Campus Security Policies
I. Brenau University’s policy for reporting the annual disclosure of crime statistics:
Campus Safety and Security prepares this report to comply with The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. The full text of this report is located on the University’s web site at:
http://studentdevelopment.brenau.edu/services/safety-security/security_policies.htm
Printed copies may be obtained at the Campus Safety and Security Office located in Overton Hall. Several entities provide updated information on their educational efforts and programs to comply with the Act.
Campus crime, arrest and referral statistics include those reported to Campus Safety and Security, designated campus officials (including but not limited to vice presidents, deans, department heads, designated Student Services staff, resident assistants, advisors to student organizations, and athletic coaches), and local law enforcement agencies. Counselors of the University are exempt from reporting but are encouraged to inform their clients of the procedures to report crime on al voluntary and/or confidential basis, should they feel it is in the best interest of the client. A procedure is in place to anonymously capture crime statistics disclosed confidentially during such a session.
II. Brenau University's policy regarding the reporting of criminal incidents and emergencies:
Any emergency on-campus should be reported by dialing 911 and notifying Campus Safety and Security. Criminal incidents that are non-emergency should be reported to Campus Safety and Security at 1234 or 770-534-6202, if off campus. Incidents reports will be completed for internal use by Campus Safety and Security. The Gainesville Police Department may be called to assist investigating all criminal activity on campus.
III. Brenau University’s policy regarding voluntary confidential reporting:
If you are the victim of a crime and do not want to pursue action within the University System or the criminal justice system, you may still want to consider making a confidential report. With your permission, the Director of Campus Safety and Security or a designee 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 accurate records of the number of incidents involving students, 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 filed in this manner are counted and disclosed in the annual crime statistics for the institution.
IV. Brenau University’s policy on counselors reporting crime:
As a result of the negotiated rulemaking process which followed the signing into law the 1998 amendments to 20 U.S.C. Section 1092 (f), clarification was given to those considered to be campus security authorities. Campus “Pastoral Counselors” and Campus “Professional Counselors”, when acting as such, are not considered to be a campus security authority and are not required to report crimes for inclusion into the annual disclosure of crime statistics. As a matter of policy, they are encouraged; if and when they deem it appropriate, to inform persons being counseled of the procedures to report crimes on a voluntary basis, either confidentially or openly, for inclusion into the annual crime statistics. The rulemaking committee defines counselors as:
Pastoral Counselor – An employee of an institution, who is associated with a religious order or denomination, recognized by that religious order or denomination as someone who provides confidential counseling and who is functioning within the scope of that recognition as a pastoral counselor.
Professional Counselor – An employee of an institution whose official responsibilities includes providing psychological counseling to members of the institution’s community and who is functioning within the scope of his or her license or certification. An individual who is not yet licensed or certified as a counselor, but is acting in that role under the supervision of an individual, who meets the definition of a counselor, is considered to be a counselor for the purposes of the Clery Act.
V. Brenau University’s policy regarding timely warnings:
In the event that a situation arises, either on or off campus, that, in the judgment of Vice President for Student Services in conjunction with the Director of Campus Safety and Security constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat, a gray sheet will be distributed campus wide through the post office and a campus wide e-mail will be sent, specifically E2 Alerts.
VI. Brenau University's policy regarding security and access to halls/houses and campus buildings:
Residence halls and sorority houses are locked 24 hours a day. All classroom buildings are locked not later than 11:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. Students are allowed to remain in the Simmons Visual Arts Center and the Burd Center for the Performing Arts classrooms until 12:00 a.m. if they work in pairs. All classroom buildings are locked on weekends, except when the Evening and Weekend College is in session. With authorization from their professor, students are allowed in classrooms beyond the normal hours. Saturday or Sunday 9:00AM-6:00PM, or if the Professor with them.
VII. Brenau University's policy regarding campus law enforcement and relationship with City Police Department:
Campus Safety and Security officers are comprised of full time and part time employees who may be sworn or non-sworn officers. These officers have the authority to ask persons for identification and determine whether individuals have lawful business at the University. Officers who work for the Gainesville Police Department possess arrest powers. Criminal incidents are referred to the Gainesville Police Department who have jurisdiction on the campus. Campus Safety and Security maintains a highly professional working relationship with the Gainesville Police Department. All crime victims and witnesses are strongly encouraged to immediately report the crime to Campus Safety and Security. Prompt reporting will assure timely warning notices on-campus and timely disclosure of crime statistics.
VIII. Brenau University's programming activities about security procedures for students and employees:
Students, faculty and staff are informed about security procedures and what their responsibility is via informational pamphlets; regular meeting in halls and houses; faculty meetings; fall convocation; and, parents are informed at fall orientation and Family Weekend.
IX. Brenau University's programming for prevention of crimes:
Programs are designed to inform students, including, but not limited to: showing of safety videos in the residence halls and houses; informational programs presented by the Director of Security and the Vice President for Student Services each semester; distribution of a safety brochure outlining room security, walking on campus and in town, auto and bike safety, and fire prevention; presenting a sexual assault program to Brenau Women's College students in the fall; offering of a self defense class/program each semester.
X. Brenau University's off-campus sites:
Campus security is a major concern for off-campus sites and students are expected to abide by the safety and security regulations that are in force at each off-campus instructional location. Coordinators and instructors inform students of safety measures and precautions. Also, emergency messages and signs are posted in various locations.
XI. Brenau University's policy regarding criminal activity at off-campus student organizations:
No off-campus student organizations exist.
XII. Brenau University's policy on drugs and alcohol:
Brenau expects the university community, including students, to make responsible decisions about the use of alcohol when it may be legally possessed and consumed by individuals meeting age and sobriety standards. The ILLEGAL use or possession of alcohol, or of other substances illegal under Georgia law, will not be condoned or tolerated. Legal sanctions for the unlawful possession or distribution of illegal drugs and alcohol can be those imposed by Gainesville-Hall County, Georgia or the federal government. Additional sanctions may be imposed on students by the university which may include suspension or expulsion from the university.
The Substance Abuse Education/Treatment policy has been developed around the assumptions that employees represent a valuable resource which needs to be protected and enhanced; that substance abuse is an illness which is curable; and that many potential substance abuse problems may be prevented through education and information. Upon request, the University Counselor will assist employees with assessment and referral to community agencies and/or resources for substance abuse issues. Additional information is available in the “Faculty and Staff Guidelines”, Guideline 3-05 (Employee Substance Abuse and Assistance Program).
When students have been identified as having alcohol/drug related problems, the first responsibility of the institution is to help the student deal with the problem and locate treatment. Students may voluntarily seek help or be referred by appropriate faculty, staff or administrators of the University. A treatment approach rather than a punitive approach is the approved course of action. The Northeast Georgia area offers several drug and alcohol treatment facilities that provide the Hall County and greater Atlanta area with counseling, rehabilitation and re-entry plans. The University Counselor will work with the student to determine the best approach. More information is available in the “Student Handbook.”