Campus Safety Supervisors and/or appropriate campus staff can be reached immediately by calling (816) 985-6079 .  The caller will be connected to the Shift Supervisor on Duty or referred immediately to the campus staff member on duty. A voice message may be left for the Campus Safety Office for non-emergencies on their campus office phone at (816) 501-2466.

Avila University is also protected by the Kansas City Police Department and other city and county services.  In case of an emergency requiring immediate service, from a campus phone dial 9 - 911 (or 911 from any regular phone or cell phone) ; state name, location and the nature of the emergency.  This information is given directly to police, fire and/or ambulance services. 

If the caller is unsure about placing the call, he or she may contact the Campus Safety Supervisor on duty by calling (816) 985-6079 . The Officer will help the person place a call to local authorities if so requested. The University does rely on local law enforcement authorities to investigate criminal actions and to assist with emergencies as appropriate.

Avila University strongly encourages individuals to report any crime accurately and promptly. The Campus Safety Department or the Kansas City Police Department can be reached via the numbers listed above. To report a crime, a security incident, or suspicious occurrence, one should notify Campus Safety Department or the local Police Department directly.  Any member of the Avila community can also submit an Avila University Incident Report noting the security concern or any criminal activity. Incident Report forms are available in the Enrollment & Student Development Office, the Campus Safety Office, and with all Residence Life Staff.  Incident Reports can be returned to any one of these offices or staff members who will then, if it involves a criminal matter, forward the report to the Campus Safety Office.  In certain circumstances, police reports need to be filed.  A student can always decide to file a police report with local authorities if deemed appropriate by the student. As always, local police authorities can be reached immediately through use of the 911 system. 

Those filing an Avila University Incident Report will be contacted by a Campus Safety Supervisor and/or a member of the Enrollment & Student Development Staff regarding the report and for appropriate follow-up.  Those filing the incident will be informed of the University's response, whether disciplinary action is being pursued, and all of the person's rights under the University's policies and procedures.  The person filing the report always has the right to contact the local Police or any other law enforcement agency.

Avila University does not have any policies or procedures that allow victims or witnesses to report crimes on a voluntary, confidential basis. Nor does the University have any policies or procedures that encourages pastoral counselors and professional counselors, if and when they deem it appropriate, to inform the persons they are counseling of any procedures to report crimes on a voluntary, confidential basis for inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics. 

Avila University does not have any student organizations with off-campus locations. Student housing during the 2006-2007 school year was offered on a limited basis. Therefore, Avila University did record, through local police, any criminal activity, as required by the law.

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NOTIFICATION OF CAMPUS PUBLIC SAFETY PROCEDURES, PRACTICES, AND PROGRAMS     

All Avila students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to contact Campus Safety and/or the Vice President for Enrollment & Student Development regarding their safety concerns.  A notice concerning the availability of this report, the exact electronic address of the report's location on the web, a brief description of the report's contents, and a statement of the availability of a hard copy is distributed to all current students and employees.  Such notice is also made available to any applicant for enrollment or employment, with a hard copy provided upon request.  Hard copies of the report are available in the Campus Safety Office.

Residence hall students are informed by hall staff about safety procedures and security programs that are held periodically in the residence halls.  Faculty and staff are informed via electronic and printed correspondence, along with information conveyed as needed at quarterly faculty/staff meetings.  All campus community members are informed through the campus newspaper, "The Talon," and through fliers and announcements posted throughout campus.  A safety and security bulletin board is located in the Marian Centre.  Student and personnel handbooks discuss student and employee responsibility for their own security and the security of others, as well as the location of this electronic report.  Various crime prevention programs and programs designed to educate the community about security procedures are held periodically throughout the academic year and are open to the entire campus.  These programs are advertised through a variety of electronic and hard copy means.  Check the weekly campus calendar or speak with the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Development for details.

The Enrollment & Student Development Office and/or the Campus Safety Department will make timely reports to the campus community on crimes considered to be a threat to other students and employees.  Such reports will be provided to students and employees in a manner that is timely and that will aid in the prevention of similar occurrences.  Such notices will be distributed via the campus electronic bulletin board, campus e-mail, the Campus Safety bulletin board in the Marian Center , and through a variety of postings throughout campus and/or various other communication methods deemed appropriate.

Law enforcement agency information provided by the State under section 1407(j) of Title 42 of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained from the Kansas City Police Department, South Patrol Station.

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SECURITY AND ACCESS TO CAMPUS BUILDINGS

Campus facilities are open to students, faculty/staff and guests of the University at various hours for specific buildings and areas.  Check with the Campus Safety Department for specific hours of operation.  Campus Safety Supervisors make rounds in each building after they have been secured.  Individuals found in buildings after hours will be asked to show identification, and those who are in the buildings without proper authorization will be referred for disciplinary and/or criminal action.  Propping open the doors to any building, especially the residence halls, causes a significant security risk to those inside.  Such action will be viewed as a serious violation of school policy.  Being in an unauthorized section of any building or in any area for which public access is not allowed, including boiler rooms and roofs of buildings, is also strictly prohibited.

Many areas of the campus are equipped with passive electronic surveillance equipment for an increased deterrence to crime.  Some of the areas which are equipped with electronic surveillance include the entries to all Residence Halls and the resident student computer lab and student lounge/recreation room.

The use of Avila facilities by students and faculty/staff is encouraged.  Users of University facilities assume full responsibility for the activities and events they sponsor and for regulating the conduct of individuals attending their events.  National, state and local law, along with institutional policies and procedures, must be upheld when using Avila University facilities.  All buildings on campus are opened throughout normal business hours during the workweek and while classes are in session.  Buildings are locked at various times in the evening but no later than midnight unless special circumstances exist.  Community members may check with the Campus Safety Department for a detailed schedule of building access hours.  A “Building Access” schedule is made available to faculty and staff.

Residence Halls

Residence hall access is limited to residents and authorized staff members. All residence halls are equipped with security entrances for the residents' safety.  The security system operates using the student's University Identification Card via electronic door access and the student's room key for his/her individual room.  Main resident hall entrances are recorded by closed circuit television.  Residence life staff makes rounds each evening in the residence halls, and a uniformed Campus Safety Supervisor regularly patrols the campus to verify that buildings have been secured. 

Under normal circumstances, the exterior doors to the residence halls are locked 24 hours a day, everyday. Each student will receive a room key and a University Identification/Access Card.  These keys/cards are issued to residents for their personal use only.  Under no circumstances may the exterior door access card or room key be loaned or given to another person.  Reproduction of a room key is strictly prohibited.  Any time a student moves out of the residence hall or changes room within the residence halls, all keys must be returned to an authorized staff member for collection and verification.  Return of keys is to be noted by the staff person on the Room Inventory form for the rooms being vacated.  Failure to return any key will result in a charge for replacement of all applicable locks.

Keeping Safe in the Halls

The degree of security in the residence halls is dependent upon residents taking responsibility for their own safety.  A safe community is one in which all members of the community are alert and observe basic safety precautions.

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1. ALWAYS lock your door!
2. Report all suspicious activity or persons to your hall staff or the Campus Safety Department.
3. Use the buddy system when going out at night.
4. Tell somebody where you are going and call when you arrive at your destination.
5. NEVER prop open exterior building doors.
6. NEVER let a stranger into the building. If they are really here to see somebody, that person will meet them and let them in.
7. Report any missing items to your hall staff immediately.
8. Your RA can help with security questions.
9. In case of an emergency, call the Campus Safety Department at (816) 985-6079 or call local police at 911.
10. ALWAYS think about how your actions might impact the community.

POLICY REGARDING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND ILLEGAL DRUGS

Alcohol and Drug Policy

The misuse of alcohol and other drugs pose major health problems, are potential safety and security problems, can adversely affect academic and job performance, and can generally inhibit the educational development of students. Avila University , therefore, prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of illicit drugs and alcohol.

This applies to all premises or property or as part of any student activity, more specifically:

1. The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages or the possession of alcohol paraphernalia in the residence halls is prohibited regardless of the age of those involved. This applies to the residents of all halls, all Avila students, and all guests to the campus. However, the following specific Alcohol Policy is written for Thompson Hall:

a. As per federal, state and local regulations, alcoholic beverages may be responsibly consumed or possessed only within individuals' suites in Thompson Hall where all assigned residents are 21 years of age.

b. Alcohol may not be consumed in a room or suite where any of the assigned residents are less than 21 years of age, regardless of the age of guests or visitors.

2. It is unlawful for residents of all halls, all Avila students, and all guests to the campus to have an open container of alcohol in a public place (e.g., hallways, lounges, lobbies, patios, on the street or sidewalk).

3. The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages or the possession of alcohol paraphernalia is prohibited anywhere on campus or at campus events unless explicitly allowed by the appropriate vice president, suites in Thompson Hall where all assigned residents are 21 or only for specific special events.

4. The possession of empty or full kegs, pony kegs, "party balls," or other common source containers of alcohol is strictly prohibited in all University residences. Possession or use of beer bongs is also prohibited.

5. Possessing, using or distribution of illicit drugs, controlled substances (including

marijuana), or drug paraphernalia is strictly prohibited.

6. Disorderly behavior, vandalism, excessive noise, damage to University property, or other behavior related to being under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs is strictly prohibited.

7. Attending classes or participating in any college activities while under the influence of or impaired by alcohol and/or other illicit drugs is prohibited.

8. Disciplinary Actions

a. Students who violate the above regulations are subject to disciplinary sanctions.

Possible sanctions range from a Level 1 warning up to and including a Level 5 dismissal from the institution.

b. In conjunction with the imposition of any of the disciplinary sanctions set forth in the Student Code of Conduct, students may also be referred to appropriate local, state or federal law enforcement agencies for prosecution.

c. In conjunction with the imposition of any of the disciplinary sanctions set forth above, students may be required to complete an appropriate counseling, rehabilitation or substance abuse program.

d. All disciplinary proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with or as provided by the Student Code of Conduct.

9. Legal Sanctions

In addition to University rules, there are legal consequences for violating federal, state and local drug and alcohol laws. The severity of the sanctions imposed for drug possession or distribution offenses depends on the type and quantity of drugs, prior conviction, and whether death or serious injury resulted. Sanctions may be increased for offenses which involve distribution to minors or occur on or near University premises. In addition, other federal laws require or permit forfeiture of personal or real property used to illegally possess, facilitate possession, transport, or conceal a controlled substance. A person's right to purchase a firearm or receive federal benefits, such as student loans, grants, contracts, or professional or commercial licenses may also be revoked or denied as a result of a drug conviction. Under Missouri law, conviction for possession of illicit drugs results in up to seven years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $5,000, unless the offense involves 35 grams or less of marijuana, which entails up to one year in prison and a fine of $1,000. Under federal law, conviction for possession of illicit drugs results in one to three years imprisonment and a minimum fine of $1,000, unless the offense involves cocaine base (crack) which may carry mandatory imprisonment for five to 20 years. Drug trafficking can result in life sentences under both state and federal law. Under federal law, drug trafficking penalties range from $100,000 to $10 million. State penalties for drug trafficking may be imposed in an amount up to $20,000. Missouri 's Liquor Control Law makes it illegal for a person under the age of 21 years to purchase, attempt to purchase, or possess any intoxicating liquor. Violation of this provision can subject one to a fine between $50 and $1,000 and/or imprisonment for a maximum term of one year. County and municipality ordinances contain similar prohibitions and sanctions. The same penalties apply to persons knowingly furnishing alcohol to minors.

10. Health Risks Associated with the Abuse of Alcohol or Use of Illicit Drugs

The use, misuse or abuse of illicit drugs and alcohol can lead to or result in a variety of health risks including, but not limited to: addiction, dependency, physical infirmities, trauma, mental and emotional disorders, and in some cases harm to unborn children. Basic information and literature about these health risks are available in the Avila Wellness Center .

11. Drug and Alcohol Programs

Students with alcohol or other drug related problems are encouraged and, in some cases, may be required to utilize the services of private and community agencies to receive appropriate information, treatment, counseling, or referral services. Avila 's Wellness Center offers short-term counseling available to students free of cost. Referrals to outside professionals in the area of alcohol or drug treatment may be appropriate. Students are responsible to pursue these options on their own and at their own expense. A variety of campus organizations and departments are involved in providing programs to all community members as to the risks of substance abuse. These may include workshops, lectures and films. The Athletic Department ensures that athletes are exposed to substance abuse information and are aware of available resources.

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SEXUAL ASSAULT POLICY, PROCEDURES, AND PROGRAMMING

Sexual assault includes, but is not limited to, such acts as rape, sodomy, oral copulation, rape by foreign objects, and sexual battery.  Any such forced or non-forced contact perpetrated against the will of the victim will be deemed sexual assault and will be treated as a serious violation of campus policy.  The word "force" may refer to physical violence, coercion, or the threat of harm to the victim.  If the victim was incapable of giving consent (e.g. intoxicated), then the perpetrator will be found to have committed a sexual assault.

Sexual assaults, and attempted sexual assaults, severely impact the health and safety of the entire community.  A sexual assault committed by a member of the campus community against another person could result in immediate dismissal from the residence halls, campus, or both.  Sexual assaults are in violation of Missouri 's criminal code; therefore criminal and/or civil charges may also exist.

The University encourages all victims to report sexual assaults.  You have the right to file a complaint with the University and have your sexual assault complaint investigated by the University.  The student will also be advised of legal options available, including reporting the assault to local law enforcement agencies.  The University, through its designated personnel, will help you in reporting an assault to the police and/or filing a criminal charge if you wish to do so.  Please contact a Resident Director, the Campus Safety Department, the Associate Dean for Enrollment & Student Development, or the Vice President for Enrollment & Student Development if you are aware of any such incident.  Such an incident may also be pursued through the University Anti-Harassment/Anti-Discrimination Policy available in the Student Handbook.  Reporting the assault ensures that victims receive needed services, enhances their recovery, allows disciplinary and/or criminal action to be taken, and deters assaults from happening to others.

If you, or anyone you know, are sexually assaulted, it is important to seek immediate medical treatment.  The University will also promptly assist you, at the direction of law enforcement authorities, in obtaining, securing, and maintaining evidence in connection with, and necessary in the proof of, criminal sexual assault. The University will also assist you in preserving any materials relevant to a campus disciplinary proceeding.  The University Clinical Counselor and Director of Health Services are available to provide counseling and referral services for victims of sexual assault.

Judicial procedures for a case of sexual assault will follow the regular format as set forth in the Student Handbook and could also include legal action.  Depending on the facts and circumstances of the incident, the institutional levels of responsibility include a warning, probationary status, final warning status, suspension or dismissal from the University.  Within these levels of responsibility are a variety of disciplinary sanctions including written warnings, loss of privileges, the addition of special conditions, fiscal restitution, loss of participation in University activities, community service, behavioral expectations, expulsion from the residence halls, loss of the ability to represent the University, temporary or permanent separation from the University (suspension or dismissal), or any other sanction designed to help the student learn and be held accountable for his/her actions.

The accused and the accuser will be afforded the same due process as explained in the Code of Student Conduct in the Student Handbook.  If you wish, you may have a support person present with you at such proceedings.  The University will notify both you and the alleged assailant as to the outcome of any disciplinary proceeding regarding the sexual assault complaint subject to the limitations of state and federal laws relating to data privacy practices.  The right to participate in any disciplinary proceedings regarding the sexual assault complaint is also yours. Possible changes in academic and living situations may be available if requested by the victim and if such changes are reasonably available.

Programs educating the University community regarding topics such as self-defense, campus safety, and sexual assault prevention are provided free of charge every year.  Such programs promote, for example, the awareness of rape, acquaintance rape and other sex offenses.  Check the weekly campus calendar or contact the Student Development Office for details.

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POLICY FOR PREPARING ANNUAL DISCLOSURE OF CRIME STATISTICS

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, certain crime statistics must be maintained by the University and reported annually.  Therefore, this brochure is intended to comply with that federal law and the statistics below are compiled in accordance with the guidance offered in that legislation.  The Clery Act requires that campus crime statistics include any crime that is reported to local police agencies or campus security authorities. This information has been gathered by the Campus Safety Manager and is recorded below in the year in which the crime was reported.

Avila University did not receive any reports of any crimes listed above or any other crime involving bodily injury that manifested evidence that the victim was intentionally selected because of the victim's actual or perceived race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or disability.

This brochure was prepared by the Campus Safety Office.  Any questions or concerns should be directed to the Campus Safety Manager at (816) 501-2466.