Response to an Emergency or Crime
Response to an Emergency or Crime
When the alleged perpetrator(s) of a reported crime is identified as a student(s), the matter may be processed internally under the Code of Student Conduct and/or other applicable University policies. When the alleged perpetrator is an employee, the matter will be processed internally pursuant to the University’s human resources policies and/or other applicable University policies for faculty and staff. Internal disciplinary measures by the University are not intended to replace or interfere with action in the criminal justice system.
Victims of crimes retain the legal right to pursue criminal charges with law enforcement officials in addition to any internal investigation or proceedings. The University will assist victims in notifying law enforcement authorities if the victim so chooses. Victims also have a right to decline notifying law enforcement authorities. Criminal investigation by local law enforcement officials, arrest, and prosecution can occur independently before, during, or after any applicable University processes or disciplinary actions for students or employees. Likewise, the University may pursue its own internal disciplinary measures independent of whether or not criminal charges are filed and/or whether or not they are successfully prosecuted in the criminal justice system.
Timely Warning
The University will issue a timely warning when it receives a report of a crime that represents a serious or continuing threat to the safety of members of the campus community. The University may also issue a warning to the campus community when other instances pose a safety concern.
Those responsible for issuing timely warnings include, but are not limited to:
- Vice President of Operations
- Executive Director of Legal Affairs
- Director of Public Safety
- Title IX/EEO Coordinator/Deputy Title IX/EEO Coordinator
- Vice President of Student Life
- Director of Austrian Program
The University, in conjunction with various campus offices, will distribute timely warning announcements when there appears to be a serious and continuing threat to the safety and security of persons on campus for the following crimes:
- Murder/non-negligent manslaughter
- Negligent manslaughter
- Rape, fondling, statutory rape, incest
- Domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking
- Robbery
- Aggravated assault
- Burglary
- Motor vehicle theft
- Arson
- Violation of weapons possession law
- Any other Clery crime that targets certain campus populations
Decisions concerning whether to issue a timely warning will be made on a case-by-case basis using the following criteria:
- Nature of the crime
- Continuing danger to the campus community
- Possible risk of compromising law enforcement efforts
A timely warning will be issued as soon as pertinent information is available.
The warning contains sufficient information about the nature of the threat to allow members of the campus to take protective action:
- A succinct statement of the incident
- Possible connection to previous incidents if applicable
- Date, time, and location of the warning
- Description of the suspect, if available
- Risk reduction and safety tips
A victim’s name or any other information that might identify a victim is always withheld from timely warnings. In some cases, the University may need to keep some facts confidential to avoid compromising an ongoing investigation.
The warning normally will be issued through the University email system and/or as a voice message to all University VOIP phones using the Everbridge system. Students, staff, and faculty who register their cell phone number with the University may also receive a text message and/or voice message via the Everbridge system. Students, staff, and faculty can register for emergency alerts to their personal contact numbers via the Emergency Notification tab located on The PORT website. As may be required or advisable, mandatory meetings may be held or attempts to reach individuals directly may be made by University officials. Anyone with information regarding an ongoing or continuing threat should report the circumstances to the security dispatch center at 740-283-6911. The Office of Marketing and Communications may also post warnings in the form of an emergency banner on the University’s website. The campus community is urged to check the website for emergency alerts and updates as additional information is obtained.
The University has requested that local law enforcement agencies notify the University of any situations that might warrant the issuance of a timely warning.