Campus Security &
Safety Report
Introduction
The purpose of this report is to provide our faculty,
staff, and students with campus security and safety information in order
that their experiences at
Westchester
Community College may be
safe and enjoyable. This report
is prepared by the Westchester Community College Security Department and any
questions regarding it should be directed to Campus Security, located in
Room #113 of the Student
Center
Building, or telephone (914) 606-6730.
This report is filed as required by the federal “Crime Awareness and
Campus Security Act,” (hereafter referred to as the Campus Safety Act) which
was last amended in 1998. This report includes statistics for the previous
three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus, in certain
off campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Westchester
Community College, and on public property within, or immediately adjacent
to, and accessible from the campus. This report also includes institutional
policies concerning campus security, alcohol and drug use, crime prevention,
the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters.
The Advisory Committee on
Campus Safety will provide upon request all campus crime statistics as
reported to the United States Department of Education.
To obtain these crime statistics, access the U.S. Department of
Education website at:
http://www.ope.ed.gov/security/Search.asp.
To get a copy of the full report and crime statistics,
contact the Security Office, Room 113 in the Student Center
Building (914-606-6730)
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Emergency Alert System
In case of a major campus EMERGENCY, Westchester
Community College wants to
contact YOU.
You may sign up for this emergency alert system at
http://www.suny.edu/sunyalert.
You will be required to provide your name and an e-mail address, as
well as information for any additional notification media you would like to
enroll (i.e.- cell phone, text message, fax, etc.). Your information will be kept confidential and
ONLY used in a major emergency.
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Campus Security Objective
The objective of Campus Security is to provide a safe environment for teaching,
research and social endeavors and to protect the lives and property of the
students, employees, and visitors to Westchester
Community College. This objective is pursued within the framework of
Westchester
Community College’s rules
and regulations and all local, state, and federal laws. The investigation of
crimes committed on campus fall under the jurisdiction the Westchester County
Police with assistance from the Director of Campus Security and his assistants.
Campus Security administrators maintain an excellent rapport with the local
police and work closely with them to maintain a safe campus.
The college upholds the rights of students and staff to know of incidents
which occur on campus, measures taken to promote precautions, and swift
effective responses to crises. The responsibility for maintaining personal
and campus safety is shared by all students, faculty, and staff of the
College.
Westchester Community College and the Security Department recognize the
necessity of a community which is open and intellectually stimulating, where
diversity of ideas is valued and every person’s safety, dignity and autonomy is respected whether they are students, faculty, or
staff, and regardless of race, ethnicity, age, religion, class, national origin,
gender, sexual orientation, or disability.Top
The Campus Sex Crimes Prevention
Act
The Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act (section 106 of Public Law
106-39) is a federal law enacted on October 28, 2000 that provides for the
tracking of convicted sex offenders enrolled at or employed by institutions
of higher education. This law requires institutions of higher education to
issue a statement advising the campus community where law enforcement agency
information provided by a State, concerning registered sex offenders, may be
obtained. In New York,
you can obtain this information by contacting the Division of Criminal
Justice Services at 1-900-288-3838 or visiting their web site at
http://www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us/nsor/index.htm.
To request information you must be at least 18 years old and must provide
your name, address, and telephone number. The Information Line is open
Monday through Friday from 8:00 am
to 5:00 pm.; it is not
open on state holidays.
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Student Enrollment/Employees
In the Fall Semester of 2004, a total of 11,935 students (5,505
full time and 6,430 part-time) were enrolled at Westchester Community
College.
Continuing education students brought the total number served by the
college to over 18,700. In addition, the college has 556 full time employees
and over 1,000 adjunct professors.
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Security and Access to Campus
Facilities
In order to gain access to campus facilities outside of normal
college hours (Monday-Friday
7am-10:30pm), persons must arrange with the Facilities
Coordinator for the use of the facilities. After permission has been
obtained, the Director of Security must be contacted for arrangements to
gain access to the building(s). The Director of Security in conjunction with
other administrators will determine the need for Westchester County Police
or contract security officers to be assigned to events held at
Westchester
Community College. Any
incidents occurring at these events should be reported to, and handled by
Campus Security.
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Reporting of On-Campus Crimes and
Incidents
The Director of Campus Security at Westchester Community records
crime and incident statistics throughout the year. These statistics are
recorded in monthly campus security reports sent to the President of the
college and the Dean and Vice President of Administrative Services. These
statistics are totaled at the end of the year and shared with the college
community. These statistics are also reported to the United States
Department of Education and made available to the public. The last section
of this report contains campus crime statistics including arrests and
disciplinary referral made to campus authorities for alcohol, drugs, and
weapons possession. As defined by the Campus Safety Act, a referral is an
instance when a student is formally reported in writing to a college officer
for possible sanction.
As required by the Campus Safety Act, Westchester Community
College must include hate crime statistics in
this report. A hate crime occurs when a person is victimized intentionally
because of his/her actual or perceived race, gender, religion, sexual
orientation, ethnicity or disability.
Formal requests for crime statistics for areas defined
as “public property” and “non-campus buildings and property” were made with
local police departments for the main campus and all off site locations. The
definitions of these offenses, which are defined in the “Uniform Crime
Report” and the “Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act,” appear later in
this report.
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Daily Crime Log
Campus Security maintains a daily log of crimes and incidents
occurring on campus that is available for the public to view. This
information is recorded by date, time, general location, and disposition of
the complaint. The daily log is available at the Security Office, Student
Center, Room #113 Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entries or
updates are generally made within two business days after the event occurs.
Incidents or situations deemed to pose a threat to the campus community are
logged as soon as possible. While most events are logged, the Director of
Campus Security may determine that an incident be temporarily classified as
“confidential” in order not to jeopardize a criminal investigation or the
identity of a victim.
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Campus Security and Their
Relationship with Law Enforcement
The Westchester County Department of Public Safety has primary law
enforcement jurisdiction at the Valhalla Campus and is responsible for the
investigation of all crimes reported on campus.
Primary law enforcement jurisdiction at each
Extension
Center falls to the Police
Department having jurisdiction in the municipality where the center is
located.
Members of the Campus
Security Department do not have peace or police officer arrest powers, but
two members of the Westchester Community College Campus Security Department
are former Lieutenants of the New York City Police Department and have
extensive knowledge of police procedures. In addition, the following is the
status of Campus Security:
-
Uniformed Security
Officers and Supervisors are provided twenty-four hours a day, seven
days a week through a contract service.
-
Uniformed security
staffing levels are adjusted throughout the year as appropriate.
Staffing levels are highest during the fall and spring semesters,
when the college is open.
-
The guardhouse is staffed
twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
-
Immediate response to
emergencies is provided by Security Department personnel and by
Westchester County Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical personnel.
-
Westchester County Police
patrol the campus Monday through Friday, eight hours a day, during the
fall and spring semesters.
-
Additional Uniformed
Security Officers and/or Westchester County Police Officers are provided
as needed for special events.
NOTE: The contract security officers receive eight
hours of pre-employment training, sixteen hours of on the job training, and
eight hours of annual refresher training as required by New York State.
Additionally, all Security Officers receive 16 hours of site-specific
training at the college prior to assignment. They do not have police or
peace officer arrest powers.
Criminal activity at off-campus property is monitored
by the Campus Security Department in cooperation with the local police.
Students involved in off-campus situations involving alcohol/drug offenses
or other criminal activities may be referred for campus disciplinary procedures.
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Investigation of Violent Felony
Offenses & Missing Students
Article 129-A of the New York State Education Law requires all
public, private, community colleges and universities in New York State to
adopt and implement rules and a plan for investigating violent felony
offenses committed on campus and also for the investigation of any report
received of a missing student who resides on campus. Furthermore, the law
requires that the plan shall provide for coordination with local enforcement
agencies, and shall include written agreements with these agencies for the
prompt investigation of these crimes.
In compliance with this requirement,
Westchester Community College has established a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Westchester County Department of
Public Safety, establishing guidelines for the coordination of law
enforcement efforts on the campus and the investigation of crimes, including
those listed above.
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Advisory Committee on Campus
Security
As required by Article 129-A of the New York State Education Law,
Westchester Community College maintains an Advisory
Committee on Campus Security.
This committee meets regularly to review, and recommend improvements to,
Westchester Community College
policies and procedures relating to a variety of security and personal
safety issues. The Advisory
Committee on Campus Safety will provide upon request all campus crime
statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education.
See the introduction above for further information about receiving
these statistics.
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Crime Prevention Activities
The Westchester Community College campus is generally a safe and
secure environment; however, it is a public access facility, and we cannot
guarantee who is on the campus and for what purpose. You must be alert for
your own safety and security. Listed below are some suggestions for your
safety:
- Pay careful attention to your personal belongings.
- Keep purses, gym bags, book bags and wallets
in your view or under lock and key.
- Because textbooks are expensive, they may be a
temptation to a thief. Put your name on each book, and do not leave
your books unattended.
- Lock your car doors each time you leave the car.
- Leave nothing in your car within view of a
potential thief. Do not, for instance, store your books on the back
seat.
- Have your car keys in hand before leaving a
building.
- Evening students in particular are encouraged to
walk in groups to cars and bus stops after leaving class or the Library.
- Members of the college community are urged to
secure their valuables and be aware of their surroundings.
Additionally, the following security measures are in
place for your safety:/p>
- Campus Security in conjunction with other
departments hold educational programs each semester on a variety of
topics including personal safety awareness, rape awareness, sexual
assault training, and anti theft programs.
- Information on safety and security is provided to
students and employees upon request via seminars, crime alerts, campus
wide e-mail, posters, and the college student newspaper.
- During orientation, students are informed of
upcoming safety programs and the safety services available on campus.
- The campus is well lighted in parking areas and
pathways frequently traveled by students.
- There are Emergency Blue Light Phones
strategically-located throughout the campus that connect directly with
the County Police
without having to dial. These phones are for emergencies requiring
immediate police assistance.
Directions for proper use are printed on the inside of the call box in
English and Spanish.
- There is a “Campus Emergency Phone” in the lobby
of each building. This phone will
automatically dial the college Emergency Number (ext. 6-911) when
activated.
- By calling extension 6984, or (914) 606-6984 from
an outside phone, a person may request an
escort to his/her automobile.
- To contact the Security Department for an
emergency dial 6-911 from any college phone. If calling from a
payphone or other outside phone, dial (914) 606-6911.
- It should be noted that in addition to the above
security suggestions the College makes
free cell phones available
for any student in need of a 911 emergency connection. Please contact
our Security Office in the Student Center.
- The Security Department will assist students and
staff in obtaining and enforcing
orders of protection when
necessary.
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Bias Crimes Information
Generally, a person commits a hate crime when he or she commits a
specified offense and is
motivated in whole or in part by bias on the part of the offender toward
the race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual
orientation, age (sixty or older), or disability of the victim.
Penalties for bias related crimes range from monetary
fines up to a minimum of twenty years in prison, depending on the nature of
a specific offense. Specific
information regarding hate crime offenses and related penalties may be
obtained from article 485 of the New York State Penal Law.
Whenever a member of the college community becomes a
victim of a bias related crime, that member shall notify the Westchester
Community College Security Department as soon as possible. The Security
Department will respond, ascertain information for a report, and make the
following notifications as appropriate:
-
Local police
-
President’s office
-
Associate
Dean of Student Personnel Services
-
Counseling
-
Director of Personnel (staff involved)
-
Other
notifications where warranted
All reports of bias crimes will be investigated and
perpetrators will be subject to administrative discipline consistent with Westchester Community College policies and procedures
as well as criminal prosecution as allowed by law.
The Westchester Community College Department of
Counseling and Student Development is available to assist any individual who
believes they are the victim of a bias crime. The services include not only
the coordination of intervention with other campus departments, but also on
campus counseling as well as referrals to off-campus agencies and services.
The only bias crimes that have been reported to the
Westchester Community College Security Department have been defacing of
property by writing disparaging remarks, tearing/scratching posters, etc.
The Security Department utilizes the following methods
to advise students, faculty and staff about security measures on campus:
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Sexual Crimes Information
Westchester Community College () is committed to creating a community
free from violence. Sexual assault, harassment, dating/domestic violence and
stalking as defined by State and Federal law will not be tolerated at
Westchester Community College, college supported events or activities, or at
functions of recognized student organizations, on or off campus. Westchester
Community College will take action, as needed, to discourage, prevent,
correct and if necessary, discipline behavior that violates this standard of
conduct. Such discipline will depend on the nature of the offense and may
range from a disciplinary warning up to and including expulsion from the
college. More detailed
information related to disciplinary process and sanctions may be found in
the Student Handbook.
Additionally, such offenses may constitute crimes
according to Federal and New York State Law and would be subject to criminal
prosecution.
Confidentiality is fundamental to all aspects of cases
dealing with sexual assault. The names of sexual assault victims shall not
be revealed by persons responsible for implementing and enforcing the
provisions of this policy, except with the consent of the victim.
General Definition of Terms
Sexual Assault is defined as any sexual contact/ intrusion/ penetration
that is absent or without consent by all parties. Examples include, but are
not limited to: a) touching breasts or another’s genitals without their
consent (through clothing or skin to skin contact), b) having sexual
contact/ intrusion/ penetration with someone who is incapacitated (one who
is incapable of making a rational decision; e.g. from alcohol/drug usage),
c) continuing sexual activity after either party has made clear, either
verbally or by conduct, that they do not wish to have physical contact.
Dating/Domestic Violence is the intentional use of
abusive tactics and physical force in order to obtain and maintain power and
control over an intimate partner.
Stalking is defined in general terms as engaging in a
course of conduct or repeatedly committing acts towards another person,
including following another person without proper authority with either:
intent to place the person in reasonable fear of bodily injury, or intent to
cause substantial emotional distress to the person.
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Applicable Laws & Penalties
New York State laws applicable to sexual assault are found in
Article 130 of the New York State Penal Code. The laws provide the legal
definitions of sex offenses. One significant element of every sex offense
is the lack of consent.
Forcing or coercing someone to have sexual intercourse
or engage in other sexual behavior is against the law.
Specifically, in
New York State, if a woman has sexual intercourse
because she is fearful for her life or her safety, or if she is unable to
consent, the behavior of the perpetrator is considered rape.
The perpetrator does not need to use a weapon or beat her to make her
fearful for her safety.
She is considered unable to consent if she is
incapacitated or is physically helpless due to drug or alcohol consumption,
is mentally incompetent, is asleep, or is less than 17 years of age.
If a female has intercourse under these circumstances, it is rape.
Forcing or coercing a man or a woman to engage in any sexual experience
other than sexual intercourse under the circumstances mentioned above is
considered sexual abuse.
In part, the law defines various offenses and
applicable penalties as follows:
Sexual
Misconduct, a class A misdemeanor, up to 1 year imprisonment
Rape in the Third Degree, a class E felony, up to 3 years
imprisonment
Rape in the Second Degree, a class D felony, up to 19years
imprisonment
Rape in the. First Degree, a class B felony, up to 25 years
imprisonment
Sodomy in the Third Degree, a class E felony, up to 3 years
imprisonment
Sodomy in the Second Degree, a class D felony, up to 10 years
imprisonment
Sodomy in the First Degree, a class B felony, up to 25 years
imprisonment
Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, a class A misdemeanor, up to
1year imprisonment
Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a class D felony, up to 10 years
imprisonment.
Stalking in the Fourth Degree, a class B misdemeanor, up to 6 months
imprisonment and a fine.
Stalking in the Third Degree, a class A misdemeanor.
Stalking in the Second Degree, a class E Felony.
Stalking in the First Degree, a class D Felony.
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Sexual Assault
Allegations of sexual assault or rape should be reported to the Police
by dialing 911 or Campus Security at the emergency number 6-911 or (914)
606-6730. A professional staff member from Westchester Community College
will meet with you confidentially and will pursue formal disciplinary action
only with your consent. Both the accused and the accuser are entitled to the
same opportunities to have others present during such proceedings, and both
the accused and accuser are informed of the outcome of such proceedings.
Anyone may initiate such an action against a Westchester Community College
student.
Victims of a sex offense will also be informed of their
option to notify either Campus Security or the County Police,
and will be assisted by college personnel in notifying the police if
desired.
If You
Have Been Sexually Assaulted
-
Go to a safe
place. Call someone you trust for support. Sexual Assault Crisis Line
Counselors are available 24 hours a day. To be automatically connected
with 24-hour rape hotline, please call (914) 345-9111.
-
Help preserve evidence. Don't change anything about
the scene where the assault occurred.
Don't wash any part of your body, comb your hair or change
clothes.
-
Get medical attention as soon as possible. A
medical examination is important to detect injury and for possible
protection against a sexually transmitted disease or pregnancy.
-
Think about reporting the assault to the police.
Telling the police does not mean that you have to prosecute (go
to trial).
-
If you do want to prosecute, it is essential to
have a rape exam at a hospital emergency room soon after the assault. To
increase your options later, this exam is recommended, even if you are
unsure about prosecution.
-
Following a sexual assault, you may feel shock,
embarrassment, shame, guilt, disbelief, anger, anxiety or nothing at
all. These are all normal reactions to a violent crime.
-
Remember, IT
IS NOT YOUR FAULT.
-
Sometimes months or even years after an assault,
survivors re-experience feelings they had immediately following the
attack. Counseling or support groups may help at these times.
-
You may be eligible for compensation of medical
costs or losses incurred as a result of a sexual assault. In order to
receive assistance, contact Victims Assistance Services at (914)
345-3113.
-
Decisions made after a sexual assault are
difficult; there are no right answers, only what is right for you. Get
the support you deserve.
Victims Rights
-
Victims have the right to choose counseling and
medical treatment and to prosecute and report their case through the
college judicial system and or the off-campus court system. They have
the right to refuse all these options without reproach from any
university personnel.
-
Victims
have the right to be treated with dignity and seriousness by campus
personnel.
-
Victims of crimes against an individual have the
right to be reasonably free from intimidation and harm.
-
College personnel are encouraged to inform all
victims that:
-
Victims are not responsible for crimes committed
against them
-
Victims are not negligent and do not assume the
risk of crime
-
Victims should always report their crime, despite
the possibility of adverse publicity for the university
-
Victims will be made aware of appropriate student
services, including counseling
-
Victims are entitled to the same support
opportunities available to the accused in a campus disciplinary
proceeding
-
The victim has the right to information regarding
the status of his/her case
-
Any victim who does not wish to remain in his/her
present class section may be granted a transfer to another class section
if available
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Substance Abuse and Sexual Assault
Some Basic Facts on the criminal use of sedating substances to
facilitate sexual assault:
For centuries alcohol has been used to facilitate
sexual assault. Today it remains the substance most frequently associated
with date rape, and the most accessible sedating substance. Other sedating
drugs are increasingly being misused to commit sexual assault by spiking
victims' beverages. These are referred to by a number of street names of
which you should be aware. These include Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid X, Grievous
Bodily Harm and Easy Lay for GHB, and Special K for ketamine. Common street
names for Rohypnol include Roofies, Roachies, La Rocha and the forget pill.
The physical effects of alcohol and sedating drugs are
very similar and include impaired judgment and motor coordination,
disinhibition, dizziness, confusion and extreme drowsiness. If enough
alcohol or sedating substances are consumed, an individual may fall
unconscious or may not remember the details of what occurred. Depending
on the substance and the presence of alcohol and other drugs in the person's
system, more dangerous and sometimes life-threatening side effects may
occur.
How to reduce the risk of being drugged and sexually
assaulted:
-
Do not leave beverages unattended.
-
Do not take any beverages, including alcohol,
from someone you do not know well and trust.
-
At a bar or club, accept drinks only from the
bartender or server.
-
At parties, do not accept open-container
drinks from anyone.
-
Be alert to the behavior of friends and ask
them to watch out for you. Anyone extremely intoxicated after consuming only
a small amount of alcohol may be in danger.
-
Limit alcohol consumption so you are better
able to assess your surroundings and eat substantive food before drinking to
help curb its sedating effects.
-
When drinking in social settings, make
arrangements with a friend so that you can leave together.
Most importantly, remember that whether you follow
these tips or not, if someone sexually assaults you, it is not your
fault. You are never to blame for someone else's actions.
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Precautions
Even the best self-defense program cannot completely prevent sexual
assault.
Be aware that everyone is a potential victim of sexual
assault. The most vulnerable target is a woman alone. It is a myth that
assault is provoked by a woman's dress or mannerisms.
Opportunity and vulnerability are the key factors. Over 80
percent of all sexual assaults are committed by an acquaintance of the
victim, but almost half of these victims tell no one about the attack. Many
attacks begin with casual conversation. If your gut-level response to a
stranger or friend is uneasiness, try and get out of the situation as
quickly as possible, even if it means being rude or making a scene. The keys
to prevention are awareness, trusting your intuition, and assertive
behavior. Take the time to think ahead what you might do in the event of an
attack.
The following tips are designed to increase your
awareness of personal safety and to encourage you to think ahead about how
you would react if assaulted:
-
Be
alert to your surroundings
-
Know your route and stay in well-lighted
areas. Walk confidently.
-
Walk with other people whenever possible.
-
Consider carrying a whistle on your key
chain and use it if you find yourself in danger.
-
Know the locations of public and blue
light telephones, and keep change handy.
-
If you are walking alone, don't use
headphones; they distract you and prevent you from being alert.
-
If you
travel by car
-
Always keep your car locked, while you
are riding and when it is parked.
-
When returning to your car, do so with
your keys in your hand.
-
Check the back seat before you get in.
-
After you get in, re-lock the car
immediately and keep the windows up.
-
Do not stop to assist stalled drivers.
Drive on and call the police.
-
Do not accept assistance if your car is
stalled. Tell anyone who offers help to call the police.
-
Do not pick up hitchhikers.
-
If
you travel by bus
-
Go to the bus stop with other people
whenever possible, particularly at night.
-
Don't accept rides from strangers.
-
If you feel
you are being followed
-
Walk to the nearest occupied or
well-lighted building, not to your car or a bus stop. If on
campus, contact campus security for assistance; if off-campus, call the
police. Note the appearance
of the person or persons; note the license plate number of the car. Your
personal safety should come before the security of belongings, such as
books, bags, etc. When in doubt, leave them behind.
-
If you feel
threatened
-
Shout "Leave me alone." Others may hear
you and/or the potential criminal may be frightened away.
-
Trust your instincts.
If you feel in danger, you probably are; don't be embarrassed to
seek assistance.
-
Cell phone
program
-
The college provides free 911 cell phones
to students and others on campus who have reason to fear for their
safety. Contact Security or one of the offices listed for more
information.
-
Blue light
phones
-
There are 15 strategically located
emergency blue light phones on campus that connect directly with the
County
Police without
having to dial. These phones are for emergencies requiring immediate
police assistance. Directions for proper use are printed on the inside
of the call box in English and Spanish.
-
At home,
keep the doors and windows locked.
Ask repair, service or delivery persons for identification or
have them wait outside while you call to verify their employment.
-
Learn to
defend yourself.
-
Teach
children about the potential for sexual assault and what to do if
they are ever approached inappropriately. Children should be told that
they are never responsible for sexual assault and to tell a trusted
adult if an assault should ever occur.
Report all
incidents to Security if on campus, to the police if off
campus.
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Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment includes any unwanted verbal or physical sexual
advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually explicit derogatory remarks,
and sexually discriminating remarks which are offensive or objectionable to
the person at whom they are directed or which cause a person discomfort or
humiliation.
Sexual harassment can be as subtle as a look or as
blatant as rape. Women are most often, though not solely, its victims.
Verbal harassment may include “humor” or “jokes” about
women, sex, or sexual orientation, or remarks connecting a person’s sex with
intellectual or academic abilities. Whether verbal or physical, sexual
harassment is an act of aggression. It is a violation of both federal
(Section 703 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX Education
Amendments of 1972) and New York State Human Rights law.
Verbal harassment may include: sexual innuendos and
comments and sexual remarks about clothing, body, or sexual activities;
suggestive or insulting sounds; sexual propositions, invitations or other
pressure for sex (“My office hours are limited. Why don’t you come by my
house, or we can have dinner, and get to know each other better in
privacy.”); implied or overt threats (“It’s simple; if you want to pass the
course, you have to be nice to me and sex is the nicest thing I can think
of. It’s up to you.”)
Physical harassment may include: patting, pinching or
other inappropriate touching or feeling; brushing against the body;
attempted or actual kissing or fondling; coerced sexual intercourse.
Other kinds of sexual harassment may include: leering
or ogling (for example, an advisor who meets with a student and stares at
her breasts); obscene gestures. If you feel you are being sexually harassed
at , you may request help from several sources:
Sexual
Harassment Officers
Allegations of sexual harassment should be reported to the college’s
Sexual Harassment Officers, Susan Stanton (914-606-6931) or Dean Kevin
Slavin (914-606-6733), The Women’s Forum (914-606-6901), your faculty
advisor, or your counselor. They
will investigate sexual harassment complaints and institute the formal
procedures for resolving them. These procedures are in accordance with
collective bargaining agreements and established college policies and
guidelines.
Student Affairs
As with other complaints about discrimination, students can contact
Kevin Slavin, Assoc. Dean, Student Personnel Services, in the
Student
Center (914-606-6733), Wendell
Mims, Coordinator of Student Life or Iris Cordero, Coordinator of Student
Activities (Student
Center, 914-606-6731).
After hearing your complaint, they may suggest several courses of action,
including contacting the department head of the faculty member or staff
person involved, or the relevant Dean, with mediated discussion and/or
hearings, which ensure confidentiality. In cases of physical harassment,
they will call on security personnel, if necessary.
Counselor
Students may also feel comfortable approaching a counselor or a faculty
advisor to get advice and support, or to make an initial complaint.
Women’s Forum
Adult women students may wish to go to counselors in the Women’s Forum
for assistance. Employees, too, can consider Women’s Forum as a support
service. Call 914-606-6901 for additional
information.
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Campus and Community Resources
The following programs and services are available in Westchester County to provide assistance to you in an
emergency situation or for on-going support in dealing with and recovering
from a sex offense.
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Westchester Community College |
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Associate Dean of Students |
914-606-6733 |
Room 219, Student Center |
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Security Office |
914-606-6730 |
Room 113, Student Center |
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Student Health Services |
914-606-6610 |
Room 112, Student Center |
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Counseling & Student Development |
914-606-6778 |
Room 217A, Student Center |
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Dean of Student Personnel Services |
914-606-6709 |
Hartford Hall |
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Women’s Forum |
914-606-6901 |
Room 118, Science Bldg. |
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Community |
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Resources Domestic Violence
& Special Prosecution Bureau |
914-995-3000 |
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Westchester Medical Center |
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Main Number |
914-493-7000 |
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Crisis Intervention |
914-493-7075 |
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Westchester County Police |
914-864-7600 |
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Westchester Jewish Community Services |
914-761-0600 |
845 N. Broadway,
Suite 2 White Plains |
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Victims Assistance Services |
914-345-3113 |
2269 Saw Mill River Road
Bldg. #3, Elmsford |
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24-hr. Rape Crisis Hot Line |
914-345-9111 |
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No matter where or when the assault occurred, support and referral resources are available to help you in notifying local law
enforcement.
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How To Report A Crime
All criminal incidents and emergencies should be reported to the
Campus Security Office located in the Student Center
Building, room 113, in
person, or by telephone (914-606-6984).
Our emergency phone number is 6-911.
If necessary, the Westchester County Police will be informed of the
incident. The Westchester County Police can be contacted directly by using
the Campus Blue Light Emergency Phones or by dialing 911 from any phone
(9-911 from college phones). A County officer will be dispatched immediately
to the site of the complaint. These phones should be used only for
emergencies.
Campus Security will record, classify, and log all
reports received. Individuals reporting incidents will be informed of their
rights and given an opportunity to file a police report for insurance or
criminal purposes. All reported incidents are reviewed on an on going basis
to determine patterns and required corrective action. Any incident of
extreme serious nature will be immediately reported to the President or his
designee. A strong working relationship between Campus Security and the
local police departments will be maintained. Third party reports will not be
accepted by a police officer. Only persons who are involved directly in such
incidents should report them.
In the event of a major emergency or anything that
poses a threat to students, employees, or others, an alert will be prepared
by posting notifications on all campus outer doors and distributing a campus
e-mail notification.
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Confidential Crime Reporting Policy
Persons wanting to report a crime or incident can do so
confidentially by contacting the Director of Campus Security, or one of his
assistants, in his office (room 113 in the Student Center) or by calling
914-606-6730. The reporting person’s name will be kept confidential, but the
incident may be included in the annual crime statistics report without
divulging the person’s name or any other information that would infringe on
his/her confidentiality.
In addition to the campus Security Office, crimes or
serious incidents may also be reported to individuals and officials having
significant responsibility for students or campus activities, or those with
responsibility for controlling access to buildings or facilities (i.e.-
Security Department members, Deans, Extension Site Directors, Coordinators
of Student Activities/Life/Athletics, Faculty Advisors to student groups,
Director of Athletics, Coaches, etc.). These individuals also allow victims
and witnesses to report crime on a voluntary, confidential basis. Reports of
this nature are filed with the Campus Security for informational purposes.
Although professional counselors at the college are
exempt from disclosing reported offenses when acting in their professional
capacity, Westchester Community College encourages them, if and when they
deem it appropriate, to inform those who they counsel of procedures for
reporting crimes on a voluntary, confidential basis for inclusion in the
Campus Security & Safety Report.
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Timely Warning Policy
Westchester
Community College’s policy
is to issue timely warnings to the campus community for certain crimes that
are reported to campus security authorities or local police agencies and are
considered to represent a threat to students and employees.
Warnings may be issued by any of the following
means: campus-wide email, notices placed on external doors on all buildings,
voice mail, Intranet web site, electronic signs, and the
Viking News newspaper.
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Loitering
All visitors to the College not having an acceptable, legitimate reason for
being on campus are subject to prosecution for loitering under the
provisions of Section 240.35 of the New York State Penal
Law.
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Selling, Peddling, Soliciting, Etc.
on Campus
Selling merchandise or services, soliciting funds, advertising or
distributing leaflets or flyers is strictly prohibited without prior consent
from the Office of Student Affairs.
Additionally it is a violation of Westchester County Law and may
result in arrest.
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Weapons on Campus
Firearms and dangerous weapons of any type are not permitted on
campus. Intentional use, possession, or sale of firearms or other dangerous
weapons by anyone is strictly forbidden and is a violation of state and
federal law.
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Policy on Alcohol and Drugs
Alcohol and drug abuse are devastating both to the user and to
the college community. Substance abuse is a major cause of accidents, and
can seriously affect academic performance and campus morale.
In addition, under local, state, and
federal laws, illegal use of drugs and alcohol is a serious crime.
Conviction of a felony carries serious consequences, including loss of
citizenship rights during the period of sentence and a possible jail term.
Convictions may also jeopardize future employment opportunities.
The college policy prohibits alcohol and illegal
substances on campus. Violators of this policy will be subject to
appropriate disciplinary action. Only by special permission from the
President may wine or beer be served at special ceremonial occasions.
Several documents (student’s rights document and a pamphlet on enforcement
of federal and drug laws) are made available to students, which explain the
college’s policy regarding the use of alcohol and illegal substances. The
College Health Office and Counseling Department in conjunction with the
National Council of Alcoholism and Drug Addictions conduct workshops which
students are encouraged to attend for information and possible assistance
with their alcohol and substance abuse problems.
Further information on the legal consequences of
alcohol and drug abuse can be found in the Library/Educational Technologies
Center under Public Law 101-226. Additional information is also available
from the Associate Dean of Student Personnel Services Office, Room 219, the
Office of Student Affairs, Room 109, or the Security Department, Room 113,
in the Student Center
Building.
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Cars on Campus
Westchester Community College is pleased to offer
free parking to students, faculty, staff and members of the general public
attending events on campus. assumes no liability for theft, loss or
damage to vehicles on college property. We encourage you to keep your
vehicle locked and to remove attractive articles from view. For a parking
sticker, go to the Security Office in the
Student
Center. Make sure that you
have your license number and your student ID with you.
For further information about rules, handicap parking,
ticketing, towing, or fines please see the Automobile Regulations brochure
available through the Security Office,
Student
Center, Room 113, or
call 914-606-6730.
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Lost & Found
If you’ve lost something, check the Security Office in Room #113 of
the Student Center or call 914-606-6730. You should
also check the Associate Dean’s Office in any building where you have lost
an item. Property may be claimed Monday through Friday during normal
business hours.
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Smoke Free Campus
The Surgeon General of the
United States has determined that
cigarette smoking is the largest preventable cause of illness and premature
death in this country. Non-smokers regularly exposed to tobacco smoke are
also at increased risk.
Westchester
Community College has
been, and continues to be, committed to the health and well-being of its
staff, faculty, and students. The College not only has a vested interest in
the vitality of its students and those who administer and operate the
programs here, but also a role to play in the promotion and advancement of
the general health of our society as a whole. is dedicated to
providing a safe and healthful environment.
In response to these considerations, the following
regulations have been adopted:
-
Smoking is prohibited in all indoor locations,
including academic areas (classrooms, lecture halls, seminar rooms,
laboratories, the library, and computing facilities), public places
(conference rooms, auditoriums, exhibition areas, indoor athletic
facilities, cafeteria, and bookstore), common areas (lobbies, hallways,
waiting areas, restrooms, stairwells, elevators and service areas) and
all offices.
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Smoking will be permitted in all outdoor areas
surrounding campus buildings as long as these areas are properly
maintained (e.g., cigarette butts to be placed in receptacles provided).
However, smoking is prohibited in any outside area where there is a roof
or overhang above you, unless that area is specifically designated as a
smoking area.
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Cigarettes are not available for sale at any
location on the campus.
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Student ID
Don’t leave home without your ID! You may be asked to show
your ID to an administrator or to security. You’ll need your ID to use the
pool, take out library books, view videotapes, use campus computers, or to
enter special events held at the College.
The Photo ID card can be used as a debit card for
purchases in the Cafeteria and all of the Vending Machines on the Campus.
There are three locations where money can be added to the card: Library,
Main Floor; Science Building,
Student Lounge; and the
Student
Center near the ATM
machine on the First Floor. The machines accept $1, $5, $10, $20 and $50.
A 10% Bonus is added for using $10, $20 or $50. The maximum that can
be put on your card at any one time is $75.
To get an ID, visit the Security Office, located in Room 113 in the
Student
Center. Just bring your
paid tuition receipt and fill out a form. They’ll take your picture, so look
nice! Your first ID is free. Each time you lose your ID a new one will cost
you ten dollars. Call 914-606-6730 for more information.
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Visitors to Campus
All campus visitors must register in the Security Office, Student Center, Room 113. Questions? Call 914-606-6730.
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Emergencies on Campus
All criminal incidents and emergencies should be
reported to the Campus Security Office located in the
Student
Center
Building, Room #113, in person, or by telephone
(914-606-6730). Our emergency phone number is 6-911. When necessary, the Fire
Department, EMS or Westchester County
Police will be informed of the incident. You may also use the Campus Blue
Light Emergency Phones or dial 911 from any phone (9-911 from college
phones) to report an emergency directly to the Westchester County Police
Dispatch. These phones should be
used only for emergencies.
Fire Instructions
In case of fire, pull the nearest alarm. This will activate an audible
and visual alarm within the building which rings directly at the Security
Information Gatehouse and in ’s Department of Building and Grounds. The
Security Officer on duty will call the local fire department, telling them
the fire location and giving them other relevant information.
When a fire alarm sounds,
evacuate the building immediately.
Walk - do not run, do not use elevators. Close doors to classrooms and
offices, leaving lights on, and exit from the nearest enclosed stairwell.
Take your belongings with you. Do not try to fight the fire.
If you are wheelchair-bound at ground level, exit the
building immediately. If you are
wheelchair-bound above or below ground level, ask someone to escort you to
the nearest enclosed stairwell landing and close the door. The escort will
tell firefighters the location of the stairwell in which you are located.
Fire department professionals should then evacuate you.
Everyone who has exited the building should stay at
least 100 feet away from building entrances until an
"all clear" is announced by the
fire department.
Injuries and Other Medical Emergencies
Report all classroom accidents to the professor immediately.
Report all injuries to
Campus Health Services
914-606-6610, located in the Student Center Building, Room 112, staffed by
registered professional nurses (R.N.'s). Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:00
am-8:30 pm; Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm.
has an
emergency phone system which may be used when the Health Service is not
open – after 8:30 pm Monday-Thursday, after 5:00 pm Friday, and on weekends.
To reach Campus Security you may
dial 6911 from any college phone
or (914)606-6911 from any non-college phone.
To reach the Westchester County Police you may dial
9-911 from any college phone or
911 from any non-college phone.
If you should witness a medical emergency, call for
assistance and then stay with the patient until professional help arrives.
Do not move the victim or injured person unless there is immediate
danger to yourself and/or the patient.
The Westchester Medical Center is
the closest hospital, located one mile west on Grasslands Road. Its
main switchboard is 914-493-7000; emergency room is 914-493-7307.Top
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