Policy Statement

The University of Southern Indiana strives to create and maintain a safe and secure environment on all properties it owns and sites it leases or manages for official activities. The University believes that members of the University community can assist in keeping themselves from harm by using safety precautions and by knowing as much as possible about the frequency and type of security breaches that occur on University property. To that end, the University Safety and Security Department records and annually publishes statistics on crime and security matters, and the University provides timely warnings of crimes or incidents that may be considered a threat to the University community.

 

Crime Reporting

The Security Department provides 24-hour service and is located in the Security Building. Members of the University community are strongly encouraged to report all crimes and suspicious activity. To report an emergency from on-campus telephones, dial 7777. The University also has an emergency Code Blue telephone system that is directly connected to the department. All off-campus or non-emergency calls should be directed to 464-1845.

 

The following offices can also assist students and employees in reporting serious incidents.

Dean of Students 464-1862

Office of Residence Life 468-2000

Human Resources 464-1815

 

USI Security officers are empowered by the State of Indiana to enforce the Student Code of Conduct, but are not authorized to make arrests, and do not carry weapons. They are responsible for receiving reports on all criminal law violations, Code of Conduct violations, traffic accidents, and injuries that occur on University property. All reports are reviewed in the Security Office, and when necessary other agencies or departments are called to assist. The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Department is the primary responder for law enforcement needs on campus. The Indiana State Police and all other state and federal law enforcement agencies also have jurisdiction. City, county, and state police have been asked to report any criminal activity at affiliated off-campus locations; or those which involve USI students or employees.

 

To reach local law enforcement agencies, use the County 911 system; or dial direct:

Vanderburgh County Sheriff: 812/435-5713

Indiana State Police: 812/867-2079

 

Fire protection is provided by the Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department. Ambulance and paramedic services are provided by off-campus community agencies.

 

Safety & Security

University of Southern Indiana

Emergencies Dial 7777

Non-Emergencies Dial 464-1845

 

A report compiled annually by the Security Department of the University of Southern Indiana.

8600 University Boulevard

Evansville, IN 47712

www.usi.edu

 

Drug and Alcohol Policy

The University of Southern Indiana prohibits the illegal manufacture, possession, use, and/or distribution of drugs and alcohol by students, employees, and visitors on University-owned or leased property or as a part of any “university activities” as that term is defined by the University. Legal use of alcohol may be permitted on campus only if approved by the president or his designee. All state and federal laws regarding alcohol and drugs are strictly enforced.

Free assistance and on-going educational programs are provided by the University for students and employees. Additional information is available by requesting Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy and prevention brochures from the Counseling Center or Human Resources Department.

 

Access to Facilities

University Buildings: All University buildings and grounds are categorized as three types: dedicated, semi-public, and public. Public space, open for public use and pleasure, includes sidewalks, campus drives, and building lobbies and corridors during normal operating hours. Dedicated and semi-public areas are available only for University programs and events scheduled through the University. Safety and Security is charged with keeping all areas secure.

Classroom buildings normally are open: Monday – Thursday 7 a.m.

to 11 p.m. Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 noon

Hours at off-campus sites vary. Other semi-public facilities’ hours are posted each semester. Unauthorized persons may be asked to leave the campus.

University Housing: Only residents of University Housing complexes and their guests are authorized to have access to housing complexes. Commercial solicitation is prohibited. Visitation hours for O’Daniel and McDonald Apartments, Newman Hall, Governors Hall, and O’Bannon Hall are 8 a.m. to midnight, Sunday – Thursday; 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Golden Tower Apartments – 24-hour visitation. The University Student Code of Conduct is extended to housing.

Off-Campus Residences (registered student organizations): All residences are privately owned. Access to off-campus residences of registered student organizations is controlled by the housing corporation of that organization and the residents themselves.

 

Timely Warnings

The Security Department makes timely warnings to the campus community on incidents considered to be a threat to students and employees. The warnings are distributed throughout the campus and housing community. The purpose is to inform people in a manner that will aid in the prevention of similar occurrences.

 

Where can I go for help?

Emergency on campus - 7777 or 9-911

Vanderburgh County Sheriff – 435-5713

Campus Security - 464-1845

 

Yearly Incident Statistics

 

January through December 2008
	University **	Residential	Off-Campus	Public Prop.
Murder / Non-negligent Manslaughter*	0	0	0	0
Negligent Manslaughter*	0	0	0	0
Sex Offenses: Forcible*	0	2	0	0
Sex Offenses: Non-Forcible*	0	0	0	0
Robbery	0	0	0	0
Aggravated Assault*	0	0	0	0
Burglary	0	11	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	0	0	0
Arson*	0	0	0	0
Theft	38	43	1	0
ARRESTS		REFERRALS for UNIVERSITY DISCIPLINE
Drug Related Violations:	3	Drug Related Violations:		36
Liquor Law Violations:	7	Liquor Law Violations:		211
Weapons Possession:	1	Weapons Possession:		0

In addition, there were 141 misdemeanor incidents reported. (A statistical breakdown is on file in the Office of Safety and Security.)

*None of these incidents qualified as "hate crimes."

**"University statistics include numbers from "Residential."

 

January through December 2007
	University **	Residential	Off-Campus	Public Prop.
Murder / Non-negligent Manslaughter*	0	0	0	0
Negligent Manslaughter*	0	0	0	0
Sex Offenses: Forcible*	0	0	1	0
Sex Offenses: Non-Forcible*	0	0	0	0
Robbery	0	0	0	0
Aggravated Assault*	0	1	0	0
Burglary	0	6	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	0	0	0
Arson*	0	1	0	0
Theft	27	49	1	0
ARRESTS		REFERRALS for UNIVERSITY DISCIPLINE
Drug Related Violations:	6	Drug Related Violations:		47
Liquor Law Violations:	15	Liquor Law Violations:		203
Weapons Possession:	0	Weapons Possession:		0

In addition, there were 188 misdemeanor incidents reported. (A statistical breakdown is on file in the Office of Safety and Security.)

*None of these incidents qualified as "hate crimes."

**"University statistics include numbers from "Residential."

 

January through December 2006
	University **	Residential	Off-Campus	Public Prop.
Murder / Non-negligent Manslaughter*	0	0	0	0
Negligent Manslaughter*	0	0	0	0
Sex Offenses: Forcible*	0	0	0	0
Sex Offenses: Non-Forcible*	0	0	0	0
Robbery	0	0	0	0
Aggravated Assault*	1	1	0	0
Burglary	34	34	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	2	1	0	0
Arson*	1	1	0	0
Theft	83	58	0	0
ARRESTS		REFERRALS for UNIVERSITY DISCIPLINE
Drug Related Violations:	11	Drug Related Violations:		37
Liquor Law Violations:	38	Liquor Law Violations:		245
Weapons Possession:	2	Weapons Possession:		11

In addition, there were 316 misdemeanor incidents reported. (A statistical breakdown is on file in the Office of Safety and Security.)

*None of these incidents qualified as "hate crimes."

**"University statistics include numbers from "Residential."

 

What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is any kind of sexually offensive act against another person, any verbally offensive demand or suggestion, and any intentional touching of another person’s body without mutual consent. The University defines these acts as including, but

not limited to, the following:

1. Rape/sexual assault (gang, acquaintance, stranger)

2. Acts on a person who is not conscious or able to give consent

3. Indecent exposure

4. Direct or indirect threats linked to sexual propositions or

   activity.

5. Coerced sexual activity

6. Sexual propositions

7. Sexual battery, the unwanted touching of an intimate part of     another person, such as a sex organ, buttocks, or breasts

 

Procedures for On-Campus Disciplinary Action in cases of Alleged Sexual Assault

The dean of students handles all on-campus disciplinary proceedings of alleged sexual assault. It is important to know that for on-campus disciplinary proceedings, both the complainant and the accused student in any nonconsensual sexual activity case are entitled to attend the hearing and to bring an advisor to the hearing. The advisor cannot be an attorney, nor will the advisor be allowed to represent (student, faculty, or staff.)  Both the complainant and the accused shall be informed of the outcome of any disciplinary proceeding conducted within the student judicial system.

Victims of alleged sexual assault may seek to have their academic and living situations changed if such changes are reasonably available. Class schedule changes may be requested by contacting the Office of Student Affairs (UC 007) at 464-1862. Changes to living situations may be requested by contacting the Office of Residence Life (839 Pruis Lane) at 468-2000.

For more information concerning the procedures of the Student Judicial System contact the Dean of Students’ office at 464-1862 or visit in room 007 in the University Center.

 

Assisting in the reporting process and any related housing problems.

Security

Security Building, 464-1845

If you have been sexually harassed or assaulted, or know someone who has, Security can take a report and begin the investigative process.

 

R.A.D.

The R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) program is a nine- to 12- hour self-defense course designed to maximize options of self-defense and minimize sexual assault victimization. The course is designed for women and is taught several times during the year. Contact Security at 464-1845 for class information.

 

USI Safety and Security Department Services:

 

·        Create and maintain a secure environment.

·        Identify safety hazards and eliminate opportunities for crime.

·        Provide emergency medical response for sick and/or injured.

·        Provide directions, general campus information, and assistance to faculty, staff, students, and visitors.

 

Other services include:

·        Vehicle and foot patrols

·        Emergency communication system throughout the campus

·        Security escort service on campus

·        Safety and Security annual orientation programs

·        Alcohol Awareness annual programs

·        Operation Identification (personal property marking)

·        Assisting with stalled or locked vehicles

·        Managing Parking Lots

 

Campus Crime Log

A crime log is published Monday through Friday and is available for public view in the Safety and Security Office. The log includes the nature, date, time, and general location of each incident. All log entries, except where disclosure of such information is prohibited by law or such disclosure would jeopardize the confidentiality of the victim, will be open to public inspection within two business days of the initial report being made to the department or a campus security authority.

 

The Safety and Security Department is only as good as the community it serves. Help its officers to help you – report all crimes and suspicious situations; and attend safety and security information programs.

 

It is the policy of the University of Southern Indiana that the sexual assault of one member of the University community by another will not be tolerated. This policy applies to all members of the campus community:  students, staff, and faculty.

 

As a University, we are committed to the prosecution and/or disciplining of the perpetrators of such acts of violence, the education of the people about the reality and the consequences of sexual assault, and the provision of support services to victims. If you witness or become aware of violent or criminal action on campus, it is expected that you notify Campus Security at 464-1845 or 7777.

 

For further information, contact

Safety and Security

Security Building

464-1845

 

 

What Can YOU Do?

 

Personal Safety

·        Avoid walking alone

·        Walk in well-lighted areas

·        Walk well clear of areas of heavy foliage

·        Be alert and aware of the surroundings

 

Vehicle Safety

·        Remove property from plain view

·        Roll up car windows

·        Remove keys

·        Lock all doors

 

Personal Property Safety

·        Secure valuables left in your apartment or vehicle

·        Engrave all valuables through the Operation Identification  program

·        Write your driver’s license number in your books

·        Lock the doors and windows to your apartment when you leave and when you are sleeping or are in the bathroom

 

Office Safety

·        Lock your office when you leave

·        Keep your purse, wallet, and other valuables in a secure    location

·        Do not leave cash unattended

·        If you are entrusted with a key to a specific area, never lend it to anyone

·        If you receive annoying or obscene phone calls, HANG UP.   

   Report the time of the call, what the caller said and any     background noises

·        Be alert to strangers

·        Report the loss or theft of keys, equipment, or valuables