University Safety & Security
Information, Drug Free
Compliance & Statistics
In the event that a
situation arises, either on or off campus, that, in the judgment of the
Sheriff, constitutes an ongoing or continued threat, a Security
Bulletin will
be issued. At this time,
warnings may be posted on facility entrance doors. Once
resources are budgeted, such
warnings may be issued via e-mail.
The following
information is intended, in accordance with the Crime Awareness and
Campus
Security Act of 1990, to inform members of the University community
about the
available resources, policies, and procedures related to safety and
security.
Due to its size
Officers are
responsible for a full range of public safety services, including all
crime
reports, investigations, traffic accidents, enforcement of laws
regulating
underage drinking, the use of controlled substances, weapons, and all
other
incidents requiring police assistance. When called
Fire
& Emergency Medical Service
In the case of fire or
an
The police, fire and
Students and
employees are urged to contribute to their individual and collective
safety not
only by using preventive measures, but also by immediately reporting
violations
of the rights of others to the University security official, or take
advantage
of the security services provided.
Staff, guests and
students should attempt to keep their room doors locked when they leave
their
rooms, or when they are asleep. Exterior doors should not be propped
open as
this causes a breach in security which endangers all present. Owners of
automobiles are urged to keep their car doors locked. Every effort
should be taken to
maintain our facilities, including research equipment, landscaping,
grounds
keeping and outdoor lighting.Windows- all are strongly urged to lock all
lockable windows.
Room doors are to be
locked to prevent theft. The university assumes no financial
responsibility for
lost or stolen property. The University does not provide insurance for anyones’ belongings, nor does it accept
responsibility
for items that are stolen or accidentally destroyed. Those whose
insurance
policies do not cover their belongings while at the University often
can have a
rider added at a minimal cost.
The University
permits crime victims or witnesses to make confidential, but not
anonymous,
reports of crimes for inclusion in the University's annual report. Such
confidential reports should be made in person to the Sheriff or the
Dean.
Sexual Assault
Program
We urge that
education and counseling be used to prevent sexual offenses; and, as we
grow we
wish to offer such courses. During orientations, the issue of sexual
assault
and acquaintance rape is discussed with all. All must exercise due
diligence in
reporting sexual assault and making others aware of the issue of sexual
offenses.
If an individual
reports a sexual offense, institutional authorities will stand by them
so
proper law enforcement authorities are notified. A victim of sexual
assault
should contact our Dean. We ask that victims of sexual assault all
attempt to
gain counseling.
Anyone who believes
himself or herself to be the victim of a sexual offense or harassment
can bring
a complaint through direct contact with law enforcement and the
judiciary. No
one will be reprimanded or discriminated against in any way for
initiating an
inquiry or complaint in good faith. When resolved the accuser and the
accused
will be informed of the outcome of any institutional disciplinary
proceeding
brought internally and alleging a sex offense, or harassment.
Weapons
Firearms or any other
weapons are not permitted on campus. Handguns and B.B. guns are not
permitted.
The University accepts no responsibility for injuries to persons or
property
resulting from the use of firearms. Violation of the rules governing
weapons
will result in a minimum $200 fine and 10 hours of community service.
Social
probation, suspension or expulsion may also be imposed for violation of
these
rules. Possession of firearms on campus is a felony under
Crime Statistics
The University Dean
may prepare an annual report to comply with the Crime statistics Act.
University crime, arrest, and referral statistics include those
reported to the
University Dean. The statistics may also include crimes that have
occurred in
private businesses and residences. Each year an e-mail notification is
made to
all enrolled students, faculty and staff that provides
the web site to access this report.
Drug-Free Institution
This statement is
posted in compliance with the provisions of The Drug-Free Workplace
Act of
1988 (41 U.S.C. Sec. 701, et. seq.) and The Drug-Free Schools and
Communities
Act Amendments of 1989 (20 U.S.C. Sec. 3171, et. seq.). It applies to
all
University
employees, students and guests. The University is committed to being a
drug
free institution and commends all who voluntarily take steps to rid
themselves
of illicit drug use and alcohol abuse, and rigorously enforces
applicable
laws
and policies. To rid one self of "illicit drug use or alcohol abuse
does not mean, to cook a concoction which masks the presence of traces
in the blood," as this is a) illegal and b) a continued use thereof may
cause Type II diabetes or worse side affects.
POLICY
The unlawful
possession, use, distribution, sale or manufacture of illicit drugs and
alcohol
at the University, on property owned or controlled by the University,
or as
part of any activity of the University strictly prohibited. All
employees and
students are subject to applicable federal, state and local laws
related to
this matter. Additionally, any violation of this policy will result in
disciplinary action as set forth in the Student, Faculty and Staff
Handbook and as defined by any other existing University policies,
ordinances, rules, and regulations.
LEGAL SANCTIONS
Various federal,
state and local statutes make it unlawful to possess, use, distribute,
sell or
manufacture controlled substances. The penalty imposed depends upon
various
factors, including the type and amount of controlled substance involved, the number of prior offenses, if any,
whether
death or serious bodily injury resulted from the use of such substance
and
whether any other crimes were committed in connection with the use of
the
controlled substance.
Possible maximum
penalties for a first time violation of federal criminal drug laws
include
imprisonment for any period of time up to a term of life imprisonment,
substantial fines, supervised release, or any combination of the above.
These
sanctions are doubled when the offense involves either: 1) distribution
or
possession at or near a school or college campus or 2) distribution to
persons under 21 years of age. Repeat
offenders may be punished to a
greater extent as provided by statute. Further, a civil penalty of up
to
$10,000 may be assessed for simple possession of "personal use amounts"
of certain specified substances under federal law (21 U.S.C. Sec. 801,
et.
seq.).
Under state law, the
offenses of distribution, possession or casual exchange of controlled
substances are punishable as a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense
(unless
the possession is authorized by a valid prescription). If there is an
exchange
between a minor and an adult at least two years the minor’s senior and
the adult knew that the person was a minor, the offense is classified
as a
felony. See
It is unlawful for
any person under the age of 21 to buy, possess, transport (unless in
the course
of his or her employment) or consume alcoholic beverages, wine or beer.
T.C.A. § . Further, it is an offense
(1) to provide alcoholic
beverages to any person under the age of 21, including purchasing
alcoholic
beverages for or at the request of a person under
21
years of age, (2) for a person under 21 to attempt to purchase alcohol,
and (3)
to use false identification to purchase alcohol. T.C.A. §
and . Such offenses are generally classified as misdemeanors
punishable
by prison sentences of less than a year and fines ranging from $50 to
$2,500.
(The foregoing T.C.A. §s are to be updated with
UNIVERSITY
SANCTIONS
The University will
impose appropriate sanction(s), consistent with local, state and
federal law,
on any employee or student who fails to comply with the terms of this
policy.
EMPLOYEES
As a condition of
employment, each employee, including student employees, must abide by
the terms
of this policy, and must notify his or her department head or
supervisor of any
criminal drug statute conviction for a violation involving the
workplace no
later than five days after such conviction. A conviction includes a
finding of
guilt, a plea of nolo contendere,
or imposition of a sentence by any federal or state judicial body. In
the event
any such conviction involves an employee working on a federal contract
or
grant, the University will contact the granting or contracting federal
agency
within ten days of receiving notice of a conviction. Possible
disciplinary
sanctions for failure to comply with this policy, including failure to
notify
of conviction, may include one or more of the following:
1)termination;
2)suspension;
3)mandatory participation in and satisfactory
completion of a
drug/alcohol abuse program or rehabilitation program;
4)recommendation for professional counseling;
5)referral for prosecution;
6)letter of warning;
7)probation.
STUDENTS
Possible disciplinary
sanctions for failure to comply with the terms of this policy,
including
failure to notify of conviction, may include one or more of the
following:
1)expulsion;
2)suspension;
3)mandatory participation in and satisfactory
completion of a
drug/alcohol abuse program or rehabilitation program;
4)referral for prosecution;
5)probation;
6)fines;
7)community service;
8)reprimand.
For those cases
warranting consideration of readmission for students or reinstatement
for
employees, any such consideration will only be given following
appropriate
counseling and rehabilitation.
HEALTH RISKS
ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF ILLICIT DRUGS AND THE ABUSE OF ALCOHOL
Many health risks are
associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol,
including
organic damage; impairment of brain activity, digestion, and blood
circulation;
impairment of physiological processes and mental functioning; and
physical and
psychological dependence. Such use during pregnancy may cause
spontaneous
abortion, various birth defects or fetal alcohol syndrome. In addition,
the
illicit use of drugs can increase the risks of contracting hepatitis,
AIDS, and
other infections. If used excessively, alcohol or drugs taken singly or
in
certain combinations may cause death. Additional information on the
risks associated
with illicit drug use and abuse of alcohol is available by on a limited
basis
by appointment with Psychotherapist Kenneth Koym.
AVAILABLE DRUG AND
ALCOHOL COUNSELING, TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMS
The University urges
students and employees engaged in the illicit use of drugs and/or the
abuse of
alcohol to seek professional advice and treatment. The University’s
health plan for employees and their dependents and many other health
plans
provide some coverage for substance abuse treatment. Preliminary
evaluations,
case assessment, and referral for University students and employees are
provided by the staff of the University Counseling Service. Information
about
various drug and alcohol counseling, treatment and/or rehabilitation
programs
in Office of Kenneth Koym and/or the
Office of
Personnel Services. All inquiries will be treated confidentially to the
extent
possible.
The University
Environmental Health and Safety information can be located here - http://amiu.edu/
Automobile
Accident
If you are involved
in an automobile accident on campus, you should do the following:
1. Assess the
accident. Is medical assistance needed
2. Call 911 and ask
them to dispatch an ambulance if the victim needs it and assumes all
charges.
Bomb Threat
If you have knowledge
of a bomb threat on campus, you should do the following:
1. Report the
information immediately. Call the Sheriff at 911.
2. Warn
everyone and evacuate the building immediately. Follow the fire
evacuation
plans.
3. Count
heads. Verify that everyone is out of the building. Do not return
into the
building.
4. Stay
clear. Remain at least 500 feet away.
5. Stay in a
safe area. Until the building is declared safe by the proper
authorities,
remain out of the building.
Serious Injury or
Illness
1. Report the
injury / illness immediately. Call the
2. The police
officer will call for emergency medical services and/or transportation
to local
health care facilities.
3. In case of
injury or illness, the Dean will notify the involved person’s family.
4. Faculty and
staff should follow the Universal Precautions in Handling Body Fluids
as
recommended by the Environmental Health and Safety Office, i.e. wearing
rubber
gloves and disposing supplies properly.
Fire
Periodic fire drills
will be conducted. If you have discovered a fire on campus, you should
do the
following:
1. Report the
information immediately. Call the area Fire department via 911
and/or pull
the Fire Alarm.
2. Warn
everyone and evacuate the building immediately. Follow the fire
evacuation
plans.
3. Count
heads. Verify that everyone is out of the building. Do not return
into the
building.
4. Stay
clear. Remain at least 500 feet away.
5. Stay in a
safe area. Until the building is declared safe by the proper
authorities,
remain out of the building.
6. Keep
access roads open for emergency vehicles.
Civil Disturbance
A civil disturbance
is any set of circumstances that in the judgment of the administration
would
cause a disruption of normal college activities and would potentially
jeopardize the safety of students, faculty or staff. Call 911 for dire
emergencies or 311 for alternative solutions.
Hazardous Weather
When the weather
conditions are enough to warrant limited activities at the University
will be
advised by local television and radio stations and e-mail messages
issued by
the appropriate college personnel; instructions will be given as to the
status
of University operations. Only under emergency or threatening
conditions will
the University be closed during normal operating hours.
Frequently Called Numbers
For dire emergencies
dial 911
For less urgent dial 311