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Annual Safety, Security, & Crime Statistics Report

GOAL

Kutztown University strives to provide a clean, safe and healthy environment for its students, faculty and staff. While no institution can guarantee the safety of all its constituents, Kutztown University has taken prudent steps to promote a safe environment that is conducive to the campus community's academic and co-curricular pursuits.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND POLICE SERVICES

The Department of Public Safety and Police Services, a unit of the Division of Finance and Administration, is the primary administrative office responsible for safety, security and police services at Kutztown University. The department is open and operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The Department has two primary phone numbers: 610-683-4001 (for emergencies; a recorded line) and 610-683-4002 (non-emergency). Public Safety and Police Services' offices are centrally located in the lower level of Old Main. When at full complement, the Department is staffed by 20 full-time personnel, consisting of managers, criminal investigators, crime prevention practitioners, police officers, security officers and clerical staff. In addition, the department uses an outside security agency to perform security and parking-related functions.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Department of Public Safety and Police Services is to support a culturally diversified atmosphere that upholds and protects the constitutional rights of individuals, promotes an environment "free from fear," provides education on personal safety and crime prevention awareness and maintains a zoned parking system that ensures fair parking and the safety of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, thereby contributing to the academic excellence of Kutztown University.

ARREST AUTHORITY & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER AGENCIES

All Kutztown University police officers have completed basic police training and are commissioned police officers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. They carry firearms and are granted powers of arrest through the Governor of the Commonwealth. Field personnel are trained in advanced techniques including Crime Prevention, First Aid, Criminal Investigation, and Fire Fighting.

The Department of Public Safety and Police Services is the primary agency handling criminal incidents. The Department is equipped with a two-way telecommunications system to contact and interchange information with surrounding local and state police agencies (when the need arises). The Department maintains an excellent rapport with federal, state, and county police agencies. Investigations may be co-conducted through the process of sharing intelligence information that has proven to be an effective avenue to carry out the functions of a police department. In accordance with the PA Municipal Police Officer Jurisdiction Act, Kutztown University's Police are able to provide emergency assistance to the local police authorities upon request. Emergency assistance is also provided by local police to the university, upon request, and in accordance with this Act. Every month, the Department files a statistical crime report with the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Department of Public Safety and Police Services maintains a close working relationship with the Kutztown Police Department (KPD) and the Berks-Lehigh Regional Police Department (BLPD). The KU staff occasionally works with other law enforcement agencies, including the PA State Police, Kutztown Borough Police, Berks Lehigh Regional Police, Fleetwood Borough Police, and the Berks County District Attorney Detectives. Meetings are held between the leaders of these agencies on both a formal and informal basis. The KU Police Investigator works closely with the investigative staff the PA State Police, Kutztown Borough Police, Berks Lehigh Regional Police, Fleetwood Borough Police, and the Berks County District Attorney Detectives when incidents arise that require joint investigative efforts, resources, crime related reports and exchanges of information. There is no written Memorandum of Understanding between KU and any other law enforcement agency.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ENFORCEMENT

Within the Department of Public Safety and Police Services there is a Communications Division which is STAFFED 24 HOURS A DAY, 365 DAYS A YEAR. The Communications Center (located in Old Main 15) is a clearinghouse for reported activities and emergencies occurring on campus. The Center can easily be reached by dialing 610-683-4001. Upon receiving a report, trained personnel immediately dispatch an officer to the area by use of a two-way radio telecommunications system. Officers conduct mobile and foot patrols of the campus, 24 hours a day. All complaints received by the Communications Center are thoroughly investigated by the police officers. The Department of Public Safety and Police Services, through its patrols and investigations, consistently enforces all of the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania including those related to alcohol and other illegal drugs.

REPORTING OF CRIMINAL OFFENSES

The Kutztown University Department of Public Safety and Police Services encourages all members of the campus community and visitors to accurately and promptly report all on-campus crimes and emergencies to the department at extension 34001 or 610-683-4001 or by using the "blue-light" emergency telephones located throughout campus. Crimes can also be reported in person at the Communications Center (lower level of Old Main, room 15). All reports will be investigated. To report an off-campus occurrence of crime within Berks or Lehigh counties, dial 7-911 from an on-campus telephone or dial 911 from an off-campus telephone. Cell phone users can dial 911. Persons wishing to report information anonymously on-campus may do so by dialing extension 3-8477 (TIPS) from an on-campus phone. Students and employees should report the criminal offenses to KU Department of Public Safety and Police Services or the following members of the KU staff for the purpose of making timely warning reports and the annual statistical disclosure.

CAMPUS SECURITY AUTHORITIES

As required by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, colleges and universities must annually compile and publish crime, fire and security information about their campuses. Under this law, "campus security authorities" are mandated to report crimes brought to their attention for inclusion in Kutztown's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. If you or someone who reports to you is listed on the distribution list below, you are a "campus security authority" as defined by the United States Department of Education. Campus security authorities include, but are not limited to, Kutztown officials with significant responsibility for students or campus activities such as:

  • Public Safety and Police Services
  • Advisors to Registered Student Clubs and Organizations
  • Associate Dean of Students
  • Associate Vice President/Dean of Academic & Student Affairs
  • Athletics, Directors and Coaching Staff
  • Dean of the College of Business
  • Dean of the College of Education
  • Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts
  • Director of Athletics
  • Director of Counseling Services
  • Director of Health Promotions
  • Director of Health Services
  • Director of Housing and Residential Services
  • Director of Social Equity
  • Director of GLBTQ Center
  • Director of Multicultural Center
  • Director of Public Safety & Police Services
  • Director of Student Involvement Services
  • Director of Wellness Services
  • Director of Women's Center
  • Executive Director of Human Resources
  • Office of Equity & Compliance
  • Office of Housing, Residence Life & Dining Services
    (All professional and student staff, including, but not limited to: Student Staff Coordinators, Community Assistants, Desk Receptionists, Area Coordinators, Residence Coordinators, Resident Directors, Building Directors)
  • Office of the President
  • Office of the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs/Provost
  • Recreation and Intramurals, Professional Staff and Student Staff

VOLUNTARY CONFIDENTIAL REPORTING

Professional Counselors are not required to report crimes for inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics, unless mandated under scope of license or law. They are encouraged to inform the person being counseled on the procedures to report crimes on a voluntary basis for inclusion in the annual crime statistics.

If you are the victim of a crime and do not want to pursue action within the University's student conduct system or the criminal justice system, you may still want to consider making a confidential report. With your permission, the Chief or a designee of Kutztown University's Police force can file a report on the details of the incident without revealing your identity. The purpose of a confidential report is to comply with your wish to keep the matter confidential, while taking steps to ensure the future safety of yourself and others. With such information, the University can keep an accurate record of the number of incidents involving students, employees and visitors; 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 files in this manner are counted and disclosed in the annual crime statistics for the institution.

NOTIFICATION-DAILY CRIME LOGS

The University community is alerted to safety concerns by written and/or verbal communications as the need arises. A daily log of offenses is posted each business day. It can be viewed on a bulletin board outside the Public Safety Communication Center (Rm. 15 Old Main) and on a bulletin board off the main lobby in the McFarland Student Union. Daily logs are also maintained and available for public inspection, during normal business hours in room 13 Old Main.

ANNUAL DISCLOSURE OF CRIME STATISTICS

Campus crime, arrest and referral statistics include those reported to the Public Safety and Police Services, members of the Division of Academic and Student Affairs as well as Finance and Administration, designated campus officials (including but not limited to directors, deans, department heads, designated Housing, Residence Life and Dining Services staff, advisors to students/student organizations, athletic coaches), and local law enforcement agencies. University Counseling Services staff is encouraged to inform their clients of the procedures to report crime to the Public Safety and Police Services on a voluntary or confidential basis, should they feel it is in the best interest of the client.

In accordance with applicable State and Federal Regulations, the University publishes and distributes crime statistics to all current students, faculty and staff on an annual basis. The crime statistics are also available upon request to all applicants for enrollment or employment. View the Crime Statistics Report. Copies of the report may be obtained from Public Safety & Police Services' main office located in Old Main room 13 or by calling (610) 683-4002. Requests may also be sent to the Kutztown University Clery Coordinator, Public Safety and Police Services, Room 13, Old Main, Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA 19530, or publicsafety@kutztown.edu.

FIRE SAFETY AND STATISTICAL REPORT

View the fire safety report and fire statistics. To request a hard copy, contact the office of Environmental Health & Safety at (610) 683-4050.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE & CAMPUS EVACUATION PROCEDURES

The coordination of emergency preparedness efforts on campus is the responsibility of the Emergency Management Team under the direction of the Emergency Management Coordinator (Vice President for Finance & Administration) in conjunction with the: University Police Chief, Assistant Vice President for Facilities, Director of Environmental Health and Safety, Director of Clinical Services and the Director of University Relations.

The Kutztown University Department of Public Safety and Police Services has developed an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) which addresses the planned response to emergency/disaster situations associated with natural disaster, technological incidents and national security emergencies. The EOP is designed to meet State and Federal (NIMS) requirements. Incorporating the principles of the Incident Command System (ICS), the EOP provides emergency responders with procedures, guidelines such as shelter-in-place and evacuation, and methods of documentation to effectively manage emergencies. University departments are responsible for developing Emergency Action Plans as well as Business Continuity plans for their staff and areas of responsibility.

The KU Department of Public Safety and Police Services officers have received training in ICS and responding to critical incidents on campus. When a serious incident occurs that causes an immediate threat to the campus, the first responders to the scene are usually the Kutztown University Department of Public Safety and Police Services. If determined necessary by the Chief of Police or his designee, Kutztown Borough Police, Berks-Lehigh Regional Police, the Pa. State Police, Kutztown Ambulance or the Kutztown Fire Company or other mutual aid will be provided. These agencies will typically work together to respond to and manage the incident. Depending on the nature of the emergency, other local Departments and other city, state or federal agencies could also be involved in response to the incident.
Emergency response and evacuation procedures are tested on an annual basis. Kutztown University participates in emergency simulation exercises both on and off campus and with local and regional police agencies. The Department of Public Safety & Police Services is governed under the Municipal Police Jurisdiction Act for purposes of providing and receiving mutual aid.

View the procedures that KU follows in the event of a campus emergency. To receive a hard copy, contact Public Safety & Police Services at 610-683-4002 or send your request to the Kutztown University Chief of Police, Room 13, Old Main, Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA 19530.

TIMELY WARNING NOTICES AND EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION

In accordance with the Clery Act, Kutztown University will immediately notify the campus community upon the confirmation of a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or staff occurring on the campus. The University will, without delay, and taking into account the safety of the community, determine the content of the notification and initiate the notification system, unless issuing a notification will, in the professional judgment of responsible authorities, compromise efforts to assist a victim or to contain, respond to, or otherwise mitigate the emergency. Such authorities include, but are not limited to, the Kutztown University Departments of Public Safety and Police Services, Health Services and Environmental Health and Safety.

The university will send a Timely Warning Notice to the campus community, notifying it of any crimes that pose a serious and continuing threat to the community in an attempt to aid in the prevention of similar crimes on campus or in Kutztown University owned or controlled property off campus. Timely Warning Notices are usually distributed for the following Uniformed Crime Reporting Program (UCR)/National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) classifications: arson, criminal homicide, and robbery. Cases of aggravated assault and sex offenses are considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the facts of the case and the information known by Department of Public Safety and Police Services. For example, if an assault occurs between two students who have a disagreement, there may be no ongoing threat to other KU community members and a Timely Warning Notice would not be distributed. In cases involving sexual assault, they are often reported long after the incident occurred, thus there is no ability to distribute a "timely" warning notice to the community. Sex offenses will be considered on a case by case basis depending on when and where the incident occurred, when it was reported, and the amount of information known by the Department of Public Safety and Police Services. The Chief of Police or designee reviews all reports to determine if there is an ongoing threat to the community and if the distribution of a Timely Warning Notice is warranted. Timely Warning Notices may also be posted for other crime classifications, as deemed necessary.

Public Safety & Police Services, with input from other campus departments such as: the Office of the President, Department Supervisors, Counseling Services or Dean of Students, will issue a campus wide timely warning notice or emergency notification through the Office of University Relations (UR). PSPS will provide University Relations with the content of the notice or notification and determine the appropriate segment or segments of the campus community to receive them. UR will send the notifications to the community as instructed. This notification will consist of information being disseminated via the KU Alert Emergency Notification System which will implement some or all or the system options, which includes, email messages and emergency text messages (students and others can sign up for this service at http://www.kutztown.edu/kualert). Other possible means of communication include: a posting on the Kutztown University web site, indoor and exterior mass audio (voice) notification systems, on bulletin boards outside the Public Safety Communication Center (Room 15 Old Main) and off the main lobby in the McFarland Student Union, and personal contact with students and staff using student leaders, such as RAs or other staff members. Family members of KU students may also receive emergency text messages by having their KU students include their cellular phone number when they sign up for this service at http://www.kutztown.edu/kualert.

Depending on the particular circumstance, especially in all situations that could pose an immediate threat, Public Safety & Police Services may also generate "timely warnings" through the university email system to students, faculty and staff as well as various campus based communication or media outlets. PSPS will provide University Relations with the content of the timely warning and determine the appropriate segment or segments of the campus community to receive them. UR will send the notifications to the community as instructed.

Each year, Kutztown University tests the emergency response procedures.  Comprehensive testing of the KU Alert Emergency Notification System is conducted once per semester (defined as Spring, Summer and Fall) to ensure functionality and to acclimate the campus community to its use. The process is initiated by the University's Emergency Management Coordinator in collaboration with the KUPD and the Director of Environmental Health and Safety. The tests may include, but not be limited to, the initiation of all critical active delivery methods, select primary delivery methods and select secondary delivery methods as described above. Additionally, building evacuation drills are held once each semester (defined as Spring, Summer and Fall).

SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS IN THE MAINTENANCE OF CAMPUS FACILITIES

Each semester the Office of Environmental Health and Safety, a unit within the Department of Physical Facilities and various members of the campus community participate in a Safety Walk of the campus grounds to conduct regular inspections of the facilities and grounds to note and correct deficiencies that may exist inclusive of landscaping, grounds-keeping and outdoor lighting. Police and Security Officers on routine patrols report any safety hazards that are noticed and submit work orders for the necessary corrections to be made by the Department of Physical Facilities.

SECURITY OF AND ACCESS TO CAMPUS FACILITIES

Kutztown University is a public educational institution. The academic and administrative buildings are typically open during normal business hours and into the evening hours for night classes and activities. Most facilities have individual hours, and the hours may vary at different times of the year. Access to some of these buildings is also controlled by card access after normal business hours, and all of these buildings have varied levels of access. Most academic and administrative buildings do not have a Kutztown Police officer assigned to them. The athletic and library facilities, the cultural enrichment programs and various other activities such as movies and concerts are open to the general public. There are, however, various areas of the campus that are posted, in a manner prescribed by law, to serve notice to persons not to intrude, under penalty of law. These areas include, but are not limited to, hazardous and/utility areas, residence halls, and academic buildings that are closed after normal operating hours. Administrative and academic buildings are typically locked between 11PM and 7AM, unless there is a need to keep them open for extended hours. Unauthorized persons are not permitted in the buildings during these hours. In certain buildings on campus, individuals can request special access afterhours. Requests can be sent to publicsafety@kutztown.edu by authorized department staff. Public Safety and Police Services maintains a list of these individuals. To gain admittance to a building that is closed, proper identification must be presented to Public Safety and Police Services.

SECURITY AND ACCESS TO RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES

Front doors are locked 24 hours daily and are accessed via the student's ID card. All secondary exits are alarmed 24 hours a day. Most secondary exits have internal crash bar mechanisms and no outside door handles. The loading zone doors are locked 24 hours a day and are alarmed from 4:00 PM to 6:30 AM Monday-Friday and 24 hours a day on Saturday and Sunday. All first floor windows are equipped with security screens. Resident students and their guests are required to use the main entrance when entering or exiting a building. Access to residence halls is restricted to residents and their approved guests, and other approved members of the University community. Residents gain entry by swiping their Kutztown University identification cards in the card access readers at the main entrance. The front desk is staffed during limited hours each day, seven days a week. Old Main's front desk is staffed 24 hours daily. All other residence hall desks are staffed Monday-Thursday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 AM and on Friday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 AM on Monday. All residence halls are equipped with an automatic fire alarm system that is monitored by Public Safety and Police Services. Notification of any safety and security measures that have changed will be updated annually and would be announced via use of University media. Each room is equipped with a lockable door. Lock changes are ordered when students report a lost key/pin code. The staff supervises a file key and master key system that is used to gain entry to a student's room under special circumstances only.

STAFFING OF THE RESIDENCE HALLS

The residence halls are staffed with professional, student and custodial staff members. Staff members undergo a screening and interview process prior to official commencement of duties assigned. Most of the professional staff live in the residence halls as do all the student staff. The professional staff breakdown is: seven central office personnel, six residence coordinators and seven graduate resident directors. Student staff is as follows: Student Staff Coordinators, Community Assistants for living areas and a limited desk staff in traditional halls.

Professional head staff receives two to three weeks of training prior to fall semester and periodic professional development throughout the academic year. Spring training includes the on-going professional development previously mentioned and a five-day intensive session prior to the spring semester. Training topics include but are not limited to policies, procedures, referral systems, emergency systems, and fire/safety training.

Student staff receives one week of intensive training prior to the opening of the academic year. In addition, there are two days of intensive training prior to the spring semester as well as weekly staff meetings that include discussions about topics that are pertinent to each individual hall. Custodial personnel are clearly identified in each building with staff ID cards. Other maintenance personnel and outside contractors are required to wear ID badges or uniforms that authorize them to work within the residence halls.

TYPES OF ON-CAMPUS HOUSING

Students offered housing on-campus, generally speaking, have a choice of four different lifestyles: Single Gender, Double Single Gender, and Co-educational. Either men or women reside in a single gender building. In double single gender, both sexes reside in the same building but do not have the same weekday visitation privileges offered in co-ed housing. Co-educational housing allows men and women to live on the same floor of a residence hall but on separate wings. A high percentage of the rooms assigned to students are double rooms banked off a central corridor or designed into a suite or apartment style residence hall. The remaining rooms are singles, triples and quads. Common single gender assigned baths are located on each wing or central to a single gender floor. Married and single parent housing is available on a limited basis. Please contact Housing, Residence Life and Dining Services at (610) 683-4027 with questions.

POLICIES FOR ASSIGNMENT & ON-CAMPUS HOUSING CHANGES

Students under the age of 18 may not elect to live in a co-educational hall. Open room changes occur during November of each academic year. Room changes due to extenuating circumstances are processed only after assessment and/or mediation by Housing, Residence Life and Dining Services. Incumbent resident students select their rooms and roommates, for the following academic year, during room selection in spring. New students are assigned randomly, based on the date of receipt of the housing deposit and indicated lifestyle preference. Assignment to a housing space is made randomly without regard to race, creed, color, religion, or sexual orientation. The University reserves the right to make assignments, temporary assignments, consolidations, and reassignments. The University reserves the right to cancel any housing agreement and terminate a student's housing if the conduct of the student disrupts others, disregards the rights of others or is in violation of the terms of the Housing Contract, municipal, state, or federal law, or the regulations of the University.

VISITATION POLICY

All non-residents of a building must be escorted at all times by a resident host when proceeding beyond the lobby of any residence facility. Non-residents must be escorted when visiting the living quarters during prescribed hours.

Upperclassmen are afforded the privilege of visitation 24-hour per day, 7 days a week. The term upperclassmen, for the purpose of the residence hall visitation policy, includes second semester freshmen with earned credits. Freshmen who are living on campus for the first time are afforded the privilege of regular visitation/limited weekend. This policy allows freshmen to have visitors of either gender Monday-Thursday from 9:00 AM to 11:59 PM. On Fridays, they may have guests from: 9:00 AM to Saturday 2:00 AM; Saturday from 9:00 AM to Sunday 2:00 AM; and Sunday from 9:00 AM to Sunday 11:59 PM. Freshmen may have same-gender visitation overnight on weekends throughout the first semester of on-campus residence.

All visitors must sign into all residence halls beginning at 8:00 PM (except in Golden Bear Villages, both South and West, and the Honors apartments). To sign-in, visitors must be accompanied by their host to the residence hall's front desk and present valid ID beginning at 8:00 PM until the end of visiting hours as outlined in the freshmen visitation information listed above. These same visitors must be signed out within 72 hours. If the desk area is closed when the guest leaves the residence, the host must return and check-out for their guest once the desk is open. Visitation passes must be returned at check-out.
All Visitors arriving after 11:59 PM on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday evening must be pre-registered at the desk by the host. The host must inform the hall desk staff of the visitor's name, type of visitor identification, time of arrival, and length of stay. Hosts must be eighteen years of age or have on file a parental permission slip to host an overnight guest.

HOUSING WHILE THE UNIVERSITY IS ON RECESS

Limited housing is available for international students and in-season athletes during university recess. During this time, students may use their KU identification cards to access the building and their rooms and are required to keep outside doors locked at all times. Visitors are not permitted beyond the lobby area and must be hosted while in the lobby. A university staff member is assigned the responsibility to monitor behavior and security.

FRATERNITY AND SORORITY ORGANIZATIONS

The university does not recognize any established housing, on or off campus, for these organizations. The university does maintain contact with the recognized organizations through the Office of Student Involvement.

NOTIFICATION OF MISSING STUDENTS

If a member of the university community has reason to believe that a student who resides in on-campus housing is missing he or she should immediately notify Public Safety & Police Services at (610) 683-4001, The department will generate a missing person report and initiate an investigation. After investigating the missing person report, should KUPD determine that the student is missing and has been missing for more than 24 hours, Kutztown University will notify the student's emergency contact no later than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing. If the missing student is under the age of 18 and is not an emancipated individual, Kutztown University will notify the student's parent or legal guardian immediately after KUPD has determined that the student has been missing for more than 24 hours. The local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction will also be notified no later than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing. The student's emergency contact information is collected and registered by the Housing and Residential Services Department on their KU Residence Hall Key Card. This information is registered confidentially and is accessible only to authorized campus officials and only disclosed to law enforcement in furtherance of an investigation.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY

No persons regardless of age are permitted to possess, transport or consume alcoholic beverages on campus with the exception of certain presidential legally approved non-student activities as defined by Kutztown University's Alcohol Policy (STU-001) published in the University Policy Register.

It is unlawful to sell, furnish or provide alcohol to a person under the age of 21. The possession, sale, use, manufacture or distribution of any controlled substance (drugs) is illegal under both state and federal laws. Such laws are strictly enforced by the Kutztown University Police Department. Violators of the law are subject to and criminal prosecution under state and/or federal laws. Students who violate the law as well as the alcohol and drug standards of the Student Code of Conduct are also subject to a student disciplinary process.

The university has developed a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees. The program provides services related to drug use and abuse including dissemination of informational materials, educational programs, counseling services, referrals, and university disciplinary actions.

DRUG-FREE LEGISLATION

In addition to this publication and in accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act and the Drug-Free Workplace Act, the University makes available and distributes, on an annual basis, KU CHOICES, which contains specific information concerning the use and abuse of alcohol and illegal drugs, and programs available to help the staff and students who may have related problems. More information.

FIREARMS/WEAPONS POLICY

The Kutztown University Student Code of Conduct policy on weapons is as follows: Possession or use of firearms, explosives, other weapons, or dangerous chemicals on university premises is prohibited. Unauthorized items include but are not limited to: firearms of any kind including pellet and BB devices, ammunition, air powered projectile devices, knives with blades longer than four (4) inches, switchblades of any kind, chemicals, fireworks, any item which has been modified or adapted so that it can be used as a weapon, any item which has been used as a weapon, or any other dangerous weapons.. This policy is published in the student handbook, The Key, and is available from the Office of the Dean of Students, 262 McFarland Student Union.

CRIME PREVENTION AND SECURITY AWARENESS PROGRAMS

The student handbook The Key is available to each and every student online. Hardcopy or alternate media versions of The Key are available upon request. The Key contains information regarding University policies, procedures and information on personal safety, fire safety and visitor policies. Each student is responsible for familiarizing him/herself with the information contained in this document. Students must carry their University identification card and upon request present it to a University Official in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct's Student Identification standard as published in Chapter Two (Article IV.19) of The Key.

Safety, security, self-defense (Rape Aggression Defense System or RAD), theft awareness, security awareness, vandalism reduction, alcohol awareness and crime prevention programs are some of the routine programs conducted throughout the year by the Department of Public Safety and Police Services. The RAD program is typically held twice each semester while the other programs are offered a few times each semester or as requested by members of the campus community including, but not limited to, the general student body through academic course presentations, professors, Residence Life staff, the department of International Studies, the Connections Orientation Program, and the Women's Center. Incoming students are advised of safety and security procedures during the fall orientation session. These programs are designed to encourage students and employees to be responsible for their own security and the security of others. Anyone may schedule a program by calling (610) 683-4002.
Each residence hall staff conducts two mandatory all-hall and two mandatory wing meetings each year to verbally emphasize applicable residence hall policies and procedures as well as safety and security procedures. Other all-hall and/or wing meetings are conducted as necessary to disseminate information and/or follow up on concerns. Resident Assistants, as part of their job description, are required to conduct programs for students in their building.

SAFETY ESCORTS

On-campus safety escorts are available for anyone 24 hours a day by contacting Public Safety and Police Services at extension 610-683-4002 (from off-campus or via cellular phone, dial 610-683-4002) for more information. The blue light emergency phones located throughout campus may be used to request an on-campus safety escort. A police or security officer will escort you to and from any location on campus.

UNIVERSITY SHUTTLE SERVICE

The KU on-campus loop shuttle runs Monday-Friday with the first pickup occurring at 7:30 AM and the last drop-off at 4:30 PM. The off-campus loop runs Monday-Friday with the first pickup occurring at 7:30 AM and the last drop-off at 3:30 PM. Approximately once per month on a Wednesday evening, the shuttle will transport students to a local shopping or recreation center. The bus begins the on-campus pickup at 6:00 PM and returns students to campus at approximately 9:30 PM. The evening/late night shuttle runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 7:00 PM to 3:00 AM between campus and the Kutztown Borough. Visit the web site for specific route information.

SEXUAL OFFENSE PROGRAMS

Kutztown University, through orientation, student activities, Counseling Services, residence hall programming and academic departments, produces a wide array of programs and services which promote the awareness of rape, acquaintance rape and other sexual offenses. Public Safety and Police Services provides crime prevention and self-defense instruction regarding Rape Aggression Defense (RAD Program) on a regular basis throughout the academic year.

An educational brochure, Sexual Assault & Relationship Violence: What Everyone Needs to Know is a campus resource that is provided in print and digital formats. This brochure is available online. The resource provides information about sexual misconduct policies, relationship violence, educational information, safety tips, victim resources and information about how to respond and report sexual violence.

SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION & RESPONSE

Kutztown University will not tolerate violence toward abuse of persons including sexual harassment, rape, and other sexual offenses, forcible or non-forcible. All members of the University community are encouraged to report rapes and sexual offenses to Public Safety and Police Services immediately either by the individual or through a University staff member. Victims of sexual assault are also encouraged to report such offenses to other law enforcement authorities, depending on the jurisdiction in which the offense took place. The Department of Public Safety and Police Services will assist the student in notifying these authorities at the student's request.

The complainant will be informed of medical and counseling services available both on and off campus. University counselors and pastoral counselors are encouraged to voluntarily report crimes on a confidential basis to the Department of Public Safety and Police Services for statistical purposes.

If a complainant has reason to believe that violations of university regulations prohibiting sexual offenses were committed by a KU student, the university and/or the complainant may pursue disciplinary action through the Office of Dean of Students consistent with the Sexual Offenses Policy of the Student Code of Conduct. The Office of the Dean of Students will advise the complainant and respondent on the student conduct process. A person charged with sexual offenses may be prosecuted under Pennsylvania criminal statutes as well as changed with a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, if a student. The university and/or the complainant may pursue disciplinary action in all cases independent of any action taken or not taken by criminal justice authorities.

In this process, the gathering and preservation of evidence is essential to the investigation.

SEXUAL OFFENSES POLICY

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX prohibits student-on-student sexual offenses and requires a prompt and equitable resolution of complaints. Sexual harassment of students, which includes acts of sexual violence (including, but not limited to, rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation) is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX and includes physical sexual acts: against a person's will, where a person is incapable of giving consent as a result of his/her use of drugs or alcohol, or where an individual is unable to give consent due to an intellectual or other disability. Allegations of sexual harassment, other than incidents of student-on-student sexual offenses, will be investigated pursuant to the process outlined in "The University Procedure" section of the Kutztown University Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures (KU Policy DIV-007).

The process for addressing cases of student sexual misconduct is defined in the Student Code of Conduct's Sexual Offenses Policy as published in the student handbook, The Key, or availabile from the Office of the Dean of Students or the Kutztown University Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Social Equity.
The Sexual Offenses Policy contains important information, definitions, policies and procedures pertaining to the following:
• Definitions of Sexual Misconduct
• Consent to Sexual Activity
• Student's Rights in Sexual Offense Cases
• Privacy of the Student Conduct Process
• Reporting Incidents & Student Support Services
• Title IX Coordinator
• Retaliation
• Student Conduct Process for Sexual Offenses
• Sanction Guidelines for Sexual Offenses

Throughout the entire on-campus student conduct process both the complainant and respondent will have access to the same rights including the opportunity to have an advocate present during the process and to be informed of the outcome without condition. The complainant will be afforded certain rights while the university hearing process is ongoing as defined in the Sexual Offenses Policy. Some of these rights include, but are not limited to, changing academic and/or living situations, if those changes are requested by the victim and are reasonably available, protection against discussion of past sexual history, and to be free from intimidation or harassment. All sexual offenses are considered major violations of the Student Code of Conduct. A student found responsible by the student conduct process is subject to disciplinary probation, deferred suspension, suspension or dismissal.

Kutztown University, will, upon written request, disclose to the alleged victim of a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense, the report on the results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by the institution against a student who is the alleged perpetrator of such crime or offense. If the alleged victim is deceased as a result of such crime or offense, the next of kin of such victim shall be treated as the alleged victim for purposes of this paragraph.

All sanctions for student conduct cases, including sexual offenses, are incident and student specific and not considered proscriptive. The Office of Social Equity will respond to questions about, or allegations of, sexual harassment by persons who are in authority over a student such as a faculty member, staff, or employer.

SERVICES FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS AT THE UNIVERSITY

The victim of a sexual assault may have another person accompany him/her through the process. The Office of Associate Dean of Students will advise the student on the student conduct process. The Office of Social Equity will respond to questions about, or allegations of, sexual harassment by persons who are in authority over a student such as a faculty member, staff, or employer.

OFF CAMPUS VICTIM ASSISTANCE

The following off-campus organizations offer assistance to victims of sexual offenses. The University will assist the victim in contacting these support organizations, should she/he request such assistance.

Berks County
Berks Women in Crisis (610) 372-9540
Center for Victim Assistance (610) 372-7463

Lehigh County
Crime Victims Council (610) 437-6611

ON CAMPUS VICTIM ASSISTANCE

The University also provides assistance to any individual who is reported to be a victim of sexual assault or relationship violence through the HEART at KU program which operates under the direction of Berks Women in Crisis (BWIC). HEART at KU to provides initial support and safety to victims and provides assistance to increase awareness of these issues. The team of trained, certified advocates offers support and compassionate listening as needed during the initial interview by law enforcement on campus; accompanies or meets the victim at the hospital, if needed; and distributes information about access to referral services. Services are initiated at the request of the victim.

The following on-campus organizations offer assistance to victims of sexual offenses. The University will assist the victim in contacting these support organizations, should she/he request such assistance.

  • KU Victim Advocates (KU HEART) (610) 372-9540
    University Counseling Center (610) 683-4072

TITLE IX (EDUCATION AMENDMENTS OF 1972)

Individuals may also report a sex offense to Kutztown University's Title IX coordinator, the Associate Vice President for Equity and Compliance. The Equity and Compliance office is responsible for coordinating the institution's compliance with Title IX and can be contacted via telephone at 610-683-4700 or by visiting 02 Old Main.The institution's sexual harassment policy, including a description of the grievance procedures can be found in Kutztown University's Sexual Harassment Policy.

SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY

The Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act (CSCPA) of 2000 is a federal law that provides for the tracking of sex offenders enrolled at, or employed by, institutions of higher education. A list of all registered sex offenders in Pennsylvania is available at http://www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us/ (Megan's law website).

UNIVERSITY CLOSINGS

In the event that the university is closed and/or classes are canceled, a message will be activated on the university telephone message system providing all appropriate details. The phone number for the special voice mailbox is (610) 683-4649.

GRADUATION RATES

For information on graduation rates contact the Office of Institutional Research at Kutztown University at (610) 683-4153.