Compliance Document

Campus Safety at Wesleyan

Wesleyan University, with a population of almost 4,000 persons, is an integral part of the larger community of Middletown, a manufacturing and residential city in central Connecticut. Together they share physical, civic, and personal resources to their mutual advantage.

Safety for all is a major concern. Realistically, no society, be it state, city, or college campus, can be free of all crime. Wesleyan strives to provide an ideal environment for learning, working, and recreation, but safety on campus does not happen by chance. Thus, the University has instituted numerous policies and procedures to enhance security. Members of the Wesleyan community have a responsibility to make good use of the security procedures and services available and must be accountable for their own well-being and also for the welfare of others.

Therefore, the University urges all members of the Wesleyan community-students, faculty, and staff-to participate in maintaining campus safety by promptly reporting any suspicious circumstances, accidents, or criminal acts to the Office of Public Safety at 860-685-3333 and the Middletown police at 9-911.

The Office of Public Safety

The Office of Public Safety is staffed by officers, patrol personnel and supervisors who patrol the campus on a 24-hour basis. All are trained in CPR and first aid as well as in other areas applicable to their positions in a University setting. Each person is equipped with a two-way radio, which keeps him/her in constant contact with the Office of Public Safety, located at 208 High Street. From this location, Public Safety has contact with the Middletown Police Department, Middletown Fire Department, and emergency medical services.

The office works closely with the Middletown Police and Fire Department on incidents occurring on or around campus and operates in conjunction with the personnel of other agencies, whose expertise and resources have been utilized in the past. The Public Safety investigative captain coordinates the investigation and will enlist whatever outside resources are necessary to assist. We encourage you to report all incidents, whether on or near campus.

We are here to help you. Our orientation is service, prevention, and detection. Our personnel are trained to solve problems and will assist you in any way possible. Public Safety personnel are on and around campus constantly. They are here for your benefit. Don't hesitate to call upon them for their assistance.

The Office of Public Safety, located at 208 High Street, reports to the vice president of Finance and Administration.  It houses the central dispatch center, which coordinates the activities of five supervisors, nineteen officers, and two patrol personnel and a small number of part-time patrol personnel who provide 24-hour patrol, response and service to the community.

The director, associate director, and a secretary provide administrative support and direction for the office's many functions and aided by part-time personnel, provide a variety of services to the community.

Public Safety personnel are required by federal and state laws to enforce rules, regulations, and laws pertaining to alcohol and drug violations on campus. They also enforce University regulations pertaining to the University's Code of Non-Academic Conduct, parking control, fire safety, and academic/administration departmental rules and procedures. Every effort is made to enforce these regulations equitably and professionally.

For patrol purposes, the campus is divided into sectors that are assigned to personnel in patrol vehicles, on bicycles, and on foot. Highly visible and easily recognizable, the patrol vehicles are equipped with emergency lights and red cruise lights that are illuminated at night and telephone numbers for reporting emergencies are listed on the doors of the patrol vehicles.  Public Safety uniforms are designed to allow for ready identification.

Although Public Safety personnel cannot make criminal arrests, they are well trained in public safety-all receive and maintain current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first aid and sexual-assault first-responder procedures, as well as other areas related to the functions of Public Safety and are also trained in the PR/24 defensive baton.

Public Safety's close, professional relationship with the Middletown Police Department is based on prompt communication, frequent interaction, and a high level of mutual respect. The Middletown Police Department, located approximately three blocks from the center of campus, helps provide emergency services, patrol, and service to Wesleyan. Crisscrossed by city streets, Wesleyan receives residual patrol coverage from the activities of Middletown police officers as they patrol the city.

Wesleyan has an agreement with Middletown Police that the Office of Public Safety will be notified of serious crimes occurring near the campus through communication with an established liaison command officer. In this way, the Office of Public Safety is notified of possible criminal activity at nearby off-campus locations. In addition, the Middletown Police regularly request Public Safety's presence at most routine calls and all serious occurrences at the several buildings owned and/or controlled by student organizations that are contiguous to the campus.

Wesleyan's campus is very open. There are no outer protective boundaries or buffer zones and, therefore, the campus is easily accessible to individuals not affiliated with the University. Students, faculty, and staff are free to come and go. There are times, however, when it becomes necessary for Public Safety personnel to request proper identification, such as the Wesleyan University photo identification card. Such requests are not made often and are made only out of concern for community members. Public Safety is also concerned with your rights. As members of the campus community, you have a right at the time of the request to have an explanation provided for the request.  Please carry your identification with you at all times.

The statistical information included in this report is compiled by the director of the Office of Public Safety. These statistics were obtained from Public Safety reports, information supplied by the Middletown Police Department, and offices on campus that have significant student service responsibility.

Written requests for statistical information are made on an annual basis to the local police department and to officials in the institution who have significant responsibility for student and campus activities.

All the statistics are gathered, compiled and reported to the University community by the Office of Public Safety via the compliance document which is located on the Public Safety web page [www.wesleyan.edu/publicsafety]. Every enrolled student and current employee are notified by e-mail and by a mailed notice of the availability and location of the compliance document.

Reporting Procedures

The Office of Public Safety is the central emergency reporting center for the University. In case of emergency, use the following numbers and procedures.

Residence-hall telephones, pay telephones, elevator telephones, and University extensions, including exterior blue-light phones, or direct lines to Public Safety also are available. The campus has many University telephones located in common areas inside buildings or outside. Emergency telephone numbers, which are displayed on Public Safety patrol vehicles and on decals available from the Office of Public Safety, are: Public Safety Emergencies 860/685-3333; Middletown Police Department, Fire Department, or medical emergencies 9-911. In addition, Public Safety provides emergency telephone number posters to residence staff for display in living units and to academic and administrative departments for their offices. Public Safety emergency and/or non-emergency numbers appear in the following publications: Faculty/Staff Directory, Student Directory, Handbook for Wesleyan Parents, Student Handbook [www.wesleyan.edu/studenthandbook], and publications distributed by the Wesleyan Student Assembly.

Community members, students, faculty, staff and guests are encouraged to report all crimes and public safety related incidents to the Wesleyan Office of Public Safety in a timely manner. Although information contained in the compliance document includes information about on campus and off campus resources, the official reporting entity for criminal offenses that occur at Wesleyan University is the Office of Public Safety. Reporting incidents to the Office of Public Safety will aid in providing timely warning notices to the community, when appropriate and will ensure inclusion of that reported incident in the annual disclosure of crime statistics for the institution.

The University does not have a policy that allows victims or witnesses to report crimes to the Office of Public Safety on a voluntary confidential basis for inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics.

Pastoral counselors when appropriate inform the persons they are counseling of our procedures to report crimes on a voluntary confidential basis for inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics. Professional Counselors do not participate in this program.

Emergency Response

When the Office of Public Safety receives a report, Public Safety personnel are dispatched as promptly as possible to evaluate the situation and to contact other authorities as needed. Patrol vehicles are equipped with both Public Safety and Middletown Police Department radios. Prompt communication is possible and may, if necessary, result in both police and fire department response with Public Safety.

In cases of a serious emergency or a dangerous situation that poses an immediate threat to the community, an emergency alert system that notifies the community by both voice and text message to a designated phone and e-mail will be utilized. This is done via the Connect-Ed system.  More information on this system is located at:

http://tom.blogs.wesleyan.edu/2009/05/15/emergency-communication-at-wesleyan/

The Director of Public Safety in consultation with the Vice President of Student Services and the Vice President of Finance and Administration will normally initiate the use of this system. To prevent delays in broadcasting the information, any one of the three or their designee can authorize the use of the system. In addition to the Director of Public Safety, the Vice President of Student Affairs and the Director of the Communications Office or their designee have been trained in the procedures necessary to initiate a message.

This system is tested on an annual basis through an announced drill.

In an effort to provide timely notice and in the event of an incident which has a potential to pose a threat to members of the Wesleyan community, all campus e-mails will be coordinated by the Director of Public Safety to alert the campus community.  All campus e-mails are also disseminated for  certain incidents that occur including:  arson, aggravated assault, criminal homicide, and robbery.  When incidents of harassment occur, a brief synopsis of the incident and response will be posted on the Campus Climate Log by the Dean for Diversity and Student Engagement.  They may also be distributed for other classifications as deemed appropriate.

Public Safety reports to the student newspaper, the Argus, incidents that affect the safety of the community and works with Residential Life staff to keep the community informed of safety issues.

The Office of Public Safety posts awareness reports on its website located at

www.wesleyan.edu/publicsafety/alerts which provides information on all incidents Public Safety has responded, to enhance community awareness of safety issues.

In addition to these notifications from the university, the Middletown Police Department has a community information service that alerts the greater Middletown community to deliver important and timely information.  More information on this free service provided by Nixle is available from the Middletown Police web site:

http://www.cityofmiddletownpolice.com/nixle.html or at www.nixle.com

A daily crime log is available for review during normal business hours at the Office of Public Safety, 208 High St. The information in the crime log typically includes the nature, date, time, general location and disposition of each crime.

BUILDING SECURITY

Residential Security

Wesleyan's variety of residential living areas and situations ranges from traditional residence halls to small wood-frame houses.

Residence halls are equipped with security devices and with locking exterior doors. These doors should never be propped open or tampered with in any way, since they offer the first barrier to an intruder. Corridor doors should also never be propped open or tampered with in any way since they offer the first barrier to smoke and flame in a fire emergency. Many room doors close and lock automatically for your safety; those that do not should be secured when you have entered or exited the room and should remain locked at all times. It is never advisable to leave your door unsecured or your keys in the lock. Many individual room doors are equipped with peep holes, allowing the resident to view a person prior to opening the door.

Students should lock windows in the units whenever they are sleeping or leaving the rooms. Many lower windows are secured with "Charlie Bars," which secure the window when closed, and/or locking stops, which lock the window in a slightly open position and prevent further opening from the outside. Several living units have security screens, hinged to allow emergency exiting if necessary.

Several buildings contiguous to campus are owned or managed by student organizations recognized by the institution. The security at these buildings is controlled exclusively by the organizations to which they belong. The Office of Public Safety will respond if called and will assist the Middletown Police in emergency circumstances. If the Middletown Police Department is called by a citizen to respond to one of these locations, they will typically notify the Office of Public Safety to respond with them or will notify the Office of Public Safety after they responded to notify OPS of the situation. However, Middletown Police Department does this out of courtesy and is not "required" to notify or involve OPS when they respond to a call involving private property. The University encourages these locations to establish appropriate security standards comparable to those in University-owned housing.

Public Safety personnel help ensure that the lights throughout the campus are in working order. Public Safety and Physical Plant make regular tours of the grounds to ensure that shrubs or other vegetation do not interfere with the security of the campus. Public Safety personnel submit a daily report of the condition of his/her sector and report any unsafe conditions and/or mechanical problems, including inoperative lights, found in routine patrol to Physical Plant for appropriate attention or repair or elimination.

The University is in the process of installing a new high-security key system throughout the campus and many of the residence halls now use these high-security keys for access to the building and individual rooms. These keys are difficult to duplicate and help to offer a more secure environment. Most residence halls also have an electronic card access system on the exterior doors.

You should think of "home" as your entire residential unit-the common spaces, the immediate outside area, and, of course, your room. If you see suspicious activity or individuals in any of these areas, call Public Safety immediately. Following are some additional safety tips:

• Lock your door when you are sleeping or are away from your room, no matter for how short a time.

• Keep the exterior doors locked at all times and corridor doors closed. A propped-open door offers no security or fire protection.

• Keep windows locked when you are sleeping, showering, or away from your room.

• Report any strangers seen loitering in or around your residence.

• If you receive annoying, harassing, or obscene phone calls, call Public Safety. The responding officer will investigate the incident and will advise you of your options.

• Avoid leaving valuables in common rooms, coat rooms, or lounges.

• Make a record of the serial number, model, brand name, and description of all valuables; by law, stolen property cannot be reclaimed unless it can be positively identified.

• Take advantage of Public Safety's Operation Identification Program.

• When leaving your room for vacations, trips, or recess periods, store valuables at off-campus locations or take them with you.

• Avoid leaving notes on your door to let people know you are out.

If you live in a University house you should observe all of the above and, in addition:

• Keep all outside doors and basement doors locked at all times.

• Report suspicious people or actions in your neighborhood to Public Safety or the Middletown Police Department.

• Keep lights on when you are away at night to give the house a lived-in look.

• Turn on outside lights if you control them.

• Take valuables home with you or off campus during inter sessions, vacations, or at any time that the University isn't in session and your house is empty.

Academic and Administrative Building Security

Academic buildings on campus are secured with lockable entrances and, in many cases, intrusion-detection systems. These buildings may be accessed during regular working hours and after hours by authorized personnel only. Public Safety personnel may admit students after normal business hours if their names are on the current authorization list provided by the appropriate faculty or administrative member. Buildings that are open during the evening for classes and computer use are secured by the Office of Public Safety when the classes are concluded. Some buildings on campus, such as the Science Center, are open continuously. These buildings are patrolled regularly by Public Safety personnel.

Wesleyan Public Safety encourages faculty, staff, and students working in their offices to engage in the following security practices:

• Report any suspicious persons or occurrences to Public Safety immediately at 860/685-3333 or campus extension 3333. If your telephone has speed dial, program it for Public Safety.

• Keep a Wesleyan emergency telephone sticker on your telephone. They are available through Public Safety.

• In a prominent location, display the Wesleyan Public Safety Crime Prevention posters that are sent to department chairs and Administrators each fall.

• Lock your valuables in a file cabinet or desk should you leave your office, even for a brief period of time.

• If you work alone on weekends or after regular hours, lock yourself in your office or building. Notify Public Safety that you are working alone late and request that they stop by periodically.

• When you leave your office for the day, make sure windows are closed and locked, doors are locked, and, if applicable, that the intrusion alarm is activated. In some instances where interior office space is easily visible by Public Safety patrol, it is wise to leave a few lights on after dark.

• Do not hesitate to call Public Safety if you feel that something is amiss. We would rather respond and find that nothing is wrong rather than have a person feel apprehensive.

• If you have computers or other valuable items, contact Public Safety for advice on the best security measures to safeguard them.

Safety is the concern and responsibility of all. Effective prevention programs must, of necessity, involve community participation. Programs and publications are available concerning safety and security procedures on campus, and each year new students are invited to attend a program presented by the Office of Public Safety to acquaint them with campus crime-prevention techniques; residential security methods; emergency procedures, telephones, and telephone numbers; fire safety; registration and marking of valuables; and the Campus RIDE Program.  Residential workshops are given to first-year students each fall term sponsored by the Dean's Office in awareness and prevention of sexual assault.  In addition, an orientation program sponsored by the Dean's Office outlines student rights and responsibilities under the Wesleyan Code of Non-Academic Conduct, which details a variety of University policies.

Public Safety also makes available the following additional crime-prevention programs and information:

• Crime-prevention posters, which are given to residential life staff to be displayed in residence halls and other strategic locations. The posters address prevention of larcenies and bike theft; the importance of reporting crime and suspicious circumstances to Public Safety; and lists of emergency numbers.

• Free whistles, as part of a program that encourages community members "to blow the whistle" if they feel at risk. Public Safety should be called whenever anyone hears a whistle.

• An extensive system located in the Office of Public Safety headquarters that monitors an electronic network of intrusion and panic-alarm systems on campus.

• Interior and exterior emergency phones, including exterior blue-light phones to the Office of Public Safety. Middletown Police/Fire emergency boxes are located throughout campus.

• Operation I.D., an identification engraving program designed to discourage theft and assist in the recovery of stolen items; and registration of bicycles on campus.

• Crime-prevention presentations made each year to residence staff to assist them in promoting safety in their areas of responsibility. Four programs were conducted in 2009.

• Programs and publications are available concerning safety and security procedures on campus, and each year new students are invited to attend a program presented by the Office of Public Safety to acquaint them with campus crime-prevention techniques; residential security methods; emergency procedures, telephones, and telephone numbers; fire safety; registration and marking of valuables; and the Campus Shuttle Service. Twenty-One programs were conducted in 2009.

• Patrol by Public Safety personnel on foot, bicycles on a seasonal basis, and in patrol vehicles that are equipped with reflective decals [including emergency numbers] and red cruise lights for easy recognition and crime deterrence at night.

• Public Safety provides free to all students, faculty and staff a laptop tracking software.  For additional information on this program go to www.frontdoorsoftware.com/wesleyan

The Transportation Services Department provides regular free shuttle service known as the RIDE Campus Shuttle Service to students living on campus and in the adjacent neighborhoods.  Shuttle vans are available every evening during the regular academic year from 7pm until 4am.  Shuttle stops are located throughout the campus and are designated by red or blue markers depending on their location.

Public Safety will provide safety escorts from 4am to dawn throughout the spring and fall semesters and will also provide escorts during times when the  Campus Shuttle Service isn't running such as winter and summer break periods.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

The University prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and/or alcohol by students or by employees on University property or while participating in any University-sponsored activity. The University will impose disciplinary sanctions on students and employees who violate these standards.

Student sanctions may include disciplinary warning, disciplinary probation, community service hours, suspension, or dismissal.  The University may also require that the student have an AOD [alcohol or other drug] assessment with the Office of Behavioral Health for Students. Whenever the University determines that a student has violated one of these standards, referral of the matter to law enforcement officials will be considered.

Employee sanctions include, in ascending order of severity: warning, reprimand, probation, suspension [with or without pay], and termination of employment. Participation in a rehabilitation program outside of the University may be required. Whenever an employee has violated one of the standards, Wesleyan will consider, as with students, referral of the matter to law enforcement officials for prosecution.

Employees must notify the Director of the Office of Human Resources of any criminal drug-statute conviction for a violation occurring in the work place no later than five days after such conviction.

Detailed information pertaining to the University’s drug and alcohol policy and a description of available training programs can be found in the Student Handbook [www.wesleyan.edu/studenthandbook],Faculty             Handbook [www.wesleyan.edu/acaf/conduct.html],or the Administrative Handbook [www.wesleyan.edu/hr/handbook.html].

Fire Safety

The Campus Fire Safety Department promotes fire prevention and life safety awareness by offering training, educational programs and informational resources; by conducting inspections of academic, administrative and residential facilities; and by providing expert guidance on fire and life safety code issues.

Additional statistical information can be found at http://www.wesleyan.edu/firesafety/ .

Weapons on Campus

Personal possession or personal storage of operable firearms or other lethal weapons is prohibited anywhere on the Wesleyan campus or while one is engaged in University activities.

Sexual Assault / Misconduct
 

Experience has shown that incidents of sexual assault can occur anywhere. The University publishes sexual assault awareness and prevention information in the student handbook [www.wesleyan.edu/studenthandbook] which is available to all community members.  Public Safety encourages you to read this information. 

Sexual assault is a topic that must be taken seriously by the entire Wesleyan community.  Reducing the risk of sexual assault is not only an institutional responsibility but also an individual one. Prevention of these incidents requires a commitment from all members of the community.  Increased awareness on the part of each member of the Wesleyan community will result in a safer campus for all.

Studies show that the odds are about one in three that a woman will be the target of either an actual or an attempted rape and that more than 80% of all women who experienced assault were acquainted with the men who assaulted them. Men are not immune – it is estimated that 10% of all sexual assaults are perpetrated against men.

Statistically, acquaintance sexual assault on campuses is most often perpetrated against first-year students and often in the first weeks they are on campus. Acquaintance sexual assault, like stranger sexual assault, may include various degrees of force, ranging from emotional coercion to physical restraint, threat of violence, or the use of a weapon.

While the responsibility for any sexual misconduct lies with the perpetrator, there are many actions a person can take to reduce their risk for becoming a victim. 

• Set your own sexual boundaries and communicate them clearly to a potential sexual partner before becoming intimate.  Be alert to situations that could be misinterpreted.

• Notice your fears and act on them – our instincts are usually right.

• Look for signs of a lack of respect.  If someone does not respect your personal space or your wishes, it is possible they won’t respect you in a sexual situation either.

• Be especially cautious in a new environment with unfamiliar people; this applies whether you are on campus, off campus and when traveling.

• Avoid walking in isolated areas when alone.  Acquaintances and strangers both could use an isolated area to their advantage, whether it is indoors or outdoors.  Strive to travel in well-lit areas with others.

• Attend social gatherings with friends and leave with them. Make a plan for the evening and stick to it in order to ensure everyone’s safety.

• Never leave a party or gathering with someone you don’t know well or accept a ride from a stranger.

• Select a public place when meeting someone new for the first time. Have a friend with you or drive yourself and prearrange a way to leave the situation if your instincts tell you to do so.  This is particularly true when the person was met via the Internet. 

• Watch your alcohol and drug use.  Studies of rape indicate that up to three-fourths of all rapists and victims were under the influence of alcohol or other drugs at the time.  For the same reasons it is important to remain sober to control a car, it is equally important to stay sober in order to maintain control of your body.

At times, a person may find themselves in a risky situation they could not anticipate. Anyone who feels uncomfortable with, or threatened by, another person’s behavior should trust that instinctive reaction and take the following steps:

• Keep the door open or invite another person in.

• Speak firmly and look directly at the other person when you refuse any activity. Say "NO” firmly and repeatedly. Tell the offender to stop or leave.  A reasonable person will see your rights and listen to a clear “no” message, even if they find it frustrating. 

• Shout, scream, or use a whistle if they do not listen. Whistles are available free from Public Safety

• Use self-defense techniques, if appropriate. Some situations provide an opportunity to fight back physically, others may not.

• Try to get out of the situation in any way possible.

In addition, Public Safety encourages you to take the following precautions on and around campus:

• Use the Campus RIDE Program after dark.

• Faculty and staff members working late should request an escort by Public Safety to their vehicles.

• Walk with friends. There really is safety in numbers.

• Use all of the security hardware that is provided in your residence hall, house, or office.

• Be aware of where the police and emergency fireboxes are located on and around campus and use them in an emergency.

• Keep your exterior door locked at all times.

• Walk only in well-lit pathways and stay alert to any sign of suspicious circumstances.

• Report the sound of a whistle being blown to Public Safety immediately.

• Report all incidents of harassment, assault, or other crimes to Public Safety.

• Report suspicious people or incidents to Public Safety by calling 860/685-3333 or on campus x3333.

• Faculty and staff members working at odd hours in their offices should inform Public Safety that they are occupying the building and can request that an officer stop by to make sure the exterior of the building is secure.

• Several buildings are equipped with portable panic alarms, which alert Public Safety.  If your building has such a device, you are encouraged to carry it if you are working alone at night.

Sexual misconduct is a violation of University policy and encompasses harassment, coercion, intimidation and/or sexual assault.  Sexual Misconduct includes any sexual activity for which consent is not given.  All members of the Wesleyan community are encouraged to review the information on sexual assault contained in the Student Handbook [www.wesleyan.edu/studenthandbook], Faculty Handbook {www.wesleyan.edu/acaf/conduct.html} or the Administrative Handbook {www.wesleyan.edu/hr/handbook.html}
 

Wesleyan adjudicates alleged violations of the Code of-Non Academic Conduct via judicial boards.  The evidentiary standard for such boards is fair preponderance of the evidence presented.  Wesleyan has four avenues to address alleged violations of Wesleyan's rules and regulations including sexual assault.
 

Disciplinary sanctions will be imposed on students and employees found to have violated University standards.  Possible sanctions for students may include disciplinary probation, suspension and dismissal.  Possible sanctions for employees may include warnings, reprimands, probation, suspension with or without pay, and termination of employment.
 

The entry point for complaints by or against students, regardless of which committee or board will hear them, is the clerk of the judicial system.  While the Office of the Clerk can be used for cases involving faculty, administrators, and/or staff, the dean of the college and the director of human resources may also receive formal complaints for forwarding to the appropriate bodies.
 

If the complainant wishes to make a formal complaint against an under-graduate student or groups of students, the complaint is handled by the Student Judicial Board.  The Graduate Judicial Board will hear complaints against graduate students.  If the complainant wishes to pursue a formal complaint against a member of the faculty, the complaint may be submitted directly to the Faculty Committee on Rights and Responsibilities.  If the complainant wishes to make a formal complaint against a non-faculty employee (i.e., administrator or staff member) of the University, the complaint is forwarded to the person’s supervisor.

In each case involving students, the accused and the accuser are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during disciplinary proceedings and to be informed of the outcome of any disciplinary proceedings alleging a sexual offense.  More detailed information on the process and procedures of each board or committee is outlined in the Student Handbook [www.wesleyan.edu/studenthandbook], and the Faculty Handbook  [www.wesleyan.edu/acaf/conduct.html].

As is the case with all crimes and emergencies, the University urges members of the community to report sexual offenses promptly to the Office of Public Safety (860/685-3333) and to the Middletown police (911). The Office of the Public Safety is available for assistance following a sexual assault and will provide transportation to the Davison Health Center and/or Middlesex Hospital for medical attention, treatment, and the preservation of medical evidence. The importance of preserving such evidence for legal proof of criminal sexual assault is emphasized. The Office of Public Safety will also assist students who choose to file a report with the Middletown Police Department.

When a sexual assault is reported to the Office of Public Safety, the office will share the identity of the victim only with the Vice President of Student Affairs, whose role is to facilitate appropriate follow-up and counseling. Appropriate follow-up may include a change of academic and/or living arrangements, if requested by the victim, and if such changes can be reasonably implemented.

In addition to the safety awareness and crime-prevention programs detailed in the Student Handbook [www.wesleyan.edu/studenthandbook], educational programs to promote awareness and prevention of sexual assault and other sexual offenses are available. These programs, sponsored by the Dean's Office, include presentations to new students during Orientation and workshops in the residence halls each fall term.

Counseling, mental health, and student services are available for victims of sexual assault both on and off campus.  On campus counseling services include those offered by the Office of Behavioral Health.  Services also may be sought at Health Services which offers a safe confidential setting and primary care and support. The Health Services Staff will outline resources and options available to sexual assault victims including the option to be assisted in notifying Public Safety and the Middletown Police Department of alleged incidents.  For services off campus, students are referred to the Central Connecticut Sexual Crisis Center (1-888/999-5545) and to Middlesex Hospital (860/347-9471).   Additional resources are listed in the current Student Handbook [www.wesleyan.edu/studenthandbook].

Missing Student Notification

In the event that a student is deemed to be missing from our residence halls or from campus, all persons are directed to report this fact to the university public safety department.  Reports should also be made to the residential life office and/or the dean of students office. The university public safety department will begin an investigation and attempt to find the missing person immediately upon the receipt of the information. As part of the initial investigation, assistance will be requested from the Middletown Police department.  Under public safety protocol the person does NOT have to be missing for 24 hours before actions are taken, but rather as soon as it is determined that the person is missing.

Each student living on campus has the option through their student portfolio to register a confidential contact person to be notified in the event that the student is determined to be missing.  Only authorized campus officials and law enforcement officers, in furtherance of a missing person investigation, may have access to this information.  All students, even if they have not  registered a contact person, are advised that the local law enforcement agency will be notified the student is missing.  The parent or guardian of any student under 18 years of age and not emancipated must be notified as well.

Official missing student reports are to be referred immediately to the Wesleyan Public Safety Department and the local police  department.  Missing students can be reported to the Wesleyan Public Safety Department at 860/685-2345.

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In compliance with the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act of 2002, members of the Wesleyan University community may contact the Connecticut State Police at their website: http://www.state.ct.us/dps/sex_offender_registry.htm for information concerning registered sex offenders. 

The Campus Crimes Prevention Act passed in 2000 and which became effective on October 28, 2002, requires convicted and previously registered sex offenders to notify their state if they are enrolled as a student or employed at a college or university.  This information is then forwarded to the local law enforcement agency wherein the college or university is located.  Anyone with questions regarding information on registered sex offenders may contact the Middletown Police Department located at 222 Main Street, Middletown, CT.  The phone number is (860) 344-3200.