CONTACT INFORMATION

Campus Safety Office   - 706-233-7218
The Gatehouse                - 706-295-5334
Emergency Number       - 706-233-7911

Office Location                - Fitton Student Union, Room 126

	Paula Penson Director of Campus Safety 706-233-7218 ppenson@shorter.edu
	James Hall Assistant Director, Campus Safety 706-233-7218 jhall@shorter.edu

MISSION

Our primary responsibility is to protect lives and property as well as to maintain an environment supportive of the educational mission of Shorter University.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director and with the assistance of the Assistant Director oversee this department. Campus Safety employs duty officers and gatehouse officers. All officers are trained in first aid and CPR. They patrol the campus on foot and by vehicle on a 24 hour basis. They are present to prevent illegal activity, enforce college regulations, check suspicious persons, and provide assistance and information to the campus community. Members of the department maintain a close working relationship with local, state, and federal law enforcement authorities and other emergency service organizations on matters related to campus security.

THE GATEHOUSE

The gatehouse controls and monitors vehicular access to the campus. The hours of operation are from 7pm-7am, weeknights and 24 hours weekends and holidays. Permissible vehicles include those with proper decals as well as those with proper identification, persons attending a scheduled public event, and an expected guest of the campus community.

If you are a resident and have a guest visiting campus, please notify the gatehouse at 706-295-5334 prior to the guest's arrival.

PARKING AND TRAFFIC REGULATIONS

The "Campus Safety Traffic Rules and Regulations" publication is the official policy and procedure document relating to those who operate vehicles on the Shorter University campus. Anyone operating a vehicle on campus is responsible for knowing and following these regulations. You may pick up a traffic brochure at the Campus Safety Office located in the Fitton Student Union, Room 126.

All returning and new students are required to register their vehicles. Students pay the registration fee in the Business Office, bring the receipt to Campus Safety, and fill out a brief form that includes information about make and model of vehicle, and personal information. An appropriate decal will be issued. Any decal purchased after August 27 for fall semester will cost $100. More information may be found in The Pinnacle, the student handbook.

CRIME PREVENTION

The goal of Campus Safety is to assure to the best of our ability the protection and preservation of life and property from criminal acts and physical hazards. The expected outcomes include: 

• the proper atmosphere in which to work and study
• a sense of security for members of the Shorter University community
• maintenance of an environment supportive of the educational mission of the University
• the ability to attract groups, visitors, and prospects to a pleasant campus
• fewer criminal incidents
• better protection for the University against liability risks

Residence hall staff members hold mandatory meetings at the beginning of the year (and with new students each semester) to explain regulations, fire and safety procedures, and the responsibilities of each student for his/her own security and that of others. These meetings, as well as other programs held throughout the year, include information on fire and crime prevention, alcohol and drug abuse, date rape, etc.

CRIME AWARENESS REPORTING

Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to report criminal actions, potentially hazardous actions, and other emergencies, by calling the emergency telephone (706) 233-7911, the Campus Safety Office at (706) 233-7218, or the Gatehouse at (706) 295-5334. In addition, Resident Directors have direct access to campus security via a two-way radio, and the City of Rome has the 911 emergency response systems. All incidents are reported to the college for follow up. Incidents regarding criminal activity and violent crime are to be reported to the Rome Police Department and are posted for the information of the campus community. The person who receives the report who has reasonable cause to believe that the report is valid shall make an oral report thereof immediately by telephone or otherwise to the appropriate police authority and district attorney. Any person required to make a report pursuant to the Code section who knowingly and willingly fails to do so shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. (Georgia Code 20-2-1184) Students, faculty, and staff have access to academic, recreational, and administrative facilities on campus. The general public may attend special events on campus. Residence halls are locked 24 hours a day and are accessible only to residents. Plant Operations inspect campus facilities regularly and respond immediately to reports of potential safety and security hazards.

The Campus Safety Director submits a regular activity report to the Vice President for Student Affairs. Rome Police Department reports are published weekly in the local newspaper and are monitored on campus.

ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act is the landmark federal law, originally known as the Campus Security Act, that requires colleges nd universities across the United States to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses.

2011 Crime Data
2011 Crime Data - Atlanta Campuses
2011 Fire Data
Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and Statement of Campus Security Policy

VIOLENT CRIME

If you are being threatened with physical harm, call 706-233-7911.

CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAMS

Contact the Office of Campus Safety for programs on the following topics:

• General crime prevention tips
• Rape prevention tips, as well as the importance of reporting rape even when you do not intend to prosecute
• Self defense for women

Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy

As a recipient of federal grants, Shorter University adheres to the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (as amended) and any applicable regulations issued pursuant thereto. This policy is reviewed biennially.

The use of alcohol, illegal drugs, and marijuana are prohibited at Shorter University, including all sites for the College of Adult and Professional Programs and any University sponsored event on or off campus , and are incompatible with the goals of the institution. The use of alcohol and /or illegal drugs is potentially harmful, physically and mentally, and often interferes with the user’s ability to function adequately in his or her academic and social life. It also often impinges upon the social and academic rights of others. Special efforts are made to keep alcohol and drugs off campus and to prevent distribution on campus. Several opportunities are offered throughout the year to learn about the effects of alcohol and drug abuse, as well as the danger of tobacco.

Georgia law prohibits the purchase or possession of alcohol by a person under the age of 21 or the furnishing of alcohol to such a person. Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is also illegal. It is against Georgia law to, under certain circumstances, walk or be upon the roadway while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. The punishment for these offenses may include mandatory treatment and education programs, community service, payment of a fine, imprisonment, and loss of one’s driver’s license. Students facing legal action off campus may be held accountable through the Shorter University judicial system. Under Georgia and federal law, it is a crime to possess, manufacture, sell or distribute illegal drugs. Shorter University expects all members of the community to comply with the state and federal laws pertaining to drugs. The sale, purchase, manufacture, distribution, and use of drug paraphernalia are prohibited. This does not apply to the possession and use of controlled substances as part of the care and treatment of disease or injury. 

Smoking Policy

The use of any form of tobacco is prohibited at Shorter University. The use of tobacco products is potentially harmful and often interferes with the user’s ability to function adequately in his or her academic and social life. It often impinges upon the social and academic rights of others, especially with consideration to second-hand smoke.

READ THE SMOKING POLICY

Alcohol and Other Drug Education is provided through the Office of Health Services. Social and educational programs are offered to encourage students to make low-risk decisions regarding alcohol and other drug use. All freshmen are required to participate in an online drug and alcohol educational program, which is followed up in their freshman seminar course. Residence Life also provides opportunities for students to participate in drug and alcohol education programs.

FIRE SAFETY

In case of fire, or if a fire alarm sounds, first check your door. If your door is hot, do not open—stuff wet towels under the door. If on a lower floor, you should leave by the window. Other residents should hang something out their window and wait until help arrives. If your door is cool, then open the door, look both ways down the hall, then leave by the nearest exit. Go immediately to your designated “Safe Area,” as far away from the fire as possible: Cooper and Van Hoose Halls: courtyard Alumni Hall: parking lot beside Newman Hall Newman Hall: parking lot Roberts Hall: parking lots Hazel Hall: parking lot Gwaltney, Mallary, and Townes Halls: library parking lot Bass Village: Soccer field

Rome, Sheffield-Thompson, Fitton Student Union, Minor Fine Arts, Cooper Fine Arts: Front Circle
 Winthrop King Centre: tennis courts
 High Acres: parking lot
 Welcome Center: parking lot below baseball field

Emergency Protocols - Student housing evacuation

Fire drills are conducted at various times throughout the year in accordance with local and state regulations. Residents are to cooperate with persons directing the drill and are to remain outside the building until the drill has been completed. When the fire alarm sounds, all students and guests must evacuate the building immediately. Please find the nearest exit and do not linger around the outside exit. Do not return to the building until proper authorization is given by the Residence Life Staff or Campus Safety. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action.

Tornado drills are conducted at various times throughout the year in accordance with local and state regulations.  Students are expected to seek the lowest level of shelter in the building in which they are present.  They should also stay clear of windows, doors, or other items which may become broken or airborne during a tornado.  When the emergency siren sounds all students and guests must go to the basement/lowest floor of the building.  Do not return to your room or daily activities until given proper authorization either from Residence Life Staff or Campus Safety.  Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action.

Note: Tampering with or removing fire alarms, fire extinguishers, exit signs, or other safety equipment is against the law. Likewise, giving false alarms is also against the law. Minimum sanctions for the first offense violation of tampering with fire and safety equipment is subject to penalties as set forth by State Law.

CAMPUS EMERGENCY INFORMATION

Personal Emergency Notifcation System

Shorter University has adopted a new emergency notification system, Shorter2U, to provide instant alerts regarding emergency situations, severe weather advisories, and school closings. Alerts can be received on your cell phone (via text message), email, or pager. While Shorter2U is offered free of charge to faculty, staff and students, it does require enrollment. After enrolling, log into your account, where you may provide up to two cell phone numbers and two email addresses.

Please go to https://scholar.shorter.edu and then the Campus Life Tab to register.

The Shorter2U system is powered by e2Campus, a leading mass-notification system for colleges and universities. Depending on your personal cell phone plan, there may be a nominal fee from your carrier to receive text messages, but there is no charge from the school to use this sevice.

Campus Community Notification

Shorter University has a siren on campus that can be used for several emergency situations. The most common use is severe weather. Please adhere to the evacuation plans for each building and wait until you hear the "All Clear" before returing to your normal activities.

Inclement Weather Policy

If a decision is made to cancel classes due to inclement weather, stations in the area will be notified by 6:00 a.m. if possible. The following is a list of radio and television stations that will broadcast cancellations or delay schedules for Shorter.

Local Radio

Atlanta Radio

Other Radio

Local Cable

Channels 4 and 10

Atlanta Cable

Channels 2, 5 and 11

The campus community will be notified by siren and a text message when the weather bureau issues a tornado warning. A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted in the area or weather radar has picked up rotation that could be a tornado. When the siren is sounded, all persons should go to an interior room on the lowest floor away from windows. Stay in the safe area until the all clear is issued.

The following procedures should be followed:

Call 911 - give your name, your exact location, and nature of the emergency.

Then notify Campus Safety at 706-233-7911. The Campus Safety Officer will begin notification procedures as soon as the patient is under EMS care.

During business hours, contact the Office Student Support Services at 706-233-7323. After hours call Campus Safety.

PERSONAL SAFETY

Lock and double-check your room door when you leave. Do not loan your keys. Promptly report lost keys. Record the serial numbers of expensive possessions. Put a secret mark on them for positive identification (serial numbers can be removed). Do not leave money or jewelry in your room that you cannot afford to lose. Be alert and report suspicious people, incidents, and activities. Use the buddy system when walking on campus at night. You may call 706-233-7911 for a security escort. Report thefts and burglaries to the Campus Safety Office immediately. Leave the room as you found it until an officer arrives. Also, notify your RA.

MISSING PERSON

Resident students are required on an annual basis to give Campus Safety a name and contact phone number for a person whom they wish the College would contact if they are missing. This information is maintained in the Campus Safety Office.

In the event that Campus Safety receives a report of a student that is considered missing, the Director or Assistant Director of Campus Safety shall be notified as soon as possible. If, after a brief investigation, it is determined that the student is in fact missing, the Vice President for Student Affairs will be notified along with Rome Police Department. If the student is under 18 years old, the parent or guardian will be notified. If a student is over 18 years old, the person designated as a contact will be notified. Campus Safety will cooperate with the police department by providing any information they may need to launch a missing person report and investigation.