Compliance Document for the Jeanne Cleary Disclosure

 of Campus Security Police and Campus Crime Statistics Act

Thomas College Security/Safety Report for 2000

 

Reporting Period:  January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2000

 

 

This information is being provided as part of Thomas College’s commitment to security and safety on campus and is the compliance document for the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1999, which has been amended and is now called the Jeanne Cleary Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1999.

 

Thomas College is a private institution of higher education, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in the business arts.  The campus population consists of 475 full-time day students and another 600 graduate and continuing education students in the evening division.  The College is located on 70 acres of rural landscape in Waterville, Maine.

 

Reporting of Criminal Actions or Emergencies

 

The Security Department is the unit responsible for campus security and safety. Security may be reached twenty-four hours a day by dialing extension 399 from any campus phone, or by dialing 859-1399 from a private phone.  Thomas College security personnel are employees of the College.  Full- and part-time officers are certified in CPR and First Aid.  Security officers make routine vehicle and foot patrols of the campus grounds, residence halls, and the administration/academic building.  The Town of Waterville police and fire departments are the primary providers of law enforcement, ambulance service, and fire protection for Thomas College.  In case of emergency, campus community members may dial 911 for the above services or dial Security at extension 399.  Security will call local police, fire, and ambulance services.  The Department of Security and Safety does not have law enforcement powers and will investigate only minor crimes such as petty theft or vandalism.  More serious crimes are turned over to the Waterville Police Department for full investigation. 

 

Any victim of rape or sexual assault should do the following:

 

It is extremely important to tell someone if you have been sexually assaulted.  The physical and psychological ramifications of sexual assault are serious for any  person having been assaulted is at risk for possible contact with sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection.  Women are at risk for possible unwanted pregnancies as well.

 

In addition, physical injuries may be sustained during the assault--injuries that may go unnoticed by the victim immediately after the assault due to trauma.

Therefore, medical attention is essential, even if the victim does not choose to report the assault to local authorities or the College.

 

If the victim chooses to report an assault, prompt medical attention is necessary to obtain the forensic evidence necessary to assist in the apprehension of the assailant.  Washing or changing clothing before getting help often destroys critical evidence.

 

The psychological and emotional aftereffects of sexual assault–or attempted assault–can result in severe emotional and  psychological symptoms, including anger, fear, shame, nightmares, nausea, loss of appetite, depression, phobias, crying jags, etc.  It is important for the victim to realize that these are normal reactions, and they will eventually subside.  Sexual assault is an act of violence against the body as well as the mind.  Victims often need help in dealing with their feelings and reactions to this trauma.

 

In the event of sexual assault, members of the campus community, male or female, are urgently advised to contact New Growth Sexual Violence and Support Center, Inc. in Waterville at 1-800-525-4441.  Trained advocates are available 24 hours a day to answer your questions, provide support, and, if you wish, accompany you to the hospital immediately after an assault--whether or not you choose to involve the police. (The Vice President for Student Affairs and the Director of Student Life can answer questions and offer support). 

 

For more details, please refer to the Thomas College Student Handbook or the Employee Handbook.

 

Access to Campus Facilities

 

All buildings and facilities are accessible to the College community.  Student guests and visitors must preregister with campus security, at which time they will be issued a guest pass.  Exterior doors on campus buildings are locked and secured after normal operating hours.  Security personnel routinely check all buildings on campus, but place a special emphasis on student residence facilities.  All exterior doors to Heath, Parks, and Grant residence halls are locked by Security at 12 midnight with the exception of the main entrance, which is locked at 1 a.m.  After 1 a.m., people wishing to enter must contact a security officer to gain access.

 

Campus Security & Law Enforcement Authority

 

Campus security officers are responsible for the security and safety of the campus community, which includes students, staff, and property.  Thomas College security officers are not armed and do not have law enforcement power.  However, they do maintain a close working relationship with the Waterville Police Department.  When additional assistance is required or an arrest is to be made, the Waterville Police Department is called.

 

Security & Maintenance of Campus Facilities

 

Thomas College regularly inspects its buildings, grounds, and facilities to ensure safety.  Security and maintenance personnel closely monitor maintenance and security deficiencies such as campus lighting, door locking systems, etc.

 

As of 1998, Thomas College residence hall fire alarm systems tie directly into the Waterville Fire Department headquarters,  cutting response time to a minimum.  Residence facilities have smoke detectors and audible and strobe alarm systems.  Students are required to participate in fire drills that are conducted several times per year.

 

Security Awareness and Crime Prevention Programs

 

Crime prevention and sexual assault brochures are made available through the Student Affairs office and the Health Center.  In addition to printed materials, workshops and programs are offered during the New Student Orientation to cover a variety of topics such as date rape, sexual assault, drug and alcohol awareness, and other pertinent topics.  Workshops of this type are also presented during the academic year.  Residence hall staff are responsible for providing residents with programs addressing issues such as fire safety, alcohol awareness, and other health and security issues.

 

Reporting a Crime

 

Thomas College is committed to keeping the College community well-informed about campus crimes and crime-related problems.  The following outlines these efforts:

 

1.  Daily Crime Log - the Security Department maintains a daily log of reported crimes.  This report is available upon request.  It includes the  date, time, location, and nature of the crime, along with the status of the complaint.

 

2.  Crime Alerts and Emergency Notifications - the College community is informed via crime alerts identifying dangerous or potentially dangerous situations.  These alerts appear in the following forms:  campus e-mail, posted alerts on bulletin boards, campus “events” channel, and through residence life and security safety briefings.

 

3.  Certified Crime Reporting - the Security Department at Thomas College, as required by law, makes its crime statistics available to the U. S. Department of Education.

 

Policies Related to Campus Crime

 

Sexual Assault/Harassment

 

Sexual assault, including rape by an acquaintance or stranger, is prohibited by Thomas College policy and Maine State law.  Thomas College does not tolerate sexual assault in any form.  Violators of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the College.  Maine laws have now replaced the term “crime of rape” with “crime of gross sexual assault.”

 

Sexual harassment of either students or employees is a violation of  Federal and State laws.  It is the policy of  Thomas College that no member of the College community may sexually harass another.  Thomas College will regard freedom from sexual harassment as an individual student or employee right; one that will be safeguarded as a matter of policy.  Any student or employee will be subject to disciplinary action for violation of this policy.

 

 

The following is a partial list of examples of sexual harassment:

 

                -- Deliberate touching, leaning over, cornering, or

                         pinching

                -- Comments about someone else’s body

                -- Sexual remarks or suggestions

                -- Conversations or letters of a sexual nature

                -- Pornographic pictures or stories

                -- Obscene gestures

                -- Offensive display of sex-related objects

                -- Sexual jokes

                -- Looks, leers, noises, or gestures

                -- Pressure for dates or sexual favors

                -- Actual attempted rape or sexual assault

 

Any reports of incidents involving sexual assault or harassment will immediately be referred by the Director of Student Life to the Judicial Review Board.  If a violation is found to have occurred, penalties may include a $100 fine, disciplinary probation, 20 hours of community service, or dismissal from the College.

 

Depending upon the seriousness of the potential violation(s); local, state, and federal authorities may also be asked to assist with any investigation of the facts.

 

Such disciplinary action may include verbal or written warning, required counseling, suspension from school or employment, or termination of student or employee status.  In addition, violators may be referred to law enforcement authorities for prosecution.

 

 

Sexual Assault Information

 

While recognizing the different needs of victims, there are a range of ways to report the perpetrator’s behavior.  A student may pursue any or all of these options.  If the victim desires criminal prosecution through the courts, the matter should be reported to the proper law enforcement authorities.

 

If the accused is a Thomas College student and the victim does not want to take action through the courts but wishes the College to take formal action against the offender, the matter should be reported to the Vice President for Student Affairs or the Director of Student Life.

 

The accuser and accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a disciplinary hearing.  The accuser is also entitled to be informed of the Judicial Board decions and any sanctions imposed concurrent with notice to the accused.  Restrictions of confidentiality shall apply equally to victim and accused.

 

A victim of rape or sexual assault may request a change in living areas or academic situations.  If reasonably available, the student will be reassigned to another room or class as required.

 

Alcohol and Substance Abuse

 

Thomas College prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of any illegal drug or substance by students and employees on college property or at any activities associated with the institution.

 

Students are expected to be aware of and to observe the State and Federal statutes concerning the illegal possession, use, distribution, sale, and manufacturing of those drugs that have been designated as subject to State and Federal drug laws.

 

Anyone found in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary actions.  Such actions may include fines, required counseling, verbal or written warnings, suspension from school or employment, or termination of student or employee status.  Violators may also be referred to law enforcement authorities for prosecution.

 

Thomas College views alcohol and substance abuse as a serious problem that all institutions of higher learning must address.  In compliance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act and the Drug Free Workplace Act, the College publishes and distributes a student handbook to all day students and an employee handbook to all full- and part-time employees.  Each document contains in-depth information regarding substance abuse, sexual harassment, sexual assault protocols, and where to get help.  Also covered in depth are the State and Federal alcohol and drug laws, criminal and civil offenses, and the sanctions that can be imposed.

 

For a copy of the student handbook, contact the Student Affairs office.  The employee manual may be obtained through the office of the Vice President for Financial Affairs.

 

 

 

 

Counseling Services

 

Thomas College has counseling services available to help students deal with issues around substance abuse and sexual assault.  You may discuss problems with Health Center personnel, the Vice  President for Student Affairs, the Director of Student Life, the resident life staff, or through your supervisor if you are an employee.  These individuals can also help you get assistance from trained professionals in the community.

 

 

 

 

Resources for Substance Abuse

 

Cocaine Hotline                                          (800) COCAINE

 

Maine Alcohol and Drug Abuse             (800) 322-5004

Clearinghouse (for treatment

services information)

                                                               

Maine Bureau of Drug Enforcement      (800) 452-6457

   (Anonymous & confidential-you may

          report illegal drug activity)

 

MaineGeneral Medical Center                  (800) 225-3131

 

New Directions                                            (207) 873-1127

 

 

Resources for Sexual Assault

 

Family Violence Project                              (800) 498-1930

 

Inland Hospital                                            (207) 873-0731

 

Kennebec County District                         (207) 872-2240

        Attorney’s Office

 

Kennebec County Sheriff’s                       (800) 498-1930

        Department

 

MaineGeneral Medical Center                  (207) 872-1000

 

Maine State Police                                      (800) 482-0730

 

New Growth Sexual Violence                    (800) 525-4441

         and Support Center

 

Statewide Sexual Assault Hotline            (800) 871-7741

 

Waterville Police Department                   (800) 872-5551

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAMPUS CRIME STATISTICS FOR 2000

 

(OC)  On Campus

(NC)  In or on a non-campus building or property

(PP)  On public property

(RH)  In residence halls or other residential facilities for

           students on campus

 

                                                                                                                                                OC          NC          PP           RH

 

I.              Murder                                                                                                                     0              0              0             0

II.            Sex Offenses - Forcible                                                                                         0              0              0              0

                Sex Offenses - Non-Forcible                                                                                0              0              0              1

III.           Robbery                                                                                                                   0              0              0              0

IV.           Aggravated Assault                                                                                              0              0              0              0

V.            Burglary - Forcible                                                                                                 0              0              0              0

                Burglary - Non-Forcible                                                                                       0              0              0            16

VI.           Motor-vehicle Theft                                                                                              0              0              0              0

VII.          Manslaughter                                                                                                         0              0              0              0

VIII.        Arson                                                                                                                       0              0              0              0

IX.           Arrests or Persons Referred for Campus Disciplinary Action for:

                Liquor-law Arrests                                                                                                 0              0              0              8

                Drug-related Arrests                                                                                             0              0              0              0

                Weapons Arrests                                                                                                                  0              0              0              0

                Alcohol Offenses                                                                                                   0              0              0            51

                Drug Offenses                                                                                                        0              0              0            16

 

*  These crime statistics were proved by the Waterville Police Department.  The crimes in question took place on public property and are not

     associated with Thomas College.

 

PART I OFFENSES                                                                                                                1999                                    1998

 

MURDER                                                                                                                                   0                                             0

ARSON                                                                                                                                       0                                             0

SEX OFFENSES - FORCIBLE                                                                                                  0                                             0

SEX OFFENSES - NON-FORCIBLE                                                                       1                                             0

ROBBERY                                                                                                                                  0                                             0

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT                                                                                                    0                                             0

BURGLARY - FORCIBLE                                                                                        3                                             0

                   - NON-FORCIBLE                                                                                                  8                                             8

MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT                                                                                      0                                             1

HATE/BIAS INCIDENTS                                                                                                        0                                             0

MANSLAUGHTER                                                                                                                  0                                             0

 

PART II OFFENSES                                                                                                               1999                                    1998

               

LIQUOR LAW ARRESTS                                                                                       20                                           2

DRUG LAW ARRESTS                                                                                                            1                                            0

WEAPONS ARRESTS                                                                                                              0                                            0

REFERRALS FOR CAMPUS

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

                ALCOHOL OFFENSES                                                                                            44                                          27

                DRUG OFFENSES                                                                                                     19                                           4

                WEAPONS OFFENSES                                                                                             0                                           0

 

*  Data not available