Community Report
- Student Right To Know Information (Crime Statistics)
- Reporting Crimes and Emergencies
- Student Patrol and Escort
- Access to Campus Facilities
- Maintenance of Campus Facilities
- Authority of Campus Safety and Relationship with Law Enforcement Agencies
- Relationship with the Office of Dean of Students and the Office of Residential Life
- Crime Prevention Programming
- Alcohol Policies
- Drug Policies
- Drug and Alcohol Awareness and Education
- Sexual Health Programs and Policies
- Campus Sexual Assault Victim Bill of Rights
- Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act of 2000 (Jacob Wetterling Act)
- Violent Felony Offense Investigation Policy
- Missing Person Policy
Student Right To Know Information (Crime Statistics)
The Union College Campus Safety Department has been a contributor to the Uniform Crime Reporting System since 1991.
Year 2006 Statistics click here
Year 2005 Statistics click here
Year 2004 Statistics click here
Reporting Crimes and Emergencies
Union College maintains its own campus safety department, providing security services twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The community is encouraged to report all crimes or violations of College policy whether actual, attempted or suspected, as well as any other emergency situation, to the campus safety department. Outdoor emergency telephones are installed on campus, providing direct contact with the campus safety department at all times. In case of a fire, security, or medical emergency, Dial 911 from any telephone.
Student Patrol and Escort
A student patrol and escort service operates, on foot, through the evening and early morning hours when classes are in session. The patrol is in radio contact with the Campus Safety department which supervises its activities. To request an escort, call extension x6386.
Access to Campus Facilities
Residence halls are open only to residents and their invited guests and are so posted. During evening and early morning hours, those seeking admittance are required to be escorted by a resident. As of July 1, 2000, entrances to all campus residence halls are equipped with card reader identification systems, which provide access only to residents. Academic, administrative, student life and recreational facilities are open during regular business hours. Access policies in academic buildings, during hours when classes are not in session, are established by the individual academic department and campus safety.
Maintenance of Campus Facilities
Safety and security issues are given high priority in the design of new facilities. The campus safety department, in an ongoing program, conduct security surveys of existing facilities, with findings and recommendations forwarded to appropriate administration areas for remedial action when necessary. Weekly surveys of campus lighting are conducted and deficiencies promptly addressed. Emergency telephones are tested daily.
Authority of Campus Safety and Relationship with Law Enforcement Agencies
The Union College campus safety department consists of a director, four patrol sergeants, 25 campus safety officers, and 3 dispatchers. All officers are fully trained and registered in accordance with state law. The working relationship between the campus safety department and the Schenectady police department is such that most incidents occurring on the campus are handled by the campus safety department. The College occupies a number of off-campus properties, for use as student housing. The Schenectady Police Department monitors and responds to emergencies and criminal activity at these locations. In addition, the campus safety department provides safety and security services to these residences. Copies of the College's Uniform Crime Reports are provided to the Schenectady police. The primary obligation for response and investigation of any crime occurring on campus resides with the campus safety department. The campus safety department maintains a close relationship and consults with the Schenectady police on cases and other matters of mutual concern. The Schenectady County District Attorney's office is also a valuable resource to the campus safety department.
Relationship with the Office of Dean of Students and the Office of Residential Life
The campus safety department maintains a close working relationship with the Office of the Dean of Students and the office of Residence Life. Campus safety officers refer cases to the campus judicial system. It is the policy of the campus safety department to fully inform victims of all of their options, through college and non-college judicial entities.
Crime Prevention Programming
General information and crime prevention materials are distributed to incoming students and their families during orientation. Campus safety officers make presentations relating to crime prevention at the request of the campus community. The Crime Awareness Program, available on campus, is an effort in which students, faculty and staff team together with the campus safety department to help prevent crime and inform the campus community of security procedures through educational programs and interactive events. A weekly "Campus Incident Report" feature in the student newspaper, the Concordiensis, is an important element of our crime prevention effort. Keeping the community informed and aware of the nature and volume of offenses reported on campus constitutes one of our most valuable crime prevention efforts. In the event of a serious crime, Crime Awareness Bulletins are issued by the Dean of Students Office and the Campus Safety Department.
Alcohol Policies
Union College considers the consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus a privilege, subject to the limitations imposed by law, college policy, and the expectations of decorum and dignity befitting an academic community. We are committed to students' pursuit of a quality education and thus provide an environment conducive to health, education and well being. To this end, the college permits the moderate and responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus by persons of legal drinking age. Thus, sale, service and consumption of alcoholic beverages must comply with college policies, City of Schenectady local ordinances, and New York State laws. For a detailed summary of applicable laws and college regulations, see the Union College Student Handbook.
Drug Policies
In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, Union College prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on the campus or as part of any of its sponsored activities. The law requires mandatory compliance with these standards of conduct. Therefore, this statement serves notice that disciplinary sanctions (consistent with local, state, and federal law), up to and including suspension/dismissal, termination of employment, prosecution, and/or referral to an appropriate rehabilitation or treatment program, will be imposed on those who violate the College's drug and alcohol policies. (Source: The Union College Student Handbook.)
Drug and Alcohol Awareness and Education
Union College provides educational programs and activities which are designed to provide information about the effects of alcohol and illicit drug use on the individual and on the life of the community. Educational programming begins with New Student Orientation and is further promoted by joint programming sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Students and various student organizations as well as the Office of Residence Life. Students found in violation of the Alcohol and Drug Policy are required to attend an Alcohol and Substance Abuse awareness Program.
Sexual Health Programs and Policies
Rape (including date and Acquaintance rape) and other sexual offenses are serious concerns of this community. Anyone committing such an act could face suspension or dismissal from The College if found guilty under the campus judicial structure. Such individuals also face penalties associated with a conviction for the criminal offense, should a criminal complaint be filed.
Victims of sexual offenses should contact the campus safety department and/or the Dean of Students. Whether or not the victim chooses to report the assault, we recommend timely medical examination and treatment. Victims should not shower, wash clothing, or disturb any potential evidence. Successful prosecution, in criminal court may be difficult without this evidence.
For an offense which occurs on campus, disciplinary and/or criminal action against the assailant may be initiated by reporting the crime to the campus safety department or the Office of the Dean of Students. In any subsequent campus disciplinary hearing, both the accused and the accuser are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present. Both parties will be informed of the final outcome of any disciplinary proceeding in accordance with FERPA regulations.
Every effort will be made to honor reasonable requests from victims of sexual offenses for changes or accommodations in academic and residence matters (schedule or room changes etc.). The Office of the Dean of Students should be consulted for assistance.
The College Counseling Center at x6161, Health Services at x6120, and the Schenectady Rape Crisis Center at 346-2266, offer a variety of services to victims of sexual offenses. All of these offices will provide more information on a confidential basis.
Campus Sexual Assault Victim Bill of Rights
As a victim of sexual assault, you have the right:
- To have any allegation of sexual assault treated seriously and to be treated with dignity.
- To information on existing medical, counseling, mental health, or student services for victims of sexual assault, both on the campus and in the community, whether or not the crime is reported to campus or civil authorities.
- To have any allegation of sexual assault investigated and adjudicated by the appropriate criminal and civil authorities of the jurisdiction in which the crime occurred.
- To full and prompt cooperation and assistance of campus personnel in notifying the proper authorities.
- To be free from any suggestion that the victim is responsible for the commission of the crime.
- To be free from any suggestion that the victim was negligent or assumed the risk of being assaulted.
- To be free from any suggestion that the victim must report the crime to be assured of any other right guaranteed under the policy.
- To be free from any suggestion that the victim should refrain from reporting crimes in order to avoid unwanted personal publicity.
- To have an advocate present, in any campus disciplinary proceeding that the institution permits to the accused.
- To be notified of the outcome of any disciplinary proceeding against the accused.
- To full, prompt, and victim sensitive cooperation of campus personnel in obtaining, securing and maintaining evidence, including a medical examination if it is necessary to preserve evidence of the assault.
- To be informed of, and assisting in, exercising any rights that may be provided by law to compel the disclosure of the results of testing of sexual assault suspects for communicable diseases.
- To be informed of, and assisted in, exercising any rights to be confidentially, or anonymously, tested for sexually transmitted disease or immunodeficiency virus.
- To have access to counseling, under the terms and conditions as apply to other students seeking such counseling, from appropriate campus mental health service entities, or by other sexual assault victims, at the election of the victim.
- To require campus personnel to take reasonable and necessary action to prevent further unwanted contact of victims with their alleged assailants including, but not limited to, the immediate relocation of the victim to safe alternate housing and transfer of classes, if requested, if such changes are reasonably available.
Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act of 2000 (Jacob Wetterling Act)
For Information concerning registered sex offenders that may be enrolled in or employed by this institution, information may be accessed through the: 1. Sex Offender Registry Information Line 1-900-288-3838. Requirements – 18 years of age, $.50 per call, up to 5 searches per call, you must provide the individual’s name & one of the following identifiers: address, drivers license number, social security number or birth date. 2. Limited information on the Sex Offender Registry (level 3-most serious) may be accessed on the web at http://www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us. 3. The Schenectady Police Department may also provide Sex Offender Registry Information – SPD contact is Detective Sergeant Arthur Zampella 518-382-5245.
Violent Felony Offense Investigation Policy:
As required by New York State law, upon receipt of a complaint or report that a violent felony has occurred on campus, the Campus Safety Department will immediately respond, thoroughly investigate and document in a report their findings. The responding officers will verify the nature of the incident and determine if the incident occurred on the Union College campus or during an off campus event sponsored by the College. The Campus Safety Department will notify and coordinate further investigation of the criminal incident with the Schenectady Police Department. Victims of crimes, especially violent felony crimes will be assisted in making a report of the incident to the Schenectady Police Department.
As required by New York State law, upon receipt of a report of a missing person, the Campus Safety Department will conduct a thorough and timely investigation to determine the safety and current location of the person. If the missing person is a student, the investigating officer will contact and help coordinate the investigation with the Schenectady Police Department. The College will utilize this same policy in the event other campus community members such as faculty; staff, prospective students or other visitors to campus are reported missing.
An individual will be considered missing, if a roommate, classmate, faculty member, family member or other campus person has not seen the person in a reasonable amount of time. A reasonable amount of time may vary with the time of day and information available regarding the missing person's daily schedule, habits, punctuality, and reliability. Individuals will also be considered missing immediately, if their absence has occurred under circumstances that are suspicious or cause concerns for their safety. If the initial report that a person is missing is made to a department other than the Campus Safety Department, the staff member receiving the report will ensure that the Campus Safety Department is contacted immediately.
Detailed procedures for the implementation of these policies by the College through the Campus Safety Department are available for review upon request.