The College takes seriously the safety and security of its students and employees. Accordingly, the College has appointed Bob Brand as Director of Safety, Security, and Compliance. Moreover, the College employs security guards on campus after normal school hours. Students and employees are encouraged to report any on-campus criminal activity or security concerns to the campus security guard on duty. If a security guard requests identification of a student, the student is expected to cooperate.
The College and its security staff have a close working relationship with the local Lancaster police and fire departments. In addition to on-campus security and safety concerns, the College works with the Lancaster police to monitor criminal activities, which involve students at off-campus residences. The College encourages students and employees to report criminal activities at off-campus facilities to the security staff and, where appropriate, the Lancaster police or fire department.
When the security staff receives a report of a crime (see Crime Statistics section in this document for listing of criminal offences) and considers such criminal activity to represent a threat to students and/or employees, the College will post Campus Alert Notices in every public building on campus, and inform the students and employees in chapel and assembly sessions and in residence hall worships.
Education on crime prevention is an integral part of the College's academic program. The College covers crime prevention education in the course College Seminar, a required class for all freshmen. The topic of crime prevention is also covered during New Students Orientation, residence hall orientation and meetings, and in appropriately designated worship programs. At least one assembly per year is dedicated to safety and security issues, including crime incident reports of criminal activities are recorded in a daily crime log. Also included in the annual crime report are criminal offenses for which the College has taken disciplinary action, as well as police reports on criminal activity on or in the vicinity of the campus. The annual online report is submitted to the Department of Education and copies are distributed to students and employees.
As required by the Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act, the College provides the following statistics regarding criminal offenses reported to local police agencies, the Director of Safety, Security, and Compliance, or the Dean of Students during the past three calendar years: 2003- 2005
On-Campus Crimes
|
Crimes |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
|
Murder * |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sex offenses, forcible or non-forcible* |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Robbery |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Aggravated assault * |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Burglary |
10 |
3 |
7 |
|
Motor-Vehicle theft |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Arson |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Negligent Manslaughter |
0 |
0 |
0 |
*None of the above crimes manifested evidence of prejudice based on race, religion, sexual orientation, or ethnicity.
On-Campus Arrests
|
Crimes |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
|
Liquor-law violations |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Drug-abuse violations |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Weapons possessions |
0 |
0 |
1 |
An integral part of Atlantic Union College's mission is a commitment to provide an atmosphere of creative learning and healthful living for students. The College provides a program of spiritual growth, education, activities, and counseling that encourages students to find fulfillment without using alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs. The personal hazards involved with alcohol, tobacco, and substance abuse, and the detrimental effect such use has on others undermines the College's commitment to the total development of all students. Therefore, the College maintains a policy that prohibits the use of alcohol, tobacco, and all illegal drugs.
The College has a zero tolerance policy on the possession, use, or sale of illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. Students found in possession of, using, or selling any of these items on campus or in any college-owned facility will, on the first offense, be suspended from the College for at least one semester. In cases where possession, use, or sale of any of these items is a criminal offense, the police will be notified. (See Student Handbook for federal trafficking penalties for various drugs.)
The College sees a student's choice of attending AUC as evidence that he/she expects to live in an alcohol and drug-free environment. It is the student's privilege to live in such an environment and it is his/her responsibility to contribute to this environment by abstaining from substance abuse. Any student who feels the need for help to overcome an alcohol or drug problem is encouraged to talk with an on-campus counselor or the chaplain, who will first evaluate the student's drug or alcohol involvement and then work with him/her in a confidential manner to plan a program of recovery. The College believes that a student who understands the dangers of drugs and who has alternatives for recreation and problem solving will have a more productive college experience.
Atlantic Union College complies with the Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act of 1990. An annual report is issued regarding the nature and frequency of crimes committed on the campus and its immediate environs. Statistics reported include those brought to the attention of the Director of Safety, Security, and Compliance when an on-campus incident report involving criminal activities is filed with that office or with the Student Services office. These prevention. Students and employees are urged to be responsible for their own security and safety and that of others, and to use the safety tips provided.
Protection of personal property is the responsibility of the student. Theft of personal items should be reported to the Director of Safety, Security, and compliance, and when necessary, the local police as well. Students' rooms, vehicles, bicycles, and motorcycles should be kept locked at all times. The College cannot accept responsibility for items (including money), which are stolen, damaged, or vandalized. Householders' insurance is offered to each student for purchase. Those choosing not to purchase this insurance will not be reimbursed for lost or stolen items.
The College takes seriously its obligation to prevent sex offences. It provides educational programs to promote the awareness of rape (including acquaintance rape) and other forcible and non-forcible sex offences during residence hall orientation in the first month of the school year. Students and employees are encouraged to report such offenses to the appropriate persons on and off campus (see list). A student who is a victim of a sex offence may request a change in her academic or living situation. If a student or employee chooses, College personnel can provide assistance in contacting the security staff or the Lancaster police to notify these authorities of such offenses.
Students and employees who are victims of rape or attempted rape are encouraged to seek counseling at the Counseling Center on campus and/or the local Rape Crisis Center, in Fitchburg, telephone number (978) 343-5683, and/or the Rape Crisis Center of Central Massachusetts which provides a 24-hour hotline at 800-870-5905.
Upon report of a sexual offense by a student, the Citizenship Committee will hold a hearing. Any student found to have committed a sex offense, will be disciplined appropriately by the committee.
Everyone is expected to respect the rights of others in the AUC community. Threats to or crimes against an individual of the community are considered serious offenses and may result in suspension or dismissal. Firearms, firecrackers, pellet guns, or any items of an explosive nature are not allowed on campus. Violators of this regulation may be fined up to $100 and may be subject to suspension or dismissal. The College has a zero tolerance policy on the possession of, use of, or threat to use any weapons. Students found guilty of any of these offenses will, on the first offense, be suspended from the College for at least one semester.
Always keep residence hall rooms or apartments locked. Keeping them open for even short periods of time could result in theft or vandalism. Keep valuables out of sight; lock them in a safe place. Do not walk or jog alone, especially at night and early in the morning, when it is dark and few people are around. Use sidewalks whenever possible; stay in well-traveled, well-lighted areas; walk with a purpose - this may discourage those looking for "easy victims." Always let someone know where you are and when you plan to return. For the safety of all residents, doors to the residence halls are locked at sundown. Students should use only the front entrance after that time. Keeping doors propped open is a serious offense, as it endangers the lives of all the residents. Any student found engaging in this dangerous practice will face serious consequences, including possible suspension or dismissal.
Students and employees should report criminal actions and emergencies in a timely manner to at least one of the following:
1. Bob Brand, Director of Security, 2364/978-534-0819
2. College's security staff on duty, 2700
3. Jack Mentges, Dean of Students, 2221
4. Lancaster Police and/or the Lancaster Fire Department, 978-368-1380
All thefts, vandalism, crimes against persons, vehicular accidents, safety and well-being concerns, harassment, and phone and e-mail abuse should be officially reported to the Director of Safety, Security, and Compliance. One may also make an informal report to a department chair, advisor, or work supervisor. All such incidents occurring in a residence hall should be reported to the dean on duty. Incident report forms are available in every department on campus. The procedure for reporting an incident is as follows:
1. Get an incident report form from your department.
2. Inform your department chair or work supervisor of the incident (optional).
3. Fill out the top section of the form completely.
4. Describe the incident in as much detail as necessary and appropriate.
5. Have witness(es) sign, if others saw the incident.
6. Submit the report to the Director of Security, either directly or through the Student Services Office.
7. You will be given the white copy to keep for your records, and the Director of Safety, Security, and Compliance will forward the copies to the relevant personnel. (Please press hard when you are filling out the report, since you are making three copies)
Emergency Phone Numbers and Contact
Procedures
In Case Of Fire
- Fire Department/Police 911
- Bob Brand (Director of Security) 2364/978-534-0819
- James Segar (Vice President for Finance) 2230/978-365-9277
- Jack Mentges (Dean of Students) 2221
In Case Of Attempted Suicide:
- Jack Mentges (Dean of Students) 2221
- Luis Gracia (Chaplain) 2271/ 978- 368-2711
- Joan Mitchell (Director, Health Services) 2345/ 978-895-5150
- Norman Wendth (College President) 2200/ 978-368-2591
In Case Of Rape:
- Police/Ambulance 911
- Jack Mentges (Dean of Students) 2221
- Joan Mitchell (Director, Health Services) 2345/ 978-365-4084
- Bob Brand (Director of Security) 2364/ 978-534-0819
- Chamra Otto (Dean of Women) 2701
- *The Rape Crisis Center of Central Massachusetts provides a 24-hour hotline at: (800) 870-5905
In Case Of Break-In:
- Bob Brand (Director of Security) 2364/978-534-0819
- Police 911
- Security Guard on Duty (Beeper) 2700
- James Segar (Vice President for Finance) 2230/978-365-9277
- Department Chairperson/Director
- Jack Mentges (Dean of Students) 2221
In Case Of Assault (Fight):
- Residential Hall Deans
Preston Hall (Women)- Chamra Otto 2701
Lenheim Hall (Men)- Andrew Francis 2901/ 978-368-2911 - Police (if weapons are involved) 911
- Security Guard on Duty (Beeper) 2700
- Bob Brand (Director of Security) 2364/978-534-0819
- Jack Mentges (Dean of Students) 2221
Campus parking is currently available to all students who either reside on campus or come onto campus for classes. Parking lots are either centrally located or adjacent to all major buildings on campus. NO Parking Permits are required at this time to park in a campus parking lot.
Parking on lawn, sidewalks or in or in front of driveways is prohibited. Parking of any unregistered motor vehicles is prohibited. Cars that are found in any of the above locations or found to be unregistered are subject to removal at the owners expense.
Town of Lancaster Winter Parking Regulations
The traffic regulations for the Town of Lancaster prohibit the parking of any vehicle on the streets of Lancaster for a period of time longer than one hour between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. during the dates of November 15th-April 15th of each year. Any parked motor vehicle that interferes with the removal of snow or ice will be towed at the owner's expense.
Inclement Weather School Closings
Should the administration determine that it is necessary to close school because of inclement weather, a number of methods will be used to communicate to the student body both on campus and off.
A "school closing" for inclement weather means that classes and offices are closed except for the critical departments of Food Service, Library, Powerhouse, Grounds, and Maintenance. In the event of a school closing a broadcast announcement will be made to all campus housing phone numbers, and a message will be placed at the Weather Extension (2040). Information will be available at the front desk in both residence halls. Additionally, a school closing notice will be broadcast on the following media:
- AUC Phone: 978-368-2040
- Radio WSRS-FM 96.1
- Radio WTAG-AM 580
- Radio WBZ-AM 1030
- TV WBZ Channel 4
- TV WHDH Channel 7
Addenda to the Safety & Security Guidelines
The following policies, stipulations, and instructions regarding rape, sexual assault, and other forcible and non-forcible sex offenses are hereby provided as addenda to the Atlantic Union College Student Handbook and Atlantic Union College Safety and Security Guidelines. These go into effect immediately.
Sexual assault is defined as any sexual activity forced upon one person by another. "No" means "No". If a person won't take "No" for an answer, then sexual assault has occurred. Sexual harassment differs from sexual assault in that it does not involve the use of physical force. It includes inappropriate statements of a sexual nature, the telling of lewd jokes, repeated unwanted romantic advances, and unwanted touching.
Upon report of rape (including acquaintance rape), sexual assault, sexual harassment, or any other forcible or non-forcible sex offense perpetrated by a student, the Citizenship Committee will meet to address the matter. Both the accuser and the accused are entitled to the opportunity to be present and have others present, and both will be informed of the outcome of the disciplinary proceeding.
The sanction for rape (including acquaintance rape) is dismissal. The sanction for sexual assault, sexual harassment, and other forcible or non-forcible sex offenses ranges from suspension (of varying lengths) to dismissal.
There are things you can do to help prevent sex offenses. Use your common sense, which is perhaps your best protection against any form of crime. Follow these basic rules: Don't walk alone at night, and stick to well-lighted streets. Be aware of your surroundings. If you are being followed, walk fast to a populated area. Don't give your phone number or address to strangers.
To avoid rape or sexual assault by an acquaintance, clearly indicate what you are willing or unwilling to do. Set your limits before going on a date. Be aware of signals you may be sending.
If you find yourself in a situation where there is any form of sexual assault, you can use several tactics to dissuade your attacker: Tell him he is committing sexual assault, a criminal offense. If he persists, scream and draw attention to yourself; yell "NO!" or "STOP!" or even "FIRE!"; run away, if possible; fight back using any means at your disposal.
A student or employee who is the victim of rape or sexual assault should not bathe, change clothes, or otherwise destroy evidence before being examined by a doctor, and should not disturb any evidence at the crime scene until the police arrive.
The following steps should be taken:
Report the incident to the local police, and dial 911 for an ambulance or report to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Contact the following persons on campus in this order:
- 1st Jack Mentges (Dean of Students) 2221/978-733-1425
- 2nd Joan Mitchell (Director, Health Services) 2345/978-365-4084
- 3rd Bob Brand (Director of Security) 2364/978-534-0819
- 4th Chamra Otto (Dean of Women) 2701