The Office of the Vice President for Finance and Administration is responsible for security. The Director of Police Services, who heads the University Police Department, reports to the Vice President for Finance and Administration.
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires that all incidents of murder, manslaughter, forcible and non-forcible sex offenses, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, and arson that occur on campus or on property contiguous to campus be included in the annual report.
The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) specifies campus safety requirements in the following areas: hate crime reporting and emergency response and evacuation procedures required of all Title IV institutions and; missing student notification and fire safety issues required of any Title IV institution that maintains an on-campus student housing facility.
Interpretations of the law indicate that all University employees have the obligation to report incidents of these specified crimes to campus law enforcement authorities. The following information is provided for procedures to follow if you become aware of any of the crimes specified. Definitions for the applicable crimes appear under item 16.
If you learn from a victim or witness that a crime has occurred on campus or contiguous to campus, encourage him/her to report the incident to Mansfield University Police at 662-4900. If the crime occurred off campus the Mansfield University Police Department will also assist you or the victim or witness with contacting the appropriate law enforcement agency.
If the victim or witness is not willing to report the crime to the police, you MUST inform him/her that as a University employee you are required by law to report the incident to the University Police. You are not required to provide the name of the victim or witness to the police. Your report should include the time, date, location and detailed description of the incident. University Police will then include the information in the annual report.
It is critical that accurate information about criminal activity on or adjacent to campus be available and provided to members of the campus community. Your cooperation in these efforts is appreciated.
If you have any questions about reporting a crime, or your obligations to report, please contact Chief Christine Shegan at (570) 662-4900, or via electronic mail at cshegan@mansfield.edu.
Mansfield University has policies and procedures in place to facilitate the initiation of a complaint by any member of the campus community against any other individual(s) for behavior that they deem inappropriate and in violation of university policy and/or criminal statutes. Specific policies and procedures are found in the university handbook, The Mountie Manual.
Any individual who is subject to any form of behavior that he/she deems to be contrary to university regulations is strongly encouraged to report such behavior to the University Judicial Officer in 120 Pnecrest, (570) 662-4936. Violations of university policies and/or crimes that occur in the residence halls can be reported to the Assistant Director of Residence Life in the respective building in which the incident occurred.
All students, staff, and visitors are strongly encouraged to report any criminal behavior or emergencies immediately to the Director of Police Services or to any Mansfield University Police Officer at 104 Doane Center or by calling the Police Department at (570) 662-4900. These crimes are included in the annually published crime statistics. Victims or witnesses reporting crimes on a voluntary confidential basis to non-police persons, such as University Counseling Center counselors, Campus Ministry, or the Advocacy Program Coordinator, are encouraged to report to police. If they do not wish to report to police, the counselor does so on their behalf, but the identities of the victims and witnesses are not divulged to police. When a crime is reported to University Police, an officer is assigned to investigate. University Police Officers may only investigate incidents that occur on campus. If a student, staff member, or visitor reports a crime to University Police that did not occur on campus, University Police will assist that person in contacting the appropriate police agency having jurisdiction in which the crime occurred. The Vice President for Finance and Administration provides timely warning reports to the campus community via news releases to the campus newspaper, The Flashlight, campus radio station announcements, residence hall and floor meetings, and crime alert postings throughout the residence halls, academic buildings, library, dining hall, and student center when appropriate.
University Police maintain a public crime log at 104 Doane Center, which may be viewed by any person requesting it on a 24-hour daily basis. The log may also be viewed at: http://mansfield.edu/police/press-releases/ . Officers are required to complete a news release form on every crime that is reported. The release includes information on the nature of the crime, date and time that the crime occurred, and location where it occurred. The log is updated to include accurate information on the disposition of crimes. It is prohibited for any person to retaliate, intimidate, threaten, coerce, or otherwise discriminate against individuals in connection with the implementation of the Clery Act.
There are 19 emergency "blue light" phones located throughout campus. Pressing the red emergency button on any of the phones will activate the blue strobe light atop the phone and immediately connect the caller to the Tioga County 911 Emergency Services Communications Center. The exact location of the phone will be relayed to the Mansfield University Police Department when a call is received by the 911 Center, and a University Police Officer will be sent to the location of the activated phone. The telephones may be used for any emergency; however misuse of the phones may result in criminal prosecution.
The enhanced 911 system on campus facilitates prompt fire and ambulance response to campus. When dialing 911 from any campus phone, the Tioga County 911 Emergency Services Communications Center will be able to display the specific location (building and room number) of the campus caller. This system does not work with wireless cellular phones. When the Tioga County 911 Emergency Services Communications Center receives a 911 call from a campus location, they will dispatch appropriate fire and/or ambulance service. The Communications Center will also then contact University Police regarding the location and nature of the emergency call, and University Police will also respond.
Individuals are urged not to walk alone and to practice personal safety precautions, especially during hours of darkness. The Mountie Express, the campus shuttle, is in operation Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. - 12 a.m. On Saturday & Sunday nights the shuttle runs until 2 a.m. Additional information can be found at www.emtatransit.com. When the Mountie is not in operation, University Police will provide the safety escort. When an escort is requested, every effort is made to accommodate the request. The safety escort service is intended for on-campus use only. To request the escort service, call University Police at 570-662-4900.
At this time the Office of Admissions does not request criminal background information from applicants. The Office of Human Resources currently screens job applicants and conducts a criminal background check of prospective employees before a position is proffered. A signed background waiver form is requested before any background checks are conducted.
Offenders that are required to register as sexual offenders or predators under Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law may be found at the following websites: www.meganslaw.state.pa.us/ or www.meganslaw.state.pa.us/soab/site/default.asp. National information about sexual offender registries may be obtained at www.sexualpredators.com or www.sexualoffenders.com.
The University Police Department consists of a full-time commissioned director, 8 full-time commissioned officers, 3 full-time security officers and several student staff. All police officers have completed the required training at the Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers Training Academy. All officers are required to maintain certifications in CPR including the use of AEDs, firearms, and annual mandatory in-service training through the Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission. Complete background investigations are made on all applicants considered for University Police employment, including Pennsylvania State Police records and personal reference checks. Student members are trained by the department police officers and serve as dispatchers, parking lot monitors, and assist with traffic control at special events. They report directly to police officers. The police department is open and staffed 24 hours each day of the year. The Department officers patrol campus on foot and in three marked police vehicles.
The Mansfield University Police Department has adopted a Community Oriented Policing approach in all campus buildings on all shifts to provide high officer visibility and access. These regular foot patrols act as a deterrent to criminal activity and enable students, staff, and visitors to get to know the officers.
University Police have full police powers granted by the Pennsylvania Administrative Code, Section 2416. Police matters on campus are handled by the department, including investigations, arrests, arraignments and court actions. Reports to state and local police are not required.
In emergencies or at the request of campus police officers, the Pennsylvania State Police and local police are contacted for assistance. There is a reciprocal working relationship among the campus, state and local police agencies. The University Police and The Mansfield Borough Police Department have a written emergency aid agreement.
The university does not have written agreements with any other agencies, however under ACT 48, university police officers may investigate crimes outside campus jurisdiction under certain conditions.
The use and/or sale and/or possession of alcoholic beverages, drugs, drug paraphernalia and controlled substances prohibited by law are strictly prohibited in the residence halls or anywhere on campus. The University Police enforce the underage possession, consumption, transportation, or sale of alcoholic beverages by persons under the age of 21 on campus through the issuance of citations and filing of judicial referrals with the University Judicial Officer. Contact of parent or legal guardian, as required by Pennsylvania law, is performed by the University Police. University Police investigate on campus incidents of use, sale, or possession of controlled substances and file appropriate criminal charges as well as on-campus judicial referrals.
The university has a comprehensive drug and alcohol education program that begins during summer orientation program prior to starting school. It includes an educational component for policy violators, and a drug and alcohol education week during each fall semester. Residence hall programs are offered throughout each semester as needs arise. The staff is trained to identify students with potential problems and is made aware of referral resources on campus
A comprehensive brochure, The Drug Publication, by the Office of Drug and Alcohol Education in 120 Pinecrest, is provided annually to all students and staff. This publication contains an overview of all appropriate campus policies, programs and assistance opportunities related to the use of drugs/alcohol. For additional information, the Office of Drug and Alcohol Education can be contacted at (570) 662-4937.
The possession or use of explosives, firearms, weapons, and/or ammunition of any type in the residence halls or anywhere on campus is strictly prohibited. All firearms, weapons, and ammunition brought to campus for hunting purposes must be registered through the University Police Office and stored in the University Police Department.
On campus housing is available for 1,804 students. A limited number of single rooms are available and assigned according to specific procedures. The majority of rooms are doubles, housing two students.
Available living options include four residence halls housing men and women on alternating floors. One wing of one residence hall is female only. Graduate students are housed with undergraduates. No university housing is available for married students.
Guests stay in university residence halls only when sponsored by a member of the university who is responsible for them. The host/hostess is responsible for informing the guest of university security policies and procedures.
All guests must be escorted/accompanied by a resident of a university residence hall. Guest passes are available in each residence hall and guests are registered by their host/hostess. The host/hostess is always responsible for the behavior of their guest(s) and face disciplinary action themselves if their guest(s) cause any problems. Guests must be escorted by a building resident at all times and are only allowed in specified areas. Telephones are available in the lobby area to permit guests to contact their host/hostess.
All residence hall doors are locked 24 hours. Cameras monitor the entrances to all residence halls. A card access system controls all entrance doors. Only persons possessing cards programmed for building entrances may do so. Residence Life Staff members and Resident Assistants frequently tour the buildings to check that locked doors are not propped open. A security system monitors all entrance doors, and doors that do not latch properly or are propped open cause a signal to be sent to both the specific residence hall office and the University Police. Each student residence door is equipped with a locking device and a peephole. University Police officers also check doors during their patrols.
All students are expected to contribute to a safe and secure environment by reporting suspicious behaviors or persons to University Police or residence hall staff. In addition, resident students are asked to report unescorted visitors to police or residence hall staff and to deny access to unauthorized persons.
Windows and doors at ground level are all equipped with locks. Repair requests for window and door locks are considered emergency requests and are given top priority. When a lost/stolen room key is reported, a lock change is ordered. All lost or stolen keys should be reported to the building director immediately.
Employees assigned to student housing facilities include:
Residence Directors – These are fulltime professional staff members responsible for the daily operation of the residence halls. They receive training in enforcement of security policies and procedures and train their subordinates. This training includes handling emergencies, fire safety, escort policy, guest procedures, repair procedures, confrontation training, and expectations of students and student workers.
Graduate Assistants – These paraprofessional staff members are trained in security policies and procedures and help residence directors train other staff.
Resident Assistants – These are student staff members responsible for an individual floor in a residence hall. They also receive extensive training in security policies and procedures as do the assistant directors and graduate assistants.
Community Assistants - These are student staff members who assist the resident assistants with their duties.
Student Workers – These residence hall students serve as desk workers and receive training appropriate to responsibility.
Custodial Staff are employed by an outside contractor and receive no official training from the university. They are required to wear identification and be in residence hall areas only during specified times.
Maintenance Workers are university employees who have been informed of our security policies and procedures.
During low occupancy periods such as holidays and vacations, a limited number of students are permitted to stay on campus. If possible they are reassigned to one residence hall for the holiday. All other halls are locked and no one is permitted inside. Both Residence Life personnel and University Police officers inspect all residence halls with extra tours scheduled for the occupied halls.
During summer sessions, participants of conferences, camps, and workshops occupy residence halls. These participants are placed in different buildings than regular summer session students and are not permitted in other residence halls. If they must be housed in the same residence hall as students, they are not permitted on the floors occupied by students.
The Residence Life personnel provide security policies and procedures information to all residence hall students at the mandatory floor meetings at the beginning of each semester. Off-campus students and staff receive information about security procedures, such as the escort service provided by University Police, through the university handbook, The Mountie Manual, and through informational programs and campus postings. Each residence hall student is also given written details of safety rules and regulations. Residence hall staff holds follow-up discussions/programs through the semester. Program topics include, but are not limited to, personal safety, theft prevention, and alcohol/drug awareness and the drug and alcohol policy, building security, fire safety, and the campus safety shuttle. Presentations on these topics are made throughout the academic year and are sponsored by Residence Life, University Police, the Advocacy Program Coordinator, and the Athletic Mentor from the Office of Academic and Human Development. Representatives from University Police provide presentations at new student orientation sessions each summer. Information is also announced on the campus radio station and at residence hall and floor meetings when warranted. Signs are posted throughout the residence halls reinforcing security policies and procedures. Other university publications such as The Mountie Manual and the Parents’ Handbook, which are updated and distributed annually to all students and parents, contain security policies and procedures information. Emergency procedures are defined in The Mountie Manual for the following: fire, personal injury, sickness, death, building collapse or explosion, natural disasters, and bomb threats. These procedures require notifying University Police, residence directors, and residence hall staff via telephone and personal contact. Appropriate authorities respond immediately.
The University Police Department and the Student Government Association sponsor an annual "Safety Walk",which is composed of staff and student representatives, along with a University Police officer. This group documents areas in need of improved lighting and replacing or changing landscaping that could conceal criminal behavior. Recommendations for repairs or renovations from the Safety Walk receive priority by the facilities management department.
The safety of students, staff and visitors to the Mansfield University campus is paramount. Each of us needs to work cooperatively to enhance the safety of our campus by securing personal property and following personal safety guidelines. Be aware of your surroundings at all times; report suspicious persons and behavior to university official or police; do not share personal information over the phone or your computer; lock your residence hall door at all times when sleeping or out of your room; lock office doors when out of your office; let University Police know when you are working alone in building or office outside of normal business hours; know the location of the emergency phones; use The Mountie Express or the safety escort; use the University Police Operation ID program to engrave and record serial numbers of valuables; lock vehicles at all times and secure valuables out of sight or in the trunk. For more tips, visit the Mansfield University Police web page at http://mansfield.edu/police/student-safety/.
The university works cooperatively with local police agencies to monitor and record reports of criminal activity at any off-campus location where the primary occupants are students who are members of a recognized student organization. The university also reserves the right to take disciplinary action against students for violations of Commonwealth or Federal laws, regardless of where such actions occur, if the actions adversely affect the mission of the university or the health, safety, or welfare of members of the university and local community.
Academic buildings are locked by University Police officers daily and are closed between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Unauthorized persons are not permitted in the buildings during these hours. Individuals needing access afterhours can request special access from the department or building chairperson. University Police maintains a list of these individuals along with a key sign out log. Proper identification must be presented to University Police for key and admittance to the closed buildings.
Access to university facilities and programs is restricted to university persons except for special programs. Facilities and events open to the public are so advertised.
The maintenance of campus facilities provides for the regular upkeep of grounds and buildings to promote safety: snow/ice removal, replacement/repair of defective lighting, and removal of safety hazards. The campus police report unsafe campus conditions related to grounds/facilities to the maintenance department for immediate attention.
The following definitions for murder, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, weapon law violations, drug abuse violations and liquor law violations are provided from the Uniform Crime Reporting Handbook, in accordance with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program. The definitions of forcible and non-forcible sex offenses are from the National Incident-Based Reporting System Edition of the Uniform Crime Reporting Handbook, in accordance with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program.
Murder
The willful (non-negligent) killing of one human being by another.
Negligent Manslaughter
The killing of another person through gross negligence.
Aggravated Assault
An unlawful attack by one person upon another for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury. This type of assault usually is accompanied by the use of a weapon or by means likely to produce death or great bodily harm. (It is necessary that injury result from an aggravated assault when a gun, knife, or other weapon is used which could and probably would result in serious personal injury if the crime were successfully completed).
Robbery
The taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or control of a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or putting the victim in fear.
Auto Theft
The theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle. All cases where automobiles are taken by person not having lawful access even though the vehicles are later abandoned, including joyriding, are included in this definition.
Arson
Any willful or malicious burning or attempt to burn, with or without intent to defraud, a dwelling house, public building, motor vehicle or aircraft, or personal property of another.
Burglary
The unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or a theft. For reporting purposes this definition includes: unlawful entry with intent to commit a larceny or felony; breaking and entering with the intent to commit a larceny; housebreaking; safe cracking; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned. Non-forcible burglary is the unlawful, non-forcible entry into a building or room with the intent to commit a crime therein; a forcible breaking and entering is not required.
Sex Offenses – Forcible
Any sexual act directed against another person, forcibly and/or against the person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent.
Sex Offenses – Non-forcible
Liquor Law Violations
The violation of laws or ordinances prohibiting: the manufacture, sale, transporting, furnishing, possessing of intoxicating liquor; maintaining unlawful drinking places; bootlegging; operating a still; furnishing liquor to a minor or intemperate person; using a vehicle for illegal transportation of liquor; drinking in a train or public conveyance; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned. (Drunkenness and driving under the influence are not included in this definition).
Drug Law Violations
Violations of state and local laws relating to the unlawful possession, sale, use, growing, manufacturing, and making of narcotic drugs. The relevant substances include opium or cocaine and their derivatives (morphine, heroin, codeine); marijuana; synthetic narcotics (Demerol, methadone); and dangerous non-narcotic drugs (barbiturates, Benzedrine).
Weapon Law Violations
The violation of laws or ordinances dealing with weapon offenses, regulatory in nature, such as: manufacture, sale, or possession of deadly weapons; carrying deadly weapons, concealed or openly; furnishing deadly weapons to minors; aliens possessing deadly weapons; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned.
This Crime Statistics Report is published in accordance with the requirements of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, formerly known as the Campus Security Act of 1990. This Act mandates the manner in which Statistics are to be collected and the format in which statistics are to be published.
| REPORTED CRIMES | On Campus | Residence Hall | *Non-Campus | **Public Property | ||||||||
| CRIME | 09 | 10 | 11 | 09 | 10 | 11 | 09 | 10 | 11 | 09 | 10 | 11 |
| Murder/Non-Negligent Manslaughter | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Negligent Manslaughter | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sex Offenses - Forcible | 4 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sex Offenses - Non Forcible | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ARRESTS | ||||||||||||
| Weapons Laws | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Drug Laws | 6 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Liquor Laws | 18 | 12 | 25 | 14 | 5 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 6 | 8 |
| REFERRALS*** | ||||||||||||
| Weapons Laws | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Drug Laws | 4 | 6 | 18 | 4 | 6 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Liquor Laws | 17 | 63 | 86 | 17 | 63 | 86 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
*These Incidents took place off campus in university-recognized student organizations and were reported to the Mansfield Borough Police
**These incidents reported to Mansfield Borough Police occurred on streets, sidewalks, and lots adjacent to campus
***Individuals not arrested nor cited but referred to judicial officer for possible campus disciplinary action.
Totals may differ from Uniform Crime Report total due to inclusion of non-police university officials' confidential or anonymous reports. There may also be duplication in reporting due to confidentiality,
These figures include incidents reported by other officials on campus which were not reported to and investigated by the Mansfield University Police Department and may differ from statistics provided for the Uniform Crime Report.
None of the incidents reflected in the above statistics for reported crimes on-campus or in residence halls, nor any other reported crimes involving bodily injury, larceny-theft, simple assault, intimidation, or destruction, damage or vandalism of property, nor any other reported crimes involving bodily injury were classified as hate crimes.
There were no reported hate crimes for the years 2009, 2010, 2011 on campus, non-campus, or public property.
Crimes reported to the Mansfield University Police Department compiled in accordance with Act 1988-73, the College and University Information Act. The crime rate is the number of reported crimes in each category divided by the gross number of full-time equivalent (FTE) students and employees on the Mansfield campus; for example in 2011 two incidents of burglary divided by 3,574.2 FTE = .00055 cases per FTE. The number of arrests is listed below; in some instances the number of arrests may be greater than the number of offenses. This can occur when a crime is reported during one calendar year and the arrest is made in the following calendar year.
| FTE = 3574.2 | |||||||
| Offenses | # Reported | Cleared by Arrest / Referral |
Crime Rate/FTE | Res. Hall Reported | Campus Reported | Res. Hall Arrests | Campus Arrests |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | .00028 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Assault | 7 | 6 | .0020 | 3 | 7 | 2 | 6 |
| Arson | 0 | 0 | .0000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | .00055 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Drug Abuse | 4 | 3 | .00112 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
| DUI | 2 | 2 | .00055 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Disorderly Conduct | 19 | 13 | .00532 | 9 | 19 | 9 | 13 |
| Drunkenness | 6 | 4 | .00168 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 4 |
| Larceny | 15 | 3 | .00419 | 11 | 15 | 3 | 3 |
| Liquor Laws | 30 | 25 | .00839 | 16 | 25 | 15 | 25 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | .0000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Murder | 0 | 0 | .0000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 0 | .00028 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | .0000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sex Offenses | 1 | 1 | .00028 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stolen Property | 4 | 3 | .00112 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Vandalism | 24 | 9 | .00672 | 12 | 24 | 3 | 9 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | .00028 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
*Offenses that, by definition, are not included in any other above categories.
According to the Higher Education Amendments of 1992, a sex offense is defined as "either a forcible or non-forcible sexual act directed against another person, against that person’s will, or where the survivor is incapable of giving consent, and may include rape or acquaintance rape."
Because Mansfield University seeks to provide an environment that protects the rights and well–being of everyone on campus, in an atmosphere of mutual respect among all, the university will not tolerate sexual assault against any person by a member of the university community. Judicial action may be taken by the university’s judicial system, whether or not action is pursued under the Commonwealth’s criminal or civil codes. Severe penalties may be imposed by the university judicial system including, but not limited to, removal from university housing and suspension and/or expulsion from the university, and may be imposed by the university judicial system.
Mansfield University encourages men and women to take the initiative in stopping sexual assault on campus. Victims however are not required to resist the perpetrator in any manner and are in no way at fault if they fail to avoid the assault. Using drugs and alcohol greatly impairs the ability of persons to make sound judgments. Therefore, persons under the influence of drugs and alcohol are deemed incapable of giving consent. Persons accused of sexual assault cannot use being under the influence of drugs or alcohol as an excuse or defense. Because the university recognizes that sexual assault can cause severe physical and/or emotional trauma for the victim, the victim is advised that there are various resources available. These include:
ALL COUNSELING IS CONFIDENTIAL
Anyone who is a victim of a sexual assault should get to a safe place as soon possible and contact University Police at (570) 662-4900, 104 Doane Center. Reporting it to police does not require that the victim must prosecute the assailant. The choice of initiating and/or continuing with either a criminal or a campus judicial proceeding is the victim’s choice. The police department will assist in reporting the assault and in contacting the Advocacy Program Coordinator and the Associate Director of Residence Life whenever appropriate and if approved by the victim. All physical evidence should be preserved – the victim should not shower or bathe, use the bathroom, brush teeth, drink or eat anything, or change clothes if it can be avoided. If necessary to change clothing, all clothing should be put into a paper bag. The University Police will also arrange for medical treatment and for transportation to the nearest hospital. Treatment at the emergency room will include the following: assessment and treatment of any internal or external physical injuries; beginning of testing for sexually transmitted diseases, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and pregnancy; collection of physical evidence. The victim may or may not choose to prosecute, but preserving the evidence will give the option to do so later. University Police will also provide the victim with the Pennsylvania Victim’s Bill of Rights brochure that outlines the rights and services available to victims of crime in Pennsylvania.
If the victim chooses not to contact police to report, the victim should know that there are other options available. The Advocacy Program in 321 Alumni, (570) 662-4946 can arrange for medical treatment and transportation to the nearest hospital. The Advocacy Program provides 24-hour support and outreach; support and accompaniment to medical, legal, judicial, and counseling appointments and proceedings; options counseling; referrals to other offices providing services; community education, consultation, and speaking engagements; and if requested, and reasonably available, assistance with changes in academic and/or housing situations. The Director of Housing, (570) 662-4342, will also assist with changes in housing.
The victim may also choose to contact the University Judicial Officer at (570) 662-4936. If a victim has been assaulted on or off campus by a student of the university, the victim has the option of university judicial action. This should be discussed with the Campus Judicial Officer, or the Advocacy Program Coordinator. They can help the victim in reviewing the procedures. Discussions are confidential and do not obligate the victim to pursue any action with the University. Procedures are also outlined in the student handbook, The Mountie Manual.
In the university judicial proceeding, the accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during the proceeding, and both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the outcome of any campus disciplinary proceeding brought alleging a sexual assault.
The Advocacy Program, Residence Life, and the University Police sponsor and coordinate educational programming for students regarding sexual assault awareness and prevention, and personal safety and security. Information about these programs can be obtained by contacting the Advocacy Program Coordinator at (570) 662-4946, Director of Housing (570) 662-4342, or Director of Police Services at (570) 662-4900.
If the assault occurs off campus, victims are encouraged to report the crime to the local police by calling 911. The Advocacy Program Coordinator will assist the victim in notifying police and an advocate from the university is available to accompany the victim throughout any proceedings.
When the victim chooses to go forward with a criminal prosecution, the Tioga County District Attorney’s office, (570) 724-1350, will provide a Victim/Witness coordinator to be a contact person. The Victim/Witness Coordinator gives support and information regarding the criminal justice system.
As required by the Higher Education Opportunity Act, and consistent with Mansfield University’s commitment to student safety, this policy establishes procedures in the event that a residential student is presumed missing. The purpose of the missing student notification policy is to respond to missing residential student alerts in a timely manner. While the scope of policy and procedures is primarily within Student Affairs and the Mansfield University Police Department, all members of the university community – employees and students – are encouraged to report to University Police when they believe that a student is missing. All official missing student reports are to be referred immediately to University Police
The objectives of the Residential Missing Student Policy include the following:
A residential student is defined as a person who resides in on-campus housing, has a signed housing contract, and is currently enrolled in the university. A residential student is presumed missing if he/she is unaccounted for in excess of 24 hours. The organizations to which individuals should report that a student has been missing for 24 hours are
The responsibilities of the Mansfield University Police Department include the following:
The Office of Housing and Residence Life will assist in the communication about and investigation of a student presumed missing by notifying University Police of a missing student and taking action to locate the student.
The responsibilities of the Office of Housing and Residence Life include the following:
Even if students have not registered a contact person local law enforcement will be notified that the student is missing.
Parents or guardians of students less than 18 years of age and not emancipated will be contacted.
The responsibility of residential students is to ensure that their contact information is current and accurate.
The University will immediately notify the campus community in the event of a significant campus emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health and safety of students and/or employees via the following:
The persons responsible for the university emergency notification process include:
During an emergency, building occupants may be required to stay safely sheltered where they are located unless there is a specific threat within the building that requires them to exit. Police and other emergency personnel responding to the emergency will instruct occupants on what to do. If sheltering in place, all students and employees must remain in the building until such time as the emergency status has been lifted. Notification of an "All-Clear" will be transmitted through all above listed available communications methods.
The University will without delay, and taking into account the safety of the community, determine the content of the notification and initiate the notification system, unless the notification will, in the professional judgment of responsible authorities, compromise efforts to assist victims or to contain, respond to, or otherwise mitigate the emergency.
The University is connected to a network of police and other emergency support via a County Emergency Communications Center that allows police and other emergency personnel to coordinate their response across agencies.
Access to campus by outside constituents may be denied during the emergency.
The University's Office of Public Relations will be responsible for disseminating information to the larger community.
A lockdown at a college campus refers to the securing of the exterior doors to a building. Shelter-in-place refers to the securing of the interior classroom and common area doors
During a Lock-Down situation, all persons on the campus property are asked to secure the outside entrance doors and shelter-in-place.
During a crisis or major emergency, faculty, staff and students are encouraged to follow the instructions provided by the MU Emergency Alert systems.
The Goal of the Lock-Down Policy/Procedure is to Stay Informed/Stay Safe. Get the emergency message, get to a safe location and wait for more information.
Prepare now to learn and practice your own personal emergency plan. Learning where to find information, as well as becoming aware of building evacuation procedures for not only those buildings where you live or work, but for those that you visit during the course of your day is vital.
It is your responsibility to immediately report an emergency, suspicious activity, or any situation or troubling person that is causing serious anxiety, stress or fear. Program the Campus Police number 570-662-4900 as well as 911 into your personal phones. Become familiar with the Emergency Blue Light phones strategically located on campus; these phones connect directly to Tioga County Communications 911.
Details regarding MU’s emergency preparedness can be found at http://mansfield.edu/environmental-health-safety/.
Information is provided to students and employees regarding the emergency response and evacuation procedures and testing of all levels of the emergency response and notification is conducted every semester. Following testing surveys are also distributed to students and employees to seek input on communication improvements and to upgrade emergency procedures. Detailed information is available from Jim Welch, Environmental Health and Safety Specialist, jwelch@mansfield.edu, 570-662-4906 or by going to http://mansfield.edu/environmental-health-safety/.
Definition of a fire: A fire is any instance of open flame or other burning in a place not intended to contain the burning or in an uncontrolled manner.
The Mansfield University student housing facilities are each equipped with automatic fire and smoke detection systems which report directly to the University Police Department, which is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Upon notification of an alarm, campus police and maintenance staff respond to the location of the alarm to determine if additional resources are required.
Each residence hall is equipped with fire sprinkler systems which provide full building coverage. Each sleeping room is equipped with a smoke detector and sprinkler head for detection and suppression purposes.
The fire alarm systems are tested by an outside contractor twice a year to assure the equipment is operating properly. The fire sprinkler systems are tested quarterly as well.
Fire drills are held in each residence hall monthly at varying times when the halls are at regular occupancy during the semester. These drills include full evacuation of the building by use of the fire alarm systems. Random room checks are performed to assure evacuation compliance.
Mansfield University has a policy prohibiting the use of portable electric appliances, smoking, and open flame in the residence halls.
The residence hall assistants are provided training on fire safety at the beginning of each semester and then pass on the information during scheduled floor meeting within each building. The RA staff are provided hands on fire extinguisher training at the beginning of each fall semester.
Fire safety education and training programs for students and employees are provided by the Environmental Health and Safety Office.
Any fire that is noted on campus shall be reported immediately to the
If evidence that a fire has occurred and has been extinguished is found please call
A fire log will be maintained at the campus police station to record the following information:
The fire log information will be made accessible for public inspection.
Each year Mansfield University will collect and report the number and cause of fires that occur on campus, the number of injuries or deaths, and the value of property damage that is related to each fire occurence.
| Fires by Type | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 |
| University Operated Housing (All university operated residence halls are protected by automatic sprinkler systems) | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| All Other Campus Buildings | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Non-Structural (outside vegetation, mulch, vehicles, etc) | 1 | 4 | 1 |
| Fires by Severity | |||
| Large Loss (Fatality and/or property damage of $5,000,000 or more) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Minor (No fatality, moderate property damage and/or human injury) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Incidental (No fatalities, no injuries, minimal or no property damage) | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Fires by Cause | |||
| Unintentional | 1 | 6 | 1 |
| Intentional | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Undetermined | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fire Alarms | |||
| Intentional (Malicious pull of fire alarm/intentional activation; vandalism) | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Accidental (Activation by cooking, airborne dust, steam, tobacco smoke, hairspray, etc.) | 15 | 14 | 25 |
| Other (Mechanical problem, inadvertent activation by maintenance activities, contractors, etc.) | 10 | 5 | 7 |
| Fire Drills | |||
| Mansfield University conducts a minimum of one (1) fire drill per full month occupancy residence hall. A minimum of two (2) fire drills per year are conducted in all other occupied buildings. | |||
| Residence Halls | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| All Other Buildings | 32 | 32 | 32 |
REV. 8/12
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