This publication describes the policies and programs the College has developed to foster a safe and secure environment conducive to the pursuit of educational and personal growth. Please review this information carefully. If you have any questions concerning safety or security, contact the safety and security department at 574-284-5000.
Saint Mary's College provides on-campus housing for approximately 1,300 students. The director of residence life coordinates the department, which includes the residence hall directors, resident advisors, night assistants and student desk workers. The staff of full-time employees and student workers supports the safety and security programs in residence halls. Each residence hall has a front desk monitor 24 hours a day. A card access system restricts access to the private living areas of campus residents. In addition, security officers make checks of all residence halls and administrative and academic facilities. Each year during orientation, all residence life staff are provided with appropriate instructions and training concerning safety, security, policies and procedures. This includes training of the resident assistants by Sex Offense Services (S.O.S.) personnel.
Additional information concerning residence life policies and procedures is available in the Student Handbook or from the director of resident life.
Environmental and lighting concerns are monitored continually by the safety and security department staff. Building services and maintenance department staff provide all services dealing with safety or security hazards that are structural or mechanical in nature.
The safety and security department and student government leaders conduct an annual safety survey of the campus in the fall semester. Safety improvement concerns and recommendations are shared with the President's Cabinet.
To report a crime in progress or a medical emergency dial 9-1-1 from any campus phone or if outside, dial 9-1-1 or push the emergency button on any emergency (blue light) phone. Dial 5000 for non-emergencies.
Emergency telephones, signified by blue lights, are available at various locations on campus. These phones will be equipped with a 911 emergency button along with a keypad to dial non-emergency numbers.
The safety and security department encourages students, faculty, staff and guests to report all criminal/suspicious activity to the department immediately at (574) 284-5000. An officer will be dispatched to your location to take a report and follow up on the incident. If an incident occurs off campus, a report will need to be filed with the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction. The Saint Mary's College safety and security department will assist you in notifying the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction.
The safety and security department, under the administration of the vice president for finance and administration, is responsible for campus security. The department, by Indiana Law and the board of trustees action may employ sworn security officers, but normally relies on state and local agencies for police services. The department primarily employs security officers that provide security services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The department has a collaborative working relationship with the Saint Joseph County, Indiana State, South Bend, Roseland, Mishawaka and University of Notre Dame Police Departments, which are called upon occasionally to assist the College with investigations and events. The Saint Mary's College security investigator and/or other law enforcement agencies will provide follow up investigations on reported crimes.
Local Law Enforcement:
|
Saint Joseph County Police |
235-9611 |
|
Indiana State Police |
574-546-9611 |
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Notre Dame Security/Police |
631-5555 |
|
South Bend Police |
235-9201 |
|
Mishawaka Police |
258-1683 |
|
St. Joseph County Prosecutor |
235-9544 |
|
Roseland Police |
272-6485 |
A crime alert bulletin is issued, as required by the Jeanne Clery disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (The Clery Act), when an incident of rape, sexual assault or violence has been reported which the administration determines poses a serious threat to the College community. The crime alert bulletin is issued as soon as possible after all of the information needed is gathered. The bulletin is communicated to the College community by e-mail, and intranet as well as by the posting the crime alert bulletin in all residential buildings and College facilities.
The vice president for student affairs is notified of all serious events involving Saint Mary's students so that appropriate steps can be taken to respond to the safety of the campus community while respecting the confidentiality of the victim.
The College, in compliance with The Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 (as amended), Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act publishes this brochure yearly to provide students, faculty, staff and others with an overview of the College's safety and security policies, including the College's Sexual Assault Awareness program, as well as other available services, procedures and resources. The safety and security department uses the FBI Uniform Crime Report (UCR) Program, Hate Crime Data Collection and the National Incident-Based Reporting System guidelines, and queries the local law enforcement agencies (Indiana State Police, Notre Dame, St. Joseph County, South Bend and Roseland Police Departments) to gather statistical information on crime occurring on and adjacent to the campus. The statistical information is included in this crime awareness brochure. Additional information pertaining to campus safety and security programs can be obtained by contacting the director of safety and security, the director of residence life or the director of human resources. Disclosure of information regarding registered sex offenders can be obtained from the Indiana Sex Offender Registry. and the Indiana Department of Corrections web site..
Copies of the student handbook and employee manual are also available for review in the respective department offices.
In response to the events of September 11, 2001, the College has developed an Emergency Response Plan, which can be viewed at Emergency Response Plan . An emergency action plan is located in the College Fire and Safety Manual
The safety and security department conducts crime prevention and personal safety programs each year. It also publishes and distributes personal safety and security brochures (Rape, Date Rape, Dying to Drink, Street Sense-It's Elementary, etc.) to all students/community members. "Crime Alert Bulletins" are posted in a timely manner at various locations on campus, via campus e-mail, and intranet web site to all students when it has been determined that a reported incident poses a serious threat to the College community.
It is a fact that rape and sexual assault occur on college campuses across the country. The highest rate of victimization is with the 16 to 24 age group. Rape or sexual assault may involve a stranger as the assailant. More frequently, the assailant is an acquaintance. This acquaintance may be a date, a friend or someone you have just met in a class, through a mutual friend or at a party. Rape and sexual assault are unacceptable behaviors on campus, off campus or anywhere in the community.
A danger for all college women is the availability of "date rape" drugs. When added to alcohol or soft drinks, these drugs cannot be detected as they are colorless, odorless and tasteless. These drugs impair their victims and leave them vulnerable. If you feel any of the following, tell someone and get to a safe place immediately: disproportionately intoxicated to the amount of alcohol consumed; inability to stay awake/sudden drowsiness; confusion/impaired judgment; dizziness/poor motor coordination; slowed heart rate. Some individuals have experienced coma or seizures. Death can occur from these drugs. Do not leave your drink unattended and do not accept a drink from another person.
Saint Mary's College is committed to maintaining an environment that provides education, support and timely information related to rape and sexual assault for all students, faculty and staff. The following information discusses prevention, reporting procedures and support services.
Sexual Assault: Attempting or making sexual contact, including but not limited to inappropriate touching or fondling, with another against the person's will or in circumstances where the person is physically, mentally or legally unable to give consent.
Rape: Penetration of the anus/vagina by a male sexual organ against the victim's will or without his/her consent. An individual who is mentally incapacitated, unconscious, or unaware that the rape is occurring is considered unable to give consent.
Remember: Most rapes and sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows! Reporting these crimes against women will not only help the victim in the healing process, but provide society with accurate statistics of this unfortunate reality.
From the Saint Mary's College safety and security department you can expect to be treated with respect, learn what your options are, and to be supported during this difficult time.
Saint Mary's College provides educational discussions and programs for all students beginning with first year orientation. Additional education is provided throughout the school year on campus and on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. Security Awareness and Crime Prevention Programs include Rape Education Prevention, Personal Safety/Self Defense, Alcohol Awareness, Domestic Violence Prevention, Parent Orientation Presentations, Student Safety and Escort Transportation Service and a Safety Awareness Resource Web site. Additional programs regarding date rape drugs and alcohol are presented by local, state and federal agencies.
There are many things an individual can do to eliminate or reduce the risk of rape or sexual assault:
If a student (complainant) has been the victim of an act of violence (including sexual offenses) allegedly committed by a Saint Mary's student, the complainant has two options. The report filed internally with the safety and security department will be investigated. Once the investigation is complete the case will be forwarded to the director of residence life and judicial affairs. The director of residence life will ask the complainant if she wishes to have internal disciplinary proceedings brought.
The disciplinary sanctions available, should a student be found to have engaged in an act of violence, are the same as those available for any other violation of college policies, up to and including dismissal from school.
A victim may also seek to file criminal charges through the local police and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office. This process is initiated by contacting Saint Mary's College safety and security department. If necessary, the appropriate police agency will be contacted. The safety and security department will provide transportation and assistance to any student wishing to file criminal charges.
A victim of an act of violence can expect the following rights to be honored with respect to internal disciplinary procedures at Saint Mary's College and criminal prosecution:
Should the alleged assailant be a student at the University of Notre Dame, the victim may file a complaint with the University of Notre Dame Security/Police Department. The Department of Residence Life and Housing at the University of Notre Dame will be notified and will pursue on-campus disciplinary charges through Notre Dame's internal disciplinary process.
To pursue criminal charges, contact should first be made with the Saint Mary's College safety and security department. The department will assist the student to contact the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office and the appropriate police agency (the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department, South Bend City Police Department, Roseland Police Department, Mishawaka Police Department, Notre Dame Police Department or the Indiana State Police).
No one should be forced, coerced or manipulated into unwanted sexual activity. Sometimes acquaintance rape is a pattern for the assailant. Victims are always encouraged to report information. In this way, appropriate steps can be taken to determine whether a pattern exists and to deter future assaults. However, the decision to report an incident rests with the victim. No member of administration or faculty can or will force a student into any specific course of action.
If a Saint Mary's student is the victim of a sexual assault and is pursuing disciplinary action through the University of Notre Dame, she may contact the Saint Mary's judicial coordinator (the director of residence life) for assistance. The judicial coordinator will provide the student with information and assistance in following steps involved in the University of Notre Dame judicial process. In addition, a student may also receive assistance from a resource person for victims of sexual assault at the University of Notre Dame. The resource person can be contacted through the Office of Residence Life and Housing at the University of Notre Dame, 631-5551.
Should a Saint Mary's student be the victim of rape or sexual assault, the following several steps are important in beginning the process of recovery:
Campus Ministry - The trauma of rape or sexual assault often causes a student to doubt herself, others, and God. The rape or assault calls into question issues of trust and heightens her feelings of fear. The members of Campus Ministry are available to provide a safe place to listen and discuss the incident, to offer referrals and accompany her if she wishes, and to provide the opportunity for spiritual healing during this very difficult time.
Counseling Center - Because the experience of rape and sexual assault involves a sense of powerlessness, loss of control, and traumatic violence, licensed professional counselors work to provide each student with a safe, calm and confidential environment. The student can expect the counselor to listen, be understanding, be patient, and help the student to know it was not her fault. Adequate time will be provided for talking through her experience and concerns. The student will be encouraged to set her own pace in this process. Some students wait a long time before they tell any one about their assault. Students will receive the same care and support whether the assault happened yesterday or last year.
The need for medical attention is important. Counselors will discuss the importance of physical well-being and the benefit of immediate medical care for sexual assault. The student will receive assistance in arranging these services and in accessing transportation, and will be encouraged to have a friend or counseling staff member accompany her.
A counselor will support the student's need to regain control of her life by letting her make medical, reporting and notification decisions. Because working through options takes time, continued support will be available through ongoing meetings with the student's counselor. Decision-making and recovery are a process. The timetable is different for each person. Throughout the process, students will be encouraged to develop and use personal sources of emotional support via trusted friends and family as well as Saint Mary's offices of Campus Ministry, Residence Life and other individuals she selects.
All students are encouraged to report incidents to the Saint Mary's College safety and security department. A counselor offers assistance in making arrangements to file a report and will accompany the student to the meeting if she wishes. The Counseling Center staff does not file a formal detailed report with the College at the time of the event. Rather, the counselor maintains the student's communication as confidential, as required by Indiana state statute, and encourages the student to report the incident directly.
The medical staff of Health and Wellness Services is available to provide a student with the medical testing and treatment of minor injuries within their scope of responsibility. The staff will assist in facilitating treatment of other medical needs arising from an assault. The staff is also available for follow-up services. The Health and Wellness Services staff respects confidentiality.
However, the staff will file the appropriate mandated incident report without providing any identifying information as required by the Campus Security Act for those crimes including rape and sexual assault which are committed on property owned or controlled by or immediately adjacent to Saint Mary's College.
Residence Life - The hall directors of Residence Life are on-call through a pager system from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday and 5:00 p.m. Friday through 8:00 a.m. Monday. The resident advisors and the front desk staff in each hall are aware which hall director is on-call. In the event a resident advisor or front desk staff member at a residence hall is told or becomes aware of an act of violence, she will page the on-call hall director immediately.
In the instance of a sexual assault or other emergency situation, the hall director will request an ambulance if needed. It is the policy of Saint Mary's safety and security to dispatch an ambulance whenever one is requested. If it is not an emergency, the hall director can contact the safety and security to provide transportation to the hospital. The hall director does not necessarily have to be on the scene to authorize such transport. Safety and security will also bring the student back to campus if requested to do so by the student or hall director.
The hall director or resident advisor is available to accompany a student to the hospital at the request of the student.
The hall director is required by the Campus Security Act to file a confidential report with security when she is aware a sexual assault has allegedly taken place.
Sex Offense Services (SOS) - SOS is the rape crisis center for St. Joseph County, providing support and information for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. SOS also provides assistance to the victim's family and friends. SOS services include 24-hour crisis intervention, including hospital accompaniment, individual and group counseling and legal advocacy for victims seeking assistance while going through the criminal justice process
SUPPORT RESOURCES
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Emergency (Police, Fire, Medical) |
9-1-1 |
|
Security (24 hours) |
284-5000 |
|
Student Affairs |
284-4571 |
|
Residence Life |
284-4522 |
|
Health and Wellness Services |
284-4805 |
| Counseling Center |
284-4565 |
|
Campus Ministry |
284-5391 |
|
Human Resources |
284-4542 |
|
Sex Offense Services (SOS) |
|
289-HELP |
|
283-1308 |
| Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center |
237-7264 |
The Higher Education Act 120(A) - (D) requires that institutions of higher education adopt and implement programs to prevent the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees.
Indiana state law prohibits those who are under 21 years of age from buying, consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages. Only those students who are 21 years of age or older are permitted to possess or consume alcohol on the campus.
The College prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, sale or use of illegal drugs or controlled substances without a prescription on campus. Violation of this policy is handled according to guidelines set forth in the judicial section of the student and employee handbooks and will result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion or termination, as well as possible legal consequences.
Students or employees seeking information or assistance with an alcohol or drug-related problems may consult staff members of Health and Wellness Services, Residence Life, Campus Ministry, or the Counseling Career Center. College employees can receive assistance through the College's Employee Assistance Program with complete assurance of confidentiality and concern.
The possession, carrying, and use of firearms, ammunition or other dangerous weapons or explosives is prohibited on College-owned or controlled property. The only exception is for safety and security department officers authorized by the College. Failure to comply with the College's policy will result in disciplinary action up to expulsion and termination as set forth in the student and employee handbook, as well as possible legal recourse.
The safety and security department maintains a "Together for a Safe Campus" program. To make our campus as safe as possible, the entire campus community's cooperation and involvement in this program is absolutely necessary. Students and staff must assume responsibility for their own safety and for the security of their personal belongings:
