Policy Statement
Colby-Sawyer College will provide, insofar as possible, an environment that is safe, secure, and free from threats, intimidation, and violence. To promote an atmosphere that encourages learning and productive employment for all, quick responsive action will be taken if violence or threat of violence arises.
Dealing with Threats and Violence
Individuals should notify Campus Safety at X-3300, of any threats that have occurred, particularly threats or behavior they have witnessed or been subject to. Such behavior should be reported regardless of the personal or professional relationship between the apparent perpetrator and victim. Any person experiencing or witnessing imminent danger or actual violence involving weapons or personal injury should call 911.
Any person who makes threats or engages in violent behavior while on property owned or controlled by the college may be removed from the premises as quickly as safety permits. They may be required to remain off college premises pending the outcome of an investigation and/or resolution process. Any college student, faculty or staff member who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with college policies and procedures applicable to students, faculty, and staff.
It is recognized that there may be activities related to the educational mission of the college (e.g., physical fitness activities or theatrical productions) that may appear to violate the letter but not the intent of this policy. In such cases, the department or organization coordinating the activity is responsible for obtaining written approval from their area Vice-President or his/her designee, in advance, to conduct the activity. A copy of the approval should be submitted to the Department of Campus Safety prior to the event. Such approval may extend for up to one year at a time.
Protective Order/Restraining Orders
A restraining order or protective order is a legal order issued by a state court that requires one person to stop harming another. All individuals who apply for or obtain a temporary or permanent Protective Order or Restraining Order listing any Colby-Sawyer College location as a protected area must provide Campus Safety with a copy of the order. The Campus Safety Department understands the sensitivity of this information and respects the privacy of the reporting person. Procedures are in place to maintain the confidentiality of the information.
College Sanctions
Appropriate college sanctions may be imposed for violation of this policy. The sanctions will depend on the circumstances and gravity of the violation and may range from a reprimand to college non-contact orders, a probationary status, restriction, suspension, dismissal, or termination (employee). The decision to impose sanctions and procedures for imposing them shall conform as follows:
In the case of employees, refer to the Separation, Employee Relations, and/or Workplace Safety of the Colby-Sawyer College Employee Handbook.
In the case of students, refer to the college Code of Community Responsibility.
College Interim Non-Contact Order
The College uses interim non-contact orders with students as a means to de-escalate situations, prevent crimes, and/or improve the possibility to interfere with harassment or conflict. An interim non-contact order means that in order to protect the safety, health, freedom, or peace of a student or the campus community, another student may be ordered not to contact him/her. An interim non-contact order may be imposed also when the student protected by the order and the student on whom the non-contact order is imposed live in the same residence hall. A college interim non-contact order can be applied for by any student who justifiably feels threatened or harassed by another student. Also, a Campus Safety Officer may enact an interim non-contact order if s/he feels the person threatened is too frightened or unable to do it himself/herself
Interim Action and Emergency Removal - The College reserves the right to remove a student on an interim basis, place an employee on paid administrative leave, or implement other restrictions prior to completing an investigation under this Policy when it reasonably concludes that a student or employee: (a) poses a threat to health or safety; (b) poses a threat to College property or equipment; (c) is disruptive or interferes with the normal operations of the College, or (d) is charged with a serious violation of state or federal law. In such cases, the College shall provide the employee or student with the specific reason(s) for the interim action. During a student’s interim removal or restrictions or an employee’s leave or restriction’s, the College reserves the right to prohibit the individual from entering upon the College’s property or participating in any College activities absent written authorization from an appropriate official of the College (i.e. Associate Dean of Student or designee).
Contact
Questions concerning this policy or its intent should be directed to the Associate Dean of Students and Director of Emergency Management at x-3791.
Other Campus Resources
The following additional contacts are available to members of the campus community who have questions or concerns about threats or violent behavior on college premises. These contacts can provide information about established guidelines and procedures for dealing with and preventing threats and violent behavior. In the exercise of their function, these contacts will maintain the greatest degree of confidentiality consistent with their responsibilities as college representatives.
- Vice-President of Student Development and Dean of Students, x-3752
- Director of Human Resources, x-3584
- Director of Baird Health and Counseling Center, x-3621