Miscellaneous Policies, Resources, and Recommendations
Bridges
For your safety, stay off all bridges. It is extremely dangerous and is considered criminal trespassing to walk on the Veteran's Memorial Bridge or the railroad bridge south of the Veteran's Memorial Bridge. Students who walk on either of these bridges are in violation of University policy and may be subject to suspension from the University. Jumping from the bridges is not permitted. It is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct and may result in suspension or dismissal from the University.
Cliffs
A portion of the University campus borders steep cliffs. This area runs from Trinity Hall and extends northwest to the end of the University's grounds. This area is protected by fencing and caution signage. Under no circumstances should anyone venture beyond this fence and caution signage.
Public Safety Escort
Students may request a security guard to provide a foot escort anywhere on campus. Students should contact the Department of Public Safety at 740-283-6333 to request a security escort.
Pets
Students are not permitted to have pets, other than qualified service or Emotional Support Animals, in the residence halls. Any pet brought to campus must be on a leash at all times. Pets are not permitted on the athletic fields. Stray animals should be reported to Campus Security immediately.
Walking Path
The walking path on the former golf course may only be used during daylight hours. Only walking or running on the path is permitted. No other use of the property is permitted including, but not limited to, camping, bonfires, ATVs, etc.
Firearms/Weapons
The General Laws of the State of Ohio prohibit the unauthorized possession of any concealed handgun or other firearm on the campus of any college or university. Specifically, Ohio Revised Code 2923.126 prohibits concealed handguns on any premises owned or leased by any public or private college, university, or other institution of higher education, unless the handgun is in a locked motor vehicle or the person is in the immediate process of placing the handgun in a locked motor vehicle or unless the person is carrying the concealed handgun pursuant to a written policy, rule, or other authorization that is adopted by the institution's board of trustees or other governing body and that authorizes specific individuals or classes of individuals to carry a concealed handgun on the premises. Accordingly, all employees, students, visitors, and contractors of the University are prohibited from possessing a handgun or other firearm on University property. The property covered by this policy includes, without limitation, all buildings, and surrounding areas such as sidewalks, walkways, driveways, and parking lots under the ownership or control of the University. Only University Public Safety Officers, law enforcement officers or other persons authorized by the Board of Trustees or President of the University are permitted to possess handguns or firearms on campus. This University prohibition includes the possession of a handgun or other firearm by an individual who has a valid concealed weapon permit authorized by the State of Ohio or is a “qualifying adult" as defined under Ohio Senate Bill No. 215 to legally carry, possess, or conceal a firearm without a permit; unless the handgun or other firearm and ammunition are locked in an automobile or in the immediate process of being locked in an automobile either in the trunk, glove box, or other enclosed compartment or container.
The University reserves the right to authorize searches based on reasonable, articulable suspicion for prohibited firearms to assure the safety of its employees, students, visitors, and contractors. Failure to abide by all terms and conditions of the policies described above may result in discipline up to and including discharge from employment, expulsion from University classes, criminal charges filed and/or removal from University property. If an employee, student, or other member of the University community observes an individual displaying a firearm on campus or becomes aware of anyone violating this policy, please report it immediately to the University’s Department of Public Safety, who will assess the situation and respond accordingly.
Additionally, the following weapons are not permitted on campus:
- All firearms such as airsoft rifles/pistols, pellet, paintball, or BB gun or any device which fires any type of projectile utilizing gunpowder or any other substance as a propellant.
- Ammunition including rounds, casings, shells, clips, magazines, cartridges, and paint pellet.
- All edged weapons including but not limited to a knife such as a belt buckle knife, pocketknife, dirk dagger, cane sword, pen knife, lipstick knife, switchblade, butterfly knife, swords, axes, machetes, bow and arrow, cross bows, any sharp object fashioned or used as such objects, or any knife that has a blade longer than 3 inches. Kitchen knives are allowed as long as they are used for the intended culinary purpose.
- Metal knuckles, clubs, or chains.
- Martial arts devices such as nunchucks, boken, throwing stars, throwing knives, bow staffs, Sais, Canes, Tonfas, or any other device considered a dangerous weapon.
- Stun gun or taser, or any device that produces electrical current intended to disable or injure a person either permanently or temporarily.
- Any device made specific, crafted, or used with the intended purpose of causing harm to a person is prohibited.
- Explosives, such as bombs, grenades, blasting caps, or other containers containing explosive substances.
- Other equipment, material, and devices that, in the manner they are used could ordinarily be used or are readily capable of causing serious bodily injury.
- Mace or pepper spray is permitted for self-defense/personal protection purposes only, but it is the University's strong recommendation that if an individual feels unsafe or threatened, their first step should be to contact the Department of Public Safety or dial 911 for local law enforcement.
- Realistic facsimiles of weapons are also specifically prohibited, other than for artistic purposes with advance notification to and consent of the Department of Public Safety, such as for a production of the Theater Arts Program. Requests should be directed to the attention of the Director of Public Safety and should specify what weapons facsimiles are at issue and for what purpose / event, when and where the weapons facsimiles will be used, who will be handling them, and what steps will be taken to prevent misuse, unauthorized use, and unsecured storage.