Saint Mary’s University Department of Campus Safety makes every effort to ensure and maintain a safe and comfortable living environment for all persons associated with the campus. Campus Safety personnel are available 24 hours a day to assist in emergencies, provide campus escorts, and enforce regulations detailed in the student handbook and parking policy. They also patrol all administrative and residence halls to maintain security at all times. Anyone needing immediate assistance should contact the switchboard by dialing “511” from any on-campus phone.
All students are encouraged to exercise safety by locking personal living areas and reporting strangers to Campus Safety or hall staff. When appropriate, Campus Safety personnel will request a valid student I.D. from the person(s) in question. This procedure is a safety measure that minimizes illegal access to areas on campus and deters potential problems from developing. Please note: Campus Safety personnel will not unlock any secured area on campus without the permission of the person overseeing that area (i.e., computer center, post office, living area, etc.).
Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act
In September of each year Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota provides a campus security report to all students and employees. This report is in compliance with the Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act of 1990. It states information regarding campus security policies and safety programs. The report also lists the number of serious crimes that occur on the campus and discloses the number of arrests for liquor law violations, drug abuse violations and weapons possessions. Additional information is available by contacting the Vice President for Student Development.
Campus Crime Statistics
Campus Crime Statistics are available to anyone interested in reviewing them. Requests for this information are handled through the Vice President for Student Development. Additionally, the most currently available crime statistics are also posted on both the Student Development and Campus Safety webpages.
Campus Escorts
For added safety, an on campus escort service is available seven days a week from dusk until dawn. Contact the Department of Campus Safety at ext. 1703 to request a ride or to receive more information.
Theft Reports
Whenever a theft occurs, it is extremely important to notify a university administrator as soon as possible in order for an investigation to begin. Campus Safety personnel are trained to ask appropriate questions and to suggest how to prevent future criminal mishaps from re-occurring.
Saint Mary’s University is not responsible for the loss of personal property. Locking your door and keeping bags and backpacks with you is the best way to prevent theft.
Authorized Entry of Rooms
Campus Safety officers who enter rooms will identify themselves to the occupants. If someone attempts to enter your room without identifying themselves, or identifies themselves as “Campus Safety” but does not have a uniform or badge, do not let them in, and call “511” for emergency assistance.
Campus Safety officers are authorized to enter any university space, including student residence rooms, and may conduct searches and may seize evidence or property as outlined below:
- Officers may enter and search rooms or offices if the student, staff, or faculty member consents to the search of his or her room or office.
- Officers may enter and search any vehicle on campus if an officer has a reasonable suspicion to believe that the vehicle has been involved in a crime. An officer may also enter a vehicle to ascertain ownership of the vehicle for the purposes of notifying the owner of a parking related situation.
- Officers may conduct a search of a room or office, as stated in the Student Handbook, if there is a reasonable suspicion that a violation of a university rule has been or is being conducted within the room or office.
- Officers may enter and search a room if demanding circumstances exist where the life safety of an individual or the property of the university may be at risk.
FIRE SAFETY
Fire Safety Equipment
Person(s) with the intention to abuse fire equipment can seriously jeopardize the safety of the community. It is university policy that no individuals tamper with smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, fire alarms, or other emergency equipment. Tampering with fire safety equipment carries a criminal penalty of $700.00 and/or 90 days in jail and will also result in the imposition of a university sanction.
Fire Alarm Procedure
A fire can occur at any time of the day or night and can be extremely dangerous, therefore, it is very important to act appropriately whenever an alarm is sounded. The following outlines a procedure that is designed to expedite evacuation of the alarmed building, thus minimizing serious accidents:
- If an alarm is activated, everyone must leave the building immediately!
- Close doors behind you in order to prevent the spread of fire.
- Everyone should move quickly and gather at least 50 feet from the building which will provide unblocked passageways for emergency personnel.
- Campus Safety personnel will arrive shortly to check rooms/offices and will ensure complete vacancy of the alarmed building. They will also identify the cause of the alarm and notify the fire department.
- When the fire department arrives, they will implement appropriate action in order to ensure that the safety of the community is regained.
- Once the alarm has been deactivated, re-entry into the building will be permitted.
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