Safety and Emergency Information
SAFETY AND EMERGENCY INFORMATION
GENERAL SECURITY & SAFETY INFORMATION
SUNY Adirondack enjoys a full and part-time student population of nearing 2,000 students. The campus employs a workforce of 300+ full and part-time faculty and staff. The safety of students and college personnel is a top priority on our campus and the College continuously strives to make improvements. Security and safety systems that are in place on the Campus include:
• Building and room card access systems
• Security alarms
• Surveillance systems
• Peace Officer personnel patrolling 24/7
• Facilities and Landscaping designed to minimize hazards
• Emergency telephones in parking lots and building corridors
• MOU’s with local Sheriff’s Departments
• MOU’s with our partner Institutions who share our campus buildings
• SUNY Adirondack Emergency Notification System
• Fully automatic fire detection systems in all buildings
• Emergency telephones in building corridors
• Emergency telephones (Blue Light) located at;
o East entrance sidewalk to the Residence Hall
o North of the west door of the Regional Higher Education Building
o West of Washington Hall, on the upper Quad
o North of the Gymnasium
o South of Regional Higher Education Building, west of parking lot #4
• Fully automatic fire detection systems in all buildings
REPORTING A CRIME
Victims and witnesses can report a crime on a voluntary and confidential basis. Report emergency situations directly to Public Safety at (518) 743-SAFE (7233)
TIPS LINE
Non-emergency crimes and concerns can be reported anonymously if desired using the Public Safety Tips line (518) 743-TIPS (8477). Information provided on this communication platform is via voicemail box which is administered by the Public Safety Office.
All members of the campus community are encouraged to report criminal incidents, emergencies, and suspicious activity in a timely manner. All reports are classified, logged and responded to appropriately.
Crimes in progress and/or any other emergencies on campus can also be reported by:
Activating the Emergency Blue Light Phones located on the College grounds next to sidewalks and in parking lots. All Blue Light Phones dial directly to the Warren County Sheriff’s Office 911 Center. Public Safety Officers will be dispatched by the 911 Center to the location of the complaint. An incident report will be prepared and filed accordingly.
Using a “Red” phone located in all building corridors.
Or calling the Public Safety Office at (518) 743-SAFE (7233), or the Facilities Office at xt 2246, or by dialing 911.
In any kind of emergency, try to have someone stay with you while another person is sent to get help. In the event you contact medical or police authorities on your own, at the first opportunity contact the Public Safety Office located on the 1st floor of the Residence Life building Room 164 to report the incident and to fill out an incident report. The report will be kept on file in the Public Safety Office.
Public Safety (518) 743-SAFE (7233)
Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office 911 or (518) 885-6761
Warren County Sheriff’s Office 911 or (518) 743-2500
When a SUNY Adirondack student is involved in an off-campus offense, Public Safety may assist with the investigation in cooperation with local, state or federal law enforcement. Local and state law enforcement agencies routinely work and communicate with Public Safety on any serious incidents occurring on or off campus. SUNY Adirondack Public Safety Officers have direct radio communication with local police, fire and ambulance services to facilitate a rapid response to emergency situations.
CAMPUS REPORTING AGENTS
These offices allow victims and witnesses to report crime on a voluntary, confidential basis and there is no formal investigation of an incident unless the victim so chooses.
Public Safety (non-emergency) (518) 743-SAFE (7233)
Dean for Students Affairs (518) 743-2277
Counseling Center (518) 743 2247
Residence Life & Housing Office (518) 832-7785
Human Resources (Washington Hall) 518-743-7735
Saratoga Center Administrative Suite 518-584-3959
CAMPUS CRIME STATISTICS
Campus Locations
Federal law requires that campuses report specific criminal activities that occur on campus property and specific areas around those properties. Crimes occur in the community beyond what is required to be reported in this document. Students are advised to exercise caution in ALL locations.
On Campus: includes all offenses reported on the main campus property located at 640 Bay Rd, Queensbury, NY 12804 and in campus buildings.
Non-Campus: includes property owned or leased by the College outside campus boundaries. These properties include the Saratoga Center located at 696 State Rt. 9, Wilton NY, the Culinary Arts building located at 14 Hudson Ave and Crockwell Pond on East Sanford Street, both are located in the City of Glens Falls.
Public Property: includes thoroughfares, streets, sidewalks, parking facilities, and public parks or park-like settings immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.
PERSONA NON GRATA (PNG)
An order of exclusion from campus to non-students who have demonstrated that their presence on campus would be a threat to the campus and/or campus members. Violators can be arrested for criminal trespass.
CAMPUS CRIME INCIDENTS
In accordance with the Campus Safety Act, the following reflects reportable crime statistics at SUNY Adirondack for the previous (3) years. Statistics are compiled in the Facilities Office.
Reported On-Campus Crime Statistics at SUNY Adirondack are available at sunyacc.edu/annual-security-report
DEFINITIONS OF THE ABOVE CRIMINAL ACTIONS
Murder - the willful killing of one human being by another.
Sex Offenses: Any sexual act directed against another person, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent.
A. Rape: The penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.
B. Sodomy: Oral or anal sexual intercourse with another person, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her age or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
C. Sexual Assault with an Object: The use of an object or instrument to unlawfully penetrate, however slightly, the genital or anal opening of the body of another person, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her age or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
D. Fondling: The touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her age or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental incapacity.
E. Incest: Nonforcible sexual intercourse between peoples who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.
F. Statutory Rape: Nonforcible sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent. Note in New York State, the age of consent is 17.
Robbery - the taking, or attempting to take, anything of value under confrontational circumstances from the control, custody, or care of another person or persons by force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear of immediate harm.
Aggravated Assault - an unlawful attack by one person upon another wherein the offender displays or uses a weapon in a threatening manner, or the victim suffers obvious severe or aggravated bodily injury involving apparent broken bones, loss of teeth, possible internal injury, severe laceration, or loss of consciousness.
Arson - Any willful or malicious burning, attempt to burn, with or without intent to defraud, a dwelling house, public building, motor vehicle or aircraft, personal property of another etc.
Burglary - the unlawful entry into a building or other structure with the intent to commit a crime.
Motor Vehicle Theft - the theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle.
Liquor Law Violations - violations of laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession or use of alcoholic beverages.
Drug Abuse Violations - violations of laws prohibiting the production, distribution, and/or use of certain controlled substances and the equipment or devices utilized in their preparation and/or use
Weapons Possessions - violations of laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession, concealment, or use of firearms, cutting instruments, explosives, incendiary devices, or other deadly weapons
Bias Crimes – refer to page to Bias Crimes
Hate Crimes- when a person is victimized intentionally because of her/his actual or perceived race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity or disability.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Although SUNY Adirondack is fortunate to have been able to maintain a very safe environment over the years, no one should be lulled into a false sense of security. Here are several common-sense measures to take at all times:
• register your vehicle on campus
• lock all valuables in the trunk of your car
• lock your car doors and secure windows
• park in well-lit areas at night
• inspect the area around your vehicle, including the back seat
• have your keys ready
• avoid strangers and hitch-hikers
• walk with friends
• don’t leave books and other valuables unattended
• always lock your bicycle
• do not flash large amounts of cash or credit cards
• report any suspicious activity to security personnel
CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAMS
Crime Prevention programs on personal safety and theft prevention are sponsored by Public Safety and Student Services throughout the year. Staff facilitate programs for students providing a variety of strategies and tips on how to protect themselves from sexual assault, theft and other crimes.
MISSING PERSONS POLICY
1. Purpose
SUNY Adirondack College is required by the Higher Education Act amended August 14, 2008, to establish protocol for students living in campus housing. The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance to employees handling cases involving missing persons. A student will be considered missing, if the college receives a report that the student has not been seen in a reasonable amount of time. A reasonable amount of time may vary with the time of day and information available regarding the missing person’s daily schedule, habits, punctuality, and reliability. In most cases a reasonable amount of time is considered 24 hours. Individuals will also be considered missing immediately, if their absence has occurred under circumstances that are suspicious or cause concerns for their safety.
2. Policy
The Warren County Sheriff’s Office or the New York State Police are responsible for investigating reports of missing person(s). The Public Safety Office may assist the Sheriff’s Office/ State Police by providing them with information on the missing person(s).
3. Scope
This policy pertains to all current students of SUNY Adirondack living in the Residence Hall. All students are encouraged to voluntarily provide contact information to the College in the event there is a report of a missing person.
4. Procedures
A. DEFINITIONS
(1) Missing Person – An individual whose whereabouts are unknown to the reporting
party. A reporting party may be:
a. a parent
b. a guardian
c. a roommate
d. an employer/employee
e. any person who should reasonably know the missing person’s whereabouts
(2) Missing Persons “At Risk” – Those who fall into any one of the following
categories:
a. victims of foul play
b. persons who need medical attention
c. persons physically or mentally impaired and unable to care for themselves
d. victims of abduction
B. NOTIFICATION
1. A reporting party may contact one of the following offices to report a person missing:
a. Campus Public Safety (518) 743-SAFE (7233)
b. Residence Life (518) 832-7785
c. Dean of Student Affairs (518) 743-2277
2. The Office of Public Safety will immediately be notified. The Public Safety Officer receiving the report call must first try and determine the risk status. Persons found to be “At Risk” will require an immediate response and investigation by the local police.
3. If the missing student is found not to be “At Risk,” a Public Safety Officer will take all information from the caller to include a description of the student, the last time he/she was seen, the type/color of clothing worn, conduct an investigation, complete an Incident Report, and notify the Director of Public Safety for further instruction.
4. Upon receiving notification of a student missing who resides on campus, the Public Safety Officer will:
a. Respond to the missing student’s room, knock and attempt to make contact with the student. If no answer, using the master key, unlock the door while announcing “Public Safety is there anyone here”? No entry will be made to the student’s room/apartment without at least one of the following present: a Resident Assistant, or Resident Director, another officer or another student. If the room/apartment is empty, note the date and time of entry and who was present at that time for recording later in the Incident report.
b. Talk to the neighbors next to and across from the missing student’s room, to determine when was the last time they saw the missing student or heard her/him in the room.
c. Attempt to locate the student via telephone, Twitter, Facebook, social media or other means of electronic communications.
d. If the above actions are unsuccessful in locating the student within twenty-four hours of the report or it is apparent immediately that the student is a missing person (e.g., witnessed abduction, etc.), A member of Public Safety will contact the Warren County Sheriff’s Office to report the student as a missing person and the local law enforcement agency will take over the investigation.
5. Notification to Key Campus Personnel – Upon receiving notification of a student missing, Campus Public Safety will make notification by phone, campus email or in person to the following key personnel on this Campus:
a. President
b. Vice President for Administrative Services and Treasurer
c. Dean for Student Affairs
d. Director of Residence Life
6. No later than 24 hours after determining that a residential student is missing, the Vice-President, or her designee, will notify the emergency contact (for students 18 and older) or the parent/guardian (for students under the age of 18) that the student is believed to be missing.
7. In all cases of a missing student, the law enforcement agency conducting the investigation will provide information to the media that is designed to obtain public assistance in the search for any missing student., The Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs (VPESA), or designee, is available to provide consultation on communication with the investigating law enforcement agency. Any media requests to the college will be directed to the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs (VPESA).
C. EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
(1) Students age 18 and older and emancipated minors – Students will be given the opportunity during each semester registration process to designate an individual or individuals to be contacted by the college “in case of emergency.” This person’s identity will be kept confidential and will only be used by authorized personnel. However, if a person is reported missing, the contact information may be provided to Law Enforcement to aid in the investigation. In the event a student is reported missing, college personnel will attempt to contact his/her emergency designee no more than 24 hours after the time that the student is determined to be missing in accordance with the procedures set forth above. An emergency contact designee will remain in effect until changed or revoked by the student.
(2) Students under the age of 18 – In the event a student who is not emancipated is determined to be missing pursuant to the procedures set forth above, the college is required to notify a custodial parent or guardian no more than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing in accordance with the procedures set forth.
Note: If a commuter student is believed missing, the reporting person should immediately notify local law enforcement authorities. The Public Safety office will assist outside agencies with these investigations.
BIAS CRIMES PREVENTION
HATE CRIMES AND THE LAW
It is a SUNY Adirondack mandate to protect all members of the campus community by preventing and prosecuting bias or hate crimes that occur within the campus’ jurisdiction.
Hate crimes, also called bias crimes or bias-related crimes, are criminal activity motivated by the perpetrator’s bias or attitude against an individual victim or group based on perceived or actual personal characteristics, such as their race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Hate/bias crimes have received renewed attention in recent years, particularly since the passage of the federal Hate/Bias Crime Reporting Act of 1990 and the New York State Hate Crimes Act of 2000 (Penal Law Article 485). Copies of the New York law are available from the Office of the Dean for Student Affairs.
Penalties for bias-related crimes are very serious and range from fines to imprisonment for lengthy periods, depending on the nature of the underlying criminal offense, the use of violence, or previous convictions of the offender. Perpetrators who are students will also be subject to campus disciplinary procedures where sanctions including dismissal are possible.
In addition to preventing and prosecuting hate/bias crimes, SUNY Adirondack also assists in addressing bias-related activities that do not rise to the level of a crime. These activities, referred to as bias incidents and defined by SUNY Adirondack as acts of bigotry, harassment, or intimidation directed at a member or group within the SUNY Adirondack community based on national origin, ethnicity, race, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, color, creed, or marital status, may be addressed through the State University’s Discrimination Complaint Procedure or the campus Code of Conduct. Bias incidents can be reported to the Dean for Student Affairs or the Associate Vice President of Human Resources.
If you are a victim of, or witness to a hate/bias crime on campus report it to Campus Security personnel by calling (518) 796-1344 or using a Blue Light phone. You can also contact the Dean for Student Affairs. Designated college personnel will investigate and follow the appropriate adjudication procedures.
Victims of bias crime or bias incidents can avail themselves of counseling and support services from the campus by contacting the Counseling Office at (518) 743-2278, or stopping by the Office, located in Warren Hall.
For general information on SUNY Adirondack security procedures contact the Office of Facilities at (518) 743-2246. Further information about bias-related and bias crimes, including up-to-date statistics on bias crimes is available from Office of the Dean for Student Affairs at (518) 743-2277.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND RESPONSE
SUNY Adirondack reaffirms its policy to provide equal opportunity in employment and education through its commitment to creating an environment that is safe, healthy, fair and respectful for our entire campus community. Sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence, is against the law and is a violation of the Non-discrimination Policy of SUNY Adirondack. Sex discrimination in the form of sexual harassment is prohibited by Section 703 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. It is also a violation of New York State’s Human Rights Law.
Title IX is a federal law administered by the Office of Civil Rights. Discrimination on the basis of sex (which includes sexual harassment and sexual violence) is a violation of this law and our Code of Conduct. The protections and sanctions under Title IX pertain to all members of the campus community, as well as third parties to the campus, whether or not the incidents occur on campus or during business hours. Sex discrimination in all its forms will not be tolerated at SUNY Adirondack.
• Sex discrimination includes all forms of sexual harassment (verbal, physical or otherwise), sexual assault and sexual violence by employees, students or third parties against employees, students or third parties.
• Sexual harassment is unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive to unreasonably interfere with, limit, or deny someone’s ability to participate in or benefit from a college program or activity.
• Gender-based harassment is unwelcome conduct based on an individual’s actual or perceived sex and does not necessarily involve a perpetrator’s conduct being sexual in nature.
• Sexual violence is a physical sexual act perpetrated against a person’s will or where a person is incapable of giving consent, including but not limited to rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, sexual abuse and sexual coercion.
• Consent is clear, unambiguous and voluntary agreement between participants to engage in specific sexual activity. Please visit the website http://www.sunyacc.edu/title-ix for more information.
In addition to sex discrimination, other conduct prohibited under Title IX includes unequal facilities, unequal treatment based on gender or gender identity, disparities in pay, employment or admission based on gender, unequal distribution of athletic funds, and discrimination relating to pregnancy. The law applies whether the victim and/or perpetrator are male or female and whether the incident occurs between individuals of the same or the opposite sex.
All students, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, immigration or citizenship status (including international and undocumented students), domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction, and/or part- or full-time status are protected and have rights under Title IX. Additionally, victims are protected under the law whether discrimination is based on actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or failure to conform to stereotypical notions of masculinity and femininity.
All colleges that are subject to Title IX, including SUNY Adirondack, have a duty promptly respond to all complaints of sex discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual violence; to limit the effects of any incidents that occurred; and to prevent their recurrence. As a resource for the entire SUNY Adirondack community, our campus Title IX Coordinator and Deputy Title IX Coordinator are extensively trained in responding to such incidents and can advise parties about their rights and available resources. The Title IX Coordinator is also responsible for addressing any adverse patterns of behavior on campus; ensuring that students are not discriminated against based on their gender identity; and assuring that transgender students are treated in a manner consistent with their gender identity.
Anyone who experiences, observes or hears about an incident of sex discrimination in any form should report it to the Title IX Coordinator/Deputy Coordinator or another campus official as soon as possible. It doesn’t matter where or when it happened; there is no statute of limitations on reporting and we will help a student access resources and navigate the Title IX Grievance Procedure regardless of when the incident occurred.
In addition to receiving help from the Title IX Coordinator, please know that you have the right—but are not required—to make a report to Campus Public Safety, local law enforcement, and/or state police; the right to engage in the Campus Conduct Policy; the right to choose not to engage in the Campus Conduct Process or criminal proceedings; and the right to be protected by the College from retaliation. The Title IX Coordinator/Deputy Coordinator can better explain these options, help you choose which is right for you, and provide access to services, resources and accommodations whether or not you choose to utilize the Campus Conduct Process or contact law enforcement.
SUNY Adirondack Title IX Coordinator: Lottie Jameson
Phone: 518-743-7741
Email: jamesonl@sunyacc.edu
Office: Scoville Hall
SUNY Adirondack Deputy Title IX Coordinator: Mindy Wilson
Phone: 518-743-2252
Email: wilsonm@sunyacc.edu
Office: Human Resources, Washington Hall
The privacy of anyone making a report to a college official and/or the Title IX Coordinator/Deputy Coordinator will be protected at all times and to the greatest extent possible. Students or employees requesting confidentiality should understand that this may limit our ability to respond to the incident, including disciplining the perpetrator. Additionally, there are rare instances in which we may be required to override a request for confidentiality in the interest of safety. If you wish to make a report to someone who has the privilege of full confidentiality under the law, see the website http://www.sunyacc.edu/title-ix for information regarding on- and off-campus resources.
More information on Title IX, Violence Against Women Act, Enough is Enough, and sexual assault/violence prevention can be found on the website http://www.sunyacc.edu/title-ix.
STUDENTS’ BILL OF RIGHTS
The State University of New York and SUNY Adirondack are committed to providing options, support and assistance to victims/survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and/or stalking to ensure that they can continue to participate in College-wide and campus programs, activities, and employment. All victims/survivors of these crimes and violations—regardless of the victim/survivor’s race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, or criminal conviction—have the following rights, regardless of whether the crime or violation occurs on campus, off campus, or while studying abroad.
All students have the right to:
1. Make a report to law enforcement and/or state police;
2. Have disclosures of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sexual assault treated seriously;
3. Make a decision about whether or not to disclose a crime or violation and participate in the campus conduct process and/or the criminal justice process free from pressure from the College;
4. Participate in a process that is fair, impartial and provides adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard;
5. Be treated with dignity and to receive from the College courteous, fair, and respectful health care and counseling services where available;
6. Be free from any suggestion that the reporting individual (including but not limited to the victim) is at fault when these crimes and violations are committed, or should have acted in a different manner to avoid such crimes or violations;
7. Describe the incident to as few College officials as practicable and not to be required to unnecessarily repeat a description of the incident;
8. Be free from retaliation by the College, the accused and/or the respondent, and/or their friends, family and acquaintances within the jurisdiction of the College;
9. Access at least one level of appeal of a determination;
10. Be accompanied by an advisor of choice who may assist and advise a reporting individual, accused, or respondent throughout the judicial or conduct process, including all meetings and hearings related to such process;
11. Exercise civil rights and practice of religion without interference by the investigative, criminal justice or judicial or conduct process of the College.
BILL OF RIGHTS OPTIONS IN BRIEF
Victims/survivors have many options that can be pursued simultaneously, including one or more of the following:
• Receive resources, such as counseling and medical attention;
• Confidentially or anonymously disclose a crime or violation (for more detailed information on confidentiality and privacy, visit our website http://www.sunyacc.edu/title-ix);
• Make a report to:
o An employee with the authority to address complaints, including the Title IX Coordinator, Deputy Title IX Coordinator, the Dean for Students, and/or the Associate Vice President of Human Resources;
o Campus Public Safety;
o Local law enforcement; and/or
o Family or Civil Court.
SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION
In Accordance with the “campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act” of 2000, which amends the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act, The Jeanne Clery Act and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the Office of Public Safety of SUNY Adirondack is providing a link to the New York State Sex Offender Registry. This act requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where law enforcement information provided by a State concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained. It also requires sex offenders already required to register in a State to provide notice to each institution of higher education in that State at which the person is employed, carries a vocation, or is a student. In the State of New York, convicted sex offenders must register with the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services. The Sex Offender Registry is available via Internet. Registry information is provided is to be used for the purposes of the administration of criminal justice, screening of current or prospective employees, volunteers or otherwise for the protection of the public in general and children in particular. Unlawful use of information for purposes of intimidating or harassing another is prohibited and willful violation shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Follow the link below to access the Registry website: https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/index.htm
REMEMBER: Every emergency situation is different. Only you can
decide which course of action is appropriate.