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Campus Safety

In Good Hands

The MVNU Campus Safety department takes the safety and security of students very seriously.

The information contained in this web page complies with the requirements established in the Campus Crime Reporting Act, also referred to as the Clery Act.

Timely Warnings

In the event that a situation arises, either on or off campus, that in the judgment of the office the MVNU Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the Vice President for Student Life, or the Director of Campus Safety, constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat, a campus wide "timely warning" will be issued. The warning will be issued through the university emergency alert notification system to students, faculty and staff. The emergency alert notification system includes text message, or campus-wide email, or automated phone calls.

Depending on the particular circumstances of the crime, especially in all situations that could pose an immediate threat to the community or individuals, the Office of Student Development or the Campus Safety Department may also send a notice on the campus-wide email system, providing the community with more immediate notification. In such instances, a copy of the notice may be posted in each residence hall. Anyone with information warranting a timely warning should report the circumstances to Campus Safety by phone at campus extension 8686 or 740-399-8686, or in person at the Campus Safety office.

Preparation of Disclosure of Crime Statistics

The MVNU Campus Safety department prepares the Annual Fire and Safety Report report to comply with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. This report is prepared in cooperation with the local law enforcement agencies surrounding our main campus and off-campus locations, and the office of Student Development. Each entity provides updated information on their educational efforts and programs to comply with the Act.

Campus crime, arrest and referral statistics include those reported to the Office of Campus Safety, designated campus officials (including but not limited to directors, deans, department heads, designated HRLO staff, judicial affairs, advisors to students/student organizations, athletic coaches), and local law enforcement agencies. These statistics may also include crimes that have occurred in private residences or businesses and is not required by law. Department of Counseling and Psychological Services staff inform their clients of the procedures to report crime to campus safety on a voluntary or confidential basis, should they feel it is in the best interest of the client. A procedure is in place to anonymously capture crime statistics disclosed confidentially during such a session.

Each year, an email notification is made to all enrolled students and MVNU employees that provides the web site to access this report. All prospective employees may obtain a copy from the website. Copies of the report may be obtained from the Campus Safety Department.

Encouragement of Accurate and Prompt Crime Reporting

MVNU faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to report all crimes and safety related incidents to MVNU Campus Safety at 740-399-8686 or campus extension 8686, and/or the Mount Vernon Police Department at 911 or 740-397-2222. Timely and accurate reporting is crucial to ensuring a safe environment for the MVNU community.

How To Report A Criminal Offense

For non-emergency crimes, contact Campus Safety at campus extension 8686 or off-campus phone 740-399-8686. For emergencies only, dial 911. Campus emergency phones are located at the main entrances to Pioneer dormitory, Oakwood dormitory, Galloway dormitory, Redwood dormitory, University main entrance welcome booth, and on the pathway leading to the Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene. Any suspicious activities or persons seen in the parking lots or loitering around vehicles, inside buildings, or around the Residential Halls should be reported to Campus Safety. In addition, you may report a crime or suspicious activity to the following individuals:

  • Mount Vernon Police Department, 740-397-2222

Campus Law Enforcement

Campus Safety Officers have the authority to ask persons for identification and to determine whether individuals have lawful business at MVNU. They also have the authority to issue parking citations, which are billed to financial accounts of students, faculty, and staff. Safety Officers do not possess arrest authority.

Criminal incidents are referred to the local police, who have jurisdiction on campus. Campus Safety maintains a professional working relationship with the Mount Vernon Police Department. All crime victims and witnesses are strongly encouraged to immediately report the crime to the MVNU Campus Safety at 740-399-8686 or campus extension 8686, and/or the Mount Vernon Police Department at 740-397-2222. Prompt reporting will assure timely warning notices on campus and timely disclosure of crime statistics.

Memorandum of Understanding

Campus Safety maintains a close working relationship with the Mount Vernon Police Department for on-campus incidents. The MVNU Campus Safety staff works with other agencies in the Mount Vernon area including the Mount Vernon Fire Department, the Knox County Sheriff Department, and the Kenyon College office of Campus Safety. Meetings are held with representatives of these agencies on formal and informal bases. The MVNU Campus Safety Officers and the Mount Vernon Police Departments communicate regularly on the scene of incidents that occur in and around the main campus area. The MVNU Campus Safety Officers work closely with the investigative staff of the Mount Vernon Police Department when incidents arise that require joint investigative efforts, resources, crime-related reports, and exchange of information, as deemed necessary. There is no written memorandum of understanding between Mount Vernon Nazarene University, the Mount Vernon Police Department or other police agencies around off-campus locations.

Criminal Activity Off Campus

Local criminal activity off campus is monitored by the Mount Vernon Police Department, Knox County Sheriff's Office, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Mount Vernon Nazarene University enjoys a close working relationship with these three agencies and a cooperative team approach addresses situations as they arise.

Missing Student Notification

If a faculty, staff, or student member of the Mount Vernon Nazarene University community has reason to believe that a student who resides in on-campus housing is missing, he or she should immediately notify MVNU Campus Safety at ext. 8686, or a Resident Director or Resident Assistant. Any of these contacts will generate a missing student report and initiate an investigation.

After investigating a missing person report, should Mount Vernon Nazarene University officials determine that the student has been missing for 24 hours, MVNU will notify the Mount Vernon City Police department and the student's emergency contact. If the missing student is under the age of 18 and is not an emancipated individual, MVNU will notify the student's parent or legal guardian immediately after MVNU has determined the student has been missing for 24 hours.

The 24-hour regulation does not preclude MVNU from contacting the student's contact person or their custodial parent or guardian immediately upon determination that the student is missing.

MVNU Security and Access

With certain exceptions, Mount Vernon Nazarene University academic and administrative buildings are open to students, parents, employees, contractors, guests, and invitees during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Emergencies may necessitate changes or alterations to any posted schedule.

Oakwood, Pioneer, Galloway, and Redwood residential halls are secured 24 hours a day with access via a door access control (card reader) system. Only students residing in these dormitories have access 24 hours a day, while other students have limited access during the day. Issuance of identification cards for door access is controlled by MVNU Campus Safety. Other residential apartments are locked by keys issued to students residing in the apartments.

Some MVNU facilities may have individual hours which may vary at different times of the year. In these cases, the facilities are secured according to the schedule developed by the department responsible for the facility.

Campus Safety conducts nightly checks of each non-residence facility to ensure the building is secured. Maintenance concerns noted by Campus Safety officers are reported to MVNU Facility Services. The officers walk and patrol residential and non-residential areas on a regular basis.

Alcohol & Drug Possession/Use

The possession, sale, use, or furnishing of alcohol on the Mount Vernon Nazarene University campuses is governed by the Mount Vernon Nazarene University Alcohol Policy and the State of Ohio. Laws regarding the possession, sale, consumption, or furnishing of alcohol are controlled by the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control and other federal laws. The enforcement of alcohol policies on the MVNU campuses is the responsibility of MVNU Student Development, Campus Safety, and the Administration. It is unlawful to sell, furnish, or provide alcohol to a person under the age of 21. It is contrary to MVNU policy to consume, sell, furnish, or provide alcohol to anyone.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University campuses have been declared "Drug Free." The possession, sale, manufacture, use, or distribution of any controlled substance is prohibited under MVNU policy and is illegal under both state and federal law. Violators are subject to Mount Vernon Nazarene University disciplinary action, criminal prosecution, fine, and imprisonment.

Sex Offender Registration

In accordance with the "Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act" of 2000, which amends the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act, the Jeanne Clery Act, and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the Mount Vernon Nazarene University Campus Safety Department is providing a link to the Ohio Attorney General Sexual Offender registry. This act requires institution of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where law enforcement information provided by the state concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained. It also requires sex offenders already required to register in a state to provide notice of each institution of higher education in that state at which the person is employed, carries a vocation, or is a student.

The State of Ohio Sex Offender registry can be found here. Unlawful use of the information for purposes of intimidating or harassing another is prohibited and willful violation shall be punishable under Ohio law.

Personal Safety Tips

Personal safety tips are made available to the Mount Vernon Nazarene University campus community using the acronym PREVENT.

Prevention is the most effective means of fighting crime. Walk with friends or an escort, lock your doors, and engrave your valuables.

Report in as much detail as possible any suspicious persons or incidents. Do not try to question or detain anyone yourself. Contact Campus Safety immediately at ext. 8686 on any University telephone, or on any of the yellow colored emergency phones located on campus.

Escape is your primary objective if you become involved in a dangerous situation. Do not attempt a physical confrontation if escape is possible.

Value your safety and the safety of others. Do not let apparent convenience outweigh security and safety considerations. Make a habit of being safety conscious.

Exercise common sense and awareness in your day-to-day activities. There is no need to be fearful; however, use reasonable caution.

Notify authorities when you observe potential criminal or suspicious activity.

Telephone numbers for emergencies:

Campus Safety: 740-399-8686
Campus Operator: 740-392-6868
Fire Rescue: 911

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