially save a life.

Looking for more campus resources?

Check out Wolfpack Wellness

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A student gets some study time in at the Talley Student Center while socially distancing, after undergraduate classes went all online for the fall 2020 semester. Photo by Becky Kirkland.

What happens next?

The Office of Student Conduct will receive a report either from University Housing or University Police and initiate a review of the narrative and important details. It may not be initially clear that the incident would qualify for Howl for Help, so students may receive a Notice of Charge(s) letter from the University. It’s important to remember that all charges are alleged and that OSC staff will make the final determination on whether or not Howl for Help would apply to this situation.

If Howl for Help is issued, then relevant charges will be dismissed and the student will be assigned to complete a Health and Safety Intervention. This typically consists of a meeting with Prevention Services staff and a reflective activity. Students who fail to complete the components of the Health and Safety Intervention may be subject to the disciplinary process.

Frequently Asked Questions

It may not be initially clear that the incident would qualify for Howl for Help, so students may receive a Notice of Charge(s) letter from the University. It’s important to remember that all charges are alleged and that OSC staff will make the final determination on whether or not Howl for Help would apply to this situation. This is our standard procedure before making a final decision on a case.

While each case is different, Howl for Help is only available on a one-time basis. This is to ensure that Students call for assistance but also to curb any ongoing behaviors that fall outside our expectations.

Students do not have to be transported in order to qualify for Howl for Help, as each situation is unique and may not require medical treatment. However, Students should still call for emergency services so that the proper assessment can be made by trained professionals.

Not necessarily.

If at the time of the incident, the Student was also engaged in other prohibited conduct, then related alcohol/drug charges will be dismissed. These other behaviors can include, but are not limited to:

  • Driving under the influence;
  • Acts of harm, harassment, Interpersonal Violence, or Sexual Misconduct;
  • Vandalism;
  • Distribution of controlled substances;
  • Aiding and abetting the possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages;
  • Students, Student Organizations, or Groups who do not seek assistance from emergency personnel of University officials.

Questions? Contact the Office of Student Conduct at 919.515.2963 or studentconduct@ncsu.edu