CONTACT INFORMATION

Campus Safety Office   - 706-233-7218
The Gatehouse                - 706-295-5334
Emergency Number       - 706-233-7911

MEET CAMPUS SAFETY

	Terry Wheeler Director of Campus Safety 706-233-7218 twheeler@shorter.edu
	James Hall Assistant Director, Campus Safety 706-233-7218 jhall@shorter.edu

MISSION

Our primary responsibility is to protect lives and property as well as to maintain an environment supportive of the educational mission of Shorter College.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director and Assistant Director oversee this department. Campus Safety employs duty officers and gatehouse officers. All officers are trained in first aid and CPR. They conduct foot and automotive patrols of the campus and residence halls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the year. Campus Officers enforce all College rules and regulations, city ordinances, and state and federal laws.

Programs and information available include:

• personal safety
• operation identification
• fire safety
• defensive driving
• other areas of safety

The responsibilities of the Office of Campus Safety also include:

• development of traffic plans
• facility regulations
• the registration of vehicles
• the operation of the gatehouse
• monitoring the flow of traffic on campus

THE GATEHOUSE

The gatehouse controls and monitors vehicular access to the campus. The hours of operation are from 7pm-7am, weeknights and 24 hours weekends and holidays. Permissible vehicles include those with proper decals as well as those with proper identification, persons attending a scheduled public event, and an expected guest of the campus community.

If you are a resident and have a guest visiting campus, please notify the gatehouse at 706-295-5334 prior to the guest's arrival.

PARKING AND TRAFFIC REGULATIONS

The "Campus Safety Traffic Rules and Regulations" publication is the official policy and procedure document relating to those who operate vehicles on the Shorter College campus. Anyone operating a vehicle on campus is responsible for knowing and following these regulations. You may pick up a traffic brochure at the Campus Safety Office located in the Fitton Student Union, Room 126.

CRIME PREVENTION

The goal our Campus Safety is to assure to the best of our ability the protection and preservation of life and property from criminal acts and physical hazards. The expected outcomes include: 

• the proper atmosphere in which to work and study
• a sense of security for members of the Shorter College community
• maintenance of an environment supportive of the educational mission of the College
• the ability to attract groups, visitors, and prospects to a pleasant campus
• fewer criminal incidents
• better protection for the College against liability risks

Residence hall staff members hold mandatory meetings at the beginning of the year (and with new students each semester) to explain regulations, fire and safety procedures, and the responsibilities of each student for his/her own security and that of others. These meetings, as well as other programs held throughout the year, include information on fire and crime prevention, alcohol and drug abuse, date rape, etc.

CRIME AWARENESS REPORTING

Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to report criminal actions, potentially hazardous actions, and other emergencies, by calling the emergency telephone (706) 233-7911, the Campus Safety Office at (706) 233-7218, or the Gatehouse at (706) 295-5334. In addition, Resident Directors have direct access to campus security via a two-way radio, and the City of Rome has the 911 emergency response systems. All incidents are reported to the college for follow up. Incidents regarding criminal activity and violent crime are to be reported to the Rome Police Department and are posted for the information of the campus community.

The person who receives the report who has reasonable cause to believe that the report is valid shall make an oral report thereof immediately by telephone or otherwise to the appropriate police authority and district attorney. Any person required to make a report pursuant to the Code section who knowingly and willingly fails to do so shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. (Georgia Code 20-2-1184)

Students, faculty, and staff have access to academic, recreational, and administrative facilities on campus. The general public may attend special events on campus. Residence halls are locked 24 hours a day and are accessible only to residents. Plant Operations inspect campus facilities regularly and respond immediately to reports of potential safety and security hazards.

The Campus Safety Director submits a regular activity report to the Vice President for Student Affairs. Rome Police Department reports are published weekly in the local newspaper and are monitored on campus.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY

The possession, use and/or sale of alcoholic beverages and/or illegal drugs or distribution of unauthorized controlled substances are prohibited at Shorter College. The Director of Student Health Services coordinates the drug and alcohol abuse education program.

CLERY REPORT

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act is the landmark federal law, originally known as the Campus Security Act, that requires colleges and universities across the United States to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses.

Click here to download the Shorter College Clery Report for 2003-2005. (pdf)