The Campus Security Act

The Campus Security Act requires all public and private postsecondary institutions that participate in federal Title IV student aid programs to comply with the following.

• Provide a statement of current campus policies regarding procedures for students and others to report criminal actions or other emergencies occurring on campus.
• Provide a statement of current policies concerning the security of, and access to, campus facilities.
• Provide a statement of current policies concerning campus law enforcement that addresses the enforcement authority of campus security and working relationship with local police agencies.
• Maintain records of crimes reported to campus security authorities.
• Make a reasonable effort to obtain certain crime statistics from local law enforcement agencies to include in the annual security report.
• Maintain a daily crime log that must be open to public inspection and can be accessed during normal business hours.
• Provide a "timely warning" of any Clery Act crime that might represent an ongoing threat to the safety of students or employees.
• Publish an annual security report and distribute it to all current students and employees, and inform prospective students and employees about the content and availability of the report.
• Inform the campus community where to obtain information about registered sex offenders.
• Submit crime statistics to the U.S. Department of Education.

Office of Public Safety

The Office of Public Safety is a service department with a full time representative available to serve you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Public Safety reports to the Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students and the Associate Dean of Students. Public Safety officers are required to enroll and pass the INCLEA certified campus protection course. Officers participate in additional professional training programs on a continual basis.

Public Safety officers do not have police powers. They have the same arrest powers as a private citizen. Enforcement of campus policies begin and end with the real estate property perimeters of the main campus or any additional property owned or leased by Rose-Hulman. Officers perform a wide variety of safety and protection services for the campus community including crime investigation, medical emergencies, fire emergencies, and traffic accidents. Duties include vehicle and foot patrols, monitoring camera systems, and building access.

Public Safety employs student workers for additional department staffing. Student dispatchers assist with radio and telephone communications, special events, escorts, and patrol.

Law enforcement

Rose-Hulman and the Public Safety Department have an excellent relationship with local law enforcement agencies. The main campus is under the jurisdiction of the Terre Haute Police Department. An off-campus location like Rose-Hulman Ventures is covered by the Vigo County Sheriffs' Department. Public Safety staff will call the proper authorities in the event of a major crime or incident. Local police are not called by Public Safety for reports such as crimes against personal property. Authorities require the individual who has been victimized to file the report. Public Safety highly recommends the complainant file a report with local law enforcement and will assist in doing this upon request. Reports containing investigative or tracking information such as serial numbers will be forwarded to the local police for insertion into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.

Local authorities with police powers are contracted by Rose-Hulman for special events as needed.

Crime reporting

Campus community members and guests are encouraged to report any crime, accident, suspicious activity, or emergency need to the Department of Public Safety by dialing extension 8590. When calling from outside the campus phone system dial (812) 877-8590. For normal business calls Public Safety can be contacted by dialing extension 8411 or (812) 877-8411. If preferred, incidents can be reported in person at the Public Safety office located adjacent to highway US 40 on the east side of campus.

Code blue phones

There are several emergency two-way call boxes (blue light phones) located throughout the campus for use. Simply push the red button and the caller will be connected directly to the Public Safety office. Individuals may use this system in non-emergencies as well to contact the office. Many of the boxes are located in parking areas and are a convenient way to request motorist assistance.

Daily crime log

The Office of Public Safety maintains a daily crime/incident log containing a list of reported crimes. Entries are made every two business days including the date, time, location, and disposition. The log is available to the public for inspection 24 hours a day.

Campus escort

Walking alone and feel the need for an escort to a building or your vehicle? The Public Safety Office will provide a ride or escort to anywhere on campus for any individual in need. Please call 877-8590 or 877-8411 for this service.

Indiana Sex and Violent Offender Registry

The registry is maintained by the Indiana Sheriffs' Association. The site provides the general public information about the identity, location, and appearance of sex and violent offenders who live, work, or study in Indiana. Access the Indiana Sex and Violent Offender Registry.

Timely warning notice

When a crime is considered an immediate or ongoing threat to the campus community a "timely warning" e-mail will be sent by the Office of Student Affairs to all students, faculty, and staff. In the event of power outages other means such as battery powered megaphones and door to door communication will be used. Crimes of a repetitive nature but not considered threatening can be reported by mass mailings, bulletin boards, or campus media.

Sexual assault

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has a clear institutional policy against rape and other forms of sexual assault. It is important for all campus citizens to understand these crimes will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Sexual violence on campus is repugnant, it's an extreme violation of individual rights, and it's contrary to the mission of this college.

It is extremely important that all students, faculty, and staff understand the policy in detail. Compliance with this policy is a condition of enrollment or employment at Rose-Hulman. The policy is found in the student handbook, faculty handbook, and staff handbook.

Reporting procedures

If you are the victim of a sex offense, it's important to report the assault immediately to the Terre Haute City Police, Vigo County Sheriffs Department, or Rose-Hulman Public Safety. Some campus offices such as the Dean of Students and Student Health Services will need to be notified to help the victim and ensure the safety of others.

What to do if you have been sexually assaulted

• Go to a safe place if needed.
• If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately.
• Report the assault to the police at 911 or Public Safety 8590.
• Do not shower, bathe, or douche. Do not change clothes or disturb anything in the area where the assault took place. Preserve the physical evidence.
• Call a friend or family member to be with you.

Other helpful resources

Your Resident Assistant or Sophomore Adviser
Director of Residence Life	extension 8230 or 8439 OR 812-236-0157 OR 812-236-0157
Office of Student Affairs	extension 8210 or 8257
Student Health Services	extension 8167 or 8367
Student Counseling Services	extension 8537

 

Disciplinary hearings, criminal process, and actions

Where there is probable cause to believe that policies prohibiting sexual assault have been violated; Rose-Hulman will pursue strong disciplinary action through its own channels. This discipline includes the possibility of suspension.

It is important for all constituents to understand that they can be both prosecuted under the State of Indiana criminal statutes and disciplined by Rose-Hulman. It should also be understood that Rose-Hulman can pursue disciplinary action even if the criminal justice authorities do not prosecute.

The procedures for disciplinary hearings in student sexual assault cases will be as described under "Institute of Policies, Rules, and Regulations", Non-Academic Misconduct in the student handbook. The Institute Rules and Discipline Committee, consisting of faculty, staff and student members, will be the hearing body in such cases.

If found guilty by the hearing body, other possible penalties include suspension for a specified time, exclusion from certain areas of the campus, and/or mandatory counseling. Various sanctions can also be invoked against entire organizations whose members maybe found guilty of sexual assault, including disbanding the organization, restricting female guests, or requesting action by the national office if it is an affiliated organization.

Rights of victims

Rose-Hulman will do everything it can to assist the victim with appropriate counseling and support. Victims of sexual assault shall be afforded the opportunity to be present at hearings and to have counsel present. That person can be a member of the faculty or counseling staff of Rose-Hulman, a friend, or anyone else at the college that the victim feels can provide either valuable insight or reassurance throughout the process. The willingness of the victim to "confront" the assailant(s) is important to the community as well as the victim's psychological well-being. A victim may request a change in academic and housing situations through the Dean of Students.

Alcohol and drugs

The Rose-Hulman student handbook distributed by the Office of Student Affairs outlines institute policy concerning alcohol and drugs. Simply stated, Rose-Hulman does not condone behavior that has an adverse effect on the academic environment, health, safety, and welfare of the community. Violators of such policy are subject to disciplinary action or arrest. Review the Student Handbook.

Residence hall life and crime prevention

Residence hall staff report to the Director of Residence Life. Along with the director, three full time assistant employees live on campus.

Director, Erik Hayes	Speed Hall Apartment
Assistant, Kyle Rhodes	Percopo 017
Assistant, Kate Pippins	Deming Hall 101
Assistant, Darcie Thomas	Scharpenberg Apartment 106

This team is supported by Resident Assistants and Sophomore Advisers who receive training in safety and fire emergency practices. Safety violations and unsafe conditions are reported to Residence Life administration.

Exterior doors to the residence halls are locked by Public Safety after visitation hours. During lock down times the Office of Student Affairs provides the Night Host Program. Staffs of student employees who monitor residence hall entrances, make foot patrols, and can make immediate contact with the Office of Public Safety.

During campus breaks exterior door locks are changed. Building access is limited to only specific building personnel and approved students. Students who need to stay over breaks must contact the Office of Student Affairs for pre-approval.

Students are encouraged to attend meetings held throughout the school year pertaining to alcohol, drugs, safety, and assault programs. Student Affairs, Student Services, and Student Activities fund projects or sponsor special guests who provide these important programs.

Building access

During normal business hours, University property is open to students, employees, and approved guests. After business hours access to labs and classrooms are prohibited unless prior approval has been made. Only individuals recognized as an authority to that specific area can issue after hour passes. Users are expected to follow all guidelines and safety procedures.

Emergency response and evacuation procedures

Rose-Hulman has an emergency response and evacuation plan managed by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety. This plan in collaboration with the Office of Public Safety is designed to deal with readiness, immediate response, and recovery in the event of any natural or man-made emergency incident.

The plan details

• Procedures to notify the campus community upon the confirmation of a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health and safety of students or employees occurring on the campus.
• Procedures to confirm that there is a significant emergency, who to notify, determine the content to the notification, and initiate the notification system.
• A list of the titles or persons responsible for carrying out the process.
• Procedures to test the emergency response and evacuation procedures on at least an annual basis, and the documentation of the exercise whether it was announced or unannounced.

Responsibility

The involvement of everyone in campus safety is necessary. When leaving your room or office take your key with you. Unoccupied rooms should be locked. Report suspicious looking individuals who you feel do not belong in a hall or on campus. Lock your car and keep valuables out of sight. Use the escort service when returning to your hall late at night. Simple commonsense precautions really make a difference.

Crime statistics

As required by the Campus Right to Know "Clery Act" crime statistics are updated each year and made available to all students, faculty, and staff by going on-line to the main Rose-Hulman web site. Any prospective student, employee, or member of the general public may receive a written copy upon request.

The report is based on incidents reported to the Office of Public Safety, Dean and Associate Dean of Students, Director of Residence Life, Director of Athletics, Director of International Student Services, and the Facility Manager of Rose-Hulman Ventures. In cooperation with the Terre Haute City Police and Vigo County Sheriffs' Department a good faith effort has been made to include all off-campus properties affiliated with Rose-Hulman.  Management authority for the convenient mart (public property) is contacted and surveyed. Professional mental health and religious counselors are exempt from reporting obligations. Rose-Hulman does not have a voluntary crime reporting system in place. The report is prepared by the Rose-Hulman Office of Public Safety. Each year, an e-mail notification is made to all campus members of its existence and the web site to access the report.

Rose-Hulman Crime Statistics

Arrests or disciplinary referrals for illegal weapons possession and substance law violations

The Clery Act requires institutions to disclose both the number of arrests and the number of persons referred for disciplinary action for illegal weapons possession, drug law violations, and liquor law violations.

Illegal Weapons Possession: The violation of laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession, concealment, or use of firearms, cutting instruments, explosives, incendiary devices or other deadly weapons. This classification encompasses weapons offenses that are regulatory in nature.

Drug Law Violations: The violation of laws prohibiting the production, distribution and/or use of certain controlled substances and the equipment or devices utilized in their preparation and/or use.

Liquor Law Violations: The violation of state or local laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession, or use of alcoholic beverages, not including driving under the influence and drunkenness.

Annual fire safety report, procedures and statistics

The Higher Education Act as amended by the Higher Education Opportunity Act specifies any institution that maintains and on-campus student housing facility must collect fire statistics, publish an Annual fire Safety Report, and keep a "fire log."

For the purposes of fire safety reporting, a fire is, "Any instance of open flame or other burning in a place not intended to contain the burning or in an uncontrolled manner.

Residence hall fire safety

The on-campus residence hall facilities at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology are: Blumberg, BSB, Deming, Scharpenberg, Mees, Speeed, Apartment Style - East, Apartment Style - West, Percopo, and Skinner. All campus residence halls are equipped with sprinkler systems and smoke detectors. Each hall has a fire alarm control panel that emits an audible alarm and visual strobe to alert students. Each fire alarm is connected to a central system that will automatically dial the Public Safety Office in case of an emergency 24 hours a day. All floors of the residential buildings have wall mounted fire extinguishers.

To date, there are no immediate future plans to make changes to the fire alarm systems or fire sprinkler systems.

Fire safety training

All Resident Assistants and Sophomore Advisors receive basic training in the use of fire extinguishers, the location and function of alarm pull stations, and evacuation procedures. Public Safety staff participate in fire safety training and continuing safety education.

Campus fire safety procedures are discussed during student orientation. The Office of Student Affairs, the Office of Environmental Health and Safety, and Residence Life participate in forums, town hall meetings, and programs to address residential safety.

Fire drills are conducted by the Director of Residence Life and staff during the fall, winter, and spring quarters. Evacuation times are recorded and an evaluation of overall effectiveness noted. During 2009 the Director of Residence Life conducted three supervised fire drills in all residential buildings.

Residence hall fire safety policies

• Smoking is prohibited in all residence halls, and the area directly outside the external doorways.
• Radios, televisions, and stereos are permitted in the rooms, Exterior antennas of any sort are not permitted since they violate the insurance policy of the Institute.
• Open heating elements and open flames are not permitted. Closed heating elements with a thermostatic control will be permitted - e.g., electric blankets, coffee pots, and popcorn poppers. Because of the danger of fire, halogen lights are not permitted.
• Irons may be used in the laundry room only.

Greek fire safety

For the purposes of the Clery Act regulations, a building located on campus on land owned or controlled by the institution that is used for student housing must be counted as an on-campus student housing facility, even if the building itself is owned or controlled by a third party. The on-campus Greek facilities at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology are: Alpha Tau Omega, Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, Lambda Chi Alpha, Sigma Nu, and Triangle.

A fire/safety inspection is conducted in each fraternity and sorority house at least once each year. The inspection is conducted by a member of the Terre Haute Fire Department, the Office of Environmental Health and Safety, the Dean of Student Affairs, and the Office of Public Safety. The inspectors evaluate all areas of the house, including living quarters, kitchens, and Chapter Rooms.

It is the intent of the routine fire/safety inspection to locate any fire hazards or code violations and bring them to the attention of the house managers so that corrective action may be initiated.

Each fraternity or sorority house determine their own polices and rules for fire safety in the house. This includes whether the house will conduct fire drills, fire safety training, and rules allowing the use of portable electrical appliances, smoking, and open flames.

Fraternity and sorority leadership such as Risk Management and House Managers are encouraged by Student Affairs to conduct organized drills.

Emergency evacuation procedure

When an alarm sounds on your floor or area, begin immediate evacuation. Feel the door!! If it is not hot, slowly open the door. If you see no smoke quickly exit and close doors behind you.

If you discover a fire, activate the nearest pull station and call 911 and Public Safety at x8590. Then you may attempt to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher (use the acronym PASS - Pull the Pin - Aim the Nozzle - Squeeze the trigger - and Sweep the flames). If the fire is too large or you are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with the proper use of a fire extinguisher, after sounding the alarm simply close the door and evacuate.

Evacuate via the nearest stairwell or grade level exit. Do not block/wedge exit doors in an open position. The stairwell doors must remain closed to keep smoke out and keep them safe for evacuation and fire personnel. Leaving doors open makes the stairwell dangerous and unusable. Do not use elevators.

Go to your pre-determined Evacuation Assembly Point (EAP). At the EAP, account for personnel and report to any individual noted on the Fire Reporting list if any occupants are unaccounted.

If an individual is trapped by smoke, stay low, cover your mouth with a wet cloth, stay near a window, open it but do not break it, hang something out the window to let fire personnel know you are there and put something in cracks around the door, phone Public Safety at x8590 if possible.

Fire reporting

Any active fire should be reported immediately to 911. Any student or employee should also report that a fire occurred to the following campus authorities:

Public Safety	812-877-8590
Environmental Health and Safety	812-877-8124
Residence Life	812-877-8230
Student Affairs	812-877-8210

Fire log

The Office of Public Safety maintains a hard copy fire log. The fire log for the most recent 60 day period is open to public inspections, upon request, during normal business hours. Any portion of the log older than 60 days will be made available within two business days of a request for public inspection.

The log includes the following information for each fire:

• The nature of the fire,
• The date the fire occurred,
• The time of day the fire occurred,
• The general location of the fire.