SAFETY AND CRIME PREVENTION INITIATIVES
Built Environment Security
The University of Akron implements numerous safety precautions on its campus. Extensive lighting is found throughout the campus, and the university continues to implement additional lighting improvement projects and to consider public safety in maintaining its buildings and grounds. In addition, construction and renovation plans for University facilities are reviewed for principles associated with crime prevention through environmental design, both in the facility itself, and if practicable, in the adjacent area. Access to campus buildings is restricted after normal business hours, and current university identification must be shown to gain admittance to many facilities. Residence halls are locked 24 hours a day and require University identification cards for access.
Crime Prevention and Safety Programs
The University offers numerous crime prevention and safety programs to the university community. Programs are offered by various university organizations and are available throughout each academic year. Sponsors and their programs include:
UAPD
Community Policing: UAPD utilizes a community policing philosophy with the goals of:
1) establishing positive contacts with the campus community;
2) identifying real and/or perceived problems that exist in the campus community; and
3) developing programs that aid in resolution of identified problems.
UAPD uses various modes of transportation to patrol the campus, including bicycles, motorcycles, cars and foot patrol.
Emergency Phones: Located throughout the university campus, over 250 emergency phones provide a direct line of communication to UAPD for individuals in need of emergency assistance. These phones are strategically positioned along pedestrian walkways, inside parking decks and at many building entrances to provide immediate contact with the University Police dispatcher. Campus police respond to all activated emergency phones even if no words are spoken. Look for the blue lights inside buildings, in parking areas and on campus grounds. Click here
http://www.uakron.edu/its/telecomm/emergencyphones.php to see a map of the emergency phone locations.
Student Campus Patrol: A student escort service operates seven days a week, for the safety of anyone walking alone on campus. By calling ext. 7263, an escort will come to your location and accompany you to your local destination. Campus patrol members are employed and trained by UAPD and are easily identified by conspicuously marked shirts or jackets. Teams assist UAPD in patrolling the campus, including parking lots and reporting suspicious behavior.
Sexual Assault Survivor’s Rights: UAPD has developed and implemented a “Sexual Assault Survivor’s Rights” program, which is designed to protect the rights of survivors of sexual assault and is a road map to empower and inform survivors of sexual assault. Copies of these materials are available at UAPD.
Prospective and Current Student Crime Awareness and Prevention Programs: UAPD and the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs present information to prospective students and their parents about university safety programs and general campus safety tips. Safety literature and displays are available during orientation and at move-in. Information is also available at various web sites such as
http://www3.uakron.edu/police/id38.htm.
Safety Education Programs: Through the office of crime prevention, UAPD provides educational programs to students and employees on personal safety, sexual assault/acquaintance rape prevention, drug and alcohol abuse prevention, and other related topics. UAPD welcomes the chance to talk with any campus group. If you would like to schedule an appointment for an educational program, call ext. 5914.
A.L.i.C.E., Training Program: A.L.i.C.E., is an acronym which stands for Alert, Lockdown, inform, Counter, Evacuate. This cutting edge training will provide options for faculty, staff and students in the event of having to face an armed intruder.
The Department of Residence Life and Housing:
Approximately 3,000 students live in the University's thirteen residence halls. 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, building remain locked at all times and require a University issued identification for access.
Residence hall staff receives special training from UAPD on security and safety procedures and enforcement of residence hall regulations. Safety inspections every semester help students to maintain a safe environment. Department of Residence Life and Housing professional staff conduct 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), to more difficult issues (such as acquaintance rape.) Student programming offers other sessions such as "Sex Week," a nationally recognized program, that covers topics such as safe sex, rape prevention, gay/lesbian issues, and interracial relationships.
As a part of crime prevention in the residence halls, UAPD patrols the residence halls during evening hours, Tuesday through Saturday. Officers participate in residence hall programs and handle all police, fire and safety problems in the residence halls.
The Office of Student Judicial Affairs
The Office of Student Judicial Affairs’ primary focus is to promote university community standards through the administration of The University of Akron Student Code of Conduct. The office also serves as an information source on student discipline, judicial hearings, appeals, and academic misconduct concerns. The purpose of the University discipline system is to promote student development by addressing behaviors that are inconsistent with community standards and expectations, as defined by the Student Code of Conduct. The office conducts fair and impartial hearings regarding alleged violations of the Code and, when appropriate, administers proactive and educational sanctions. Student Judicial Affairs often coordinates its services with other campus offices in an effort to serve students to the fullest extent. When appropriate, referrals will be made to other University offices in an effort to best serve students.
Whenever persons witness what appears to be a violation of University rules under the Code, they are encouraged to report this to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs, which may conduct an investigation or contact UAPD if the reported activity appears to be criminal in nature. The Office of Student Judicial Affairs is located at Student Union 216. The Office may be contacted at 330.972.6380
http://www.uakron.edu/studentlife/sja/index.php. The Student Code of Conduct is available at
http://www.uakron.edu/studentlife/sja/codecon.php.
Student Health Services
Health Services works to assist students in meeting their educational and personal goals by addressing their health concerns during their enrollment. Health Services' Health Education section provides health education, wellness promotion and risk reduction programming to students, faculty and staff. Health Services continues to maintain the University's strategic vision of "shared responsibility" to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate health promotion techniques and continue to be a resource for those in need. Health Services is designed to provide medical care for uncomplicated illnesses and injuries that are of recent onset and short duration. If you have any questions, please call us before your visit.
Health Services is located in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center Room 260 and is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Last appointment at 4:30 p.m.) Health Services is closed on weekends and holidays. The Office can be reached at 330.972.7808 or
http://www.uakron.edu/studentaff/health/index.php.
POLICIES FOR REPORTING CRIMES/PREPARING ANNUAL REPORTS/CONFIDENTIAL REPORTING
All persons are strongly encouraged to report crime to the police. Crimes occurring on campus (Akron main campus, Medina campus or Wayne College) should be reported to UAPD by calling 9-1-1 (emergency) or 330.972.2911 (non-emergency). Crimes occurring off campus in Akron should be reported to the City of Akron Police 9-1-1 (emergency) or 330.375.2181 (non-emergency). Crimes occurring off-campus to the Wayne College should be reported to the City of Orrville Police Department at 330.684.5025 and in Medina contact the Medina County Sheriff’s office at 330.336.6650.
Under Ohio law, persons who have knowledge of a felony (a victim of or witness to the crime) are required to report the crime to the police (Ohio Revised Code § 2921.22). Failure to report a crime may itself be a crime. Information on criminal behavior may be reported to the offices of Student Affairs, Student Judicial Affairs, advisors to student organizations, Department of Athletics, and Housing and Residence Education.
The University strongly encourages crime victims to report all criminal activity to police.
Confidentiality
Crimes reported to counselors at the Counseling, Testing and Career Center or to a physician or nurse at Health Services are confidential by law. Some off-campus reports may also be legally confidential (for example, to clergy or Portage Path Behavioral Health). Crimes reported to the above are not included in the annual crime statistics report.
Because of the Ohio public records law, The University of Akron is not permitted to promise confidentiality to persons reporting crimes to individuals or offices that supply crime statistics for this annual report.
Preparing Annual Reports
Crimes that are reported to the following individuals or offices will be included in the annual crime statistics report. Campus offices report incidents to UAPD contemporaneous with occurrence to insure inclusion in the statistical report.
Student organizations with off-campus housing
The University of Akron Police Department
The City of Akron Police Department
City of Orrville Police Department
Wayne County Sheriff’s Office
Office of Student Judicial Affairs
Advisors to Recognized Student Organizations
Department of Residence Life and Housing
The University of Akron’s Annual Campus Security Act Report is the result of the efforts of many people on campus. Each year the offices and individuals listed above provide information for inclusion in the annual report. No formal police report is required for a crime to be included in the statistics. Every effort is taken to ensure that all persons required to report do so, and that statistics are as accurate and complete as possible. Information included in the annual report is reviewed for accuracy, completeness and readability. If you have any questions or concerns regarding any of the statistics and information in this report, please contact UAPD at 330.972.2911.
REPORTING SEXUAL ASSAULT AND POST-ASSAULT ASSISTANCE
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.
Sexual 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 the University,.
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. UAPD will assist the victim in contacting 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.
UAPD (24 hr on campus) 911 or 330-972-7123
Director of Residence Life & Housing (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
UA Counseling, Testing and Career Ctr. (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) 330-972-7082
Women's Studies (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) 330-972-7008
-Off Campus/TDD/Voice 330-972-7123
Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit Counties (24 hr) 330-434-7273
Victim Assistance Program (24 hr) 330-376-0040
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)
Students who are survivors of sexual assault should give strong consideration to reporting the assault. Reporting an assault to UAPD or other law enforcement or campus security authorities does not require filing criminal charges, but it does allow all support systems to be put in place for the survivor. All attempts to keep the name of the sexually assaulted person confidential, within the limits of the law, will be made. Reporting is best done as soon as possible after the assault, but may be done at any time. Students can make their report to any campus security authority, including, but not limited to, UAPD, local police, Office of Student Judicial Affairs, advisors to recognized student organizations and athletic coaches. In addition to the designated campus security authorities, complaints should be directed to any of the following individuals:
Director – Office of Student Judicial Affairs (if the reported assailant is a student) 330-972-7011;
Director - Office of Residence Life and Housing (if the reported assailant is a student campus resident) 330-972-7800;
Assistant Director – Greek Life Programs (if the reported assailant is a student who lives in fraternity or sorority housing) 330-972-7909; or
Director - Equal Employment Opportunity and Training Office (if the reported assailant is a University employee) 330-972-7300.
The University will assist students who report sexual assault in obtaining medical support and information regarding available legal and judicial resources as well as counseling and support services. Students who choose to notify police should be aware of the importance of the immediacy of reporting the incident and the importance of preserving physical evidence at the assault scene as well as on the person assaulted. The gathering of physical evidence can provide important evidence and support of criminal charges leading to a successful prosecution.
Students who are reporting an immediate assault should be accompanied to a health care facility of their choice to allow for collection of evidence and treatment. If a sexual assault victim chooses to report the incident days, weeks, or even months after the assault, important support systems are still available and can be arranged; however, criminal investigations are much more difficult.
Sexual assaults, for which individuals seek medical treatment, must be reported to the appropriate police agency by health care officials. However, as noted above, students are not required to criminally prosecute the case or file a police report, unless the sexual assault survivor is a minor.
WHAT OCCURS WHEN A REPORT IS MADE OUTSIDE THE UNIVERSITY?
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 through UAPD, the City of Akron Police Department or through local authorities accountable for the district or locality where the sexual assault occurred. The formal complaint also may 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 addition to legal and judicial action, the victim of sexual assault may consider retaining a private attorney for the purpose of filing a civil action for the recovery of damages and/or expenses. Whether the sexually assaulted person files criminal or civil charges, obtaining legal advice is important.
WHAT OCCURS WHEN A REPORT IS MADE WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY?
An investigation will begin immediately when a report is filed with UAPD. If the investigation shows probable cause that a sexual assault 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, the victim will decide whether to proceed. When a victim files sexual assault charges against a University of Akron student and an arrest is made, the requirements of Ohio Revised Code Section 3345.22 (see 1219 Section in the Student Handbook) is triggered. The University is required by law to schedule a hearing within five days of the arrest 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.
Once a complaint is filed with the Office of Student Judicial Affairs, 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 1219 process.) Students have the right to a fair hearing under the Judicial Affairs process. Procedural requirements are not as formal as those existing in the civil courts of law. To ensure fairness, the following procedures apply:
-Both the accused and accuser may have an individual of their choice present to advise or support him or her. The advisor may only provide support and counsel to the student and may not actively participate in the hearing.
-During the hearing, both the accused and accuser shall be given the opportunity to testify and present evidence. The accused and accuser may direct questions at the witnesses through the panel chair. The accuser has the right to provide a statement of impact to the hearing officer or hearing panel.
-Both the accused and accuser shall be provided with the hearing outcome within 48 hours of the decision by the hearing panel or hearing officer. If an accused student is found in violation and appeals the outcome, the accuser will be notified of the pending appeal and its final outcome.
Sanctions to be imposed upon students by the university are varied and depend upon the degree of severity of the violation. Sanctions may include a formal reprimand, conduct probation, disciplinary probation or permanent dismissal with permanent record notation. Additional educational sanctions include participation in workshops, as well as recommended counseling and community service. When sanctions are imposed, consideration will be given to the individual mitigating circumstances as well as aggravating factors, such as past misconduct by the accused student or failure of the accused student to fully comply with previous sanctioned conditions.
CAMPUS SEX CRIME PREVENTION ACT INFORMATION
The responsibility for tracking persons in Ohio who have been designated as registered sex offenders is assigned to the sheriffs of the various counties. The following web sites contain information regarding registered sex offenders for geographic areas covered by this report.
The Office of the Ohio Attorney General:
http://www.ag.state.oh.us/citizen/esorn.asp
Summit County Sheriff:
http://www.sheriffalerts.com/cap_main.php?office=5398
Wayne County Sheriff:
http://www.waynecountysheriff.com/sexoffenders.htm
Medina County Sheriff:
http://www.medinasheriff.com/important_disclaimer.htm
TIMELY WARNING POLICY AND PROCEDURE
The University of Akron will issue a Safety Alert when the University receives a report of a crime against a person or a substantial crime against property that represents a serious or ongoing threat to the safety of students, faculty and staff. UA will make every effort to disseminate the Safety Alert as soon as facts of the situation are verified and the determination is made that the threat is serious or ongoing. The decision to issue an alert will be made jointly by:
-the University’s assistant vice president for campus safety/police chief,
-the senior vice president and provost and chief operating officer,
-the vice president for student affairs, and
-the chief communications officer.
Information included in the Safety Alert:
1. A succinct statement of the incident.
2. Possible connection to previous incidents, if applicable.
3. Physical description of the suspect, if available.
4. Composite drawing of the suspect, if available.
5. Date and time the bulletin was released.
6. Other relevant and important information.
7. Appropriate safety tips
Alerts are sent instantly by campus e-mail to the University e-mail mailboxes of students, faculty and staff. Depending on the type and severity of the situation, additional means to alert students, faculty and staff will be used, including:
-Messaging on the University home page,
-A dedicated Web page that is continuously updated, linked to from the home page
-text messaging,
-the outdoor warning system,
-reverse 9-1-1 phone systems (calls go to University offices), and/or
-the campus SNOW line, 330-972-SNOW (or 7669).
Whenever the City of Akron Police issue a news release about an off-campus crime that represents a serious or ongoing threat to the safety of students, faculty, and staff, the university will assist in publicizing the crime on campus.
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.
