Annual Security Report

 

 

Saint Xavier University maintains an All-Hazards Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) that contains provisions to provide immediate response and evacuation in an emergency situation. This plan provides that if there is an immediate threat to the health and safety of students, employees and visitors occurring on the campus, the University, given the circumstances, should follow the EOP (Annex F: Evacuations, Shelter in Place and Lockdown, Annex B: Communications) notification procedures. The EOP also implements the usage of mass notification systems, which allow for immediate notification of the campus community upon confirmation of a significant emergency or dangerous situation occurring on campus.

The University will, without delay, and taking into account the safety of the community, determine the content of the notification and initiate the notification system, unless the notification will, in the professional judgment of responsible authorities, compromise efforts to assist victims or to contain, respond to or otherwise mitigate an emergency. Public Safety will utilize the emergency alert functions as means of communicating emergency situations to students and employees. Additionally, a voice over tone public address system may be used. Once the alert is processed, the Office of University Relations immediately updates the University webpage and digital signage.

This emergency notification requirement does not replace the timely warning requirement. They differ in that the timely warning applies only to Clery reportable crimes, while the emergency notification requirement addresses a much wider range of threats (i.e., gas leaks, tornadoes, contagious viruses, etc.). An institution that follows its emergency notification procedures is not required to issue a timely warning based on the same circumstances, but must provide adequate follow-up information to the community as needed.

Emergency alert notifications can be initiated by the following responsible authorities:

• Chief of Police
• Public Safety Officers
• University President
• University Provost
• Dean of Students
• University Relations
• Chief Financial Officer

The Office of University Relations will provide a University representative to work in conjunction with the local media and government officials. Public Safety will provide external law enforcement agencies with updates to properly disseminate emergency information to the larger community.

In accordance to the Illinois Campus Security Enhancement Act, the University annually exercises the EOP and documents such exercises. Also, the University has published and distributed an Emergency Guide, which provides emergency response and building evacuation procedures specifically for students, faculty and staff.

• In the event of major utility failure during regular business hours, go to a safe location with emergency lighting and notify Public Safety at ext. 3911.
• Follow directions from Public Safety and Facilities Management for immediate action.
• If evacuation of a building is required, seek out persons with special needs and provide assistance.
• If needed, the telephone number to request physical assistance for anyone with a disability is ext. 3911.
• Laboratory personnel should secure all experiments and shut off research gases.
• Prior to evacuating, all chemicals should be stored in their original locations.
• Do not light candles or other types of flames for lighting.
• Do not touch any electrical equipment (including computers) or light switches.

• Evacuate the building if the fire alarm sounds or upon notification by authorized emergency personnel.
• In laboratory buildings, fume hoods do not operate during a power outage and most laboratories should not be used until the ventilation is properly restored.
• If people are trapped in elevators, tell passengers to stay calm and that you are getting help. Then, call ext. 3911 and provide information.

• Cease all operations immediately.
• Do not use cell phones or other electronic equipment.
• Do not switch lights on or off.
• Evacuate as soon as possible.
• Fully open fume hoods.
• If this is not possible or natural ventilation is inadequate, evacuate the laboratory until the power is returned.

• Walk to the nearest exit (do not use elevators.)
• Assist persons with special needs.
• Call 911
• Notify First Responder Fire Department personnel or University Public Safety staff if there is someone trapped inside the building.
• Gather outside at a designated assembly area and do not attempt to re-enter the building until instructed to do so by first responder personnel or University Public Safety staff.

• Cease using all electrical equipment.
• Avoid contact with the water.
• Evacuate effected area.

All hazards evacuations procedures can be implemented by the following responsible authorities:

• Chief of Police
• Public Safety
• Director of Facilities
• Manager of Housekeeping, Grounds and Mailroom

Public Safety prepares its annual Crime Statistics Report to comply with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. The full text of this report can be located on our website.

This report is prepared in cooperation with the local law enforcement agencies having primary jurisdiction of our Chicago campus and those agencies having jurisdiction over the locations where the University conducts field-based programs.

Campus crime, arrest and referral statistics include those reported to Public Safety and designated campus officials from Student Life, Human Resources, Dean of Students, Athletics, Counseling Center, Career Development Center, Student Advising Center, Health Center and Campus Ministry. Except for mandatory reporting requirements of state law, a procedure is in place to anonymously capture crime statistics disclosed confidentially to University professional counselors, medical personnel, and pastoral-ministry staff.

Each year, an email notification is made to all enrolled students, staff and faculty that provides the website to access this report. Copies of the report may also be obtained at the Public Safety Office located in the Campus Service Center. All prospective employees may obtain a copy from Public Safety or Human Resources.

Community members, students, faculty, staff and visitors are highly encouraged to report all crimes and public safety-related incidents or unsafe or hazardous conditions to Public Safety in a timely manner.

Crimes should be reported to Public Safety to ensure inclusion in the annual crime statistics and to aid in providing timely warning notices to the community when appropriate.

From off campus, you can reach Public Safety at 773-298-3911 or 773-298-4400.

Public Safety operates a confidential hotline at 773-298-3838. The purpose of this hotline is to provide a convenient and secure way for students, staff and faculty to report suspicious activities or events on campus 24 hours a day. Messages are checked regularly by department administrators.

Emergency telephones that will automatically ring to the Public Safety Dispatch Center 24 hours a day are located at various locations throughout our campuses. Simply push and release the emergency button to activate a two-way emergency response call to a Public Safety dispatcher. Please speak clearly into the microphone. This phone may be used for any emergency situation or to report an injury or any unsafe condition. It may also be used for requesting vehicle lockout assistance, a battery jump, protective escort and reporting vehicle damage or an accident.

• Public Safety:
  • Campus Services Center or Rubloff Hall (after hours)
  • 773-298-3911 (24 hours)
• Dean of Students:
  • Dean of Students Office (Room L-103), 773-298-3123, deanofstudentsFREESXU
• Residence Life:
  • Office of Student Life (Room L-103), 773-298-3977 or any member of the staff
• Counseling Center:
  • Driehaus Center (3911 W. 103rd St.), 773-298-4045
• Health Center:
  • Driehaus Center (3911 W. 103rd St.), 773-298-3712

Please note that clinical staff with the Counseling Center and the Health Center are designated as confidential reporting personnel.

The Office of the Dean of Students encourages students to report behavior that discriminates, stereotypes, excludes or harasses anyone in the community. Bias incidents and/or hate crimes involve behavior that is motivated by bias or prejudice against an individual or group of people based on personal characteristics or identity, including but not limited to: age, gender/gender identity, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion or disability. Hate crimes are bias incidents that include a violation of criminal statute such as property damage, personal injury or other illegal conduct.

Please visit our Report Bias webpage for additional information as well as an incident report form.

When a Saint Xavier University student is involved in an off-campus offense, University police and security officers may assist with the investigation in cooperation with local, state, or federal law enforcement. Chicago, Evergreen Park, Oak Lawn, and the Orland Park police departments routinely work and communicate with campus officers on any serious incidents occurring on-campus or in the immediate neighborhood and business areas surrounding campus. University police and security officers can and do respond to student-related incidents that occur in close proximity to campus. However, University police officers do not provide "primary" law enforcement services to off-campus locations. This remains the responsibility of the municipality having jurisdiction and Illinois Uniformed Crime Reporting (IUCR) responsibility.

If you are the victim of a crime and do not want to pursue action within the University system or the criminal justice system, you may still want to consider making a confidential report. With your permission, the chief of police or a management level designee within Public Safety can file a report on the details of the incident without revealing your identity. The purpose of a confidential report is to comply with your wish to keep the matter confidential, while taking steps to ensure the future safety of yourself and others. With such information, the University can keep an accurate record of the number of incidents involving students; determine where there is a pattern of crime with regard to a particular location, method or assailant; and alert the campus community to potential danger. Reports filed in this manner are counted and disclosed in the annual crimes statistics for the institution.

As a result of the negotiated rulemaking process which followed the signing into law, the 1998 amendments to 20 U.S.C. Section 1092 (f), clarification was given to those considered campus security authorities. Campus "Pastoral Counselors" and Campus "Professional Counselors," when acting as such, are not considered to be a campus security authority and are not required to report crimes for inclusion into the annual disclosure of crime statistics. As a matter of policy, they are encouraged, if and when they deem it appropriate, to inform persons being counseled of the procedures to report crimes on a voluntary basis for inclusion into the annual crime statistics.

The rule making committee defines counselors as:

• Pastoral Counselor
  An employee of an institution who is associated with a religious order or denomination, recognized by that religious order or denomination as someone who provides confidential counseling and who is functioning within the scope of that recognition as a pastoral counselor.
• Professional Counselor
  An employee of an institution whose official responsibilities include providing psychological counseling to members of the institution's community and who is functioning within the scope of his or her license or certification.

Pursuant to the authority of the Illinois Private College Campus Police Act, contained in Chapter 110, Section 1020 of the Illinois Complied Statutes, amended January, 1 2010, members of the campus police department shall have the powers of municipal peace officers and county sheriffs, including the power to make arrests under the circumstances prescribed in Section 107/2 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963, as amended, for violations of state statutes, municipal or county ordinances, officers have county-wide jurisdiction and the authority to regulate and control traffic on the public way adjacent to all University owned or controlled property.

Any police officer employed by a law enforcement agency of this state may conduct temporary questioning and may make arrests in any jurisdiction within Illinois if:

1. The officer is engaged in the investigation of an offense that has occurred in the jurisdiction in which the officer is employed and the temporary questioning is conducted or the arrest is made pursuant to that investigation.
2. The officer, while on duty as a police officer, becomes personally aware of the immediate commission of a felony or misdemeanor violation of the laws of this state.

In cases of minor violations of state statute, city and county ordinances, or University rules, regulations or policies, campus police or security officers may, in addition to, or in lieu of criminal charges, refer violators to the Dean of Students Office for disciplinary action under the Code of Student Conduct.

Any failure to appear as requested for a student conduct proceeding or failure to comply with any imposed sanctions or restrictions may result in the direct filing of criminal charges with the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Through coordination with local law enforcement agencies, any criminal activity engaged in by students at off-campus locations is monitored and recorded. This information is provided to the Office of the Dean of Students for any action or follow-up that may be required.

Criminal charges filed by Saint Xavier University police officers are heard in the First Municipal District (City of Chicago) or the Fifth Municipal District of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Failure to appear in court could result in the judge issuing a bond forfeiture arrest warrant.

Officers are responsible for observing, reporting and taking appropriate actions in all instances of criminal and suspicious activities. They are also responsible for detecting and reporting fire and safety hazards as well as implementing evacuation procedures.

The office is responsible for maintaining the University's emergency operation center as well as the facilities for radio communications and implementation of contingency alert plans when conditions warrant. In the event of an injury or illness, officers will coordinate emergency medical/first-aid treatment and transportation with the fire department responders.

During business hours, the University (excluding residence halls) will be open to enrolled and prospective students and their parents, employees, contractors, guests and invitees.

Some facilities may have individual hours, which may vary at different times of the year. Examples are the Shannon Center and the library.

Residents in on-campus residence halls or University apartments may host two overnight guests at least 17 years of age and of the same sex, provided they have the consent of their roommate(s). Residents must submit a Resident Overnight Automated Request (ROAR) through the student portal by 11 p.m. on the date of the request. Residents will be informed by the RA on duty that the ROAR has been registered and approved/denied. All guest procedures apply, and a guest ID must be worn at all times. Overnight guests may be registered in the halls or stay in University apartment more than three nights within a seven-night period.

During first-year orientation meetings on University resources, students are informed of services offered by Public Safety. Slide presentations and handouts outline ways to maintain personal safety and residence hall security. Students are told about crime on campus and in surrounding neighborhoods. Crime prevention, fire safety, domestic violence, sexual assault and identity theft prevention programs and information are offered on a continual basis.

A common theme of all awareness and crime prevention programs is to encourage students and employees to be aware of their responsibility for their own security and the security of others. To enhance personal safety, especially after evening classes, walk with a friend or someone from class that you know well, or call Public Safety for a protective escort.

When time is of the essence, information is released to the University community through security alerts posted prominently throughout campus, through computer memos sent over the University's electronic mail system, text messaging system and voicemail system.

Additional Programs

Since fall of 2015, all students are required to view "Every Choice Matters," an online intrapersonal violence prevention program from Student Success™. This video-based program provides critical information about consent, bystander intervention, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence and stalking.

Each fall, all new first-year students are required to attend a live presentation on sexual violence prevention by Catharsis Productions. 

We've hosted the following programs for students:

• The Hook-Up, a program focused on gender stereotypes and bystander intervention.
• Transitions, a required course for first-year students, includes a unit on healthy choices and sexual violence prevention.

In the event that a situation arises, either on or off campus, that, in the judgment of the Chief of University Police, constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat, a campus wide warning will be issued. The warning will be distributed through the University email system to all faculty, staff and students, and posted on the Public Safety webpage.

Depending on the particular circumstances of the crime, especially in all situations that could pose an immediate threat to the community and individuals, the Public Safety Department will issue warnings through University email, text messaging, voicemail, the posting of flyers, in-class announcements, or other appropriate means.

Saint Xavier University students are expected to abide by Illinois state laws concerning the drinking age. The sale, possession, consumption and service of alcoholic beverages by any person under the age of 21 is prohibited in accordance with Illinois state law.

Possession by any individual of alcoholic beverages in residence halls is prohibited. Students not consuming, but in the presence of alcohol, are also subject to disciplinary action. For the enforcement of status or regulatory offenses which are marked by the absence of a specific victim, University police or security officers will use their discretion in deciding whether the police objective and mission is best served by an arrest or referral to the student conduct system.

When some members and/or guests of a student group, club or organization are under the legal drinking age at an off-campus event, the members of the organization and their guests are responsible for conducting themselves in accordance with University policy and with state laws.

Students and/or their guests may not possess, sell or consume alcoholic beverages on University property. Students may not purchase alcoholic beverages with University-approved student fees or with any other student funds that are collected and administered by a student organization or club. Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action.

On rare occasions, students and/or their guests, who are 21 years of age or older, may apply for permission to possess or consume alcoholic beverages at an approved University function. Those who so wish to obtain such permission must consult with the Dean of Students no later than 10 days prior to the date of the event. Permission will be granted only when a series of stringent precautionary and control measures have been arranged so that those attendees who are under 21 years of age will not be served alcoholic beverages. At no time may students and/or their guests sell or effect the commercial delivery of alcoholic beverages on University property.

At any on-campus or off-campus events at which students and/or guests under 21 years of age are present, and where alcoholic beverages are served or provided by an official Saint Xavier University department, organization or club as part of the event, prior University approval must be obtained. Saint Xavier University assumes no responsibility for any liability incurred as the result of a department's, club's or organization's violation of these rules or of any state or city law governing the use and consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Members of the University community are subject to federal, state and local laws. Illinois law prohibits the possession or use of marijuana, narcotics and hallucinogenic drugs, either in the refined or crude form, except under the direction of a licensed physician or dentist. The possession, use, distribution and/or sale of marijuana, narcotics and hallucinogenic drugs are prohibited. Violations of these regulations may result in disciplinary action, ranging from a written statement of an official warning up to legal civil actions and expulsion from the University. Individuals convicted of unlawfully possessing or distributing illicit drugs and alcohol may face misdemeanor or felony charges, which are punishable by sanctions up to and including imprisonment.

1. Drugs and alcohol are dangerous substances, which can lead to serious physical problems with all major organs. Even a single abuse of these substances can endanger lives and cause irreparable harm to oneself and others.
2. Students who may have been or are using drugs may request counseling on campus or a referral to outside agencies. If a student enters into a counseling relationship, it will be regarded as privileged information and be treated in a confidential manner.

An extensive list of drug and alcohol counseling treatment rehabilitation programs is available to students through the Office of Student Life, or by calling the Illinois Department of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse at 312-917-3840.

Members of the Saint Xavier University community are strongly encouraged to report all suspected illegal drug activity on or around the University's property to the Chicago Police Department or Saint Xavier University Public Safety immediately. Suspected drug activity can also be reported anonymously to the Cook County State's Attorney's Narcotics Nuisance Abatement Hotline at 773-869-DOPE.

The Office of the Dean of Students may notify parents/guardians of students under 21 years of age when a student is found responsible for (1) any violation of the drug policy, (2) a second violation of the alcohol policy, and (3) a first violation of the alcohol policy when one or more of the following occurs:

• The student demonstrates a reckless disregard for his/her personal safety or the safety of others.
• Medical attention to any person, including the student, is required as a result of the student's alcohol-related behavior.
• There is property damage.
• The student operates a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
• The incident involves another serious violation.
• The student's alcohol-related behavior negatively impacts the learning environment.

Saint Xavier University provides an on-campus program for alcohol and drug addiction and can direct you to off-campus resources.

Please see our Alcohol and Other Drug Education Program (AODEP) page for additional information.

In accordance with the Higher Education Act Title IV, Section 485(j), students have the option to identify an individual to be contacted by Saint Xavier University if it is determined that the student is missing. Please log into Self-Service on mySXU and fill out the emergency contact information. This contact can be updated at any time via Self-Service on mySXU. Only authorized campus officials and law enforcement officers in furtherance of a missing person investigation may have access to this information. Public Safety will have to notify the local law enforcement agency, of the appropriate jurisdiction, of the missing student regardless if the student has registered emergency contact information. If the missing student is under 18 years of age and is not an emancipated individual, Public Safety will notify their parent or legal guardian immediately.

Saint Xavier University will implement the missing student protocol in the event that a student is reported missing, which follows the Illinois Missing Person Identification Act, 50 ILCS 722/5, effective August 16, 2007. Illinois law mandates that "all law enforcement agencies shall accept without delay any report of a missing person. Acceptance of a missing person report filed in person may not be refused on any ground." Policies pertaining to missing students will be put into effect regardless of whether the student resides on or off campus. If a member of the University community believes that a student is missing, he or she should immediately notify Public Safety by calling 773-298-3911. Public Safety will generate a missing person report and initiate an investigation. In circumstances where the investigation deems the student as missing, the missing student protocol will be activated. Public Safety officials will ensure the coordination of relevant student data entry into law enforcement databases and involve external law enforcement agencies as necessary. Additionally, they will commence emergency contact procedures designated by the student.

In accordance with 50 ILCS 722/10, missing persons designated as "high risk" must be immediately entered into the Illinois State Police Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS) and the FBI National Crime Information Crime Center (NCIC). "High risk" is defined by 50 ILCS 722/10 as:

1. The person is missing as a result of a stranger abduction.
2. The person is missing under suspicious circumstances.
3. The person is missing under unknown circumstances.
4. The person is missing under known dangerous circumstances.
5. The person is missing more than 30 days.
6. The person has already been designated as a high-risk missing person by another law enforcement agency.
7. There is evidence that the person is at risk because:
   1. The person is in need of medical attention or prescription medication.
   2. The person does not have a pattern of running away or disappearing.
   3. The person may have been abducted by a non-custodial parent.
   4. The person is mentally impaired.
   5. The person is under the age of 21.
   6. The person has been the subject of past threats or acts of violence.
   7. The person has eloped from a nursing home.
   8. Any other factor that may, in the judgment of law enforcement personnel, indicate that the missing person may be at risk.

Additionally, Suzanne's Law (Title 42 U.S.C., Section 5799a) also requires agencies to immediately enter records into the LEADS/NCIC Missing Person file for missing individuals under the age of 21, regardless of circumstances. And as an overall policy, LEADS Regulations (Illinois Administrative Code 1240.60a) mandate that "each agency must enter information into LEADS or ensure information has been entered into LEADS as soon as the facts are known and sufficient identifiers are available to permit the establishment of a LEADS record."

Saint Xavier University is committed to a community that respects the dignity and worth of each person. In accordance with the University's Catholic, Mercy values and its role as an educational institution, Saint Xavier is committed to eliminating sexual violence in all its forms and will take appropriate remedial action against any individual found responsible for acts in violation of this policy. Saint Xavier University provides reporting options, an investigative and disciplinary process, and resources for support.

The University, in consultation with the complainant, will pursue strong disciplinary action against students found to be in violation of University policy as outlined in the Student Handbook. Non-student members of the Saint Xavier community who have engaged in behavior that violates the sexual violence policy are subject to discipline under the University policies and procedures that apply to them. Acts of sexual violence may also constitute violations of criminal or civil law.

Saint Xavier University has designated Dr. Keith O'Neill, Dean of Students, (WAC L-103, 773-298-3123, koneillFREESXU), as the Title IX Coordinator, responsible for oversight of complaints for sexual violence.

The University has designated several deputy Title IX coordinators on campus:

• Keith O'Neill, Associate Dean of Students and Title IX Coordinator (WAC L-103, 773-298-3123, koneillFREESXU)
• Ken Alston, Director of Athletics (Shannon Athletic Center, 773-298-3101, alstonFREESXU)
• Blanca Correa, Student Life Specialist (WAC L-103, 773-298-3123, correaFREESXU)
• Gerry Horan, Director of Human Resources (Human Resources Building, 773-298-3450, ghoranFREESXU)
• Brian Hotzfield, Vice President of Enrollment (WAC S-401, 773-298-3096, hotzfieldFREESXU)
• Katy Thompson, Vice President of Student Life (WAC L-103, 773-298-3123, thompsonFREESXU)

Please see our Interim Policy on Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination (PDF) for additional information.

As a Catholic university sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Saint Xavier affirms the basic human dignity of all persons, including the right to be free from harassment and discrimination on the basis of sex or gender. In support of this fundamental belief, and in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the University prohibits discrimination in all educational programs and activities on the basis of sex.

Programs and activities under Title IX include academic programs, admissions, athletics, financial aid, housing, career services, counseling and health services, student activities and employment.

Please see our Title IX Prohibited Behavior and Other Resources page for additional information.

On January 24, 2000, Section 485(f)(1) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 was amended to require that institutions of higher education advise the campus community where information concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained.

Sex offender information is compiled by the Illinois State Police. The state police maintain a website that allows you to search their sex offender database online.

To learn the identity of registered sex offenders on or near campus, or anywhere in Illinois, visit the Illinois Sex Offender Registry.

• The University is in Cook County.
• The University is in zip codes 60655 (Chicago).

You can also search the Chicago Police Department's Registered Sex Offender database, the Chicago Campus is in the 22nd District; Beat 2211, or the State of Illinois Sex Offender database.