The University of Akron
Campus Safety & Security Information
September 2007

Federally Mandated Disclosure

This information is provided as part of The University of Akron's commitment to safety and security on campus and is in compliance with the Federal Crime Awareness Campus Security Act of 1990.

Crime Prevention

Through the office of crime prevention, University police officers provide educational programs to students and employees on personal safety, sexual assault/acquaintance rape prevention, drug and alcohol abuse prevention, and other related topics. The Department of University Police welcomes the chance to talk with any campus group. Candid dialogue between UA Police and the public has crated greater confidence in the community to report unlawful activities. Potential illegal actions and on-campus emergencies can be confidentially reported by any student, staff member, or faculty.

Complaints received by UA Police that fall outside their jurisdiction are referred to the appropriate agency, or the complainant will be provided with a phone number where the complaint may be filed. Likewise, other agencies refer complaints to University Police when appropriate. Police officers patrol parking lots 24 hours each day. UA Police also offer assistance with battery jumps, inflating tires, unlocking vehicles, and obtaining fuel for a small fee. Educational programs designed to inform students and employees about campus security procedures and practices and to encourage students and employees to be responsible for their own security and the security of others are held as requested. If you would like to schedule an appointment for an educational program, call ext. 7123. For emergencies, dial "911" from any campus phone. If you require non-emergency assistance, dial ext. 7123. If using an off-campus phone, dial "972" before the extension.

Emergency Phones

Over 140 emergency phones are located across campus. These phones are strategically positioned throughout pedestrian walkways and inside parking decks and at many building entrances to provide immediate contact with the University Police dispatcher. Each emergency phone is clearly identified for "Emergency Use" and is easily activated; campus police respond to all activated emergency phones even if no words are spoken. In addition, security phones have also been placed at the main entrances of residence halls and in 68 campus elevators.

University Police

Campus law enforcement is primarily the responsibility of the University Police.

University Police provides 24-hour-a-day patrol protection to the campus, parking lots, residence halls, and on-campus fraternity and sorority houses. The police station is located in the Physical Facilities Operations Center at the corner of Forge and Hill Streets and is staffed 24 hours a day by full-time and part-time dispatchers. The University's 32 full-time police officers are commissioned by the State of Ohio with full law enforcement authority and responsibilities idential to the local police department or sheriff. The Department of University Police works closely with other law enforcement agencies. Reports are exchanged every business day so that both agencies receive pertinent information. Information is shared through personal contacts, by phone, and by radio.

University and City Police work closely together at large campus events like athletic competitions and dances. University Police officers meet or exceed the training standards of the Ohio Peace Officers Training Council. They also receive ongoing in-service and specialized training in first aid, enforce laws regulating under-age drinking, the use of controlled substances, weapons, and all other incidents requiring police assistance. They also are responsible for public safety services such as crime reports, medical emergencies, fire emergencies, and traffic accidents. It is the goal of every member of the Department of University Police to promote, preserve, and deliver the feeling of safety through quality services to the members of the University community.

Student Campus Patrol

A student escort service operates from 5 p.m. to midnight, seven days a week, for the safety of anyone walking alone on campus during the evening. By calling ext. 7263, an escort will come to your location and accompany you to any campus building or parking lot. Employed and trained by the University Police, the campus patrol teams are easily identified by conspicuously marked t-shirts or jackets. These teams assist UA Police in patrolling campus parking lots and other areas and by reporting suspicious individuals.

Residence Halls

Approximately 2,000 students live in the University's ten residence halls. Bulger Hall re-opened in the Fall of 1999 after undergoing extensive renovations, while Spanton Hall reopened in 2000 after similar improvements. Privately owned student housing facilities on the campus periphery accommodate approximately 785 additional students. Several thousand students opt to live in conventional private apartments within walking distance of the campus. Access into the University's residence halls is restricted to student occupants, escorted guests, and authorized University personnel. Unescorted persons are prohibited in the residence halls. While all residence halls have 24-hour visitation, they remain locked at all times. For additional safety, most resident halls provide 24-hour monitoring at the entrance desks; and others have been upgraded to include card-swipe access. Residents may enter and leave at their own discretion.

The residence hall staff receives special training from UA Police on security and safety procedures and enforcement of residence hall regulations. Safety inspections every semester help students to maintain a safe environment. The professional staff also conducts programs with resident students to heighten awareness of safety on campus. Sessions cover topics from common sense precautions, such as walking with a companion or in groups at night or making sure doors are locked when students leave their rooms, to more difficult issues such as acquaintance rape. Other programs are offered through student programming. "Sex Week," a nationally recognized program, covers topics such as safe sex, rape prevention, gay/lesbian issues, and interracial relationships.

As a part of crime prevention in the residence halls, a campus police officer is assigned to patrol the residence halls during evening hours, Tuesday through Saturday. The officers serve the students by providing a feeling of safety and security, by participating in the residence hall programs, and by handling all police, fire, and safety problems in the residence halls.

Campus Buildings

Most University academic facilities are open to the public from 7 a.m. until the latest evening classes have ended. Administration buildings are generally locked at 6 p.m., and only faculty and staff may be admitted. When the University is closed, all buildings are locked and may be opened only by authorized personnel.

Health and Safety

The Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety inspects facilities and operations to reduce potential hazards to life and property. They coordinate compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations dealing with health, safety, and the environment.

Drug and Alcohol Prevention

The issue of drug and alcohol abuse, misuse and dependency concerns the entire University community, as well as our surrounding neighborhoods. The Federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 requires schools, colleges and universities receiving federal financial assistance, to implement and enforce drug and alcohol prevention programs for students and employees.

The University of Akron prohibits the use, possession, sale, manufacture, or distribution of illegal drugs and alcohol by students and employees on University premises or as part of a University activity. Any misuse of substances by University students and employees that presents physical or psychological hazard to individuals also is prohibited.

For more information about the University's Drug Free Schools and Communities policies, please see the University's Drug Free Schools and Communities Notice.

Personal Responsibility

The cooperation and involvement of student, faculty, and staff in any campus safety program is absolutely necessary. All must assume responsibility for their own safety and security of their property by following simple, common sense precautions. For example, although the campus is well lighted, everyone should confine their movements to well-traveled areas. There is safety in numbers, and everyone should walk with a companion at night. Valuables should be property secured when not in use. Automobiles should be locked at all times. Valuables and purses should never be lying in plain view in a car.

Sexual Assault Policy

The University of Akron desires to establish and maintain a safe and secure environment for its students and employees. The University will not tolerate sexual assault of any kind. Sexual misconduct is socially irresponsible and violates the rights of other individuals. Nothing you do, say, or wear gives anyone the right to assault you. Sexual assault, whether by a stranger or someone you know, is a violation of your body and your trust. It's wrong, and it's a crime. This is just a portion of the sexual assault policy. For more specifics, contact any of the departments listed below.

Post Assault Assistance

The single most important action a sexual assault victim can take is to tell someone - the Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit Counties, the Victim Assistance Program, the police, or a friend. Seek medical attention and counseling. Do not isolate yourself, do not feel guilty, and do not try to ignore what happened. Remember: It's not your fault. After contacting one of these agencies, they can provide the proper procedure to preserve the evidence as may be necessary. The University Police will assist the victim in contacting the other law enforcement authorities if so requested. The University will assist in changing academic and living situations after an alleged sexual assault incident, if so requested by the victim and if such changes are reasonably available.

Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit Counties (24 hr) 330-434-7273
Victim Assistance Program (24 hr) 3330-376-0040
UA Police Department (24 hr on campus) 911
UA Director of Residence Halls (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) 330-972-7800
Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) 330-972-7067
City of Akron Police Department 330-375-2552
Summa DOVE Program (24 hr) 877-742-3683 or 330-379-9743
Akron City Hospital (24 hr) 330-375-3000
Akron General Medical Center 330-344-6611 (Emergency Medical Department)
Off Campus/TDD/Voice 330-972-7123
UA Counseling and Testing (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) 330-972-7082
Women's Studies (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) 330-972-7008

Sex Assault Defined

The University of Akron prohibits any form of actual or attempted nonconsensual physical contact of a sexual nature, including acts using force, threat, intimidation, or advantage gained by the offended person's mental or physical incapacity or impairment of which the offending person was aware or should have been aware. Sexual assault includes rape, sexual battery, gross sexual imposition, and felonious sexual penetration. These are classified as criminal offenses by the Ohio Revised Code Sections 2907.02, 2907.05, and 2907.06 and are subject to criminal charges in the state of Ohio. In addition, anyone in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action by UA. This may include suspension, dismissal, and/or permanent notation in their record.

What Occurs When a Report is Made Inside the University?

An investigation will begin immediately when a report is filed with the Department of University Police. If the investigation shows probable cause that a rape occurred and if the victim desires, a meeting will be held with the local prosecutor's office to decide if charges can be filed. If the decision is made that charges are appropriate, it's up to the victim to decide whether to go forward. When a victim files sexual assault charges against a University of Akron student and an arrest is made, Ohio Revised Code Section 3345.22 is exercised (see section on House Bill 1219 in student handbook). This bill requires the University to hold a hearing within five days to determine whether the alleged offender shall be allowed to remain in school or be suspended immediately. Both the accused and the accuser are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during the proceeding. All parties shall be notified about the outcome of the proceeding. The sexually assaulted person may seek recourse through the University's disciplinary board. Such complaints may be addressed to the following officials:

Office of the Coordinator for Student Discipline (if the reported assailant is a student) 330-972-7011;
Director of Residence Halls (if the reported assailant is a student who lives on campus) 330-972-7800;
Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life (if the reported assailant is a student who lives in fraternity or sorority housing) 330-972-7909;
Director of Equal Employment Opportunity and Training Office (if the assailant is a UA employee) 330-972-7300.

The Crime Awareness and Campus Safety and Security Act of 1990 requires UA administrators to report incidents of rape to UA Police. The names of the sexually assaulted persons are confidential and not disclosed unless permitted by the sexually assaulted person. Once a complaint is filed, a preliminary investigation will take place. If a violation has occurred, the University will start disciplinary proceedings against the assailant. A hearing by the University's disciplinary board will follow, unless obviated by the above procedure. Both the accused and the accuser are entitled to have others present during the proceedings. Both will be informed of the outcome. Punitive internal action for students found guilty could result in several penalties, including the most severe: dismissal with permanent record notation.

What Occurs When a Report is Made Outside the University?

Although the University might determine guilt against a UA student for sexual assault, the offense would not establish a criminal record. Criminal prosecution and/or a civil suit are options for the sexually assaulted person. A survivor may pursue University disciplinary options in conjunction with criminal prosecution or a civil suit. For criminal prosecution, a sexually assaulted person must file formal charges with the City of Akron Police Department or through local authorities accountable for the district or locality where the sexual assault occurred. The formal complaint will initiate a separate investigation by the UA Police. A grand jury will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to take the case to trial. The process is public and often lengthy. The Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit Counties can provide assistance throughout the process. In a civil suit, the sexually assaulted person seeks restitution of damages and/or expenses. Whether the sexually assaulted person files criminal or civil charges, obtaining legal advice is important.