Staying on Campus
What You Can Do To Protect Yourself
Your involvement is essential to the prevention of crime on campus. Disinterest or complacency are the prime contributors to the success of crime. The police cannot be everywhere at once. We are dependent on you to recognize and report incidents that are suspicious or criminal in nature.
Most campus buildings and facilities are accessible to members of the campus community, guests, and visitors during normal hours of business (Monday through Friday) and for limited designated hours on Saturday, Sunday and holidays. Facilities are maintained and their security monitored in the interest of the campus.
- Staying Safe on Campus - A Resource for Students
- Keeping Yourself and Your Classroom Safe - A Resource for Faculty
- Panic Alarms
Residence Halls and Private Residences
Keep the door(s) to your residence and windows that are accessible from the outside locked at all times. Report defective locks on windows and doors immediately to the Capital Planning and Maintenance website. Students can also call the Work Request Line at extension 3115.
- Never sleep in an unlocked room or house.
- Do not put your name and/or address on key rings.
- Do not keep your residence and vehicle keys on the same ring.
- If you lose the keys to your residence, have the lock(s) changed. On-campus residents should notify the Police immediately.
- Require visitors to identify themselves before you open your door. Off-campus residents should require official identification from all repair service personnel.
- Do not let strangers use your phone.
- If you receive obscene or harassing telephone calls, or several calls with no one on the other end, immediately notify the Fitchburg State University Police.
- If you find your room has been entered, do not go inside. Go to a neighbor and call the Fitchburg State University Police (or university housing) or the Fitchburg Police Department (for a private residence). If you are already inside, do not disturb the scene or touch anything.
Walking alone
- If possible, avoid walking alone or walking near vacant lots, alleys, construction sites, and wooded areas.
- Use well-lit and busy sidewalks.
- Learn the location of emergency phones on campus.
- Carry a cell phone, whistle, or a personal alarm to alert people that you need help.
- When walking to your car, carry your keys ready in hand.
- When being dropped off at your residence by a taxi, friend, or family, ask the driver to wait until you get inside.
- When getting out of a car at a mall, rest stop, etc., take a look around to make sure that you are not being followed.
- Call the Fitchburg State University Police Department for a student security escort to your vehicle or building.
Athletic Facilities
- Avoid using athletic facilities alone, especially after dark or during off hours.
- Use the “buddy system.” Work out with a friend and make arrangements to go to and from the gym together.
- Confine your running and jogging to the daylight hours and to open, well-traveled areas.
- Avoid showering alone in the locker room. Shower at your residence.
- Avoid bringing cash, wallets, watches, or other valuables to the athletic facilities.
- Avoid storing your valuable sports equipment in your locker.
- Keep your locker locked whenever unattended.
- Report suspicious persons and incidents of theft to the Fitchburg State University Police Department.
Elevators
- If while waiting for an elevator you find yourself alone with a stranger, let them take the elevator and wait for its return.
- If you are on an elevator with someone who makes you feel uneasy, get off at the next floor.
- Always stand near the control panel, where you have access to the alarm and floor buttons.
Driving
- Do not pick up hitchhikers.
- Whenever possible, limit traveling to well-lit and well-traveled roads.
- Keep your windows closed and doors locked.
- When stopped at traffic lights or stop signs, keep your vehicle in gear. If threatened, sound your horn and drive away as soon as possible.
- If your vehicle breaks down, signal for assistance by raising your hood. Stay inside your vehicle with your windows and doors locked. If a roadside Samaritan stops, roll down your window just enough to talk and ask that they call the police if you were unable to do so. If the person appears to be a threat, sound the horn and flash your lights.
- If you think you are being followed, keep out of desolate areas. Look for a place where there are people, then stop and let the vehicle pass you.
- If the vehicle continues to follow, drive to the nearest location where you can get assistance (gas station, shopping center, police or fire station, etc.)
- If you are followed into your driveway or parking lot, stay locked inside of your vehicle until you can identify the occupants of the vehicle. If threatened, sound your horn to draw attention.
- When parking at night, choose a well-lit area. Before getting out of your vehicle, check for people loitering.
- Always remove your ignition keys. Lock the vehicle whenever it is unattended.
- Before entering your vehicle, always check the interior, paying particular attention to the floor and rear seat.
If You Are Working Late
Notify the Fitchburg State University Police Department that you are in your office and indicate when you expect to leave. Keep your office door locked. Lock all doors behind you when entering and exiting at night. These prevention measures are advised for your protection. Your location on campus is important for officers to know in case of a sudden illness or fire. For these reasons, the Fitchburg State University Police Department must know when you are in campus buildings after hours.
Protecting Personal and University Property
Lock your door every time you leave your room or office. Engrave expensive equipment and valuables. The Fitchburg State University Police Department has an engraving program (Operation Identification). Don’t store your purse or wallet in an unlocked desk drawer. Don’t leave your belongings (books, gym bags, backpacks, laptops, cell phones, coats, etc.) unattended in the library, cafeteria, hallways, locker rooms, or classrooms.
Residence Halls and Private Residences
- Avoid bringing large amounts of cash or valuables to campus or your residence.
- Keep items of value out of sight.
- Never lend your key(s) to your residence.
- Do not hide keys under mats, above doors, in mailboxes, or anywhere else they can be easily found. If you live in a dorm, take your room key to the shower with you. Do not leave it with your clothing.
- When leaving for vacation, store valuables out of sight.
- Check with your family insurance agent to determine if your property is covered under your parents’ homeowner’s insurance. If not, consider purchasing your own.
- When having duplicate keys made, have them made in your presence.
When Leaving your Residence Unattended
- Give the appearance of occupancy. When gone after dark, leave a light or radio/television on.
- Do not leave notes advertising your absence (gone to get the mail, I’m over at the neighbors, be right back, etc.).
- Make sure all of your windows and doors are locked.
- Leave shades and blinds partly open.
- Close the garage door.
- Stop all deliveries (mail, newspapers, etc.).
- Inform your neighbors you are leaving and ask them to keep an eye on your residence.
- Notify the police department and request a residential patrol or checks.
- If leaving for a summer or winter vacation, have someone cut your lawn or shovel your driveway.
Offices and Laboratories
- Keep all offices and laboratories locked when not in use.
- Make sure that all locks are in working order.
- Keep desks, cabinets, etc., locked when not in use.
- Avoid bringing valuable personal property with you.
- Petty cash should be kept at a minimum.
- Women should keep their pocketbooks locked up.
- Men should not hang up coats or jackets with wallets or other valuable items in the pockets.
- Before leaving your office or laboratory, make sure there is no one left in the area and then secure the room.
- Watch out for your fellow co-workers' areas. If you notice a door or window was left unsecured, please secure it. If you are unable to do so, notify the Fitchburg State University Police, who will dispatch an officer to the area.
- Report any suspicious persons or activity to the Fitchburg State University Police immediately.
Motor Vehicles
- Report all suspicious persons or vehicles seen around the parking areas to the Fitchburg State University Police Department.
- Keep your vehicle locked and the windows rolled up tightly.
- Never leave your vehicle running when unattended.
- When parking, choose a well-lit, heavily traveled area.
- Packages, luggage, and other valuables should be locked in the trunk.
- Electronic accessories should be marked with identifiable numbers, registered under Operation Identification, and placed in a secure area, not clearly visible to the public.
Bicycles
- Always lock your bicycle around the frame and through both wheels to an object such as a telephone pole, sign, lamp post, bicycle rack, etc.
- If you must leave your bicycle outside, choose a well-lit, heavily traveled location.
- Find out if your bicycle is covered under your parents’ insurance policy. If not, consider purchasing insurance on your own.
- Invest in a good bicycle lock.
Panic and Emergency Notification to University Police
Internal Panic Buttons
- The Schlage wireless lock has an Interior Push Button (IPB). This IPB can be located on the occupied side of the locking mechanism.
- To engage the lock, the door must be shut, then the occupant has an option of pressing the button, which after the occupant pressed the IPB once, a red light will blink three times. This will lock the door. If locked, and alarm will be sent to UPD and an officer will respond
- To disengage the lock and put the lock back in the previous configuration either press the lock button again and a green light will blink three times or open the door from the inside.
Avaya Panic Buttons
-
From the phone’s home screen, press the right button from the round menu button
- Panic should appear in the lower right hand corner
- Press the fourth right hand button to call UPD
- You will not hear the dispatcher, but they will hear you, (one-way call).
- In addition, this will send a text message to UPD and prompt an officer to respond
- More information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPbk502rV8s
RAVE Guardian
RAVE Guardian is a free app downloadable for Apple or Android phones and tablets. Five key features:
- Text capability with University Police • Directory of Various Campus Departments
- Safety Timer
- Anonymous tips to University Police
- Panic Button (Call Campus Police) with location capability
Fire Safety
Each year college and university students, on- and off-campus, experience hundreds of fire-related emergencies nationwide. There are several specific causes for fires on college campuses, including cooking, intentionally set fires, and open flame. Overall, most college-related fires are due to a general lack of knowledge about fire safety and prevention. For most students, the last fire safety training they received was in grade school. With new independence comes new responsibilities. It is important that both off-campus and on-campus students understand fire risks and know the preventative measures that could save their lives. To learn more, check out the Campus Fire Safety video.
Operation Identification Program
To aid in the recovery of property should it be lost to crime, we suggest keeping records of all personal items of value. Record the serial numbers, model numbers, brand names and descriptions of property in a safe place or leave at home while at school. Engravers and forms are available from the Fitchburg State University Campus Police Department to mark personal property as a deterrent to theft.
ICE (In Case of Emergency) Cell Phone Program
The recommendation is that you store the word "ICE" in your mobile phone address book with the number of the person you would want to be contacted "In Case of Emergency." In an emergency situation, ambulance and hospital staff will then be able to quickly find out who your next of kin are and be able to contact them. It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest. For more than one contact name, use ICE1, ICE2, ICE3, etc.
Staying Safe on Campus - A Resource for Students
While we work hard to create a safe environment, no campus is completely immune from danger. Luckily, you can take some simple precautions to reduce your risk.
Campus and Local Officials
Campus safety officials are employed by our school to monitor campus and are trained to work with college students.
The local police force generally has jurisdiction over off-campus areas. They serve the entire town/city, not just the campus community.
Personal Safety
Prevention is the best way to protect yourself. Opportunity crimes (like stealing an unattended laptop) are among the most common campus crimes. Adapt the suggestions below to minimize your personal danger.
- Lock your doors and windows when you leave your living space or car. By locking up, you remove opportunities for an intruder to get in easily.
- Be aware of your surroundings. It’s best not to wear earbuds and focus on your phone when you walk. Not paying attention makes you a target. If you choose to wear earbuds, keep one of them out and keep the volume low enough that you can hear danger approaching.
- Walk with a friend at night. A person walking alone makes a better target.
- Park in areas that are well-lit and patrolled. Keep in mind that street parking is often darker and less likely to be monitored by campus safety staff.
- Have your keys ready. In a dangerous situation, having your keys in hand can allow you to get into your living space or car as quickly as possible.
- Put the emergency and non-emergency numbers for campus safety into your phone. You can call campus safety to report a crime, when you notice something strange or when you feel threatened. Trust your instincts!
Self-Defense Tips
- If someone invades your personal space, loudly yell at them to get away from you.
- If someone tries to rob you, never fight or agitate the situation. Hand over your valuables and get out of the area as quickly as possible.
- Sign up for a self-defense course offered by public safety or in your community to learn how to protect yourself in case of attack.
Imagine that you are working on a project at your desk. Then, you step out of your room for a minute without locking the door. When you return, your laptop is gone. You ask around, but no one saw anything. Now, you must find a way to replace the laptop and recover or recreate your lost work. Here are some ways to prevent this type of loss from happening to you.
Living Space
- Always lock your bedroom and exterior doors. Thieves often target unlocked living spaces because it saves them the trouble of breaking a lock. Though it might be annoying to carry your keys around when you’re nearby, lock your door(s).
- Stash your valuables in a safe, hidden spot. It’s best to minimize the number of valuables you bring to college. Using a small personal safe or an unexpected hiding spot (like an empty cereal box) might prevent someone from swiping something important.
- Immediately report facility problems. If a window won’t close or a lock is jammed, report the problem to your residence hall staff or landlord right away. Follow up until it’s fixed.
Transportation
- Lock your car doors and close your car windows. Thieves are more likely to pass by cars that are sealed up.
- Keep your car clean. If burglars see a tidy interior without valuables like devices, spare change or backpacks in clear view, they are less likely to break in.
- Use a hefty “U” lock with a cable for your bike. Bike thieves typically use cable cutters. It’s harder to cut through a metal “U” lock.
Tech
- Back up your work. Save all critical data on an external hard drive or use a cloud-based storage system so you will still have it if your laptop is stolen.
- Invest in a lock for your laptop and other devices. Laptop locks use a cable to tether your laptop to something big, like a table or desk. Similarly, you can buy a case for your tablet with a built-in lock system.
Resist Sharing Your Location
If you broadcast that you’re away from home on social media, you let thieves know that your place is unattended.
Keep Intruders Out
Propped doors give easy access to people who are not well-intentioned and create an opportunity for them to commit crimes and do harm. So, close any propped doors and report them right away.
Maintaining campus safety is a responsibility shared by everyone. Besides looking out for yourself, look out for your friends – and strangers too.
Safety in Numbers
- Travel in pairs or groups. Attackers are less likely to target a group. If you don’t have someone to walk with you to a night class or party, utilize a campus escort program.
- Make sure someone you trust knows where you are going. Tell that person where you will be and how long you expect to be there. But, don’t share this on social media! Doing so could let someone dangerous know your whereabouts.
Bystander Intervention
You might see a dangerous situation unfold, yet feel unsure about whether you should do something because you’re not directly involved. Bystander intervention allows everyone to make campus safer. It requires you to recognize and intervene when a situation needs attention, like:
- Telling a classmate you don’t appreciate the use of an offensive term
- Walking a depressed friend to the counseling center
- Creating a distraction to remove someone from a potential sexual assault situation
By looking for warning signs and then safely intervening, you can send a message about what is acceptable within your community. In the process, you’ll hopefully prevent someone from getting hurt.
Sexual Assault Prevention
- Always ask for consent before and during sexual activity
- If you see someone in trouble, ask if you can stay with that person
- Seek out a neutral authority figure for assistance
- Don’t use alcohol or other drugs to coax someone into sexual activity
- Be careful of your own alcohol or other drug intake so as not to become a perpetrator or victim
- Ask for help if you ever feel threatened
Consent
Consent is when someone agrees to sexual relations with someone else. Keep these things in mind:
- Listen to and respect your partner
- Always ask for consent before and during sexual activity
- Someone can say “no” after initially saying “yes”
- A person under the influence or unconscious is not able to consent
If you have a medical emergency, will first responders know whom to call? Consider using an app that allows first responders to bypass your phone’s lock screen and access important health and contact information.
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Blood alcohol content can rise even after someone passes out, according to Collegedrinkingprevention.org. “Sleeping it off” is not safe for people with alcohol poisoning. They could choke on vomit, stop breathing, suffer brain damage or die. Call for medical help immediately if you observe symptoms like:
- Mental confusion
- Inability to speak or walk
- Unconsciousness
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Slow or irregular breathing
- Bluish skin color
Using and abusing alcohol and other drugs lowers inhibitions and reduces the ability to think clearly. Most safety-related incidents, including sexual assaults and fire-related deaths, happen when someone is under the influence. So, make smart, deliberate decisions about alcohol and other drugs in order to protect yourself and others.
You Can Protect Your Body By:
- Doing something else. There are multiple alcohol-free social options on campus. Many of your classmates choose not to drink or do drugs. So can you.
- Pacing yourself. Drinking is not a race. Use “spacer” drinks, like water, between alcoholic drinks. If you choose to drink, limit your consumption.
- Never accepting a drink from someone else or leaving a drink unattended. It only takes a moment for someone to slip in a drug.
- Avoiding another person’s prescription medicine. These potent medicines should only be taken as prescribed by the person to whom they were prescribed. Misusing them can lead to addiction, overdoses or permanent health problems like heart trouble.
- Avoiding illegal drugs. Illegal drugs are dangerous. Plus, many people have recently died because their drugs were laced with other drugs or poison.
Count Your Drinks
Drinking more than one alcoholic drink per hour can be dangerous. Though alcohol content varies, here are general guidelines for one standard drink.
12 fl. oz. of regular beer = 8-9 fl. oz. of malt liquor = 5 fl. oz. of table wine = 3-4 fl. oz. of fortified wine (such as sherry or port) = 2-3 fl. oz. of cordial, liqueur or aperitif = 1.5 fl. oz. of brandy or cognac (a single jigger or shot) = 1.5 fl. oz. shot of 80-proof distilled spirits
For more information about alcohol consumption and safety, visit Rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov.
Since so much of your life takes place online, it’s vitally important to consider how to protect yourself in the virtual world.
Obstructing Hackers
There’s no impenetrable way to protect yourself from hackers and identity thieves, yet you can take steps to fortify online protections.
- Use a passcode on your devices. Using a passcode or thumbprint on your lock screen adds time, but also keeps unwelcome viewers out.
- Employ two-step authentication. Your devices and many apps have this option. When you or someone else log on from a new device, a passcode must be entered to give permission
- for access.
- Don’t get phished. Never click on an emailed or texted link to reset a password or access an account. Instead, independently log on and reset your password in account settings.
- Keep a record of your bank and credit card companies’ phone numbers. If your wallet gets lost or stolen, immediately call account services and let them know what happened. They will cancel the cards and send new ones.
Passwords
Security experts recommend using varied, long and random passwords for every account. Remember them by:
- Writing them down on paper, then hiding the list
- Using an online password manager
Social Media
Before you post on social media, consider how…
- Broadcasting your schedule and location jeopardizes your safety. Everyone, including ill-intentioned people, will know where you are and can track your whereabouts.
- Future employers may be able to find what you post and share online. Employers often review social media accounts when making hiring decisions.
Encryption
Some messaging apps offer encryption to protect the content of your conversations. Remember: encryption only works if all parties want a private interaction. It won’t prevent someone from sharing your words or images without your permission.
Emergencies can and will happen on our campus. You can take steps to keep yourself and others safe, even in the most harrowing situations.
Fires
- Know where to access and how to use fire extinguishers. Know where they are and consider purchasing one for your bedroom.
- Evacuate every time the fire alarm sounds. Late night alarms are inconvenient, but evacuating will save your life – and protect first responders –in a true emergency.
- Be aware of the location of emergency exits. If smoke is in the hallway, could you evacuate? Count the number of doors to a fire exit in a residence hall and make sure you know the location of secondary exits in off-campus residences.
- Make sure smoke alarms are functional. Smoke alarms should be tested twice a year. In off-campus residences, there should be one inside every bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on every level (including the basement). Any batteries should be replaced annually.
P.A.S.S. Method of Fire Extinguisher Use
- PULL... Pull the pin. This will also break the tamper seal.
- AIM... Aim low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire.
- SQUEEZE... Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
- SWEEP... Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it appears to be out.
Natural Disasters and Other Threats
Our campus has extensive emergency protocols in the event of natural disasters or threats like active shooters. To assist in an emergency:
Review emergency protocols now, before danger strikes
- Listen to campus officials who have been trained to lead you to safety
- Follow evacuation procedures quickly and completely
- Try to stay calm and assist where you can
Last, if you see something, say something. Threats and emergencies can be averted when community members like you inform campus officials when something seems wrong.
Emergency Notifications
Sign up to receive emergency alerts via email, phone or text. During an emergency, these alerts will provide critical information from campus safety professionals.
The Fitchburg State University Police Department offers free personal safety courses throughout the academic year. Groups, clubs, and organizations may request customized classes.
To sign-up or request a class contact Nicole Arcangeli at: narcangeli@fitchburgstate.edu.
- Community Response to Active Shooter Event/ C.R.A.S.E. - This training is based on the Department of Homeland Security's recommendation for Active Shooter / Hostile Events. (2 hour course)
- First Aid, CPR and AED (4 hour course)
- Violence Identification, Prevention and Reporting / V.I.P.R. - This behavioral observation and recognition training teaches individuals how to identify and report suspi-cious behaviors. (2 hour course)
- Rape Aggression Defense/ R.A.D. - This program provides practical safety tips and trains women in basic self-defense techniques. (12 hour course broken into four sessions)
- Until Help Arrives - Learn how you can take action in emergency situations by providing lifesaving/ supportive care until professional First Responders arrive. (90 minute course)
Keeping Yourself and Your Classroom Safe - A Resource for Faculty
The increase in violence within higher education has likely forced you to question your own safety on cam-pus. You may have thought, "What if something happened in my classroom or office?"
Faculty members create student learning environments based on principles of challenge and support, relationship building and open door policies. How can you maintain these principles at the heart of your work while making every effort to keep your- self, and your campus community, as safe as possible?
- Be observant and alert - In many instances of violence, there are warning signs well in advance. Take note of unusual or troubling student or colleague behavior and alert the proper authorities to these concerns.
- Lock It Up - How many times have you gone somewhere without locking your office door? When working in your office late at night or early in the morning, lock your door.
- Model Emergency Behavior - There's great value in being prepared for any crisis to occur. Model the way by cooperating with emergency preparedness drills. Run through crisis response procedures at the start of each term. These efforts can make a world of difference in the event of an emergency.
- Use the Buddy System - When you walk to your car at night, or to a late meeting across campus, walk with someone or request a campus escort. Try to host evening and early morning office hours at the same time as a colleague so you are never alone in your department.
- Stay Connected - Stay up to date on your institution's emergency plans and policies. Routinely ask if any changes have been made that you or your colleagues should know.
- Open Your Door - Keep your office or classroom door open/ cracked when meeting with individuals. You may also want to arrange your office so that your desk is closest to the door. You'll be less likely to be accused of something "behind closed doors," you'll have an accessible exit if threatened and your voice will carry more effectively, if necessary.
- Never Make a Promise You Can't Keep - Often students go to faculty seeking a listening ear, experienced wisdom and advice. Sometimes, during these exchanges, they may ask you to promise confidentiality. Protect yourself - and others - by never making that promise. You are obligated to share with the appropriate officials any information that leads you to believe individuals may pose a threat to themselves or to others. Plus, it's often the best way to get students the help that they need.
- Save Written Correspondence - Keep a record of all written exchanges you have with colleagues and students. Should a problem present itself, you may need
the files to establish a pattern of behavior.
There are many resources right on campus should you encounter difficult student or colleague behavior. Many campus professionals have received extensive training on how to deal with difficult students, emergencies and workplace violence. Consider contacting any of the following professionals for assistance:
- Public Safety will quickly respond to your call for help and will also provide the most up to date information on emergency protocols.
- Student Life has numerous resources to assist you in dealing with difficult student behavior.
- Residence Life can be a valuable resource if the student you are concerned about lives on campus.
- Counseling Professionals can provide you with resources
- to address your concerns or can assist you in referring a student for counseling.
- Conduct Officers can assist you in addressing misbehavior and ensuring that the incident is recorded.
- Human Resources can provide helpful information on conflict management, safety tips and grievance procedures.
Cover your bases. The four pillars of emergency management, according to the Canada Safety Council, are:
- Prevention and Mitigation - measures to reduce or eliminate the effects of a crisis.
- Preparedness - measures in place to ensure an effective response to an emergency.
- Response - actions to respond to the event
- Recovery - actions to recover from the effects of the incident.
Do you feel prepared and confident in all of these areas? Read through all of the emergency safety plans provided on your campus. If something doesn't make sense or seems to be missing, let someone know immediately.
The Impact on You
Many institutions are instituting broad safety measures. You may view these measures as an invasion of your privacy or an inconvenience. Unfortunately, no campus - no matter how small or quaint - is immune from human-made or natural disasters in today's world. So, take requests to cooperate with these policies and procedures seriously.
To be effective, an emergency plan must be rehearsed regularly - and not always for the same type of event. You may also want to keep a copy of campus emergency procedures with you in:
- Your classroom
- Your office
- Your car
- Your briefcase
Or keep a copy of emergency procedures in your smartphone. That way, you'll have them on hand should the need arise.
What If?
In conjunction with your departmental and institutional procedures, what would you do if ...
- You received a worrisome or threatening email, text or phone message?
- An argument broke out in your classroom or office building and escalated into a physical altercation?
- A student had an emotional breakdown in the middle of class?
- A colleague confided in you about her fears regarding a potential workplace violence situation?
- You noticed bizarre, questionable or troubling behavior in a student or colleague?
- A natural disaster struck the campus?
- Someone pulled out a gun in your classroom?
- You felt threatened when a student came to visit during office hours?
- You felt threatened or bullied by a colleague?
Considering appropriate responses now will help you be better prepared in the event of a real-life emergency.
When a Concern Arises
If you have a concern with a disruptive student or colleague, you may be unsure what to do. You question if the problem is extensive enough to report and you don't want to make the situation worse.
No matter what, it's important to act on your instincts instead of pushing concerns aside. Go to your supervisor or department chair and share your observations. He/ she will be able to help you determine how best to proceed.
Using Your Cell Phone as an Emergency Tool
Putting "ICE" or "In Case of Emergency" contact numbers in your cell phone is a simple emergency preparedness strategy that only takes a few minutes. Program the acronym "ICE" followed by the name and number of a family member or friend. Then EMTs, the police or hospital staff can contact them if you are ill or unable to respond. These ICE individuals should be available much of the time and know of your important medical conditions.
There's no formula to predict who might become dangerous or violent. However, according to the American Psychological Association, violence is a serious possibility if a number of these warning signs are witnessed:
- Repeated loss of temper
- Frequent physical fighting
- Vandalism or property damage
- Increased use of drugs and alcohol
- Increased demonstration of risk-taking behavior
- Announcing plans or threats to commit acts of violence or hurt others
- Enjoyment in hurting animals
- Carrying, access to or fascination with weapons, especially guns
- Withdrawal from friends and usual activities
- Feelings of rejection and marginalization
- Being a victim of bullying
- Poor school performance
- History of discipline problems or frequent run-ins with authority
- Failing to acknowledge the feelings or rights of others
If you suspect that a student or colleague could be a danger to himself or to others, report your observations and concerns to the appropriate people on campus. Chances are that if you are noticing worrisome or potentially threatening behaviors, others are too. Your tip may be one of many that helps piece together a pattern of behavior.
Watch for Bullying
As you are well aware, bullying behaviors are prevalent in today's society. While not a new tactic, the nature of our modern world makes it easier for people to use technology and other weapons to carry out revenge-seeking fantasies. In many incidents of school violence, researchers have found that peers or family members bullied the perpetrator prior to the attack. Keep a close eye out for students or colleagues being bullied by others.
Today's students have, unfortunately, grown up in a world where school violence is a real concern. Images of Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook and other violent incidents have permeated the media. Therefore, students may feel some anxiety about their level of safety on campus.
What's on their Mind?
Consider talking with students about their safety concerns. Although you may feel it isn't your place to do so, it is. Let students know how they can protect themselves and others, while also sharing what's being done on campus to keep them safe. These types of caring, proactive conversations show students that campus faculty and administrators are taking their well- being - and their fears - seriously.
To get such discussions going, consider posing the following questions to students:
- What can I do to help alleviate your fears about school violence while in this classroom? Is there something we can do as a department?
- What specific concerns do you have about our campus related to personal safety issues?
- What more could we do on campus to make you feel safe?
- What can you and your peers do to protect our community's safety?
- What would you do if you were concerned about or felt threatened by an individual on campus?
Faculty Can Be Bullied, Too
You may feel like you are in a position of power and influence and that, as a result, others would never attempt to bully you. Unfortunately, this power and influence could actually make you a target for this type of behavior.
If you experience potential stalking behavior or receive a threatening email, text message or voicemail, save it and let your department chair and public safety officials know immediately. It's not an overreaction - these types of threats are serious. Don't wait until you receive several threats. Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.
The Fitchburg State University Police Department offers free personal safety courses throughout the academic year. Groups, clubs, and organizations may request customized classes.
To sign-up or request a class contact Nicole Arcangeli at: narcangeli@fitchburgstate.edu.
- Community Response to Active Shooter Event/ C.R.A.S.E. - This training is based on the Department of Homeland Security's recommendation for Active Shooter / Hostile Events. (2 hour course)
- First Aid, CPR and AED (4 hour course)
- Violence Identification, Prevention and Reporting / V.I.P.R. - This behavioral observation and recognition training teaches individuals how to identify and report suspi-cious behaviors. (2 hour course)
- Rape Aggression Defense/ R.A.D. - This program provides practical safety tips and trains women in basic self-defense techniques. (12 hour course broken into four sessions)
- Until Help Arrives - Learn how you can take action in emergency situations by providing lifesaving/ supportive care until professional First Responders arrive. (90 minute course)