ANNUAL SECURITY AND FIRE SAFETY REPORT

Transcription

1 ANNUAL SECURITY AND FIRE SAFETY REPORT October 2016

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3 SECURITY AND SAFETY AT LA SALLE UNIVERSITY The La Salle University main campus consists of more than 67 academic, residential, and recreational buildings. The main campus is located on 125 acres adjacent to the historic Germantown section of Philadelphia. La Salle prioritizes the welfare and safety of its 3,978 undergraduates, 1,812 master s and doctoral candidates, and 1,517 faculty, staff, and service employees. University security and safety policies and procedures are regularly monitored to ensure the safety of all on-campus individuals, including our guests. All University members are aware no community urban, rural, public, or private is completely immune to potential problems. La Salle s pleasant campus environment is maintained by a proprietary, fulltime Security and Safety Department, supplemented by contracted security personnel who provide around-the-clock services through active patrols and state-of-the-art electronic monitoring equipment. This brochure provides the details of La Salle s Security and Safety services, policies, and procedures, and serves as a reminder that the responsibility for normal security and safety is shared by all members of the University Community. For an iteration of services and a color map of areas served, visit SECURITY SERVICES, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURES REPORTING CRIMINAL OFFENSES The Security and Safety Department Headquarters is located in Good Shepherd Hall, at the Shoppes at La Salle. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can be reached at Community members, students, faculty, staff, and guests are strongly encouraged to report all crimes and public safety related incidents to the Security and Safety Department in a timely and accurate manner. Emergencies and criminal activity should be reported to Security immediately by calling or by using the blue light, auto-dialing emergency phones at selected locations on campus. In case of an emergency, 911 should be dialed. Crimes can also be reported to the Vice President for Student Affairs at , or to the Senior Associate Dean of Students and the Director of Community Standards and Support at Security and Safety services can be obtained at the Bucks County Center by calling and at the Montgomery County Center in the Metroplex Corporate Center by calling Crimes can be reported anonymously and will be investigated. A victim s confidentiality will be maintained to the extent legally and practically possible as an investigation pro-ceeds. The University will provide written notification to students and employees about existing counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal assistance, visa and immigration assistance, student financial aid, and other services available to victims, both within the institution and in the community. VOLUNTARY CONFIDENTIAL REPORTING Victims and witnesses are strongly encouraged to report all crimes directly to Security and Safety. However, if community members prefer, a confidential report can be filed. With permission, our Security and Safety personnel can file a report on the details of the incident without revealing the victim s identity. The purpose of a confidential report is to comply with the victim s wish to keep the matter confidential, while taking steps to ensure the future safety of the victim and others. The University keeps an accurate record of the number of incidents involving students, determines if there is a pattern of crime with regard to a particular location, method, or assailant, and alerts the University Community to potential danger. Confidential reports are counted and disclosed in our annual crime statistics. These reports are public records under state law and the Security and Safety Department cannot hold reports of crime in confidence. STATEMENT OF POLICY ADDRESSING COUNSELORS AND CLERGY La Salle s Pastoral Counselors, Professional Counselors, and Nurse Practitioners, when acting as such, are not considered to be a campus security authority and are not required to report crimes for inclusion into the annual disclosure of crime statistics. When appropriate, they are encouraged to inform persons being counseled of the University s procedures to report crimes on a voluntary basis for inclusion into the annual crime statistics. Counselors are defined as: Pastoral Counselor: An employee of an institution, who is associated with a religious order or denomination, recognized by that religious order or denomination as someone who provides confidential counseling and who is functioning within the scope of that recognition as a pastoral counselor. At La Salle, the Director of University Ministry and Service, as well as any Campus Ministers, are considered Pastoral Counselors. Professional Counselor: An employee of an institution whose official responsibilities include providing psychological counseling to members of the institution s community and who is functioning within the scope of his or her license or certification. 1

4 Nurse Practitioner: An employee of an institution whose official responsibilities include providing health care services to members of the institution s community and who is functioning within the scope of his or her license or certification. CRIMINAL ACTIVITY OFF CAMPUS Security Officers will assist crime victims on or off campus by contacting the appropriate service agency. All crime victims are encouraged to file a report with both the Philadelphia Police Department and the La Salle Security and Safety Department. The 14th and 35th Police Districts, where La Salle is located, regularly inform the Security and Safety Department of any criminal activity by students or others at off-campus locations and in the surrounding neighborhood. The department has established working relationships with local police in Bucks and Montgomery Counties and the department monitors crime conditions in locations that surround those satellite campuses. CAMPUS SECURITY PERSONNEL The Security and Safety Department provides reasonable security for for all members of the University Community. The Director of Security and Safety reports to the Vice President of Finance and Administration. The Main Campus department consists of: an associate director, an assistant director of parking, an assistant director / emergency preparedness officer, a patrol manager, an investigations and safety supervisor, three captains, three lieutenants, three sergeants, and 48 security officers. Bicycle patrol officers, gate officers, and building access monitors are contracted through Allied Barton Security Services. A sergeant and two officers are assigned to the Bucks County Center, located in Newtown, P.a. All security personnel are required to have PA Act 235 or PA Act 120 training. All officers also receive comprehensive and mandatory in-service training regarding report writing, patrol procedures, Clery Act and VAWA amendments, FERPA, Title IX compliance, CPR, and A.E.D. training. The University Fire Marshall performs fire safety inspections and ensures that the University is compliant with all applicable fire code regulations. The University does not routinely conduct state and/or federal criminal background investigations on prospective students or employees, except for Security and Safety personnel and for other positions as outlined in the University s Criminal Background Check Policy and its Protecting Minors on Campus Policy. However, information brought to the University s attention concerning criminal conduct is given appropriate consideration. CAMPUS LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY AND JURISDICTION While La Salle s security officers cannot make arrests, the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are enforced, as are the rules and regulations of the University on the campus. The department complies with all federal, state, and local laws. Crime statistics are available by calling the Office of University Communications at or by contacting the Security and Safety Department. Statistics are also available by visiting Copies of the Annual Security Report are available at the Security Access Desk at the Bucks County Center and the Montgomery County Center in the Metroplex Corporate Center. The Philadelphia Police Department shares its resources and information with the University s Security and Safety staff. The commanding officers of the 14th and 35th Police Districts regularly inform the department of any criminal activity by students or others at off-campus locations and the surrounding neighborhood. The La Salle Security Department has established working relationships with local police in Bucks and Montgomery Counties, and the department monitors crime conditions in the locations that surround both campuses. The University has contracted with the City of Philadelphia to provide uniformed police officers to patrol Olney Avenue and the surrounding areas in the vicinity of the University during the evening hours throughout the academic year. The police officers contracted by the University can make arrests. SECURITY AWARENESS AND CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAMS The University community is kept informed of security and safety matters through communications such as but not limited to brochures, pamphlets, in-house publications, seminars, and security updates printed in the weekly University newspaper, The Collegian. Security personnel meet regularly with students, administrators, faculty, and staff through the Security and Safety Advisory Committee to discuss and evaluate safety procedures. Security management personnel participate in student recruiting and orientation programs, discussing crime prevention and informing incoming freshmen and transfer students and their parents of programs and services offered by the department. Services and programs intended to enhance the quality of life and to assure the security and safety of the resident student body are major priorities for Community Development.. Students and employees are encouraged to be aware of their own security and the security of others, including those situations in which they may be bystanders. The Security and Safety Department, and Student Affairs (e.g., Community Development, and the Counseling Center) 2

5 welcome questions concerning security and safety in the La Salle community. Staff members from each office regularly participate in orientation programs for parents and new residents in forums open to the University community. The Division of Student Affairs develops and oversees programs focused on prevention of sexual assault and publishes informational pamphlets designed both to prevent sexual assault and other sexual misconduct. The division also provides information about available resources and options for victims and their friends should an incident occur. These publications are available in the Vice President for Student Affairs office, at many locations on campus, and at salle.edu/sexualviolence. The Division of Student Affairs provides group programs directed at sexual assault prevention and understanding of University policy. These programs occur each academic year and the students are educated on sexual assault and offenses. These programs include information about risk reduction and options for safe bystander interventions. Other programs include an annual Take Back the Night event and annual programs with speakers from local Rape Awareness and Domestic Violence Prevention organizations. OTHER SECURITY SERVICES Security Headquarters maintains a log of all crimes from the past 60 days, which is available upon request. Log entries older than 60 days are available within two business days of a request for public inspection. The Security and Safety Department operates a shuttle service between key campus locations, and also to the Broad and Olney SEPTA terminal, daily from 7:30 a.m. until 2/3 a.m. during the academic year. Safety escorts may also be requested. To learn more about schedules and our shuttle bus real time map, visit The Security and Safety Department operates a state-of-theart closed circuit television system, which monitors strategic areas of the University. Fire alarm activations on campus are received at a central computer terminal monitored by Security and Safety personnel. La Salle s Anti-Theft Patrol, consisting of marked patrol cars and bicycle patrol, provide additional security coverage on University parking lots and the surrounding area. These patrols also provide individual escort service. The La Salle Facilities Management Department works closely with the Security and Safety Department to ensure that the campus is as safe as possible. Lighting, landscaping, and other safety-related aspects of the campus are continually upgraded, monitored, maintained and repaired. Security officers respond to all on-campus emergencies. The Security and Safety Department has placed Automated External Defibrillator (A.E.D) units at locations at the Bucks County Center, Montgomery County Center in the Metroplex Corporate Center, and Main Campus. Security and Safety Department and other University community personnel have been certified in the use of the units. The Security and Safety Department administers the University s parking program. To learn more about our policies and to obtain a parking permit, visit security. ACCESS POLICY La Salle is considered private property; however, many of the University s facilities and programs are open to visitors. Classroom and office buildings are locked during non-business hours, and entrances to the campus and access to buildings and facilities are monitored by Security and Safety personnel. All students and employees are issued photo ID cards and are required to present them, upon request, to University officials. Trespassers are escorted off campus or may be detained for investigation by the Philadelphia Police. Each residence hall and the townhouse complex have a desk receptionist and a magnetic identification card access system. The apartment complexes utilize the magnetic card access system for entry. The lobby areas of the residence halls and the townhouse complex and the entrances to the apartment complexes are monitored by closed-circuit television and recorded 24 hours a day. All residences are served by live-in professional resident coordinators and undergraduate resident assistants. A resident assistant is assigned to each floor of each residence hall. One staff member is available in each building every night from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. The staff makes regular rounds in each building as part of the security and safety system provided for resident students. The annual Living at La Salle publication provides detail on housing types, and policies and procedures for housing assignments, building and roommate selection, and guest access. Community and resident assistants review all security and safety policies and procedures. These policies are also reviewed in materials distributed by the Community Development staff. Individual residences are secured with mechanical or magnetic card access locks. Metal security grates protect firstfloor exterior windows. The grates are easily removed from the inside in emergencies. Residence halls are closed during holidays and when classes are not in session. Those students authorized to live on campus during these times are registered with Community Development and the Security and Safety Department. These students are housed in separate facilities with security 3

6 procedures established for those temporary residence assignments. The Security and Safety Department, Community Development, welcome questions concerning security and safety in the La Salle community. Staff members from each office regularly participate in orientation programs for parents and new residents in forums open to all members of the University community. TIMELY WARNING POLICY This policy sets forth the procedure by which the Security and Safety Department provides a timely warning notice to the University community in the event of a crime or incident that poses a threat to students or employees of the University. What sorts of crimes and incidents may trigger a timely warning notice? A timely warning notice may be issued when a report of one of the following is received: 1. a violent crime against a person, a substantial crime against property, or 2. an emergency situation on or near campus that represents a serious or ongoing threat to the safety of students, faculty, and staff. These crimes include but are not limited to: murder, manslaughter, sex offenses, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, arson, motor vehicle theft, hate crimes, violations of liquor and drug laws, and illegal weapons possession. Who decides whether the University shall issue a timely warning? When an incident occurs on the University campus or a surrounding area for which a timely warning may be appropriate, the following three Administrators or their designees will convene: (1) Director of Security and Safety, (2) Vice President for Student Affairs, (3) Vice President for Advancement. These individuals are responsible for making the decision on if a timely warning notice will be issued. What factors will the designated administrators consider in determining whether to issue a timely warning? A timely warning notice is issued when, in the judgment of the Administrators listed above, the crime or condition at issue poses a threat to students or employees of the University. The University works to issue the warning as soon as possible after the incident is reported to the Security and Safety Department; however, the release is subject to the availability of accurate facts concerning the incident. The designated Administrators will decide whether to issue a timely warning notice on a case-by-case basis, based on the available facts surrounding the incident. Factors that are considered include, but are not limited to: the nature of the crime or incident, the continuing danger to the University community, and the possible risk of compromising law enforcement or other safety efforts. How will the University issue its timely warning notices? When it is determined that a timely warning notice should be issued, the Security and Safety Department will inform the University community by taking all appropriate steps to ensure timely notification. Depending on the particular circumstances of the incident, timely warning notices may be distributed by any one or more of the following means: 1. Campus-wide distribution by placement on the University s web portal; 2. Campus ; 3. e2campus text messaging; 4. Posting within residence halls, the La Salle Union and other locations; 5. Campus media; 6. Door-to-door notification in residence halls. What information will the timely warning notice contain? The timely warning notice will not only contain the circumstances regarding the crime or incident, but will also contain additional information to help promote safety and, where appropriate, the means to avoid similar crimes. Timely warning notices typically include the following information, if known: 1. A succinct statement of the incident, including the nature and severity of the threat and locations or persons who might be affected; 2. Any connection to previous incidents; 3. Physical description; 4. Date and time the warning was released; 5. Other relevant and important information, such as any bias motive, the gender of the victim, and student/nonstudent status; 6. Appropriate safety tips. 4

7 Names of victims will be treated as confidential, and will be withheld from any timely warning notice. What happens if the designated administrators decide not to issue a timely warning notice? If the designated Administrators determine that an incident does not require a timely warning notice, the Administrators document all reasons for not issuing the notice. This information shall be maintained on file in accordance with the University s record retention policy. POLICY STATEMENT FOR STUDENTS ON THE USE, POSSESSION, AND DISTRIBUTION OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS La Salle complies with all federal, state, and local laws that regulate the possession, use, and sale of alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, and weapons. For students who are 21 years of age or older, the University has established specific guidelines for possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages. These policies and procedures are effective for the Main Campus and all satellite centers. The abuse of alcohol or other drugs is considered a healthcare problem and is treated as such at La Salle University. A. ALCOHOL Under Pennsylvania law, a person under 21 years of age commits a summary offense if he or she attempts to or in actuality does (1) purchase, (2) consume, (3) possess, or (4) transport alcohol. Police must notify the parents of a minor charged with violating this law. If convicted, the minor s driver s license will be suspended. A second offense will yield a fine up to $500. Any person who intentionally provides alcohol to a minor will be convicted of a misdemeanor in the third degree, for which the fine is at least $1,000 for the first offense, and $2,500 for any subsequent violations. The city of Philadelphia prohibits the consumption, carrying, or possession of an open container of alcoholic beverages in the public right-of-way or on private property without the express permission of the landowner or tenant. A person who commits a violation may be subject to a fine up to $300, as well as imprisonment for up to 10 days, if the fine together with costs is not paid within 10 days. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES La Salle University encourages and seeks to maintain an academic environment in which individual rights are respected and the health, safety, and welfare of the total community is promoted. While individuals who are 21 years of age or older are free to choose to consume alcohol, only consumption in accordance with the following guidelines drawn from the Pennsylvania Crimes and Liquor Codes is permitted: 1. No person less than 21 years of age shall purchase, consume, possess, or transport any alcohol, liquor, or malt or brewed beverages on University property or at any University sponsored events. 2. No student or University employee shall transfer or possess a registration card or other form of identification for the purpose of falsifying age to secure any alcohol, liquor, or malt or brewed beverages. 3. Nor student or University employee sell, furnish, allow to possess, or give any alcohol, liquor, or malt or brewed beverages, or permit any alcohol, liquor, or malt or brewed beverages to be sold, furnished, allowed to be possessed, or given to any person under 21 years of age. While the University does not prohibit the lawful possession or moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages by students 21 years of age or older, this should not be interpreted to mean that the University encourages the use of alcoholic beverages. Furthermore, the University considers intoxication, disorderliness, or offensive behavior derived from the use of alcoholic beverages to be subject to disciplinary action, regardless of the student s age. The University prohibits unauthorized use of alcoholic beverages in the academic buildings, or in public areas of residence units, the La Salle Union, other University controlled facilities, or at University sponsored functions on or off campus. The University strongly encourages students, faculty, and staff to understand the Pennsylvania Crimes and Liquor Codes and the substantial penalties that may result from the violation of this code, as well as relevant Philadelphia city ordinances. GUIDELINES FOR THE INDIVIDUAL CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL The University recognizes that alcohol is a drug and its use may contribute to alcohol dependence. As such, guidelines for consumption have been established. Federal and state laws, local ordinances, and University policy regulate the sale, service, possession, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. All members of La Salle University are expected to abide by these laws, ordinances, and policies. 5

8 A student who is 21 years of age or older may consume alcohol on campus only when such consumption does not interfere with the rights and privileges of other community members. For this policy, students under 21 years of age are considered minors. Students of legal age are permitted to drink alcohol only at registered events or in the privacy of residence hall rooms, apartments, or townhouses. Unauthorized consumption or possession including alcohol brought to any event in any campus facility or location is not permitted. The specific guidelines for consumption of alcohol on the La Salle University premises are as follows: 1. Doors must be closed in rooms where alcohol is permitted. A room with an open door is considered a public area. Apartment stairways are considered public areas; townhouse stairways are not considered public areas. 2. When alcohol is present, the number of residents and guests may not exceed a total of eight in a residence hall and 12 in an apartment/townhouse. 3. La Salle students are held accountable for the behavior of their guests. This includes ensuring that minors do not consume alcohol and that alcohol is not carried from the room. 4. Kegs, beer balls, and grain alcohol are not permitted. If these items are observed, they will be confiscated and the students will be subject to disciplinary action. 5. Only La Salle University students of legal drinking age are permitted to transport alcoholic beverages into or within the residential areas. 6. Resident students of legal drinking age are permitted to transport or possess a maximum of one case of beer, one case of wine coolers, one gallon of wine, or one fifth of distilled alcohol during any 24-hour period. Alcohol must be sealed in its original packaging. 7. Individuals of legal drinking age may not consume alcohol in the presence of a minor, with the exception of one s residence hall roommate; therefore, a minor is not permitted to be in the presence of alcoholic beverages unless it is being consumed solely by his/her roommate, who is of legal age, in their room/apartment/townhouse. 8. Public intoxication, disorderliness, offensive behavior, or obvious abuse of alcohol on University-owned or University-managed premises is prohibited regardless of age. 9. If a minor possesses alcoholic beverages, the beverages will be confiscated and the student subject to disciplinary charges. 10. Inappropriately disposing of glass bottles, intentionally breaking glass containers or failing to properly clean up broken glass from a container of alcohol will be subject to disciplinary action. ALCOHOL ABUSE There is a distinct difference between the responsible use of and the abuse of alcohol. The abuse of alcohol under any circumstances contradicts the values implicit in a La Salle education. The following is a definition of alcohol abuse for the La Salle University community. Alcohol abuse is the consumption of alcohol to the degree that a person s judgment and/or physical responses are significantly impaired. Alcohol abuse does not excuse irresponsible action; rather it compounds the seriousness of those actions. Areas of special concern are: 1. Violent acts against persons or property. These include sexual assault and misconduct, vandalism, the willful damage of personal or institutional property, fighting, assaults and/or injuries resulting from irresponsible actions. 2. Drunkenness. This involves significant impairment of judgment and/or physical responses, including uncoordinated movements, speech difficulties, and/or inappropriate behavior for circumstances. 3. Contributing to alcohol abuse by another. This includes encouraging persons to overindulge, providing alcohol to a person who is already intoxicated, or possessing high-proof distilled spirits such as grain alcohol or liquor that is over 100 proof. 4. Medical emergencies. There are two types: (1) excessive consumption and (2) injury occurring while intoxicated. B. DRUGS Federal and state laws prohibit the possession, use, and distribution of illegal drugs. The sanctions for violating these laws may range from loss of financial aid to restriction of professional licenses upon graduation to mandatory imprisonment coupled with substantial fines. The sanctions for any given offense vary widely, depending on the nature of the offense, the type of drug involved, and the quantity of the drug involved. For instance, under federal law, simple possession of a controlled substance carries a penalty of imprisonment of no more than one year, plus a fine of an amount between $1,000 and $5,000. If the controlled substance contains a cocaine base and the amount exceeds five grams, the offender will be imprisoned for no less than five years and no more than 20 years, or fined, or both. 6

9 Also, under federal law, anyone who is at least 18 years old and who distributes drugs to anyone under 21 will be imprisoned and/or fined up to twice what is otherwise provided by law, with a MINIMUM prison sentence of one year. Similarly, the Pennsylvania laws that prohibit the use, possession and distribution of drugs are also strict. In addition to fines and/or terms of imprisonment for violations of its drug laws, Pennsylvania recently enacted a forfeiture statute. Under this statute, someone arrested for violating state laws concerning the use, possession or distribution of drugs is subject to seizure and forfeiture of all property used to accomplish the violation of Pennsylvania s anti-drug laws. CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES La Salle University strives to maintain a campus that is free of the illegal possession, use, or distribution of controlled substances. Therefore, the unlawful manufacture, distribution, and dispensing of a controlled substance is absolutely prohibited on campus as is possession and/or use of any controlled substance or any paraphernalia associated with the use of controlled substances. When a student is judged to be guilty of illegal possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance or of paraphernalia associated with such use, the University reserves the right to impose any of the following sanctions in accordance with the following established University disciplinary/judicial policies and procedures: 1. issue a formal warning; notify parents/guardians of dependent students; impose conditions on sanctions such as fines and educational experiences; place the student on disciplinary probation; suspend the student s housing contract and/or freedom to participate in specified University activities; suspend the student s enrollment; dismiss the student from the University; and/or 2. require the student to participate in a complete substance abuse assessment by qualified University staff and to comply with the recommendations from that assessment. Furthermore, the results of such an assessment may be reviewed by the Vice President for Student Affairs or a designee prior to the final adjudication of the disciplinary charges. SUBSTANCE ABUSE EDUCATION Drug and alcohol abuse education programs are primarily developed through the Counseling and Health Services Department and specifically the Alcohol and Other Drug Education Center (AODEC) in collaboration with other campus partners, including the Security and Safety Department, and the Division of Student Affairs. The mission of the AODEC is to educate the La Salle community about the realities of alcohol and other drug use, provide accurate information about psychoactive substances, and provide referral and/or treatment for problems associated with misuse. Typical student concerns range from uncertainty about the decision to drink or abstain, to the impact of alcohol and other drugs in daily life, to personal issues about the use of alcohol and/or other drugs or use by a family member or friend. Specifically, the AOEDC: 1. offers individual counseling for students to help determine if problems or the potential for problems exist, as well as pre-treatment counseling for students who may be at risk of developing problems; 2. conducts confidential personal assessments to provide students with professional opinions on their personal use of alcohol; 3. provides assessment and counseling services to students who belong to families with alcohol and other drug (AOD) issues; 4. provides support groups for students in recovery, and students who are negatively impacted by substance abuse in their family, as well as consultation and information for classes, residence halls, and other on- and off-campus groups; 5. fosters student, staff, and faculty awareness of alcohol and other drug related information through a series of experiential programs; 6. offers educational sessions for students who violate the alcohol/drug policies of the University; 7. refers to campus and community resources when necessary or requested; and 8. consults with students on alcohol and other drug-related academic projects. In addition, the Alcohol and Other Drugs Education Center is a member of several AOD computer networks that allow for questions and research agendas to be discussed with other subscribers on an international basis. To clarify information or for consultation on an AOD issue, an AOD counselor is available by appointment. Additional information and resources can be obtained by contacting Alcohol and Other Drug Education Center at , and through the University s website at studentaffairs.lasalle.edu/aodec 7

10 SEXUAL MISCONDUCT AND RELATED OFFENSES The University expressly prohibits sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. DEFINITIONS: The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA), which recently amended the Jeanne Clery Act to require institutions to compile statistics for incidents of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, defines the offenses as follows: Sexual Assault and Sex Offenses: any sexual act directed against another person, forcibly and/or against that person s will, or not forcibly or against the person s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent, as enumerated within the Federal Bureau of Investigation s Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Domestic Violence: a felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of a victim, or a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, or a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner, or a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction, or any person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person s act under the domestic or family violence laws of that jurisdiction. Dating Violence: violence committed by a person, who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with a victim and where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based upon consideration of the following factors: the length of the relationship, the type of relationship and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. Stalking: engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to, fear for his or her safety or the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress. Consent: it is important that consent must be voluntary and clear, not coerced. Further, consent to one sexual act does not imply consent to a different sexual act. Consent can never be implied and cannot be assumed even in the context of a relationship. Someone who is incapacitated whether asleep, unconscious, or otherwise mentally or physically incapacitated due to alcohol, drugs, or some other condition cannot consent, past consent (e.g., a previous hookup ), does not imply future consent. Consent to engage in sexual activity with one person does not imply consent to engage in sexual activity with another. Consent may not be inferred from silence, passivity, or lack of resistance alone. Consent can be withdrawn at any time. REPORTING OPTIONS Victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and/or stalking are strongly encouraged to seek help and report these crimes immediately. These crimes should be reported to the Security and Safety Department and/or the Division of Student Affairs. Security and Safety Department: Division of Student Affairs: In the alternative, a victim may also file a Maxient electronic incident report. Preservation of evidence is important and significant to the proof of criminal acts of sexual assault, domestic abuse, dating violence, and/or stalking, and may be necessary to obtaining a protection order. Accordingly, victims and witnesses are again strongly encouraged to immediately report instances of crime to University authorities or local law enforcement to allow for the preservation of evidence, and to ensure that crime scenes are not unnecessarily traversed or items unnecessarily touched. The University understands that victims of sexual offenses and related crimes may sometimes be hesitant to report these incidents immediately or at all. Victims of sexual misconduct including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and/or stalking should know that they have options regarding notifications to campus authorities and to law enforcement. Specifically, he/she may: 1. elect to notify proper law enforcement agencies and campus authorities; 2. elect to be assisted by campus authorities in notifying law enforcement agencies; and/or 3. elect to decline to notify such authorities. Victims who decline to notify authorities immediately may still report these incidents at a later date. La Salle respects victim confidentiality, and will honor a student s request to keep reports confidential to the extent permitted by law, and to the extent consistent with La Salle s obligation to investigate allegations. As noted above, victims and witnesses may make confidential reports directly to Security and Safety, who with permission, may file a report about the details of the incident without revealing the reporter s identity. Students are encouraged to ask about confidentiality when seeking assistance and support. Students may seek confidential counseling and support from La Salle s Pastoral Counselors, campus Professional Counselors, and Student Health Center s Nurse Practitioners, who, when acting as such, are not considered to be a campus security authority and are not required to report crimes for inclusion into the 8

11 annual disclosure of crime statistics. However, as a matter of policy, these confidential counselors are encouraged, if and when they deem it appropriate, to inform persons being counseled of the University s procedures to report crimes on a voluntary basis. Discussing a matter confidentially with La Salle s Pastoral Counselors, campus Professional Counselors, or Student Health Center s Nurse Practitioners is not considered a report to the University or a request that any action be taken by the University in response to an allegation, unless specifically requested by the student. ASSISTANCE Victims in these cases have options. La Salle will provide assistance and interim measures to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and/or stalking, including, as necessary, counseling, as well as changes in academic, living, transportation, and working situations, if so requested and reasonably available, regardless of whether the victim chooses to report the crime to campus security or local law enforcement. The interim measures may be requested and facilitated by calling Division of Student Affairs at In addition, individuals may request that the institution assist them with the process for obtaining a protection order. This may be facilitated by contacting either the Division of Student Affairs, or the Security and Safety Department. BYSTANDER INTERVENTION Depending upon the circumstances at hand, an individual, or individuals, may choose to intervene to assist a victim or a potential victim. Safe options may include: calling Security and Safety ( ) or other campus authority, calling local police (911), enlisting the aid of others to intervene by saying something, and/or enlisting the aid of others in safely removing a person from a potentially harmful environment. In reaching any judgment to intervene a person should evaluate the totality of circumstances in choosing a safe option. INVESTIGATION When reports of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and/or stalking are received, the University will conduct a prompt, fair, and impartial investigation. The institution is committed to invoking the University disciplinary process in cases of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and/or stalking when appropriate. These proceedings will provide a prompt, fair, and impartial investigation and resolution. Further, the proceedings are conducted by individuals who receive annual training on the issues related to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking and on how to conduct an investigation and hearing process. Possible disciplinary sanctions include suspension or dismissal from the University. The accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during an institutional disciplinary proceeding, including the opportunity to be accompanied to the proceeding by an advisor of their choice. The standard of evidence in the University administrative judicial proceeding is the preponderance of evidence. The accuser and the accused shall be notified simultaneously of the outcome of any disciplinary proceeding that arises from an allegation of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. They will also be informed of appeal procedures. The University s process for appeal of these outcomes may be obtained by submitting an appeal request in writing to the Vice President of Student Affairs. The appeal must be submitted within five (5) calendar days after a decision has been communicated either verbally or in writing to a student. Both the accuser and the accused shall be simultaneously informed of any change to the result that occurs prior to the time that such results become final, and when such results become final. The University, to the extent permissible by law, will protect confidentially of victims. All public identifiable records will not include the name of a victim. Counseling services are available for all victims/persons as described earlier in this report. WEAPONS AND OTHER DANGEROUS ARTICLES AND SUBSTANCES No student or visitor may keep, possess, display, transport, or use any offensive weapon; firearms; ammunition, gunpowder, gas- or air-powered rifles, guns, or pistols; fireworks; explosives; or other dangerous articles and substances in University buildings, on University property, or at University functions in off-campus settings. Realistic facsimiles of these items are also prohibited, with reasonable exceptions made, in consultation with the Vice President for Student Affairs for theatrical productions and similar circumstances. Active public law enforcement officers are authorized to store, transport, and use firearms when performing functions associated with their official duties or when attending classes. RESIDENCE FACILITIES The La Salle residence community can house 2,100 undergraduate students in accommodations ranging from single and double dormitory-style rooms to fully furnished three-, four-, and five-person apartments and townhouses in 15 residence facilities. Services and programs intended to enhance the quality of life and to assure the security and 9

12 safety of the resident student body are major priorities for Community Development. GUEST POLICY La Salle University resident students who are currently enrolled, and who are under no disciplinary or other sanctions that would prohibit them, may have guests defined as anyone other than currently enrolled La Salle University resident students under the following conditions: 1. Students must register their guests at one of the five Security Desk Reception booths: North Residence Halls, St. Basil Court, Sts. Edward and Francis Halls, St. Miguel Court, or St. Neumann Hall. Hosts must present valid La Salle University identification cards. Guests must produce valid and appropriate identification, as defined in the guest procedures posted at each of the Security Desk Reception booths. Hosts and guests must fully comply with all of those procedures, including but not limited to those that restrict the duration of each guest s visit, normally to be no more than three consecutive nights. 2. Hosts must accompany their guests at all times. Guests must carry the guest identification cards issued to them upon registration, must produce those cards upon request to University officials/staff members, and must adhere to all standards for community conduct formally adopted by and posted in the areas they visit, in addition to all other published and/or posted University rules and regulations. 3. Hosts are responsible for their guests behavior. Guests violations of published and/or posted University rules or regulations may result in the revocation of guests registration, the requirement that such guests leave University premises, and may result in disciplinary action for their hosts. 4. Students may host guests of the sex opposite their own in residence halls that are comprised of floors or wings designated for single sex occupancy (e.g., the North Residence Halls, Sts, Edward and Francis Halls, and St. Neumann Hall) only during the following hours: 8:00 a.m. to midnight Sundays through Thursdays 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays Guests registered by hosts of their own sex may be present in or on floors or wings designated for the sex opposite their own only during those same hours. 5. The University does not encourage overnight registration of opposite sex guests in the student residences that are not comprised of floors or wings designated for single-sex occupancy (e.g., St. Basil Court, St. La Salle Apartments, St. Miguel Court, and St. Teresa Court); however, it is permitted. Students and their guests are asked to be mindful and respectful of Catholic moral teachings and of others rights to privacy and to conduct themselves accordingly. 6. Guests may be present in residence hall rooms, apartments, or townhouses only with the permission of all those who reside in those rooms, apartments, or townhouses. Such permission must be freely and expressly given and may be withdrawn at any time. Students are expected to clearly communicate their permission or withdrawal of permission and to call upon Community Development staff members for assistance in addressing and resolving persistent disputes or concerns. 7. Guest privileges may be temporarily or permanently suspended or restricted for individuals or groups, in response to incidents requiring disciplinary action or in the event of emergency or other situations of concern. FIRE SAFETY IN THE RESIDENCE HALLS Each University Residence Hall is equipped with fire suppression equipment, including extinguishers, smoke detectors, fire alarms, and, in some cases, sprinkler systems. The University Fire Marshall ensures compliance with all mandated fire codes. All resident students participate in monthly fire evacuation drills conducted under the auspices of Community Development personnel. Fire prevention, evacuation, and fire extinguisher training is provided for Resident Coordinators, Resident Assistants, and staff. CAMPUS EMERGENCY PROCEDURES The University has developed, maintains, and updates an Emergency Response Plan that includes immediate emergency response, evacuation procedures, shelter-inplace protocols, and emergency communications in times of crisis. The Emergency Response Plan embraces the Incident Command System (ICS) philosophy, which is used by the federal, state, and local governments in dealing with emergencies. Together, the University President or designee, the Director of Security and Safety or designee, the Vice President for Student Affairs or designee, and the Vice President for Advancement or designee will assess the facts, determine the level of the emergency, and determine what information is communicated to the campus community and how. 10

13 The individuals designated above will without delay, and taking into account the safety of the community, determine the content of any emergency communication and initiate the communication. A communication may not be issued if it will, in the professional judgment of responsible authorities, compromise efforts to assist victims or contain, respond to, or otherwise mitigate the emergency at hand. The University frequently reviews its plan and procedures and at least annually conducts an emergency drill to hone its emergency response procedures. The University community is notified of all drills and the procedures associated with their completion. All drills are critiqued and are fully documented. The University has contracted with e2campus for emergency notification services, which include the delivery of text messages, s, and voice notifications. This allows the University to communicate in real time when emergencies occur. Other methods that may be used to communicate critical information in an emergency are: vehicular public address systems, alert information posted on La Salle University s website, alert information posted on La Salle University s public web page, and/or the dispatch of emergency personnel to a location to announce the emergency information. La Salle University has equipped its Security and Safety Department patrol vehicles with public address systems. The University may disseminate emergency information to our neighboring community by use of our vehicular public address system and by placement of alert information on the University s public website. The University partners with local law enforcement, fire department and other municipal, state and or federal agencies in times of crisis. If any person clearly observes an emergency situation or a potential crisis or emergency, he/she should notify the Security and Safety Department s emergency telephone line at , extension #2111, for on-campus phones, or press the emergency button on the blue light telephones located throughout the campus. MISSING PERSON NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE When an on-campus student is reported missing to any campus official, the following procedure will take place: 1. All reasonable efforts will be expended to locate the student and determine the state of his/her health and well-being. 2. The Community Development Office will be immediately contacted for investigation into the situation. 3. Community Development personnel will initiate their Missing Student Protocol after informing the Director of Security and Safety and the Senior Associate Dean of Students. The Philadelphia Police Department will be contacted if the Missing Person Protocols have been followed and if the status of the student is still undetermined. In cases where exigent circumstances exist, law enforcement will be immediately notified. Notifications: La Salle University requires incoming students to submit the name of an emergency contact. Barring exigent circumstances and in cases for which campus security officials determine that a student has been reported missing for more than 24 hours, then officials will follow the following procedures within the next 24 hours: 1. Notify the individual identified as the student s emergency contact. 2. Notify a parent or guardian if the student is under 18 years old. 3. Notify the appropriate law enforcement officials in cases in which the student is over 18 years old and has not identified an emergency contact. TITLE IX OF EDUCATION AMENDMENTS OF 1972 (TITLE IX) Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities by recipients of Federal financial assistance. Sexual harassment of students, which includes acts of sexual violence, is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX. Pursuant to the guidelines of Title IX, La Salle University has taken action to investigate incidents of sexual harassment and sexual violence, and further has taken immediate and effective steps to end such discriminatory practices. For more information concerning Title IX and La Salle University, refer to the Student Guide to Resources, Rights, and Responsibilities, which can be found at studentguide or in the La Salle University Personnel Guide. SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY AND ACCESS TO RELATED INFORMATION The federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act became effective October 28, The law requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement that advises the campus community where it can obtain state law enforcement agency information concerning registered sex offenders. The purpose of the law is to provide tracking of convicted, registered sex offenders enrolled as students at institutes of higher education, or working or volunteering on campus. 11