Personal Safety & Security

Personal safety is often a matter of common sense. However, when you live in a community environment, think not only of yourself but the safety of others. Campus Safety encourages you to develop good safety habits and not take risks.

If you are in a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable or threatened, trust your gut feeling. Get out, get away, call for help.

Traveling Around Campus

• If you are being followed, head toward crowds, lights, and occupied buildings.
• Walk with someone after dark. Remember, Campus Safety provides walking escort services that can help you get around campus safely.
• Stay on well-traveled, paved paths. Do not take short cuts because of weather problems or just to save a few steps.
• When traveling or going somewhere outside of your normal class schedule, let someone know when you are leaving, where you are going, and when you will arrive and return. If your plans change, let the person you told know so they don’t worry.
• Do not wear headphones when walking. You may not hear a problem occurring behind you or a stranger approaching.

Personal Information

• Keep your personal information personal. Don’t post notes on your door leaving personal messages about your schedule. Don’t attach your ID or room number to your keys. Don’t leave information on your voice mail that lets others know when your room will be vacant.
• Do not give out personal information over the telephone or e-mail. Legitimate credit card companies and reliable vendors do not solicit personal information this way.

Threats, Stalking & Harassment

• Threatening or offensive e-mails should be saved and printed. Contact Security and make a report.
• If you get an obscene, annoying, or harassing phone calls, do not stay on the line. Note the exact time and content of the message and immediately file a report with security.
• Threats from persons who live off campus should be taken seriously. Report the threat to security immediately, even if you think the person will not come to the campus.
• Stalking is a serious offense that shows an escalation of threatening behavior. A “no-contact order” can be issued against someone who stalks you. Don’t wait; report stalking to security as soon as you suspect it’s happening.

Hate Crimes

Hate crimes are not tolerated at Keuka College. If someone threatens you based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristics, report it to Campus Safety immediately.

• Counseling Services is available to meet with victims of hate crimes and provide appropriate referrals.
• New York State has legislation that deals specifically with hate crimes.
• Additional assistance for victims of hate crimes can be obtained through the Yates County Sheriff’s Office or New York State Police.

Reducing the Risk of Sexual Assault

• Don’t be alone with someone you’ve just met.
• Clearly communicate your intentions. If you do not intend to have sex with someone, say so clearly. Be aware of the message you are sending and how it might be received, e.g. body language, flirting, touching, etc.
• Being under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs can compromise your safety by lowering inhibitions and clouding your judgment. Engaging in sexual intercourse with someone who is unable to give consent for any reason constitutes rape.

Miscellaneous

• If you need to work in an isolated area, make sure someone knows where you are. Ask Campus Safety to check on you and invite someone you trust to study with you.
• If a friend is intoxicated or drugged to the point of being sick or unresponsive, dial 911 immediately (9-911 from a campus phone). Don’t worry about getting them in trouble; your friend’s safety is more important.

Contact Information

• Location: Dahlstrom
• Phone: (315) 279-5250
• Cell Phone: (315) 694-0268
• Emergency: (315) 279-5911

Office Hours

The Office of Campus Safety is open 24/7, 365 days per year.