Aurora University
Campus Safety

Statement of Safety and Security Policies, Programs, and Statistics - 2006 

At Aurora University, the safety and well being of the students, faculty, and staff are a top priority.  A  number of people are involved in this effort but a truly safe campus can only be achieved with the help and cooperation of everyone. 

The information herein is important, complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Safety Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, and will help us all in maintaining a safe campus environment that will support the high quality of education being provided at Aurora University.  Read this material carefully.  Aurora University's annual security report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings owned or controlled by Aurora University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.  The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. 

Information herein is intended to provide a general overview.  It does not constitute a contractual agreement between Aurora University and the recipient.

Safety & Security Services:
Aurora University employs their own Safety Officers, Sworn Officers. and the University Student Work Corps to meet its safety and security needs All University Sworn Officers have the authorization to make arrest in accordance with local ,state and federal regulations. The Director of Campus Safety oversees these groups.  Members of the Campus Safety Department patrol campus facilities performing checks of buildings, vehicles and property.  Though this patrol is not a police force, they do have the authorization to make searches of individuals, belongings and rooms as well as detain persons, when appropriate, for policy violations or criminal activities that have been committed.  In addition to the Campus Safety staff, the University maintains a close working relationship with the Aurora Police and Fire Departments.

The Campus Safety Department is located on the ground floor of Watkins Hall and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.  To contact the Campus Safety Department, please call 630-844-6140 for non emergencies and 630-844-5150 for emergencies (x555 from any telephone on campus). To contact the Director of Campus Safety, please call 630-844-7870.  Information regarding crime prevention, University policies, and emergency telephone numbers and procedures can be accessed through the Campus Safety Department web site at: http://www.aurora.edu/safety/.

The Physical Properties Department also plays a key role in ensuring a safe and secure environment.  This department is responsible for maintaining the University's buildings/grounds and making routine inspections of campus facilities. Physical Properties is dedicated to providing the best possible service to the University.  To that end, it places highest priority on work required for the health, safety and security of its students, faculty and staff.

Reporting Guidelines:
Everyone is encouraged to report all criminal activity to the Campus Safety Department.  Additionally, for incidents where University policy is broken by a student, the Residence Life Department should be notified.  Emergencies should be immediately reported to the Campus Safety Department, at extension 555, or the Aurora Police or Fire Department, at 911.

Incident reports can be written by any student, staff or faculty member.  Upon receipt of any incident report, an appropriate response and investigation is determined; including referral to appropriate local, county or state police agencies.  The Campus Safety Department maintains an open reporting log.  All incident reports are reviewed and maintained by the Director of Campus Safety.  If an event is deemed of significant importance or risk to the campus community, factual information will be communicated via campus-wide e-mail and/or flyers.

The Campus Safety Department understands the desire for some individuals to remain anonymous when reporting incidents.  Therefore, an on-line anonymous tip-line is maintained at: http://www.aurora.edu/safety/.  This virtual tip-line does not list the individual sender's name or e-mail address.  All tip-line information is sent directly to the account of the Director of Campus Safety.

Upon receiving any call for assistance or response, an employee of the Campus Safety Department is immediately dispatched to the site of the concern.  If the concern involves residential students, a member of the Residence Life Department will also be contacted immediately to assist.  All members of the Campus Safety Department are in direct communication via portable radios.

Building Access:
Residence Halls remain locked 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  All Residence Halls have two sets of locked security doors that need to be accessed before gaining entry onto the residential floors.  Students are also encouraged to keep their room doors locked at all times.  On occasions, doors to the Residence Halls may be unlocked by the Campus Safety Department for special needs or events.  Residence Life members patrol the Residence Halls nightly, checking for propped doors and other safety concerns.

Academic building access is limited to University students, faculty, staff, alumni and invited guests.  These buildings are locked when classes or University sponsored events are not taking place.  Members of the Campus Safety Department make multiple patrols through all academic buildings on a daily basis, ensuring that the doors are properly secured.  Building lock down times vary with events.  During periods when the buildings are locked down, faculty and staff members with proper identification are permitted entrance.  Anyone finding an area open, which they believe ought to be locked, should contact Campus Safety immediately.

The Director of Physical Properties is designated as Aurora University's Key Control Manager.  Staff and faculty members with key needs are to make their request through their appropriate administrative area manager or dean.  Keys will be issued to students for entry into their Residence Hall and individual room through the Residence Life Department.  In all cases, individuals must sign for receipt of all keys issued to them.  Keys remain the property of Aurora University, may not be duplicated (except by Physical Properties), and must be returned upon request.

The campus is on a specialized key system.  Therefore, it is imperative that Physical Properties be notified if keys are lost, stolen or missing, especially master keys (there are several levels).  Under most circumstances, lock cylinder cores can be readily replaced.  However, individuals are responsible for keys issued to them and may be held accountable if those keys are missing/lost/stolen.  It is imperative for the safety of personnel and the security of property that individuals exercise strict control over keys assigned to them and not "loan" those keys to others except under the rarest of circumstances.

Campus Safety - A Shared Responsibility:
As an educational community, we expect Aurora University to provide a safe and secure environment for learning.  Creating and maintaining such an environment, however, is a shared responsibility among all members of the community.  Aurora University seeks to minimize criminal opportunities and encourages students and employees to be responsible for their own security and the security of others.

In addition to all scheduled responsibilities, the Campus Safety Department responds to emergencies and alarms, helps campus residents and visitors with directions and information, provides assistance for vehicle and room lock-outs, makes referrals to local agencies and assistance resources, provides and distributes educational/informational material on campus and personal safety, makes presentations to campus groups, and serves as the central location for campus safety information.

A newly formed University Safety and Security Committee will represent various constituencies on Campus.  They will review, evaluate and make recommendations regarding current safety/security policies, procedures and priorities.  Their initial charter promotes: personal safety; reduction of personal and University liability; preservation of resources; protection of personal and University property; involvement, responsibility and accountability; and constant and continual education regarding safety, security, health protection, and wellness.

Sexual Assault:
If you are a victim of sexual assault, please contact the Campus Safety Department who will, in turn, contact University Officials responsible for giving immediate help.  This help will consist of counselors specially trained in the physical, psychological, and legal ramifications of sexual assault.  The Campus Safety Department is obligated to call the Aurora Police Department. If you are not comfortable contacting Campus Safety, please contact someone on the Residential Life staff that you know and trust.

The Director of Counseling Services works closely with local crisis support centers, medical treatment facilities, and law enforcement agencies to help ensure sexual assault victims receive the services, support and counseling they want/need.  Outstanding support services are also available in the City of Aurora at Mutual Ground.  Used extensively by local medical facilities and law enforcement, Mutual Ground (630-897-8383) provides excellent services for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.

Victims' "Bill Of Rights":
Aurora University is committed to providing appropriate support and referrals to people who have been victimized in some way (by crimes or violations of University policy) and choose to report the incident to Campus Safety or University Administration.  At Aurora University, a victim has the right:

• to be treated with dignity, respect and compassion;
• to have confidentiality maintained (within the bounds of law and prudence);
• to have criminal procedures fully explained;
• to receive assistance with relocation, if desired;
• to receive referral information for available support services;
• to have an advisor or support person present;
• to be informed of the general outcome of proceedings;
• to be kept informed of the status of any perpetrator(s); and
• to request assistance from the University in deterring any harassment or retribution

Drug and Alcohol Use:
Aurora University recognizes the responsibility of maintaining an educational environment conducive to academic achievement and student growth in the development of mature and responsible adult behavior.  The University seeks to assist in the development of mature adult behavior.  The final choice, however, rests with the individual.  Aurora University does not tolerate substance abuse and has adopted policies regarding this matter.  University policies are stated in the University A-Book.  Copies are available in the Student Affairs Department.

Standards of Conduct:
Aurora University prohibits the unlawful manufacture, possession, distribution, or use of illicit drugs and/or alcohol by students and employees.  This policy applies both to on-campus and off-campus activities, including student sponsored social activities and professional meetings attended by University employees.

Statement of University Sanctions:
Compliance with this policy is a condition of employment for University employees.  For students, it is a condition of continued eligibility to attend classes and/or reside on campus.

Discipline for violating the standards of conduct will be governed by the University's disciplinary policies and rules. Consistent with local, state and federal law, the University will impose sanctions on those who violate the standards of conduct, up to and including, expulsion and referral for prosecution.

Possible Legal Sanctions:
Students and employees who are prosecuted and contribute to drug or alcohol related offenses are subject to the sanctions under federal, state or local law.

Alcohol

• It is illegal to give or sell alcohol to an individual under the age of 21.
• It is illegal to have an open container of alcohol in any vehicle.
• It is illegal to serve alcohol to an intoxicated person.
• It is illegal to sell alcohol without a permit or license.
• Driving while intoxicated is a criminal offense.  A fine is imposed and a three month license suspension is minimum.
• Being intoxicated is not a defense to any charge for a criminal act.
• An underage person involved in a drinking/driving crash may sue the person at fault for those who provided the alcohol.

All of the above carry fines and may carry a possible jail term.

Drugs
Criminal penalties for drug related offenses may be determined by the substance, the amount of the substance, where the substance is sold, or to whom.  The offense may fall under one of the following classifications and receive the corresponding sentence:

• Class A -  up to one year
• Class B -  up to 6 months
• Class C -  1 to 3 months
• Class X -  6 to 30 years
• Class 1 -  4 to 15 years
• Class 2 -  3 to 7 years
• Class 4 -  1 to 3 years

Reporting Responsibility:
Employees are obligated to report any criminal drug/alcohol statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace.  Appointed personnel and classified staff employees should report such information to the Human Resources Department (630) 844-5493.  Students and student employees should report to the Dean of Students (630) 844-5467.  These individuals are also available to answer any questions related to the legislation or the University's compliance.

Resources:
Aurora University maintains a list of local resources related to intervention or treatment of drug and alcohol abuse.  This list is available in the Counseling Center, University Library, room 217, or by calling (630) 844-5416.

Heath Risks Associated With The Use Of Alcohol And Illicit Drugs:
The table on the following page lists drugs by name (both pharmacological and common/street name), possible effects, and dangerous health risks associated with their use.

Security Awareness, Safety Services and Crime Prevention Programs:
The increased awareness of crime on college campuses in recent years has caused colleges and universities to take a more proactive role in campus safety, security, and crime prevention. Aurora University has implemented a number of initiatives to reinforce its safety and security program:

• An escort service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling on-campus extension 6140 from any on-campus phone to request escort services.
• Safety and security assessment is an on going process at the University.
• One of the results is the projected installation of “Code Blue” emergency call boxes during the fall semester. These boxes will be strategically located through-out the campus. This provides a direct line to Campus Safety, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with just the touch of a button.
• Shrubbery, trees, and other vegetation on campus were removed, minimizing areas of concealment, maximizing the current lighting across campus and in parking lot areas.
• Exterior lighting is being upgraded. Physical Properties, with the help of Campus Safety, has instituted an aggressive program of responsive lighting repair.
• The Student Identification Cards issued to student act as an access card to the residence halls. This prevents unauthorized access by non-students
• A number of buildings on campus are monitored by Alarm Detection Systems for fire, intrusion, and other alarm related issues. All of our residence halls have a fire sprinkler system in place.
• Emergency phones have been mounted at the main exterior entrances to Residence Halls. .
• Safety and security information is provided to the community in various printed formats: letters, memoranda, posters, “flyers”, newsletters, newspapers, booklets, e-mails and pamphlets. Safety Awareness Presentations are also offered to students, staff/faculty by request.
• A web based “Virtual Tip-Line” is available for individuals looking to report crimes anonymously.

Personal Property Insurance:
Aurora University does not carry insurance for theft of personal property.  If you live in a Residence Hall, contact your insurance agent to find out if you are covered by your family homeowner policy.  If you are not, it is suggested that you obtain renter's insurance.

Crime Statistics:
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires all colleges and universities that receive financial assistance, under the programs authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, to report the following crimes that occurred on "campus."   The definition of "campus" includes any property owned, controlled, or used by the University as well as all public property that is within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area of the institution such as a sidewalk, street, other thoroughfare, or parking facility, that provides immediate access to facilities owned or controlled by the institution.

• Murder - The willful (non-negligent) killing of a human being by another.
• Manslaughter - The killing of a human being through gross negligence.
• Sexual Offenses - Encompasses a number of sexual crimes involving penetration or intrusion (however slight) by whatever means against the victim's will.  
  • Forcible - Crimes categorized as forcible are: forcible rape, forcible sodomy, sexual assault with an object, and forcible fondling.    
  • Non-forcible - Non-forcible sex crimes include: incest and statutory rape
• Robbery - The taking or attempting to take, of anything of value under confrontational circumstances: by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear of immediate harm.
• Aggravated Assault - An unlawful attack by one person upon another where the offender uses a weapon or displays it in a threatening manner, or the victim suffers obvious severe or aggravated bodily injury involving apparent broken bones, loss of teeth, internal injury, severe laceration, or loss of consciousness.
• Burglary - The unlawful entry into a building or structure with the intent to commit a felony or theft.
• Arson - Any willful or malicious burning or attempt to burn, with or without intent to defraud, a dwelling house, public building, motor vehicle or aircraft, personal property of another, ect.
• Motor Vehicle Theft - The theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle.
• Liquor Law Violations - Violation of laws or ordinances prohibiting: the manufacture, sale, transporting, furnishing, possessing of intoxicating liquor; maintaining unlawful drinking places; bootlegging; operating a still; furnishing liquor to a minor or intemperate person; using a vehicle for illegal transportation of liquor, drinking on a train or public conveyance; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned (drunkenness and driving under the influence are not included in this definition).
• Drug Law Violations - Violations of State and local laws relating to the unlawful possession, sale, use, growing, manufacturing, and making of narcotic drugs.  The relevant substances include: opium or cocaine and their derivatives (morphine, heroin, codeine); marijuana; synthetic narcotics (Demerol, methadones); and dangerous nonnarcotic drugs (barbiturates, Benzadrine). 
• Weapon Law Violations - The violation of  laws or ordinances dealing with weapon offenses, regulatory in nature, such as: manufacture, sale, or possession of deadly weapons; carrying deadly weapons, concealed or openly; furnishing deadly weapons to minors; aliens possessing deadly weapons; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned.
• Disciplinary Referrals For University Alcohol Policy Violations  - Individuals referred for sanctions for the distribution, possession, or use of any alcoholic beverage while on campus or while attending any University sponsored event off campus. 
• Disciplinary Referrals For University Drug Policy Violations - Individuals referred for sanctions for the distribution, possession, or use of any illicit drug(s) while on campus or while attending any University sponsored event off campus.
• Disciplinary Referrals For University Weapon Policy Violations - Individuals referred for sanctions for the possession or use of firearms, explosive devices, air (pellet) guns, crossbows, slingshots, swords, knives (longer than 4"), shurikens, and other weapons or dangerous articles.

• Race = ra
• Gender = g
• Religion = re
• Sexual Orientation = s
• Ethnicity = e
• Disability = d