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.
For internal reporting of and response to alleged violations of the University’s Policy on Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct, please see page 71.
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
Franciscan University will issue a timely warning when it receives a report of a crime that represents a serious or on-going 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. The University, in conjunction with various campus offices, will distribute timely warning announcements when there appears to be an ongoing threat to the safety and security of persons on campus for certain crimes. If the threat is sudden and serious, a warning will be issued immediately and will be continually updated until the threat is contained or neutralized. The warning contains sufficient information about the nature of the threat to allow members of the campus to take protective action. If a threat is less immediate, the warning will be fully developed and distributed after that point in time. Anyone with information regarding an ongoing or continuing threat should report the circumstances to the Campus Security at 740-283-6333 or 740-283-6911.
Victim names or any other information that might identify a victim are always withheld from timely warnings. In some cases, the University may need to keep some facts confidential to avoid compromising an ongoing investigation.
Normally, the warning will be issued through the University email system and/or as a voice message to all University VOIP phones using the Connect ED system. Students, staff, and faculty are automatically enrolled in the University’s Emergency Notification System for emergency and weather alerts unless you have notified the Registrar that you no longer wish to receive notifications at a particular phone number. If you have registered your cellphone number with Enrollment Services, you will also receive a text message via the Connect ED system. As may be required or advisable, mandatory meetings may be held or attempts to directly reach individuals may be made by University officials. Anyone with information regarding an ongoing or continuing threat should report the circumstances to the dispatch center at 740-283-6911. Information Technology Services (ITS) also posts 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.