Choosing a postsecondary institution is a major decision for students and their families. Along with academic, financial and geographic considerations, the issue of campus safety is a vital concern. In 1990, Congress enacted the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act (Title II of Public Law 101–542), which amended the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). This act required all postsecondary institutions participating in Title IV student financial aid programs to disclose campus crime statistics and security information. The act was amended in 1992, 1998 and 2000. The 1998 amendments renamed the law the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act in memory of a student who was slain in her dorm room in 1986.
The Clery Act requires higher education institutions to give timely warnings of crimes that represent a threat to the safety of students or employees, and to make public their campus security policies. It also requires that crime data are collected, reported and disseminated to the campus community and are also submitted to ED. The act is intended to provide students and their families, as higher education consumers, with accurate, complete and timely information about safety on campus so that they can make informed decisions. More information on the Clery Act is available by clicking here.
Clery Act Compliance
Policy Statement Addressing: Issuing Timely Warnings
The University of
Findlay provides timely warnings of crimes that represent a threat to the
safety of students or employees. The University of Findlay uses an emergency
notification system (Lynx) to notify the campus community in the case of
emergency. When activated, this system will broadcast alerts and
information through a variety of methods.
- E-mail to Faculty, Staff, and Student
UFnet e-mail addresses
- Pop-up notifications to campus
Windows computers
- SMS text messages to cell phones
Current Crime
Alerts can also be seen here.
Anyone with
information warranting a Timely Warning should contact the Security Office at
419-434-4799.
Policy Statement Addressing: Preparation of Disclosure of Crime Statistics
In an effort to better inform our
students, faculty, and staff of crime on campus and university controlled
properties as well as surrounding public property, the statistics have been
compiled for the past three calendar years. Statistics are based on data from
the Office of Student Services, Campus Safety and Security and the Findlay
Police Department. Please note that these statistics represent reported cases
and do not distinguish between credible incidences and false reports.
Current Crime Statistics can be seen here.
Policy Statement Addressing: How to Report Criminal Offenses
Harassment and threats of any nature are called intrusive contact.
Any incident of this type should be reported immediately to campus security. A
report should also be filed with local law enforcement.
In the event that a crime has occurred, all students,
faculty, staff and patrons of The University of Findlay are
encouraged to notify The University of Findlay Security for “on campus” crimes
and/or local law enforcement for
“off campus” crimes or in emergencies where 911 is required.
To report a crime “on campus”, you will need to contact the Security
Office at 419-434-4799or visit the office located in the first floor of Lovett
Residence Hall (201 Frazier St.). To
report a crime “off campus” within the Findlay city limits, you will need to
contact The City of
Findlay Police Department non-emergency at 419-424-7150 or
419-424-7163. For reporting crimes in the county, contact The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency
at 419-422-2424. In the event of an emergency dial 911 and you will be
directed to the appropriate agency. Both entities are available to
take reports and investigate criminal incidents in their locality.
Policy Statement Addressing: Voluntary Confidential Reporting
If you are the victim of a crime and do not want to pursue action
within either the University System or the criminal justice system, you may
still want to consider making a confidential report. With your permission, The University
of Findlay Security can file a report with the details of the incident without
revealing your identity. The purpose of a confidential report is to comply with
your wish to keep the mater confidential, while taking steps to ensure the
future safety of yourself and others. With such information, The University of
Findlay Security Office can keep accurate records of the number of incidents
involving students, determine where there is a pattern of crime with regard to
a particular location, method, or assailant, and alert the campus community to
potential danger. Reports filed in this manner are counted and disclosed in the
annual crimes statistics for the institution.
Policy Statement Addressing: Limited Voluntary Confidential Reporting
The college encourages anyone who is the victim or witness to any
crime to promptly report the incident to the Security Office. Confidential
reports for purposes of inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics
can be made to the Office of Student Services, as identified below:
- Security Office by phone 419-434-4601,
or
- In-person at the Security Office/ to
any Security Officer, or
- via the online Silent Victim/ Witness
Program
Because police reports are public records under state law, the
Findlay Police Department cannot hold reports of crime in confidence.
Policy Statement Addressing: Security and Access
A security officer is available around the clock, 7 days
a week, 365 days a year including Christmas and major
holidays. The director of safety and security is available
from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 419-434-4601.
During days in which class is in session, all buildings except
student housing will be open for classes and business.
Policy Statement Addressing: The Working Relationship with Local Law Enforcement for an Institution That Does NOT Have and MOU
The University of Findlay Security
personnel have a close working relationship with the Findlay Police Department and
the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office. These agencies are utilized when needed.
Since University Security personnel are not police officers, they do not have
the authority to legally arrest an individual. However, Security officers will
detain individuals suspected of criminal activity and call upon the local law
enforcement agencies to officially arrest such individuals as needed.
Given the close working relationship of The University of Findlay
Security personnel and the Findlay Police Department and Hancock County
Sheriff’s Office, all crime committed by University students at off-site
locations is reported by the law enforcement to the University.
Policy Statement Addressing: The Encouragement of Accurate and Prompt Crime Reporting
In the event that a crime has occurred,
all students, faculty, staff and patrons of The University of
Findlay are encouraged to notify local law enforcement and file a report with
the appropriate agency. The more accurate and prompt the reporting,
the greater the chances of not only deterring the crime, but also the chances
of identifying suspected persons.
The University of Findlay employs two
campus counselors and one campus minister, all of whom provide support to
students and employees. The counselors and minister do encourage victims of
crime to report on a voluntary, confidential basis and educate victims of crime
on the process of reporting.
Policy Statement Addressing: Counselors and Confidential Crime Reporting
Communication between the student and Counseling Services staff is
confidential and will not be disclosed without the student's written
permission. The law in the State of Ohio provides the following
exceptions. These limitations to confidentiality will be explained during
your first session.
- If the therapist has knowledge of
abuse of a child, elder, or person with a disability taking place in the
present.
- If the counselor has knowledge of intent to harm self or
others.
- If the counselor receives a court order to the contrary.
- If the counselor or graduate student is supervised and
consults with a supervising staff member within Counseling Services.
Policy Statement Addressing: Security Awareness Programs for Students and Employees
In addition to patrolling, both on
foot and in marked vehicles, The Office of Safety and Security has programs in
place in order to make students and employees aware of not only our presence,
but our services as well. Current programs that are utilized to increase
security awareness are:
Code Blue Emergency Phones: Emergency Blue Light Phones are located on
main campus, East Campus (English Equestrian Barn), and South Campus (Western
Equestrian Barn and Animal Science Barn). Phones are located on Pedestal
Phones, Pole Mounts, and Wall Mounts. When activated by push buttons, Code Blue
Phones are connected to the Security Office and Security Cell Phone. All
officers will respond to Code Blue calls.
Camera System: Cameras are placed all around campus and in residence
halls. These cameras, while functioning to identify potential suspects, also act
as a physical presence working to deter crime through their presence.
Orientation Day: Every student visits the “One Stop Shop”
during their orientation day and is required to talk with security personal
about parking, it is here that parents and students have the opportunity to
speak with security personnel and have any questions answered.
RAVE/Via Radio: A mass communication program that provides
mass texting to students and employees of any and all issues regarding Safety
and Security. Students and Employees are enrolled into the program
automatically.
Policy Statement Addressing: Crime Prevention Programs for Students and Employees
Lynx
Software: This is an emergency computer
program available to employees allowing them to send messages to security via
their computer. This system also provides “push buttons” in high risk offices.
Silent
Victim/ Witness Program: This
program allows for anyone who has witnessed a crime on The University of
Findlay campuses and would like to take the opportunity to report it in an
anonymous format (unless otherwise indicated on form) via the internet. The web
page for this program can be found here.
Residence
Life Staff: The Housing/Residence Life area puts
a student in each residence hall floor and living area on campus. These
students have been trained in reporting crimes and issues to both Security and
Law Enforcement and are aware of the University Policies and Procedures in
dealing with these situations. Having these students living with on campus
students allows for greater opportunity to identify and report crimes. Small groups of this staff are also actively doing
rounds of the living areas Monday thru Friday 8pm – 12am and Saturday/ Sunday
8pm – 2am.
Student
Patrol: This program provides greater
opportunity for identifying and reporting crimes by hiring students to patrol
the parking lots and main areas of campus in an “observe and report” function
only. These students have been trained in observation and how to report a crime
to the Security office. These students work directly for the Security Office.
Policy Statement Addressing: Criminal Activity Off Campus
All off campus crimes should be
reported to Findlay Police Department 419-422-3141 or in an emergency situation
911. UF Security personnel will not respond to any crime reports that do not
take place on The University of Findlay Campus.
Policy Statement Addressing: Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on University-owned or
–controlled properties or at functions sponsored by The University of Findlay
off campus. Students violating this policy may be suspended from the
University.
Any students who, in the judgment of the administration, show
definite evidence of intoxication or who have possession of alcoholic beverages
on University-owned or -controlled property will be subject to judicial action
that may include one or more of the following: a monetary fine, probation
status, counseling, community service, restitution, restriction in campus
access, suspension or dismissal. This also applies to the possession of empty
alcohol containers, or "empties" used for any purpose, including
decoration.
Since alcohol is not permitted on University owned or controlled
properties, all students present where an alcohol violation occurs are subject
to disciplinary action regardless of age. In University Townhouses, Cottages,
Special-Interest Houses, Group Houses, and Fraternity and Sorority Houses, all
residents can be held responsible for alcohol violations occurring anywhere in
the unit.
Policy Statement Addressing: Illegal Drug Possession
The possession of, distribution,
cultivation or use by any student or employee of any narcotic or hallucinogenic
drugs (e.g. marijuana, cocaine, GHB, Rohypnol, …) in either the refined or
crude form, except under the direction of a licensed physician, is prohibited
on University owned or controlled properties and at functions sponsored by The
University of Findlay off campus.
Policy Statement Addressing: Substance Abuse Education
Through the university counseling services (419-434-4526), health
service (Cosiano 419-434-4550), and appropriate local agencies, The University
of Findlay will assist individuals needing drug or alcohol counseling and/or
treatment. A high quality effort will be made to enhance the institution’s
capability for offering employees and students meaningful and helpful referral
to treatment services when it becomes clear that neither campus prevention nor
early intervention activities have met an individual’s needs. Counseling
Services can provide other campus and community resources.
Party Patrol:
A program headed by Counseling Services which provides information on how to
have a safe and enjoyable party. Along with informing students of potential
health risks of drugs and alcohol, this program also focuses on the legal
ramifications of underage consumption, purchasing alcohol for a minor, and
throwing a party at a student’s home.
Residence Life Staff Programming:
Resident Assistants for each on-campus living area are required to do two
programs a semester classified as “educational.” Many RA’s choose to focus on
the topic of substance abuse education.
Policy Statement Addressing: Disclosures to Alleged Victims of Crimes and Violence or Non-Forcible Sex Offences
The University of Findlay will, upon
written request, disclose to the alleged victim of a crime of violence, or a
non-forcible sex offense, the results of any disciplinary hearing conducted by
the University against a student who is the alleged perpetrator of a crime or
offense. If the alleged victim is deceased as a result of the crime or offense,
the information will be provided to the victim’s immediate family, if so
requested.
Policy Statement Addressing: Sex Offender Registration
The
federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act requires institutions of higher
education to issue a statement advising the campus community where law
enforcement agency information, which is provided by a State, concerning
registered sex offenders may be obtained. It also requires sex offenders
already required to register in a State to provide notice, as required under
State law, to each institution of higher education in that State at which the
person is employed, carries on a vocation, volunteers services, or is a
student.
In
the State of Ohio convicted sex offenders must register with the County Sheriff
of the county of residence address within seven days. The registry was
established pursuant to 2950.01 to 2950.14 of the Ohio Revised Code. Every
person convicted on or after July 1, 1997, including juveniles tried and
convicted in the courts pursuant to ORC 2950.03, whether sentenced as adults or
juveniles, of a offense for which registration is required shall be required as
a part of the sentence imposed upon conviction to register and re-register with
the County Sheriff of the residency county as provided in ORC 2950.04.
In
addition, all persons convicted of violations under the laws of The United
States or any other State substantially similar to an offense for which
registration is required shall provide to the local agency all necessary
information for inclusion with an Ohio County Sheriff within seven days of
establishing a residence with the Ohio county. Any person required to register
shall also be required to re-register within seven days following any change of
residence, whether within the county or any other county. The University of
Findlay Campus Security, while not law enforcement certified, maintains a Web
link with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Web page for Registered Sex Offenders
within Hancock County.
Policy Statement Addressing: Preventing and Responding to Sex Offenses
Sex offenses include, but are not limited
to, date and acquaintance rape, forcible rape or statutory rape. Notify a
Resident Assistant, Resident Director or the Security Office as soon as
possible. The staff members notified will assist with gaining medical
attention, if necessary. If desired by the survivor, staff members will also
assist with contacting local authorities for further assistance and official
charges. Preserve all evidence, as everything possible will be necessary for
the proof of assault. If you are the victim of a sexual assault of any type, it
is important that you preserve all clothing and do not shower before you have
contacted medical authorities about the assault.
If not already reported, please report the
incident to the Office of Student Affairs as soon as possible after the
incident. The staff there will assist in filing formal charges through the
University and in providing emotional support service for the victim.
If you choose not to
report a sexual assault but need help in any way, the following resources may
be helpful:
The University of
Findlay Office of Counseling Services: 419-434-4758Open Arms
Domestic-Violence Rape Crisis Intervention: 419-422-4766
Every effort will be
made by the University to assist victims of assaults in their recovery (e.g.:
room changes, academic assistance, counseling, etc.)
The University of
Findlay employs two campus counselors and one campus minister, all of whom
provide support to students and employees. The counselors and minister do
encourage victims of crime to report on a voluntary, confidential basis and
educate victims of crime on the process of reporting. Given the close working
relationship of The University of Findlay Security personnel and the Findlay
Police Department and Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, all crime committed by
University students at off-site locations is reported by the law enforcement to
the University. Sexual and physical assaults are serious offenses. Individuals
committing such offenses will be subject to serious disciplinary sanctions
which may include suspension and/or dismissal. Complete details regarding The
University of Findlay’s policies and disciplinary procedures can be found in
The University of Findlay catalog.
Examples of Desriptive Hate Crime Reporting
The University of Findlay is committed to
fostering an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and
dignity. Each individual has the right to work in an atmosphere that promotes
equality and prohibits discriminatory practices, including harassment.
Therefore, The University of Findlay expects that all relationships among
faculty, staff, and students will be characterized by mutual respect and will
be free of bias, prejudice, discrimination, and harassment.
There were no reported hate crimes for the
past three years.
Notice of: Annual Security Report and Fire Safety Report Availability
Annual Security Report:
This report is required by
federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for The
University of Findlay. The policy statements address the school’s policies,
procedures and programs concerning safety and security, for example, policies
for responding to emergency situations and sexual offenses.
Three years’ worth of statistics
are included for specific types of crimes that were reported to have occurred
on campus, in or on off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the
school, and on public property within or immediately adjacent to the campus.
Each year the Vice President of Student Affairs sends out an email about the
Annual Security Report to students and faculty/staff.
This report is also
available here.
You may also request a
paper copy from the Office of Safety and Security.
Annual Fire Report:
Fire Inspection is completed
once a year by the Findlay Fire Department. Statistics and information can be
found here.
You may also request a paper
copy from the Office of Safety and Security.
Information regarding both
reports is included in a packet of information sent to prospective students and
new employees.
Policy Statement Addressing: Missing Student Notification Policy and Procedures
Any individual contacting The
University of Findlay to report a missing student will
be referred to the Office of Safety and Security (located in Lovett
Residence Hall) so an official report can be filed. Once the missing
student report is filed with the Office of Safety and Security, the matter will
be immediately communicated to the (1) the Director of Safety and
Security, and (2) the Vice President for Student Affairs.
The Office of Safety and Security will immediately initiate an investigation of
the matter and will attempt to contact the missing student by
utilizing the emergency contact information that was provided by the
student. Emergency contact information is collected annually from
each student. If the student reported as missing is under the age of
18 and is not emancipated, the University must notify the custodial parent,
guardian, or contact person designated in University records.
If attempts to contact/locate
the missing student are unsuccessful, The Director of Safety and Security, the
Vice President for Student Affairs, and/or his/her designee will notify
local law enforcement that the student is missing. At that point, all
information regarding the matter will be provided to local law enforcement and
the University will assist local law enforcement as requested until the matter
is resolved.
Policy Statement Addressing: Policies of Rules on Portable Electric Appliances, Smoking, and Open Flames in a Student Housing Facility
Appliances
Students are permitted to have small refrigerators (6.0 cubic feet maximum),
small microwave ovens, and other small appliances. As a fire safety precaution,
the University requires that small appliances such as curling irons, hair
dryers, and coffee makers have an auto-shutoff feature. Additionally, UL
approved power strips that stop the flow of electricity when overloaded must be
used when connecting appliances to room outlets. Appliances with open heating
elements (e.g. toasters, space heaters, miniature stoves) pose fire hazards and
are not permitted. Air conditioners of any kind (window or portable) are not
permitted in student rooms.
Extension Cords
Lightweight household extension cords (#14 gauge or smaller)
without over load protection are not permitted at any time. UL-approved power
strips with 15 amp overload protection are the only extension cords permitted
on campus.
Fireworks/Flammable Materials
No fireworks or flammable materials (e.g. gasoline, kerosene)
shall be allowed in any campus facility or on any campus grounds. Students
violating this regulation shall be subject to suspension.
Lighting
Portable incandescent, fluorescent, and
halogen (with protective grill) lights are permitted in student rooms.
Space Heaters
Space heaters are not permitted
Tobacco Use
Tobacco use (smoking or chewing) is not permitted in campus buildings including
campus living units facilities.
Open Flames
Open flames, including the burning of candles and incense, are strictly
prohibited. Candle warmers are permitted, but must be located in the open areas
of a room, away from flammable items.
Policy Statement Addressing: Procedures for Student Housing Evacuation in the Case of a Fire
If fire or smoke is observed:
1. Sound alarm by using the fire alarm pull
station.
2. Security will respond to the building once the alarm is sounding.
3. Calmly and safely evacuate the building.
4. Do not use elevators—use stairways only.
5. If you are trained to use a portable extinguisher on small fires, attempt to
extinguish the fire.
6. Never re-enter a burning building for any reason.
If the fire alarm is activated:
1.Calmly and safely evacuate the building.
2. Take your room key with you, and close all doors between you and the
fire.
3. Know two ways out of the building.
4. Do not use elevators—use stairways only.
5. If you can’t get out because of heat and/or smoke, stay in your room and
wait for rescue. Hang a sheet or blanket out of the window to show the Fire
Department you need help.
6. Once outside, go to a pre-designated assembly point and stay there until
instructed to enter the building.
7. Security will respond and inspect the evacuated building for signs of smoke
and/or fire.
8. Do not re-enter the building until the alarm is silenced by Security.
Policy Statement Addressing: Fire Safety Education and Training Programs Provided to Students and Employees
Fire Education is required and
provided for staff and students in the areas of Residence Life, Security, and
Maintenance.
Fire Education/ Training is
available upon request for other faculty and staff.
RA’s are encouraged to utilize
the Fire Education/ Training program as one of their required educational
programs for students.
List of Titles of Each Person or Organization to Whom Students and Employees Should Report That a Fire Occurred
Listed below
are the non-emergency numbers to call to report fires that have already been
extinguished in on-campus student housing. These are fires for which you
are unsure whether The University of Findlay may already be aware. If you find
evidence of such a fire or if you hear about such a fire, please contact
one of the following:
Office of Safety and Security:
(419) 434-4601
Student Affairs: (419) 434-4570
When calling, please provide as
much information as possible about the location, date, time, and
cause of the fire
Plans Addressing Future Improvements in Fire Safety
During fire inspections, fire safety improvements recommendations/
requirements are made by the Findlay Fire Department, The Office of Safety and
Security, and Student Affairs. This is a living list that is monitored by the Office
of Student Affairs.
Anyone with further fire safety suggestions are strongly
encouraged to contact Safety and Security or Student Affairs.