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Announcement Emergency Preparedness Reference Guide Campus Emergency Call 273-4000 Off-campus Emergency Call 911 |
2004 Annual Security ReportReporting Crimes | Safety Programs | Alcohol & Drug Policies | Substance Abuse Services | Sexual Abuse | Filing a Disciplinary Complaint The University of Northern Iowa Department of Public Safety and Office of Vice President for Educational and Student Services are jointly responsible for gathering and publishing information required by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. Questions regarding any of the information contained in the university’s annual security report may be directed to the Director of Public Safety or the Associate Vice President for Educational and Student Services. To obtain a printed copy of the report, contact the Office of Associate Vice President for Educational and Student Services, 200 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0010. Reporting Crimes:Anyone on the Northern Iowa campus who is the victim of a crime or observes any criminal activity should report that incident immediately to the Department of Public Safety. Crimes reported to Residence Hall Coordinators, the Associate Vice President for Educational and Student Services, or the Coordinator of Student Organizations and Activities will also be reported to the UNI Department of Public Safety. Persons making crime reports should include as much information as possible, including location, nature of any injuries, description of possible criminals, and a brief description of what happened. Police officers will respond, take action if appropriate, investigate, and file a report. Off-campus incidents should be reported to the respective law enforcement agency. Assistance in contacting these agencies is available through the UNI Department of Public Safety. Confidential Reporting:Crime victims as well as persons reporting a crime may file a report confidentially with the UNI Department of Public Safety, Residence Hall Coordinators, the Associate Vice President for Educational and Student Services, or the Coordinator of Student Organizations and Activities. Victims of sexual abuse have the additional option of filing an anonymous report with the Coordinator of UNI Sexual Abuse Services. The filing of a confidential report will provide timely documentation of important information and assist the University in targeting future prevention efforts. Confidential reports without any individually identifying information are included in the university’s annual crime statistics. Police Log:The UNI Department of Public Safety, Police Division maintains an open log for all criminal cases, which is available for public view during normal business hours, Monday through Friday. The log is located at the office of Public Safety, 106 Towers Center. All release of information is subject to federal and state restrictions and in accordance with Chapter 22 of the Iowa Code. A crime log is provided daily on the Department of Public Safety's web site. Crime Alerts:Crime alerts are issued to the University community through the Department of Public Safety’s Web page or other forms of announcement to aid in preventing similar crimes or warn students and staff of crimes that may represent a threat to their safety and welfare. The campus community is also informed of crimes reported to the Department of Public Safety by other campus security authorities and/or local police agencies. Check Crime Alerts online Anonymous Reporting/Sexual Assaults:Many victims/survivors feel a strong need to notify campus personnel about their assault, but want to maintain their privacy. Survivors may do this by completing a Sexual Assault Anonymous Reporting Form. This form asks for details about the assault (e.g., date, location, and what occurred) and has a "tear off" sheet that describes programs that can assist a survivor. Completed forms should be returned to Julie Thompson, Coordinator of UNI Sexual Abuse Services. The information obtained from the forms will be compiled (without individually identifying information) and used to assist the University in targeting prevention efforts. The reporting form may also be completed online at: http://www.uni.edu/wellrec/wellness/sexualabuse/abusereport.html On-line reports are sent anonymously via e-mail to the Sexual Abuse Services Coordinator. The e-mail address of the respondent does not appear anywhere in the transmission. Anonymous reporting forms can also be discreetly obtained from the individuals and programs listed below:
UNI Hall Coordinators, the Coordinator for Student Organizations and Activities, and the Associate Vice President for Educational and Student Services are obligated in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act to report on-campus sexual abuse incidents to the UNI Department of Public Safety. Students should not be alarmed by this fact. This does not mean that a victim must pursue pressing charges. In addition, campus personnel will share the victim’s identity only with the victim’s permission. The purpose of these disclosures is to ensure that the University is aware of sexual abuse incidents and can respond institutionally to make future assaults less likely. Sex OffendersThe University of Northern Iowa understands the serious threat caused by repeated sexual predators. Beginning in 2001, the University began a broad-based effort to fight gender-based violence and sexual crimes in our community. One important part of the effort is giving students, staff and faculty the information to make intelligent decisions about their own safety. One source of information is Iowa Sex Offender Registry, a listing of all persons convicted of sexual crimes who are considered most likely to commit future sexual crimes. The Federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, which becomes effective October 28, 2002, requires the University of Northern Iowa to inform the campus community where to find information on registered sex offenders. The provisions of the federal act are mirrored in Iowa Code Section 692A.3A. The Iowa law also requires sex offenders already required to register in another jurisdiction also inform the Black Hawk County Sheriff anytime they become affiliated with the University. Affiliation with UNI includes when a person is employed, carries on a vocation, or is a student. This report of affiliation must be made within 5 days to the County Sheriff. Iowa's Sex Offender Law:Iowa's sex offender law sets out a variety of sexual crimes that, if a person is convicted, require evaluation of the convicted person as a sex offender. The sex offender evaluation rates the sex offender to their propensity to re-offend or commit continued sexual crimes. If a person is considered "at-risk" to re-offend, then the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation will list the name of the offender on the Public Sex Offender Database (IowaSexOffender.com). ** Be Advised - Many convicted sex offenders are not listed in the online Sex Offender database because they do not qualify as a serious "at-risk" to re-offend. Additionally, thousands of sex offenders convicted before 1995 are not part of the database or who have been convicted after 1995 but who have not been added due to backlogs. If you need more information, contact your local law enforcement (police or sheriff) office or contact the UNI Department of Public Safety for assistance. Search Iowa Sex Offender Database Read the Iowa Sex Offender law Department of Public SafetyWe encourage you to view the UNI Department of Public Safety first and foremost as a resource. Police Officers are trained in emergency medical procedures, CPR and first aid. They also participate in at least 12 hours of continuing education each year, focusing on topics such as conflict management, crime scene investigation, sexual abuse, hate crimes, stalking, alcohol abuse and an annual update on the State Code of Iowa. The Department of Public Safety has an authorized strength of 19 sworn police officers. They have full powers of arrest and must meet all requirements of state peace officers as required by Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. They do not carry firearms. They work closely with the Cedar Falls Police Department, specifically with regard to monitoring and reporting criminal activity involving students who reside off campus. The Department of Public Safety also has a Student Patrol Program with approximately 20 members. Student Patrol members wear distinctive jackets identifying their role. As campus observers, they report but are not expected to personally handle unusual circumstances. They also assist with student escort and building access tasks. Safety Services Offered:
Safety SuggestionsStudent and employee awareness and involvement are critical to campus safety. To assist the university in achieving its safety goals, we urge you to:
EscortsThe awareness of and commitment to safety exhibited by UNI's general student population is reflected in the availability of escorts. Although Northern Iowa's campus is generally well lighted, sidewalks are wide, and trees and shrubs are kept neatly trimmed, it is a good idea to use and escort service, particularly when walking on campus during evening hours. Escort services and their hours can be found in the "resources" section elsewhere in this publication. Also, it should be noted that a 24-hour telephone is available in the North UNI-Dome parking lot for access to escort service via the Department of Public Safety. PhonesConvenient phone access is available if you need to arrange an escort or report a crime or unusual circumstance. Free public campus telephones are available in many locations, such as residence halls, Maucker Union, Schindler Education Center, Gilchrist Hall and the Physical Education Center. There also are ten Blue Light Emergency Phones located throughout the UNI Campus. The phones allow one-button emergency voice connection to the Department of Public Safety Communications Center. These phones were funded in part with grants from the US Dept of Justice’s Violence Against Women Office and the Northern Iowa Student Government. Additional special outdoor phones are located at the Visitor Information Center and at the east end of Gilchrist Hall to provide direct, immediate access to the Department of Public Safety. In addition, all students living in residence halls have phones in their rooms. FirearmsFirearms are not allowed on campus. Resident HallAccess Residents are issued keys to their respective rooms when they move in. If a key is reported lost, the room door is re-keyed and new keys are issued. Residence hall exterior doors are locked by 10:00 each night after which residents must use their outside door keys to gain entrance at doors keyed for resident use. Unescorted guests must use the outside phone by the main entrance to call a resident to gain entrance after the doors are locked. There are visitation options in residence halls: limited and 24-hour visitation. Non-residents must be escorted during posted "escort hours" or when halls are locked for security purposes. Students receive more complete residence hall regulations in the "Day By Day" publication printed annually. Also, personal safety programs are provided within the first three weeks of fall semester and throughout the year. Academic Building AccessYou will generally find that academic buildings close to the public at about 10:30 p.m., when doors are locked by custodial or Public Safety staff. Use of areas such as labs, studios and auditoriums is permitted after hours by faculty and by those students who have faculty permission to do so on file with the Department of Public Safety. Officers routinely patrol the buildings, and unauthorized persons are required to leave the premises. University of Northern Iowa Alcohol and Drug PolicyIt is the policy of the University of Northern Iowa and the Board of Regents to provide for a drug-free work place and learning environment for its students and employees. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of alcohol or controlled substances by students or employees on University owned or leased property or in conjunction with a University-sponsored event is prohibited. Students who violate this policy may receive any of a number of sanctions, including an official warning, conduct probation, suspension, expulsion, or referral for prosecution and may be required to pay for any damages they caused. Depending upon the circumstance, participation in an educational program and/or a treatment program may also be required. Employees who violate this policy may be referred for an educational/treatment program and may be subject to disciplinary action including a formal reprimand, being placed on enforced leave status, suspension, termination or referral for prosecution. Substance Abuse Services: 273-2137Wellness & Recreation Center, Room 161A University Health Services employs a full-time Health Educator who specializes in alcohol and drug abuse. If you have concerns about your substance use or that of a family member or a friend, please contact Julie Barnes at 273-2137. Ms. Barnes can help you determine whether a problem exists, the extent of the problem, and which resources would best assist you. The information you share is confidential! Students may also be referred to Substance Abuse Services because of an alcohol or other drug related incident. The nature and the number of incidents determine the particular program the student would complete. These educational programs are designed to help students avoid future difficulties and are not punitive in their content or delivery. Workshops and presentations are also available to students groups and in classroom settings. Please call Substance Abuse Services if you would like to attend or host a workshop. Sexual Abuse InformationUNI Policy on Sexual AbuseThe University of Northern Iowa will not tolerate sexual abuse in any form. Students and University employees charged with sexual abuse can be prosecuted under Iowa criminal statutes and/or be disciplined under University disciplinary procedures. In the case of students, disciplinary action includes the possibility of suspension or expulsion from the University. University students, faculty and staff who become aware of incidents of sexual abuse should contact either the UNI Department of Public Safety, the UNI Counseling Center or UNI Sexual Abuse Services for information and assistance. The individual need not identify him/herself or the victim. The primary consideration should be the health, safety and emotional well-being of the victim. The federal Student Right-To-Know and Campus Security Act requires campus security authorities to maintain and distribute statistical information concerning various crimes, including rape/sexual abuse. However, university personnel are not required to identify the victim or other parties involved in the incident in their report.
UNI Sexual Abuse Services, Phoenix Center273-2137, Wellness & Recreation Center, Room 161AUniversity Health Services employs a Health Educator who specializes in assisting sexual abuse survivors and in coordinating abuse prevention efforts. Julie Barnes is a trained sexual assault advocate housed in room 161A of the Wellness & Recreation Center. Ms. Barnes can help survivors understand and evaluate various treatment options and avenues for recourse e.g. criminal and university complaints. You may phone her directly at 273-2137. Communications with an advocate are confidential. A variety of programs are also available to promote the awareness of date or acquaintance rape and other forms of sexual abuse (both forcible and non-forcible). These workshops include "Campus Rape", a program that educates about the prevalence of sexual assault and provides risk reduction strategies for students. The "No Witness" program is a courtroom simulation of a criminal trial for a date rape allegation. The program challenges viewers' perceptions of what constitutes rape and helps clarify the issue of consent. "Mentors in Violence Prevention" (MVP), is a curriculum-based program that can be used with all-male, all-female or mixed gender audiences. The MVP program relates to participants as potential bystanders/observers of gender-based violence. Students learn and rehearse appropriate responses to a range of hostile and/or abusive behavior. Workshops and educational presentations are available to student groups, living groups and in classroom settings. Please call Sexual Abuse Services for a complete listing of sexual abuse prevention programs. What To Do If You're Assaulted?
Rape victims should be examined immediately for injuries, including internal injuries that may not be apparent. The medical provider may also test for pregnancy and for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. The Black Hawk County Sexually Transmitted Disease Program in Waterloo offers free, confidential HIV testing. With the victim's consent, the medical professional can also gather valuable physical evidence that may be used should s/he seek criminal charges. Compensation for the portion of the exam that is performed for evidence collection is paid for by the State of Iowa. (See Sexual Abuse Area Resources) As difficult as it may be, it is important not to shower, douche, use the restroom or change clothing before going to the hospital. Each of these activities could compromise or destroy evidence, making prosecution less likely. Maintaining the integrity of physical evidence safeguards the survivor's option of pursuing criminal charges.
Reporting a sexual assault is a difficult, yet important decision. Making a report may assist in the recovery process, as it helps the survivor connect with the supportive services. Reporting could also reduce the likelihood that the assailant harms someone else. Remember, an assault can be reported without initiating an investigation or prosecuting the attacker. If the assault occurred on University property, the report should be made to the UNI Department of Public Safety. If the assault occurred off-campus, the report should be given to the local police department. UNI Hall Coordinators and the Associate Vice President for Educational and Student Affairs are obligated in accordance with the Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act to report on-campus sexual abuse incidents to the UNI Department of Public Safety. Students should not be alarmed by this fact. This does not mean that a victim must pursue pressing charges. In addition, campus personnel will share the victim's identity only with the victim's permission. The purpose of these disclosures is to ensure that the University is aware of sexual abuse incidents and can respond institutionally to make future assaults less likely. The victim/survivor is entitled to have a support person (e.g. a rape advocate, friend, relative, or counselor) present during interviews with law enforcement personnel. Neither the Cedar Falls Police Division or the UNI Department of Public Safety routinely releases victims' names to the media. However, if charges are filed, the information becomes public record.
Sexual abuse survivors commonly feel ashamed, fearful, confused and alone. These feelings may be difficult to overcome without help. A counselor can help the victim understand that rape is never the survivor's fault, even if the individual was naive, did not act cautiously or agreed to some degree of sexual activity. Survivors may also benefit from participating in a support group, where they share and receive support from others who have been sexually abused. A wealth of resources are available to assist survivor including free individual and group counseling, access to a 24-hour crisis line and advocacy services. (Please refer to the "Campus and Community Sexual Abuse Area Resources" chart on this page.) Boyfriends, girlfriends, parents, siblings and roommates may also provide support and understanding. Significant people in the survivor's life may have a difficult time coping with the rape. They may also be in need of counseling, not only to assist the victim, but to obtain support for their own feelings. Rights and Assurances for Sexual Abuse Survivors
Campus and Community Sexual Abuse Area Resources
Filing a University Disciplinary ComplaintIndividuals who have been sexually abused have the option of seeking criminal charges and/or filing a University disciplinary complaint. Disciplinary complaints are initiated by contacting the Office of the Vice President for Educational and Student Services (273-2332). University disciplinary proceedings will be brought to a reasonably prompt conclusion whether or not criminal proceedings are under way. When a complaint is filed, information will be gathered to determine if there is sufficient information to support the alleged misconduct, and if so, who will hear the case. Violations that potentially warrant suspension or expulsion require a formal hearing with the victim's participation. The complaint is upheld if the hearing officer or hearing board is convinced that it is more likely than not that a violation occurred. Victims are apprised immediately of the outcome of the hearing and any appeals that may result. The following sanctions may be imposed upon any student found in violation of a University policy: warning, probation, suspension, expulsion and discretionary sanctions. "Discretionary sanctions" generally require a student to provide a specific service, participate in a specific program, receive specific instruction, or to complete a specific assignment. Discretionary sanctions can include mandatory referrals for counseling and/or for a mental health assessment. Victims/survivors have the right to have a person of their choosing accompany them throughout the disciplinary process. We encourage survivors to obtain assistance from a sexual assault advocate. Advocates have received specialized training in all aspects of sexual assault. Julie Thompson, Coordinator of UNI Sexual Abuse Services, is a trained advocate housed in the Wellness & Recreation Center. Ms. Thompson can help survivors understand and evaluate various treatment options and avenues for recourse i.e. criminal and university complaints and civil lawsuits. You may phone her directly at 273-2137. Communications with an advocate are confidential. Additionally, steps can be taken to minimize the degree of contact between a victim and the accused e.g., no contact notices, no trespassing letters, and alternate living and/or class arrangements for the victim. Ms. Thompson can provide information concerning each of these steps. To obtain a printed copy of the report, contact the Office of Associate Vice President for Educational and Student Services, 200 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0010.
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Department of Public Safety • 30 Gilchrist Hall
University of Northern Iowa • Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0023
Phone: 319-273-2712 • Parking Information: 319-273-2710 • Fax: 319-273-7253
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Date Updated: November 27, 2007 |
