Although some crimes are committed on college campuses by people not associated with the institution, most crimes on college campuses are committed by students. Violations of College policies and/or laws committed by students are addressed in accordance with judicial procedures outlined in The Hornet student handbook. Violations of laws committed by faculty or staff are also subject to disciplinary action, as described in employee handbooks.
The following common-sense practices can help protect everyone on campus.
- Walk with a friend, especially at night. If a companion is unavailable at night, you may call the campus security office for an escort (extension 8100).
- Know the people you visit, whether on or off campus.
- Do not leave ground floor windows open or unlocked when you are not in your campus residence or office.
- If you are working in an academic building or office at night or during weekend hours when the area is usually locked, notify the security office (extension 8100 or dial 0 from any campus phone) so that officers can take your presence into account in the event of an emergency.
- Be aware and concerned about use and abuse of alcohol or other drugs. Sexual assaults and other violent acts occur more often when people are under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Lynchburg College complies with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act in specifically discouraging violations of alcohol and drug laws.
- If you bring a vehicle to campus, keep the windows rolled up and the doors locked at all times. If you leave valuables in your car, lock them in the trunk where they cannot be seen by others. If you need an escort from your car to an on-campus destination, use an emergency “blue light phone” to contact security (see Emergency Telephones).
- Don’t let yourself be a threat to safety. Remember that violence is an unacceptable means of conflict resolution. Staff members in Security, Residence Life, and Student Development are always ready to help students find effective, non-violent ways to resolve disagreements.
- Immediately report all security-related maintenance needs to your Resident Assistant (RA), Physical Plant, or campus security. Emergency repairs are made as quickly as possible when a maintenance problem poses a considerable, immediate threat to safety.
- Be aware that on the rare occasions when a significant potential threat to security is known to exist, the College gives timely public notice to the campus community. Depending on circumstances, notice may be made by a campus-wide memo or e-mail message, by postings around campus, or by announcement in settings such as residence hall, faculty, and staff meetings. Pay attention to such announcements; they may contain information crucial to your safety.
- Anyone needing emergency assistance on campus can reach the Security Office at any time by dialing 5555 from any College phone, by dialing 544- 5555 from an off-campus phone, or by using an emergency “blue light phone” located on campus (see Emergency Telephones). Emergency assistance for off-campus locations may be obtained by dialing 911.
- Firearms and/or weapons of any type, including concealed weapons for which the carrier has a legal permit, are strictly prohibited on campus. Weapons include but are not limited to firearms, BB guns, air guns, knives, bows and arrows, and martial arts weapons. Contact security immediately to report the presence of weapons on campus. (Exceptions to this policy may be made when there is a legitimate, authorized, classroom-based need.)
- Take advantage of informative programs on crime prevention and enhancing personal safety that are offered on campus. Knowledge acquired through these programs can make a difference in a crisis.