D. CRIME AWARENESS AND CAMPUS SECURITY REPORT 2010

Crime Reporting Policy, Procedures and Responses

The Annual Security Report is prepared by The University of Texas at San Antonio Police Department in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. This report is prepared in cooperation with the Office of Student Affairs, University Housing, Student Judicial Affairs and Counseling Services. Each entity provides updated information on their educational efforts and programs to comply with the Act. Crime statistics are also provided by police agencies surrounding each of the University’s campuses. Except where noted, policies indicated in this Annual Security Report apply to all campuses that comprise The University of Texas at San Antonio.

This report lists statistics for the previous three years of reported crimes that occurred on campus. Included are crimes that occurred in off-campus buildings owned or controlled by UTSA. Also included are crimes that occurred on any public property within, or immediately adjacent to, or accessible from the campus. The report describes institutional policies concerning campus security, alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, crime reporting, sexual assault, and crime-related issues. A copy of this report can be obtained by contacting the Crime Prevention Unit at (210) 458-6250 or by accessing the UTSA Police Department’s Web site at http://utsa.edu/utsapd/Crime_Statistics/2010SecurityReport.pdf.

Reporting Crimes or Emergencies

POLICE-FIRE-EMS Dial:

911 (from any on-campus phone)
(210) 458-4911 (when calling from a cell phone or off-campus phone)
UTSA Police Non-Emergency: (210) 458-4242

The UTSA Police Department is responsible for law enforcement, security and emergency response at the UTSA academic campuses, HemisFair Park Campus, and University Heights Tech Center. The primary office of The UTSA Police Department is located on the Main Campus in the Physical Plant Building, PP 1.400. A satellite police office at the Downtown Campus is located at the Buena Vista Street Building, BV 1.303. The UTSA Police Department is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is staffed by commissioned Texas peace officers and supported by civilian personnel and non-commissioned security guards. A number of well-marked exterior emergency telephones are located throughout the campuses in parking lots and in all elevators. These emergency telephones can be used to report crimes, emergencies, or to request police services. Upon receipt of the call, University police officers are dispatched immediately to the site of the complaint to investigate and take immediate action as necessary.

Other Campus Security Officials

UTSA acknowledges that some individuals may be hesitant about reporting crimes to the police, but may be more inclined to report incidents to other campus officials designated as Other Campus Security Officials. Reports of campus crimes can be made to the following Other Campus Security Officials: Vice President for Student Affairs, (210) 458-4136; Dean of Students, (210) 458-4720; Director of University Housing, (210) 458-6200 or (210) 877-4000; Student Judicial Affairs, (210) 458-4720; the Athletic Director, (210) 458-4161; or Human Resources Director, (210) 458-4250.

A complainant may request to make a confidential statement to an Other Campus Security Official concerning crimes. The statements made to Other Campus Security Officials are confidential unless they pose a continued threat to the safety of the campus community. When no threat is posed, the only information disclosed is for the purpose of collecting data to be included in the annual crime statistics report. A complainant may also make a confidential statement to the Director of Student Counseling at (210) 458-4140 and/or the Director of Student Health Services at (210) 458-4142. These officials are exempt from disclosing information to the UTSA Police Department (except by law in cases where there is an immediate threat to the safety of an individual, other persons, children or the elderly).

Other Crime Reporting Methods

Reports of crimes that occur off campus can be made to the San Antonio Police Department at (210) 207-7273 or the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office at (210) 335-6000.

Notifications to the Campus Community

The UTSA Police Department provides notification to the campus community on a timely basis about campus crime and crime-related issues. These notifications include the following:

Annual Security Report

By October 1st of each year, the Annual Campus Security Report must be distributed to all enrolled students and current employees. Distribution may be by direct mailing, campus mail, or electronic mail. The Annual Security Report is posted on the UTSA Police Department Web site at: http://utsa.edu/utsapd/Crime_Statistics/2010SecurityReport.pdf.

Timely Warnings

When a reported offense occurs, and is subject to disclosure in the Annual Campus Security Report, the Chief of Police conducts a timely review of the circumstances surrounding the offense. This is done to determine if the offense constitutes a continuing threat to students, faculty and staff. If the offense presents a continuing threat to the students, faculty and staff, then a crime bulletin is prepared and posted on the UTSA Police Department’s Web site. The crime bulletin is also distributed by e-mail to students, faculty and staff and may be printed and distributed throughout campus to include public bulletin boards, free speech areas and office bulletin boards.

In the event of a campus-wide critical incident, the University may also utilize the REVERSE 911 emergency notification system. REVERSE 911 is an enhanced emergency telephone, text and e-mail notification system for students, faculty and staff. In the event of a campus emergency, a message will give pertinent emergency information and protective actions to participants. All UTSA campuses are covered by the REVERSE 911 system. For more information, visit http://alerts.utsa.edu/reverse-911-program/.

UTSA has an indoor and outdoor mass notification system, called Giant Voice, at the Main Campus. The system features four outdoor speaker arrays that optimally can be heard within 1,600 feet of each speaker array. In an emergency, the high-power speaker arrays will broadcast a siren alert followed by a live or recorded voice message tailored to the situation. The system has the capability to alert the entire campus or smaller areas, depending upon the scope of the emergency.

Campus Alerts

UTSA has launched a Web site called Campus Alerts. The site was developed to keep students, faculty, staff and the general public informed on the status of the University during emergency situations. Managed by the UTSA Office of Business Continuity and Emergency Management and the Office of Communications, the site is a single source for information on UTSA closures prompted by inclement weather, health and other emergencies, and construction and maintenance work. The Web site also is accessible from a link at the footer of all UTSA Web pages. The goal of the one-stop site is to help reduce confusion by eliminating duplicate messages on various UTSA Web sites. Campus Alerts can be found at http://alerts.utsa.edu/.

Security of and Access to Campus Facilities

Academic Buildings

Academic campus buildings and support facilities are accessible to members of the campus community, guests and visitors during normal business hours. Academic buildings have a card access equipped, late-hour door for access to buildings that are locked after normal business hours. Access to classrooms and office buildings for special events after normal business hours, weekends and holidays is coordinated with the various campus departments overseeing that particular area or event. Many buildings, offices, labs, computer rooms and other areas of campus are equipped with card key access and door alarms that report to the UTSA Police Department.

Apartments and Residence Halls

Chisholm Hall: The exterior doors remain locked 24 hours a day. Unlimited access is available to residents via an electronic access control system. Each unit has a front door equipped with a mechanical lock. Guests and visitors to the student residence halls may gain admission at a centralized desk and must be escorted when in the residence halls.

University Oaks Apartments: Access to the University Oaks apartment complex is through access gates for vehicles to the parking lot. Each apartment has a front door equipped with a mechanical lock.

Chaparral Village: Access to the Chaparral Village complex is through access gates for pedestrians to the sidewalks of the complex. Each unit has a front door equipped with an electronic lock.

Laurel Village: Access to the Laurel Village complex is through access gates for pedestrians to the sidewalks of the complex. Each unit has a front door equipped with an electronic lock.

Residents should immediately report lost access cards and keys or malfunctioning locks and gates to their respective Director of Housing.

Security Considerations Used in Maintenance

UTSA Police Department staff regularly test the emergency telephones and submit work orders for repairs of phone units or lights when needed. Officers also report physical hazards discovered during routine patrols. The Crime Prevention Unit (CPU) staff periodically conducts lighting surveys of the campus grounds and recommends additional lighting to eliminate areas of darkness. The CPU staff also orders the trimming of shrubbery, trees and other vegetation to prevent the obstruction of ample lighting of pedestrian walkways. Periodic security assessments are conducted when repeated crimes occur within a short time frame or when a crime trend at a particular location occurs. Lighting upgrade recommendations are routinely evaluated by the Office of Facilities Services and the Crime Prevention Unit. Improvements include the placement of high-intensity sodium vapor lights in buildings, parking lots, areas with heavy landscaping and along pathways frequently traveled by students.

Eighty-six outdoor emergency telephones are located on the Main Campus and 10 are on the Downtown Campus. All emergency telephones connect directly to the University Police Department. There are security cameras installed at designated locations on campus, based on security needs. These locations include the pedestrian areas of Chaparral Village and Laurel Village, restricted access operations work areas, research laboratories and designated parking lots. The security camera monitors are located in the Communications Center of the Police Department. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to report any safety concerns and exterior lighting and emergency telephone malfunctions to the UTSA Police Department at (210) 458-4242.

Campus Law Enforcement Policy

The UTSA Police Department is located in the Physical Plant building, PP 1.400. UTSAPD is responsible for law enforcement, police services, safety and security at all UTSA campuses. The department has an authorized strength of 52 sworn police officers with full arrest authority and 38 non‐sworn security guards.

Commissioned Peace Officers

University police officers receive their police authority via Article 2.12 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and Article 51.203 of the Texas Education Code. Commissioned peace officers employed by UTSA have jurisdiction within counties where The University of Texas System owns or leases property. For UTSA, normal police operations are conducted within the boundaries of property owned, leased or otherwise under the control of UTSA. These properties include Main Campus, Downtown Campus, HemisFair Park, University Heights Tech Center, Park West property and the contiguous areas around each UTSA Campus. UTSA police officers must meet specific employment qualifications and training requirements in order to be licensed peace officers by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE). University police officers receive their commission as peace officers upon successfully graduating from The University of Texas System Basic Peace Officer Academy or other regional police academy. All sworn officers have been trained in first aid and CPR and are authorized to enforce state and federal laws on the University campus. UTSA Police Officers carry firearms and conduct foot, bicycle and vehicular patrols on all UTSA properties including the on campus housing facilities 24‐hours a day.

University Police Security Guards & Dispatchers

University police security guards are non‐sworn civilian employees who have the same level of arrest authority as a citizen as authorized by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Security guards serve as support staff for the police department by providing a visible uniform presence in buildings and on University property to deter crime. Security guards report criminal incidents to police officers who are designated first responders. The police communications center is staffed by 11 certified police telecommunicators who are also certified 911 operators.

Working Relationships With State And Local Police

The UTSA Police Department maintains close working relationships with the San Antonio Police Department, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, federal, state, and other law enforcement agencies. The UTSAPD routinely shares investigative information with these agencies and also works closely with the San Antonio Fire Department and EMS. UTSAPD has a mutual aid law enforcement agreement with the San Antonio Police Department to provide law enforcement services, to investigate crimes and to protect life and property within the geographical areas common to the City of San Antonio and UTSA. A number of recognized student organizations maintain meeting and living facilities off campus. These facilities are not owned or controlled by UTSA. UTSA is routinely informed by other local law enforcement agencies of any criminal activities involving UTSA student organizations. The information in these reports is subsequently shared with the Office of Student Affairs.

Emergency Management

The Office of Business Continuity & Emergency Management is responsible for UTSA’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. To assist with the management of campus emergencies, UTSA utilizes an emergency response team made up of representatives from each major operational component of UTSA. Each team member receives specialized training to prepare them for the challenges presented by a critical incident. Emergency management information is available and distributed to ensure that students, faculty and staff have access to emergency response procedures. Emergency response information is distributed via e-mail, messages sent by UTSA’s REVERSE 911 and Giant Voice notification systems. Information is also provided by UTSA’s emergency recorded message phone line (210) 458-SNOW (7669). Each member of the UTSA community is encouraged to be responsible for their own safety and the safety of others. More information can be found at http://alerts.utsa.edu.

Security Awareness Programs

The University of Texas at San Antonio encourages all students and employees to be responsible for their own security and the security of others. UTSA has a number of campus-wide educational programs such as orientation for new students and staff, international student orientation, Roadrunner Camp and Rowdy Bash. These programs are offered throughout the calendar year and all University community members are encouraged to attend.

Crime Prevention Programs

The UTSA Police Department has a comprehensive crime prevention program that assists community members to reduce their risk of becoming a victim of crime. The Crime Prevention Unit has certified crime prevention officers on staff that have received specialized training in crime prevention and physical security. Programming and presentations offered include self-defense, alcohol awareness and sexual assault prevention. Other duties include security surveys of resident areas or office areas and threat assessments. The following crime prevention programs and services are offered by the University Police Department free of charge:

Safety Escort Program – Safety escorts are provided to locations on campus during hours of darkness. Call (210) 458-4242.

Whistle Defense Program – The UTSA Police Department offers free key chain safety whistles for UTSA students, faculty and staff as a personal defense system for our Tri-Campus community. The Whistle Defense Program is a campus safety program based on the use of whistles to alert patrol officers, students, faculty and staff that an offense or incident has occurred or is about to occur.

Crime Prevention Presentations – Crime prevention presentations pertaining to personal safety, sexual assault prevention, acquaintance rape, women’s self-defense, alcohol and drug awareness, burglary and theft prevention and office safety are conducted as needed for students, faculty and staff. The Crime Prevention Unit works closely with campus housing departments and UTSA student groups to develop and schedule presentations. Contact the Crime Prevention Unit at (210) 458-6250 for more information. Classes are also scheduled through the UTSA Police Department Web site. Customized crime prevention presentations are also available upon request.

Printed Crime Prevention Literature – Crime prevention literature related to personal safety, auto theft prevention and residential security is available at designated locations throughout the campuses. Specialized crime prevention literature is available upon request.

Operation Identification – Operation Identification is an on-going program which involves the engraving of a state driver’s license number on valuable items of personal property such as laptops and bicycles. Engravers are available at the UTSA Police Department or contact the Crime Prevention Unit to make an appointment.

Operation Bookmark – Operation Bookmark is an on-going program which involves the marking of state driver’s license numbers onto students’ textbooks.

Runner Beat Newsletter – The Runner Beat is a monthly campus safety newsletter that is distributed to all students, faculty and staff.

Crime Statistics Reports – In addition to the annual crime statistics report required by the Clery Act, the UTSA Police Department posts a weekly crime report on the department’s Web site at http://utsa.edu/utsapd/blotter/.

For additional crime prevention information or to schedule a crime prevention presentation, call the Crime Prevention Unit at (210) 458-6250 during normal business hours.

Drugs and Alcohol Policy

The University of Texas at San Antonio is a drug-free school and complies with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1990. The Drug Free School and Communities Act of 1989 requires institutions of higher education to adopt and implement programs to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol. Information concerning these programs must be distributed to students annually. For information regarding these policies, refer to the following: Drug Free School and Communities Act provided by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs; Standards of Conduct: Subsection 3.21 of Chapter VI, Part One of the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System (http://utsa.edu/infoguide/appendices/f.html). UTSA is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for the campus community. Alcohol and other drugs should not interfere with the University’s educational mission. All UTSA students, faculty, staff, administrators and visitors are subject to local, state and federal laws regarding the unlawful possession, distribution, or use of alcohol or illegal drugs.

Drugs

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of illegal drugs on campus or at any UTSA sponsored event off campus is prohibited. No one may use illegal substances, or abuse legal substances, including alcohol, in a manner that impairs performance of assigned tasks. State law prohibits the medically unsupervised use, possession, sale, manufacture or distribution of drugs classified as illegal or the use, possession, sale, manufacture or distribution of prescription medication used in an illegal manner or used in a manner other than that prescribed. Individuals determined to be in violation are criminally prosecuted and referred to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs for disciplinary action. The UTSA Student Code of Conduct prohibits the use, manufacture, possession, sale, or distribution on the campus of the substances defined and regulated under Chapters 481, 484 and 485 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, except as may be allowed by the provisions of such articles. If a student is found guilty of the illegal use, possession, or sale of a drug or narcotic on campus, the minimum penalty shall be suspension from the institution for a specified period of time; and/or suspension of rights and privileges.

Alcohol

The use of alcoholic beverages must be in compliance with Texas State Law and is strictly limited to persons 21 years of age or older. The possession, transportation, and/or consumption of alcohol by individuals less than 21 years of age is strictly prohibited. UTSA police officers enforce laws regulating the use of alcoholic beverages and underage drinking. Officers may issue court appearance citations or effect an arrest if required by law. Student violators are also referred to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs. Alcoholic beverages may not be consumed or possessed in public areas of the University. Additional policies on alcohol regulated by the Housing Office may apply at campus housing facilities. According to the UTSA Student Code of Conduct, the use or possession of any intoxicating beverage is prohibited in classroom buildings, laboratories, auditoriums, library buildings, museums, faculty and administrative offices, intercollegiate and intramural facilities, and all other public areas. However, with the prior consent of the Vice President for Student Affairs, the foregoing provisions of this section may be waived with respect to any specific event sponsored by UTSA. The exception to this provision is the use or consumption of alcohol in nonpublic areas in the University Oaks Apartments. Regarding the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages, state law will be strictly enforced on campus at all times.

Drug and Alcohol Counseling Services on Campus

Student Health Services, (210) 458-4142, is located in the Recreation and Wellness Center, room 1.500 and no appointment is required. Student Counseling Services, (210) 458-4140, provides short‐term counseling for students. The office is located in the Recreation and Wellness Center, room 1.810. Counseling Services provides individual alcohol and drug related consultations, substance abuse assessments and feedback. Also provided are referrals for education and other support services to students dealing with alcohol and drug issues, to include maintaining recovery. Students can also seek support and guidance from Counseling Services on starting 12-step recovery groups on campus. Educational programs for students include AlcoholEdu, Alcohol 101, E‐Toke and E‐Chug, Health Info Fairs, etc. Peer education groups such as SHADES (Sexual Health Alcohol and Drug Education for Students) and Student Affairs organizations such as BARR (Be A Responsible Roadrunner) are focused on promoting a positive campus community that reflects the attitudes, behaviors, and values of a healthy lifestyle. Programs for employees include the Employee Assistance Program offered through the Human Resources Department (http://utsa.edu/hr/EmployeeRelations/eapinfo.cfm).

Sexual Offense Policy

It is the policy of The University of Texas at San Antonio to maintain an environment that is free from intimidation and one in which students may be educated to their fullest potential. The University fosters an understanding of difference and cultivates the ethical and moral issues that are the basis of a humane social order. Therefore, the University will not tolerate physical abuse, threats of violence, physical assault, or any form of sexual assault, including but not limited to acquaintance or date rape.

Educational Programs

There are many campus resources that can help campus community members to reduce their risk of becoming a victim of sexual assault:

Whistle Defense Program – The UTSA Police Department offers free key chain safety whistles for UTSA students, faculty and staff as a personal defense system for our Tri-Campus Community. The Whistle Defense Program is a campus safety program based on the use of whistles to alert patrol officers, students, faculty and staff that an offense or incident has occurred or is about to occur.

Self Defense Program – The UTSA Police Department has a one-hour introductory self-defense class where physical, non-physical and avoidance techniques are covered as well as resources to continue self-defense education.

Intimate Partner Violence & The Dating Game – Dating relationships programs are offered through the Counseling Center as part of their programming for sexual assault awareness.

Women’s Resource Center – The Women’s Resource Center (Recreation and Wellness Center, RWC 1.810) aims to provide the men and women of the UTSA community with resources, services, and knowledge of women’s issues. A Sexual Assault Advocate is part of the center. More information is available at http://utsa.edu/wrc/wrc/.

Procedures to Follow

Anyone who is a victim of any form of sexual assault should immediately call the UTSA Police Department by dialing 911 on campus or by calling (210) 458-4911. Reporting an assault does not mean that the victim must press charges or take the case to criminal trial or a University disciplinary hearing. Even if a victim is undecided about filing criminal charges, calling the police and going to the hospital will provide for their emotional and medical needs and preserve the option to file criminal charges at a later time. Victims may also report in a confidential manner to University Counseling Services at (210) 458-4140 or Student Health Services at (210) 458-4142.

The Non‐Reported Sexual Assault Evidence Program was created in House Bill 2626 by the 81st Texas Legislature and was effective June 21, 2009. The program allows survivors of a sexual assault to obtain a forensic medical exam and have evidence collected, without cost to the victim, even if they do not wish to involve law enforcement personnel at the time of its collection. This will secure the evidence while giving the survivor time to consider if they want to report the assault. Victims can contact UTSAPD’s Crime Prevention Unit at (210) 458-6250 or the Women’s Resource Center at (210) 458-6829.

Notification of Law Enforcement

Victims of sexual assault or persons who have information regarding a sexual assault are strongly encouraged to report the incident to the UTSA Police Department immediately. It is the UTSAPD’s policy to conduct investigations of all sexual assault complaints with sensitivity, compassion, patience and respect for the victim. Investigations are conducted in accordance with guidelines established by the Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office.

University police officers attend the Sexual Assault Family Violence Investigators Course (SAFVIC). This course is specifically designed to provide law enforcement officers with the tools they need to effectively investigate and prevent sexual assault and family violence. The curriculum covers crucial aspects for law enforcement’s response to these crimes, as well as the creation and use of community‐based resources to assist law enforcement’s efforts. All information and reports of sexual assault are kept strictly confidential. In accordance with the Texas Code of Criminal Procedures Art. 57, victims may use a pseudonym to protect their identity. A pseudonym is a set of initials or a fictitious name chosen by the victim to be used in all public files and records concerning the sexual assault. The victims of sexual assault are not required to file criminal charges or seek judicial actions through the University disciplinary process. However, victims are encouraged to report the assault in order to provide the victim with physical and emotional assistance.

On/Off-Campus Services

Information and assistance is available through University Counseling Services, (210) 458-4140; Student Health Services, (210) 458-4142; Rape Crisis Hotline, (210) 349-7273; Rape Crisis Center, (210) 521-7273; and the Office of Student Life, (210) 458-4720. If requested, these departments will assist the victim in contacting the UTSA Police Department. The UTSA Police Department Crime Prevention Unit is available to all victims to provide information about personal safety, Texas Crime Victims Rights, Texas Crime Victims Compensation Fund and other related information upon request. Reports of sexual assault can also be made to the San Antonio Police Department at (210) 207-7273 or the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office at (210) 335-6000. UTSAPD or Other Campus Security Officials will assist the victim in contacting these agencies, if requested.

Changes in Academic and Living Situation

The Office of Student Life can assist the victim with issues including, but not limited to, class schedule changes, withdrawal procedures, or campus housing relocation. If the reporting student provides credible evidence that the accused student presents a continuing danger to a person or property or poses an ongoing threat of disrupting the academic process, the Office of Student Judicial Affairs may take interim disciplinary action against the accused student as appropriate.

Procedures for Campus Disciplinary Action

A student may also choose to report the assault to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs for disciplinary action regardless of whether or not the student has decided to press criminal charges. A student may also file a report of sexual assault against another student, or a faculty or staff member, by directly contacting the Coordinator for Student Judicial Affairs at (210) 458-4720.

Sanctions That May Be Imposed

The disciplinary actions assessed in a particular case will be dependent upon the nature of the conduct involved, the circumstances and conditions which existed at the time the student engaged in the conduct and the results which followed as a natural consequence of the conduct.

Campus Sexual Assault Victims’ Bill of Rights

The United States Congress enacted the “Campus Sexual Assault Victims’ Bill of Rights” in 1992 as a part of the Higher Education Amendments of 1992. This law requires that all universities afford sexual assault victims certain basic rights such as:

Accuser and accused must have the same opportunity to have others present.
Both parties shall be informed of the outcome of any disciplinary proceeding.
Survivors shall be informed of their options to notify law enforcement.
Survivors shall be notified of counseling services.
Survivors shall be notified of options for changing academic and living situations.

Campus Safety Escort Service

The Police Department’s Campus Safety Escort service plays an essential role in the department’s effort to promote safety and security on campus. The Safety Escort service is safe and easy to use. It is available to students, staff, faculty, and anyone else who needs an escort. You can call (210) 458-4242 to request a Safety Escort from anywhere on campus to your campus destination and a uniformed officer or guard will respond. The Safety Escort service is a free service provided by the UTSAPD. The objective of the program is to provide a safe alternative to walking alone at night.

Sexual Offender Registration

Information concerning Sex Offender Registration information and registered sex offenders is found at the Texas Department of Public Safety Web site for Sex Offender Registration at:
https://records.txdps.state.tx.us/DPS_WEB/SorNew/index.aspx.

Weapons on Campus

In accordance with Texas Penal Code, Chapter 46, it is a felony to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly possess a firearm, illegal knife or prohibited weapon (with or without a concealed handgun permit) on the physical premises of a school or educational institution, to include any buildings or passenger transportation vehicles under the direct control of the educational institution. According to the UTSA Student Code of Conduct, possession or use of firearms, imitation firearms, explosives, ammunition, hazardous chemicals, or weapons as defined by state or federal law on University premises or on any property or in any building or facility owned or controlled by The University of Texas System is strictly prohibited unless authorized by the Vice President for Student Affairs and by federal, state, or local laws. The possession or use of imitation firearms, BB guns, Air-soft guns, or similar simulated firearms is prohibited in all campus housing areas.

Missing Students Who Reside In On-Campus Housing

If a member of the University community has reason to believe that a student who resides in on-campus hous-ing is missing, he or she should immediately notify the UTSA Police Department at (210) 458-4911. UTSAPD will generate a missing person report and initiate an investigation. After investigating the missing person report, should UTSAPD determine that the student is missing and has been missing for more than 24 hours, UTSA will notify the student’s emergency contact no later than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing. If the missing student is under the age of 18 and is not an emancipated individual, UTSA will notify the student’s parent or legal guardian immediately after UTSAPD has determined that the student has been missing for more than 24 hours. In addition to registering an emergency contact, students residing in on-campus housing have the option to select a confidential contact person to be contacted by UTSA in the event the student is determined to be missing for more than 24 hours. If a student has selected a confidential contact person, UTSA will notify that person no later than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing. Students who wish to identify and select a confidential contact can do so through their respective on-campus housing management.

Fire Safety Report

New regulations in the Clery Act state that beginning October 1, 2010, an institution that maintains any on‐campus student housing facility must prepare an annual fire safety report that contains, at a minimum, the following information:

Fire statistics for each on‐campus student housing facility, for the three most recent calendar years for which data are available.
A description of each on‐campus student housing facility fire safety system.
The number of fire drills held during the previous calendar year.
The institution’s policies or rules on portable electrical appliances, smoking, and open flames in a student housing facility.
The institution’s procedures for student housing evacuation in the case of a fire.
The policies regarding fire safety education and training programs provided to the students and employees. In these policies, the institution must describe the procedures that students and employees should follow in the case of a fire.
For purposes of including a fire in the statistics in the annual fire safety report, a list of the titles of each person or organization to which students and employees should report that a fire occurred.
Plans for future improvements in fire safety, if determined necessary by the institution.
Maintain a written, easily understood fire log that records, by the date that the fire was reported, any fire that occurred in an on‐campus student housing facility. This log must include the nature, date, time, and general location of each fire.

The UTSA department responsible for the annual fire safety report is the Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management Department. The annual fire safety report can be found at http://utsa.edu/safety/#/fire/log/.

You may also request a copy from the Environmental Health, Safety & Risk Management Department by contacting the UTSA Safety Office at (210) 458-5250. The full fire report is included at the end of this security report.

Campus Crime Statistics 2007–2009

Click here for pdf of UTSA crime statistics for 2007–2009.

FIRE SAFETY REPORT

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management (EHSRM) department has summarized the following information:

Statistics relating to fires in on‐campus student housing, including

The number of fires and the cause of each fire;
The number of persons who received fire‐related injuries that resulted in treatment at a medical facility, including at an on‐campus health center;
The number of deaths related to a fire; and
The value of property damage caused by a fire.

A description of each on‐campus student housing facility fire safety system.
The number of fire drills held during the previous calendar year.
The institution’s policies or rules on portable electrical appliances, smoking, and open flames in a student housing facility.
The institution’s procedures for student housing evacuation in the case of a fire.
Fire safety education and training programs provided to the students and employees.
Titles of each person or organization to which students and employees should report that a fire occurred.
Plans for future improvements in fire safety, if determined necessary by the institution.

For the purposes of this report:

“On‐campus student housing” refers only to structures containing residential occupancy for students. It does not include neighborhood centers within student housing developments, campus facilities (administrative, academic, library, student life, or support) where students may overnight on a transient basis, vehicles, locations off UTSA property, or outdoor locations of any kind.

“On‐campus student housing” consists of four developments. The UTSA Housing and Residential Life department (HRL, http://utsa.edu/housing/) operates two of these, Chaparral Village and Laurel Village. Campus Living Villages (CLV, http://www.campushousing.com/utsa/) operates two of these, Chisholm Hall and University Oaks apartments.

“Fire” is “any instance of open flame or other burning in a place not intended to contain the burning or in an uncontrolled manner.” “Fire” does not include controlled burning, even when that event is contrary to policy, such as candles, smoking, or other open flames, when that open flame does not result in property damage.

Fire Safety Systems

Chaparral Village, built in 2004 with type V‐A (protected wood frame) construction, consists of a multibuilding development. Student housing structures within the development have local and building fire alarms with manual and automatic initiation. The fire alarm system reports to the UTSA central monitoring station at the Police Department Dispatch Center. All buildings in the development have full sprinkler coverage. Portable fire extinguishers are provided outside the buildings.

Chisholm Hall, built in 1982 of type II‐B (unprotected noncombustible) construction, is a single four‐story residential building. Chisholm Hall has local and building fire alarms with manual and automatic initiation. The fire alarm system reports to the UTSA central monitoring station at the Police Department Dispatch Center. The building has a fire pump serving a standpipe system with hoses. Portable fire extinguishers are provided in the building.

Laurel Village, built in two phases in 2007 and 2008 with type V‐A (protected wood frame) construction, consists of a multibuilding development. Student housing structures within the development have local and building fire alarms with manual and automatic initiation. The fire alarm system reports to the UTSA central monitoring station at the Police Department Dispatch Center. All buildings in the development have full sprinkler coverage. Portable fire extinguishers are provided outside the buildings.

University Oaks, built in three phases in 1992, 1993, and 1994 with type V‐A (protected wood frame) construction, consists of three multibuilding developments. Student housing structures within the development have local alarms with automatic initiation. Portable fire extinguishers are provided in the buildings.

Fire Drills

Occupants of on‐campus student housing facilities with centrally monitored fire alarm systems (Chaparral Village and Laurel Village) are drilled on fire evacuation at least once per year per building. CLV performs one fire drill per semester at Chisholm Hall. To create and sustain a culture of preparedness, fire drills are unannounced to residents and occur at times of high expected occupancy.

Fire Prevention Policies

UTSA HRL and CLV policies prohibit open flames, candles, smoking indoors, modification of fire safety devices (sprinklers, smoke detectors, extinguishers, etc.), and initiating false alarms. Further, campus policies prohibit storage and use of propane cylinders.

Procedures for Evacuation

The UTSA Community Emergency Response Guide and Fire and Life Safety Manual include emergency procedures for fire. Current language is below.

Text of Evacuation Procedures (as of September 29, 2010):

Fire:
Pull the nearest fire alarm and leave via the preplanned evacuation route if safe to do so.

Dial 4911 or 911 (UTSA Phone) and give your name and location of the fire. (If necessary, dial 911 from another building).

When a fire alarm sounds, occupants should:

Proceed immediately to an exit according to the posted evacuation plan and move a safe distance away from the building. If the primary exit is blocked, choose the best alternate route. If time permits, close doors and windows behind you.
Do not use an elevator.
If there is smoke in the area, remain close to the floor.
Before passing through any door, feel the metal doorknob. If it is hot, do not open the door. Before opening a door, brace yourself against it slightly; if heat or heavy smoke are present, close the door and stay in the room.

If you cannot leave the room:

Open the windows.
Seal the cracks around doors with clothing or other material, soaked with water if possible.
Hang an object (bed sheet, jacket, shirt, etc.) out the window to gain attention.
Shout for help.
If possible, call 458‐4911 or 911 (UTSA phone) and report that you are trapped.
If all exits are found to be blocked, go to a room as far as possible from the fire, close the door, and follow the above procedures.

As with any emergency, the best advice is to be prepared by familiarizing yourself with evacuation route plans.

Fire Safety Education Programs

Members of the UTSA Housing and Residential Life staff, including Residential Assistants, receive training in fire prevention, emergency response, and emergency management.

Members of the CLV staff, including Residential Assistants, receive training in emergency management protocols, including fire alarm activation.

Some UTSA students and employees receive fire safety training as part of organized safety, health, and environmental protection training programs. Exposure to this training content depends on the roles and responsibilities of the student or employee.

UTSA’s Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management department makes fire safety and prevention training available to UTSA employees and on‐campus student residents upon request.

Reporting Fires in On‐campus Student Housing

Fire reporting in UTSA on‐campus student housing varies by housing development:

Chaparral Village, Laurel Village

The University of Texas at San Antonio Police Department (210) 458‐4911
Associate Director Housing Operations, Housing and Residential Life
Associate Director Education and Residence Life, Housing and Residential Life

Chisholm Hall, University Oaks

The University of Texas at San Antonio Police Department (210) 458‐4911 Residential Advisor
CLV professional staff
Residential Life Coordinator
Assistant Director of Residence Life
Director of Operations & General Manager

Plans for Future Improvements

UTSA and CLV intend to expand and develop fire protection and fire drills in on‐campus student housing facilities, and fire prevention policies, as necessary. CLV is currently installing centrally monitored fire alarm systems in the University Oaks development, and will begin implementing fire drills in those buildings after the alarm system installations are complete.

Fire Statistics for the University of Texas at San Antonio – Calendar Years 2007 to 2009

Click here for pdf of UTSA fire statistics for 2007–2009.