Click here for Clery Act Statistics

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Crime Awareness and Campus Security

The Department of Public Safety's goal is to provide a safe and secure environment for everyoneat West Virginia University. This publication is designed to provide you with information regarding the security programs offered at this institution, and your responsibility to promote safety.

West Virginia University has taken prudent steps to promote a safe and secure environment that is compatible with the University community's academic and co-curricular pursuits. We solicit your support in making our University community safe and secure by accepting responsibility for your actions and committing to participate in programs to assist others.

No institution can guarantee the total safety and security of all its members. Only through community support and involvement can we be successful in achieving our goal. We ask you to help us by not taking unnecessary risks, by locking your door and securing the facilities when you leave, and reporting any suspicious activity or crime immediately. Together, we can help make West Virginia University a more safe and secure environment for the community.

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Crime Reporting and Response

At West Virginia University we are members of the 911 Emergency Services Network. You may contact our University Police by dialing 9-911 from any University (293) exchange. Also, for your safety, we have 37 emergency phones located across our campus in high traffic areas. The locations of these phones are identified on our Parking Rules and Regulations Maps, which are available at our offices located at 3040 University Avenue.

We strongly encourage you to report all crimes or suspicious activities that you may witness while on campus. Our Department will make every reasonable effort to promptly and professionally resolve any problem reported to us.

The Department of Public Safety is charged with collecting statistics and preparing the Jeanne Clery Act Report. The department collects the data from various sources including the Office of Student Life, Housing and Residence Life, and the Morgantown Police Department.

The Department of Public Safety will provide timely notices of crimes by providing daily news releases to the local media and when deemed a significant threat will make special notices in the effected facilities and by personal communications. The Office of Student Life is to provide information on incidents that occur off campus involving recognized student groups by the Morgantown Police Department and respond as deemed appropriate.

We do not, currently accept anonymous confidential voluntary reporting by victims or witness, nor do we encourage the confidential voluntary reporting by professional counselors or pastors.

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Security, Access, and Facilities Maintenance

We strive to make our facilities available to students, faculty, and staff so they may pursue their educational goals and missions. This availability requires a balance with security needs. It is not our desire to lock down all our facilities, giving a military appearance to University facilities. For this reason, many of our units are accessible during all hours with appropriate clearance.

Currently, all academic and athletic buildings are locked at approximately 11:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The following are exceptions:

Stansbury Hall
Fall Session - locked at 9:00 p.m.
Summer Session - locked at 5:00 p.m.
Martin Hall
Monday through Friday - 8:00 p.m.
Knapp Hall
Monday through Friday - 5:00 p.m.
Student Services Center
Monday through Friday - 5:00 p.m.
Stewart Hall
Monday through Friday - 5:00 p.m.

The only facilities that are opened on weekends are the facilities listed on the weekly schedule published by our Facilities and Services Department.

Residence Halls are staffed 24 hours daily, 7 days weekly, by professional staff and trained student assistants who serve as resource persons for each residence. The Night Staff monitors access and safety in the Residence Halls from 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. Outside entrances are locked and the buildings are patrolled from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. No person may enter the Residence Halls after 9:00 p.m. without presenting a valid resident identification.

Public Safety, Physical Plant, Facilities Management and others are committed to maintaining a safe environment by evaluating lighting, shrubs and bushes and facility design. We encourage you to report any hazards or concerns to our office by dialing 3-COPS (3-2677) on campus phones, or 293-COPS on non-campus phones.

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Policy on Off-Campus Criminal Activity

The University does have many officially recognized student organizations that have housing facilities "off-campus". The houses are not within the boundaries of the campus police's jurisdiction. We do provide training and prevention programs on request and assist the Morgantown Police on request.

Policy on Alcoholic Beverages/Illegal Drugs

West Virginia University is primarily concerned with the health, safety, and well being of all students with the respect to the intelligent use and non-use of alcohol. The University expects those who use alcohol to do so responsibly and within the bounds of the laws of the State of West Virginia and the City of Morgantown.

General State Laws

Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages, including beer, by anyone under the age of twenty-one is a violation of the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Commission statue. It is also a violation of this same statute for anyone to buy for, or give to, anyone under the age of twenty-one any alcoholic beverages, including beer or for anyone under the age of twenty-one to misrepresent his or her age, or who for such purpose presents or offers any written evidence of age which is false, fraudulent or not actually his or her own.

Drug-Free Workplace Policy

West Virginia University has established awareness programs for students, faculty, and staff through the Student Assistance Program (SAP) and the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP). Drug and alcohol education programs are established by SAP and SAP for the purpose of educating employees and students regarding the nature and consequences of alcohol and drug abuse. These two programs provide appropriate information, education, consultation and referral, as well as addressing the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse in the workplace. Further information is included in the Drug Prevention Program Booklet developed by the Office of the President, available by clicking here.

The University Police enforce State and Federal laws as they may apply to violations occurring on West Virginia University property. Enforcement is measured against the best interest of society and the individual, and where treatment may serve the larger need, then treatment is preferred.

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Sexual Assault Prevention Programming and Information

Sexual assault is taken very seriously by our institution. We believe very strongly in educational programs to prevent such assault and training to properly handle assault should it occur.

Sexual assault can happen to anyone, no matter how prepared or cautious they may be. Victims should not blame themselves or hesitate to report the incident. Whatever the circumstances, victims often fear being blamed, humiliated, or not believed. These feelings of fear, guilt, and helplessness can lead to depression, illness, and trouble with academics and relationships.

Remember, no one deserves or asks to be sexually assaulted. You are encouraged to report any incident to one of the resources listed below, obtain a medical examination, and take advantage of available support systems.

WVU Sexual Assault Optional Resources

Medical:

· Ruby Memorial Hospital 598-4171 (Within 72 hours of assault, Rape Evidence Collection)
· University Health Service 293-2311, Ext. 1 (Examine for trauma, STDs, pregnancy)

Report:

On-Campus:
· WVU Department of Public Safety 293-3136
· WVU Sexual Assault Education/Prevention Program 293-6972

Off-Campus:
· City - Morgantown Police Department 291-7474
· County/State - Sheriff's Office 296-6424
West Virginia State Police 285-3200
· Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center 292-5100

Support Services:

On-Campus:
· University Health Service 293-2311, Ext. 1 (medical, psychiatric resources)
· Dean of Student Life 293-5611
· WVU Attorney for Students 293-4897 (legal information)
· University Advising Center 293-5800 (academic advising)
· University (WVU) Sexual Assault/Education Specialist 293-6972
· WVU Student Assistance Program 293-6972
· WVU Carruth Counseling and Psychological Services Center 293-4431
· Residence Life (resource for changes in living arrangements) 293-5079

Off-Campus
· Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center 292-5100; (hotline 24 hr. advocacy)
· Monongalia Health Department 598-5100 (free, confidential testing for sexually transmitted diseases, incl. HIV)

Possible sanctions for sexual assault or other sex offenses by the institution following an on-campus disciplinary hearing are as follows:

· Housing and Residence Life may issue letters of warning for deferred removal, or they may immediately remove the student from campus housing and refer them to Student Life for further action.

· Student Life may take actions ranging from issuing a letter of probationary warning to expulsion of the student(s).

· The University Police may refer the incident to Student Life or Residence Life after conferring with the Prosecuting Attorney or may obtain arrest warrants and seek prosecution under state statutes.

In cases of alleged sexual assault or other sex offenses handled through on-campus disciplinary hearings, the following statements shall be appropriate:

· The accuser and accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during their proceedings; and

· The accuser and accused shall be informed of the outcome of any disciplinary proceeding alleging a sexual assault.

Students may obtain assistance in changing academic and living situations after an alleged sexual assault by contacting the Dean of Student Life or the Director of Housing and Residence Life. Requested changes should be accommodated when reasonably available.

If you are raped or sexually assaulted, you should take the following steps:
1. Get medical attention immediately.
2. Don't bathe or douche.
3. Save your clothing.
4. Report the incident to the police even if you decide not to prosecute.
5. Take advantage of available support systems.

The institution offers a wide range of educational programs concerning sexual assaults. The programs are too numerous to mention in this publication. For more details, please call those agencies listed above for specific details or scheduling.

Again, sexual assaults are very serious incidents and as a member of our community, we need your active involvement in preventing or reducing the opportunities for sexual assaults. Report any suspicious activities to the University Police, and be alert while on campus.

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Registered Sex Offender information

The State of West Virginia requires sex offenders to register with the State Police.
The State makes this information available to law enforcement agencies.
This information is available to the public at the following website:
http://www.wvstatepolice.com/sexoff

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