TO:             Keiser University Students, Faculty and Staff

FROM:       Fred Pfeffer
                   Associate Vice Chancellor Student Financial Services

DATE:       August 27, 2012 

RE:             Annual Campus Safety and Security Report Year End 2011

For your information, a copy of Keiser University’s Annual Campus Safety and Security Survey is attached. This report is distributed in compliance with the “Crime Awareness and Campus Security – Clery Act.”

Keiser University’s commitment to safety and security includes:

• Providing a secure and crime free environment for students, faculty and staff.
• Performing regular evaluation of security programs.
• Monitoring and following up on each crime reported at a Keiser University location.

We believe Students, faculty and staff behavior which promotes security awareness is important in all aspects of our lives, and we encourage all students, faculty and staff to accept responsibility for their own security as well as the security of other members of the Keiser University community.

As you read the following report, comments, questions or concerns may be addressed to:
          Keiser University
          Attn: Frederick A. Pfeffer
          Associate Vice Chancellor
          Student Financial Services
          1900 W. Commercial Blvd, Suite 175
          Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309

STATEMENT OF CURRENT POLICIES REGARDING PROCEDURES AND FACILITIES
FOR STUDENTS AND OTHERS TO REPORT CRIMINAL ACTIONS AND POLICES
CONCERNING THE INSTITUTION’S RESPONSE TO SUCH REPORTS

Students, Faculty or staff who wish to report criminal actions, should immediately contact the academic administrator or other responsible supervisory personnel. The criminal action should then be immediately reported by students, faculty or staff to the local authorities for assistance and /or investigation. The Keiser University Accident/Incident Investigation Report Form is completed with the assistance of the person reporting the criminal action. The report should be filed as soon as possible with the President/Vice President who will either follow-up on the report personally or assign responsibility to another appropriate administrator to follow-up and report on the outcome as well as any preventative or other actions taken to insure the safety and security of all staff, faculty and students.Additional copies of the Keiser University Accident / Incident Report Form may be requested from the Administration Office.

PREPARING THE ANNUAL DISCLOSURE

The Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Financial Services has the responsibility of gathering the data used to prepare the annual campus crime statistics. The data is obtained from reports made to the local law enforcement. Campus crime data is gathered the same day that it is reported. Data is obtained annually from local law enforcement and compared with the data gathered at the University. The resulting data is used to prepare the annual crime statistics report.

A STATEMENT OF CURRENT POLICIES CONCERNING CAMPUS LAW ENFORCEMENT,
INCLUDING THE ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY OF INSTITUTIONAL SECURITY PERSONNEL AND POLICIES THAT ENCOURAGE PROMPT REPORTING OF ALL CAMPUS CRIME
TO THE CAMPUS POLICE AND LOCAL POLICE

Keiser University is essentially a non-residential University, and does not have a campus police force. Therefore, all crimes are reported to local authorities as described in the first section regarding policies and procedures to report crimes. Keiser University does not utilize pastoral or professional counselors for this process.

Additional copies of the Keiser University Accident / Incident Report Form may be requested from the Administration Office.

Voluntary confidential reporting: As Keiser University is essentially a non-residential University, and does not have a campus police force all crimes must be reported to local authorities. Local law enforcement will allow a victim or witness to report crime on a voluntary and confidential basis.
 

A STATEMENT OF PROGRAMS AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES ON CAMPUS SECURITY, PERSONAL SAFETY AND CRIME PREVENTION

Keiser University provides information on personal safety and crime prevention. 
The Student Service office has a directory of services that are available, within the community, to assist those who have suffered from a criminal act. These services are usually free and are provided by the community.
During the orientation of students, Faculty and staff, procedures are outlined to cover the reporting of all criminal acts.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement – Florida Sexual Offenders and Predators

Information on sexual offenders and Predators can be obtained by contacting The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Sexual Offender & Predator Unit, P. O. Box 1489 Tallahassee, FL 32302 or by phone at (850) 410-8572, toll free at (888) 357-7332 and email at sexpred@fdle.state.fl.us or on the FDLE website: http://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/homepage.do;jsessionid=
YntbMNThZ2GSLnQrJSRT7lQNBlMPh1vnC1GYcLLYbWkF4vS2cvc9!-521741232
Information is also available in the United States Department of Justice national sex offender registry - http://www.nsopw.gov/Core/Portal.aspx
 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND EVACUATION PROCEDURES- STATEMENT OF POLICY

Keiser University has in place at each campus facility a Campus Response Team (CRT) that utilizes the Operational Protocols.  The Office of the Chancellor (OOC) has its crisis response command center consisting of senior management.

In an emergency or a dangerous situation, upon confirmation with the CRT of the need for mass notification, the OOC Command center will, without delay, taking into account the safety of the community, determine the content of the notification and initiate the notification system, unless issuing a notification will, in the professional judgment of the responsible authorities, compromise efforts to assist a victim or to contain, respond to, or otherwise mitigate the emergency.

In an event of an emergency or a dangerous situation that poses an immediate threat to the campus community, Keiser University may utilize some or all of its mass notification capabilities to notify its campus community. These capabilities include “Alertnow” – a system that generates Email, Voice mail and text messages to alert the campus community. In addition, members of the OOC command center will post relevant updates and advisories on the appropriate school website (Keiseruniversity.edu) and on the automated “1-877-353-4737” emergency hot line. The CRT will simultaneously use the local means at its disposal to notify the campus students, staff and faculty of the situation.

Members of the OOC command center will disseminate information to the relevant public entities. 

Members of the community at large who are interested in receiving updates during an emergency can call the Keiser hotline (1-877-353-4737) or visit the website at www.Keiseruniversity.edu. 

Training, exercises and tests will be conducted annually by the CRT on the campus level and by the individuals relevant to mass notification at the OOC command center level. The OOC Crisis Management Department will document each test conducted by all relevant entities.

A DESCRIPTION OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE PREVENTION PROGRAMS

As required by CFR 86.100 Keiser University publishes and distributes annually to all current students and employees a copy of the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program. Below are the details related to this important subject matter.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention
Drug abuse affects all aspects of American life. It threatens the workplace, our homes, our schools and our community. The U.S. Department of Education requires institutions of higher education to implement a drug prevention and awareness program for their students and employees through the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Act. All students are expected to conduct themselves as mature adults and as members of an academic community. The consumption of alcohol or drugs while attending class is prohibited and may be subject to disciplinary action.

Standards of Conduct
The University community must adhere to a code of conduct that recognizes the unlawful manufacture, sale, delivery, unauthorized possession or use of any illicit drug is prohibited on property owned or otherwise controlled by Keiser University. If an individual associated with the University is apprehended for violating any drug-or alcohol-related law when on University property, or participating in a University activity, the University will fully cooperate with all law enforcement agencies. Underage possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted on property owned or controlled by the University and the state laws will be enforced. Intentionally or knowingly selling, or intentionally or knowingly furnishing alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21, or to persons obviously inebriated, is not permitted on property owned or controlled by the University.

Health Risks Associated with the use of Illicit Drugs and the Abuse of Alcohol
Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions and the loss of memory. High doses of alcohol can cause respiratory depression and death. Long-term consumption, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to dependence and permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver. Physical effects of drugs include increased heart rate, bloodshot eyes, dry mouth and throat, and increased appetite. The use of drugs may impair or reduce short-term memory and comprehension, alter sense of time, and reduce the ability to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination. Motivation and cognition may also be altered making the acquisition of new information difficult. As you can see from the above there are major health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol.

Pell Grant
Federal guidelines state the grantee must certify that he or she will not engage in unlawful activities related to controlled substances during the period covered by the grant.

Federal Financial Aid Penalties for Drug Violations
Federal guidelines focus strongly on illicit drug use and distribution. The Higher Education Opportunity Act states students convicted of an illicit drug violation can be denied federal financial aid for a specific period, in addition to other legal penalties. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) asks students if they have been convicted of a drug-related offense: “Have you ever been convicted of possessing or selling illegal drugs?” If you answer “yes,” the University will send a worksheet in the mail to determine if your conviction affects your eligibility for aid. Failure to answer the question automatically disqualifies students from receiving federal financial aid. Answering this question falsely could result in fines up to $20,000, imprisonment or both. More information about federal penalties and sanctions is located at http://www.justice.gov/dea/agency/penalties.htm

Penalties for Drug Convictions
If the student was convicted of both possessing and selling drugs, and the periods of ineligibility are different, the student will be ineligible for the longer period.

Possession of Illegal Drugs
• For a first offense, a student loses eligibility for federal financial aid for one year from the date of conviction.
• For a second offense, a student loses eligibility for federal financial aid for two years from the date of conviction.
• For a third offense and subsequent offenses, a student has indefinite ineligibility for federal financial aid from the date of conviction.

Sale of Illegal Drugs
• For a first offense, a student loses eligibility for federal financial aid for two years from the date of conviction.
• For a second offense and subsequent offenses, a student has indefinite ineligibility from the date of conviction.

How to Regain Eligibility
A student can regain eligibility for federal student aid funds the day after the period of ineligibility ends or upon successful completion of a qualified drug rehabilitation program that must:
• Include at least two unannounced drug tests;
AND
• Have received or be qualified to receive funds directly or indirectly under a federal, state or local government program.
Students denied eligibility for an indefinite period can regain it after successfully completing a rehabilitation program, passing two unannounced drug tests from such a program, or if a conviction is reversed, set aside or removed from the student’s record so that fewer than two convictions for sale or three convictions for possession remain on the record.

In such cases, the nature and dates of the remaining convictions will determine when the student regains eligibility. The student is responsible to certify that a rehabilitation program was successfully completed. As with the conviction question on the FAFSA, the University is not required to confirm the reported information unless conflicting information is determined.

Convictions During Enrollment
Federal regulations require enrolled students convicted of a drug offense after receiving federal financial aid to notify Keiser University immediately. The student will then become ineligible for further federal financial aid and must repay federal financial aid received after the conviction.

Drug and Alcohol Counseling
Available to all students is the 211 Helpline Center. Students can call 211 to receive referrals to local resources and support to individuals who need drug and alcohol counseling.

Institutional Sanctions for Alcohol and Drug Violations
• Any member of the University community found consuming or selling drugs on University property shall be subject to discipline on a case-by-case basis.
• Discipline will be based on the seriousness of the situation.
• A case may result in dismissal from the University.
• In all cases, the University will abide by local, state and federal sanctions regarding unlawful possession of drugs and the consumption of alcohol.
• Additional state penalties and sanctions may also apply.
• The University has adopted a zero-tolerance policy regarding underage drinking.

Biennial Review
A biennial review of this program will be conducted to determine its effectiveness and to implement changes to the program if they are needed.

A STATEMENT OF CURRENT POLICIES CONCERNING THE SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION PROGRAM AND THE PROCEDURES THAT ARE FOLLOWED

Sexual Assault Policy Statement:
Keiser University prohibits sexual assault, attempted sexual assault and other sexual offenses on property owned or controlled by the University and at any institutionally-sponsored or supervised activities. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Incident Based Reporting System of the Uniform Crime Report defines a sex offense in general as “any sexual act directed against another person, forcibly and/or against the person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent.” Penalties for violations of this policy by employees or students may result in termination or expulsion for instances of sexual assault or attempted sexual assault, and lesser penalties, including suspension, probation and assessment of financial penalties for other offenses, may result as appropriate.

Reporting of a Sexual Assault:
Any student, employee or visitor who is the victim of a sex offense, forcible or non-forcible, is encouraged to report the assault to local law enforcement. If a victim so chooses, he/she may be assisted by University authorities in reporting the assault to the proper law enforcement authorities. After making the report, the victim is not obligated to continue with legal or University disciplinary action. The assault may be reported in person by contacting the Campus President/Vice President.

Coping with a sexual assault:
Victims of a sexual assault may find it helpful to discuss their experience with a campus administrator. Administrators can assist by changing a victim’s academic situation, serve as a source of referral to outside agencies, and provide information about prosecution procedures, and the University disciplinary process. For more information, contact the Campus President/Vice President.
Victims of a sexual assault may also receive free, confidential, twenty-four hour, counseling by calling the Rape Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN) at 1-800-656-4673, extension 1. Trained counselors are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

College response to a sexual assault:
Sexual assault is a criminal act which subjects the perpetrator to criminal and civil penalties in state and federal courts. Besides the sanctions that can be imposed in court, Keiser University will respond administratively if a sexual assault or other criminal offense involves a student or employee as the offender. Students and employees are subject to applicable state policies and disciplinary procedures, including policies prohibiting sexual harassment. Sanctions may include suspension or expulsion for student offenders or termination of employment for employees.

Victims may commence a disciplinary action by submitting a written, signed statement detailing the incident to the Campus President/Vice President. The accuser and accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during the disciplinary hearing, and in the case of sexual assault, both the accuser and accused shall be informed of the outcome.

Keiser University has a sexual assault prevention program that includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Use Buddy System when walking to parked cars at night
• Leave building in a group when classes are dismissed
• If an assault occurs, notify the Campus (Vice) President or management on duty immediately
• Do not disturb the crime scene & Notify local law enforcement officials
• Secure counseling for the victim
• Change the academic schedule if victim requests & Disciplinary actions include dismissal from institution.