Seattle Pacific University seeks to maintain a safe and healthy environment for the campus community. However, because no security system can eliminate all risk, it is hoped that each member of the University community will contribute to campus safety. To assist in this, Seattle Pacific has established certain policies and procedures which are administered by the Office of Safety and Security (ext. 2922) and the Office of Student Life (ext. 2247).

This page offers information on University policy related to issues of health and safety, as well as tips on how to protect yourself and your property from crime. Copies of the Health & Safety report are available in the Office of Safety and Security.  

Written Hazard Communication Program (Word Doc)
Accident Prevention Program (Word Doc)
Hazardous Materials and MSDS Notebooks

This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on-campus, in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Seattle Pacific University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, and personal safety including topics such as; crime prevention, campus security law enforcement authority, crime reporting policies, disciplinary procedures, and other matters related to security on campus.

Education - the business of a University - can only take place in an environment in which each individual feels safe and secure. Seattle Pacific University is committed to creating and maintaining a safe working and living environment for the students, faculty and staff of the University. However, because no security system can eliminate all risk, it is expected that each member of the SPU community contribute to campus safety.

This report, in compliance with the Clery Act, contains information regarding crime prevention programs offered at the University, tips on crime prevention and personal safety, instruction on reporting crimes and emergencies, SPU crime statistics and security-related policies and statements. The policies and procedures outlined in this report were developed in the interest of students’ safety. Students can contribute to their safety by following these guidelines and being aware of how they can protect themselves.

Your Right to Know
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (referred to as the “Clery Act”) is part of the Higher Education Act. It requires institutions of higher education that receive federal financial aid to report specified crime statistics on college campuses and to provide other safety and crime information to members of the campus community.

The Higher Education Act requires colleges and universities to:

• publish an annual report every year by October 1 that contains three years of campus crime statistics and certain campus security policy statements;
• disclose crime statistics for the campus, public areas immediately adjacent to or running through the campus, and certain non-campus facilities and remote classrooms;
• provide “timely warning” notices of those crimes that have occurred and “pose an ongoing threat to students and employees;”
• describe the University’s missing student notification policy that allows students to confidentially register a contact person and missing student notification procedures;
• disclose in a public crime log “any crime that occurred on campus. . . or within the patrol jurisdiction of the campus police or the campus security department and is reported to the campus police or security department
• describe the University’s emergency response and evacuation procedures including how the institution will immediately notify the campus community upon the confirmation of a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to safety of students or staff occurring on the campus;
• publish an annual fire safety report that includes fire statistics and maintain a fire log

The Office of Safety and Security (OSS) is responsible for the preparation and dissemination of the annual security report. By October 1 of each year, all enrolled students and employees receive an email regarding the content and availability of the annual security report. The email provides information regarding how to access the report via the Internet and how to request a printed copy of the report. To request a printed copy of this report, call (206) 281-2821 or email michac@spu.edu. Prospective students and employees receive information regarding the availability and access to the report from Admissions and Human Resources, respectively.

Campus Access
Seattle Pacific University is private property, reserved for students, faculty, staff and their guests. They have access to academic, recreational and administrative facilities during specific hours and class schedules. This access is given only to those who adhere to the social and behavioral expectations set forth in the student and staff handbooks; it may be revoked at any time.

All special events scheduled for the campus must have prior authorization. Some campus events may require the presence of security officers. Contact the Office of Student Life for information on special event policies and procedures.

Access to residence halls is restricted to students, their guests and those staff members who have job-related business in the halls. Strict control of keys also limits access; when keys are reported lost, room locks are changed. In addition, a system of locked security doors can be opened only with student room keys or card access. Propping security or fire doors open is not allowed and failure to obey this rule may result in disciplinary action. Security officers check doors several times each day to enforce this policy and to detect malfunctions. Problems are reported immediately to the Office of Building Maintenance (206) 281-2330 for correction.

Residence hall floor areas are segregated by gender and have hours which limit visitation by the opposite sex. Overnight visits by guests of the opposite sex are not permitted and other guests must limit their stay to three days, except by permission of the hall staff. Guests are expected to follow the same behavioral standards as the residents. For visitor convenience and resident safety, residence hall lobbies are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and are equipped with phones so that visitors can call students.

The campus is well-lighted but periodic reviews are made to examine use patterns, determining where improvements may be needed. Each month OSS completes an exterior lighting report to detect and report malfunctions. Also, older lighting fixtures are systematically upgraded to improve reliability and efficiency. Landscaping is reviewed as well, reducing opportunities for concealment and to avoid conflicts with lighting systems.

Office of Safety & Security
The Office of Safety and Security (OSS) is a private security organization which patrols campus buildings and grounds by foot and in cars 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Officers do not have deputized or state-commissioned police authority and carry no firearms, but they do make citizen's arrests when appropriate. In addition, they work closely with the Seattle Police Department in the investigation of all crimes reported on campus. Security officers are available 24 hours a day and will respond to all emergencies. They also render immediate aid, investigate incidents and complete reports for administrative follow-up. Students are also encouraged to report crimes to the Seattle Police Department. The Seattle Police and Fire Departments may be reached directly by dialing 911 from any campus phone. However, by dialing the campus emergency number, 2911, OSS can immediately identify the building from which you are calling and security officers will then report to police or fire with accurate information. These officers can also render immediate aid in an emergency.

Officer qualifications include attendance at the Washington Campus Law Enforcement Training Academy, certification in first aid and CPR, as well as fire brigade and self-defense training.

Timely Warning Policy
It is the policy of the University to issue emergency notification alerts in an effort to notify community members about certain crimes in and around our community in a timely manner. For the purposes of this policy, "timely manner" means that upon confirmation by OSS the campus community will be immediately notified of any significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or staff.

The Director of Safety and Security will consult, as appropriate and necessary, with other University officials regarding whether a timely warning should be issued. The decision to issue a timely warning shall be made on a case-by-case basis after consideration of the available facts, including factors such as the nature of the crime, the continuing danger or risk to the campus community, and the possible risk of compromising law enforcement efforts.

When a determination is made that a timely warning should be issued, OSS will take appropriate steps to ensure timely notification of the campus community. The University has various systems in place for communicating information quickly to the campus community. These methods of communication include the University’s mass notification system (SPU-Alert), an outdoor public address system, emergency messages that scroll across electronic reader boards, campus-wide e-mails, physical postings on doors, and announcements by Building Emergency Coordinators or the SPU website.

Anyone with information warranting a timely warning should report the circumstances to OSS at (206) 281-2911. Call extension 2911 on campus. Call 2922 for non-emergencies.

SPU Alert: Mass Emergency Notification System
The SPU-Alert System is a communication tool used to notify the campus community about any situation or condition that could threaten the safety of individuals on campus. In the event of an actual emergency, the SPU-Alert System allows SPU officials to send nearly simultaneous messages via cell phone text messaging, email, and telephone.

To be fully effective this system needs the cooperation of all faculty, staff and students to provide appropriate personal contact information for emergency notification. Members of the SPU community can enroll by accessing the Banner System on the web at https://www.spu.edu/banweb/ and selecting the SPU-Alert option under the Personal Menu page. The CIS Help Desk can provide technical assistance if needed.

Tests of the system will be conducted at least annually by OSS and the CIS department.

Emergency Contact Information
All University constituents are encouraged to add or update their Emergency Contact Information. While the SPU-Alert systems identifies how to contact the community member in the event of a campus emergency, the Emergency Contact Information identifies who should be contacted if something happens to the community member. It is accessed from the same Personal Menu page describes above; it is located above the SPU-Alert link.

In addition to registering an emergency contact, students residing in on-campus housing have the option to identify confidentially an individual to be contacted by SPU in the event the student is determined to be missing for more than 24 hours. If a student has identified such an individual, SPU will notify that individual no later than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing. Students who wish to identify a confidential contact can do so through the Banner Information System. See the Missing Person Policy for more information.

Additional Emergency/Medical Information
Individuals may also wish to make personal health information available for use by emergency responders in the event of a personal emergency. Supplying personal health information is voluntary for each employee. However, those individuals who have specific health issues or information they would like emergency responders to know about may take advantage of this opportunity to do so. To provide this information select the "Additional Emergency/Medical Information" link on the bottom of the Emergency Contact Information page. Access to this data will be strictly limited to Safety and Security staff to assist in responding to an emergency and will not be forwarded to any other person or department.

Federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act
The new Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act beginning in 2002 requires states to ask every registered sex offender if they are enrolled at or employed by a college or University. In addition, pursuant to RCW 9A.44.130, any such adult or juvenile offender who is admitted to a public or private institution of higher education shall, within ten days of enrolling or by the first business day after arriving at the institution, whichever is earlier, notify the sheriff for the county of the person's residence of the person's intent to attend the institution. Students and employees can find out information about registered sex offenders in their area through the King County Sheriff's Office website. www.metrokc.gov/sheriff/services/sex_offender_search/

Members of the SPU community can find out information about registered sex offenders (if any) enrolled at or employed by SPU by calling the Seattle Police Department, Sex and Kidnapping Registration Detail (SPD) at (206) 684-5332. At this time, SPD has the most current information regarding registered sex offenders within the City of Seattle. SPD will be able to tell you whether there are any registered sex offenders enrolled at or employed by SPU, but may decide not to provide you the identity of any Level 1 offenders unless you demonstrate a need to know, or provide a specific name to be checked.

Crime Log Information
Seattle Pacific University provides crime statistics to prospective students, matriculated students and employees. The Office of Safety and Security (OSS) makes the crime log for the most recent 60 day period open to public review during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, excepting holidays. Any portion of the log beyond 60 days, if not immediately available, will be made accessible within two business days of a request for public inspection. The University’s student newspaper, The Falcon, publishes a crime blotter on a regular basis.

Emergency Telephones
Emergency assistance call boxes are conveniently located throughout campus in well-lighted areas for requesting emergency assistance and for alerting OSS of a crime or suspicious activity. Emergency phones are installed outside the main entrances to residence halls, most elevators and most parking lots.

Safety Escort Service
The Office of Safety and Security (OSS) operates a safety escort service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. An escort can be obtained by dialing ‘2922’ on any campus phone or at (206)281-2922 from a cell phone.

Personal Safety Education
The Office of Safety and Security (OSS) sponsors free self-defense classes for female students as well as faculty and staff. These programs are presented by nationally certified instructors with Rape Aggression Defense Systems. The Rape Aggression Defense System (RAD) is a program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques for women. The RAD System is a comprehensive, women-only course that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training. For more information, contact OSS at (206)281-2922.

Alcohol & Drugs
Seattle Pacific University is subject to the requirements of the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989. The University strongly supports each act and consistently ensures compliance with them. Each year, the University distributes information to students, faculty and staff regarding the restrictions and consequences of violations of each act. Copies of the statement can be obtained by employees at Human Resources and by students at University Admissions.

This information is available to others in the SPU "Drug-Free Campus" brochure. It offers details on the health risks, legal sanctions and treatment options related to alcohol and drugs. Copies of this brochure are available at the following campus locations: Office of Safety and Security; Student Counseling Center; Health Services; Office of Student Life; Uni-Com; Office of Admissions; and the Office of University Relations.

The University does not permit faculty, staff, or students to unlawfully possess, use, or distribute illicit drugs or alcohol or to use alcoholic beverages on its property or as part of any of its activities. Such possession, use, or distribution will be grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including termination/expulsion, and referral for prosecution. An employee or student who, while on the SPU property or at any University activity, exhibits objective signs of having consumed intoxicating beverages or illicit drugs will be placed on immediate suspension. If the observed behavior is a result of drug abuse or alcohol use, the employee/student will be subject to further disciplinary action. Employees should refer to the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Use Policy (in the faculty and staff handbooks) and students to the student handbook for further detail.

Any such incident will be documented and reported to the Dean of Students in the Office of Student Life (regarding students) or Human Resources (regarding employees) and to the President's Office. The disciplinary action taken will be reviewed and approved by the President or his designate.

Supervisors will immediately document any incident of substance abuse or drug/tobacco use in violation of the restrictions listed above. The documentation is to be forwarded within 72 hours to the Dean of Students in the Office of Student Life (regarding students) or Human Resources (regarding employees) and to the President's Office. The disciplinary action taken will be reviewed and approved by the President or his designate.

If an employee or student is required to complete a drug treatment and rehabilitation program as part of the disciplinary action resulting from a violation or this policy, official records of the diagnosis or treatment will be kept for three years, separate from the standard Human Resources or student records. The file will be held in the strictest confidence and will only be used as evidence to governmental and granting agencies that the University did in fact take steps toward correcting the problem.

Crime Reporting & Statistics
Prospective students, employees, and visitors to the University should know that as with any campus, there is crime both on- and off-campus and that it is important to take reasonable precautions at all times. Students, staff and faculty are strongly encouraged to report all crimes or suspicious activity to the Office of Safety and Security (OSS). The officers will conduct a thorough investigation of all incidents and offenses. The identity of complainant(s), victim(s), and witness(es) will be kept confidential to the extent possible. Arrests will be made, if warranted. Criminal reports are filed and meet the Uniform Crime Reporting (U.C.R.) standards.

To report a police, fire, or medical emergency call OSS by dialing 2911 from a campus phone or (206) 281-2911 from a cell or off-campus phone. For non-emergency business calls dial 2922 from campus phones or (206) 281-2922 from cell or off-campus phones. Campus community members are encouraged to program the Security information and emergency lines into cell phones to reduce emergency response time. An OSS dispatcher is on-duty at all times to provide assistance.

Many SPU graduate and professional students and a number of undergraduate students live away the campus. OSS handles investigations of crimes at all University-owned or operated facilities located within a reasonable distance from the main campus in conjunction with the Seattle Police Department. Matters occurring at properties that are more distant from the main campus may be handled entirely by the local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction.

The Office of safety and Security (OSS) monitors off-campus criminal activity that may affect the University community so that it may provide timely warnings and advisories. This information is disseminated via campus media, outdoor warning system, text and e-mail messaging, posted bulletins, and through Residence Life. Although the department does not routinely record statistics on crimes that occur outside its legal jurisdiction, it does collect and publish statistics for select crimes occurring on public property immediately adjacent to the University.

Missing Persons
Seattle Pacific University has a policy for identifying and responding to missing person situations. If a member of the University community has reason to believe that a student who resides in on-campus housing is missing, they should immediately OSS at (206) 281-2911. OSS will generate a missing person report and initiate an investigation. The University may investigate circumstances for non-residential students who are missing out of concern for student well-being when it is determined that the University might be able to assist the student.

After investigating the missing person report, should OSS determine that the student is missing and has been missing for more than 24 hours, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) will be notified. The University may notify appropriate authorities without delay when it has reason to believe the student is endangered or missing under involuntary circumstances. The student’s emergency contact will be notified no later than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing. If the missing student is under 18 years of age and is not an emancipated individual, SPU will notify the student’s parent or legal guardian immediately after it has been determined that the student has been missing for more than 24 hours.

In addition to registering an emergency contact number, students residing in on-campus housing have the option to identify confidentially an individual to be contacted by the University in the event the student is determined to be missing for more than 24 hours. If a student has identified such an individual, the University will notify that individual no later than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing. Students who wish to identify a confidential contact can do so through the Banner Information System on the web, www.spu.edu/banweb/. Select the Personal Menu then choose the SPU-Alert System, then select Emergency Contact Information. Choose to add a new contact or edit an existing contact. Under the “relationship” drop down menu, select “missing person contact”. Please contact the CIS Help Desk if you have questions concerning entering your personal contact information into the Banner Information System.

Other Campus Security Officials for Reporting
Although the Office of Safety & Security (OSS) strives to maintain a safe and sensitive environment for crime victims/survivors, many campus personnel are available to assist persons who may not wish to contact the police.

Crimes may be reported to administrators and/or student services personnel. Such personnel include Deans, Directors, Residence Life Coordinators, athletic team coaches, and faculty and/or student advisors.

These employees are required to report crimes listed under the Clery Act to OSS, though are not required to report the identity of the victim.

While reporting is strongly encouraged, professional and pastoral counselors are not required to report under the law. OSS works closely with the Student Counseling Center and Health Services staff to ensure that clients are informed of procedures to report crimes by filing a police report or on a confidential basis. Every attempt is made to encourage reporting where the information is otherwise privileged.

Hate Crime Policy, Reporting and Resources
The Office of Safety and Security (OSS) is responsible for collecting and reporting hate motivated statistics. Anyone receiving a report of hate violence is urged to review the circumstances of the incident with OSS to ensure that an appropriate report is completed, the perpetrator is held accountable, statistics are collected and disseminated, and the victim and/or communities are provided with assistance/referrals.

Criteria for Reporting Hate Motivated Crimes and Incidents. Reports of hate motivated incidents are taken because there is a potential for reoccurrence and/or escalation into a criminal act. The key criterion in determining whether or not any crime or incident fits into the definition of a hate crime or incident is the motivation behind the incident. The following criteria are to be used in determining whether or not an incident is motivated by bias based on race, ethnicity, gender/perceived gender, sexual orientation, religion or disability. The list is not all-inclusive.

A criminal act may include any of the following: burning cross or religious symbol; explosives; bomb threats; assault; disorderly conduct; interrupting or disturbing religious, ethnic, cultural, political, or other meetings; unlawful use of the telephone.

A non-criminal act or incident, while not criminal, is done with the apparent intention to harass, intimidate, threaten, retaliate, create conflict, because of any person's race, religion, ethnic background, etc.

Confidential Reporting
Victims of crime that do not want to pursue action within the University system or the criminal justice system may still want to consider making a confidential report. The Office of Safety and Security (OSS) can file a report on the details of the incident without revealing the victim’s identity. The purpose of a confidential report is to comply with the victims wish to keep the matter confidential, while taking steps to ensure the future safety of themselves and others. With such information, the University can keep an accurate record of the number of incidents involving students, employees, and visitors; determine where there is a pattern of crime with regard to a particular location, method, or assailant; and alert the campus community to potential danger. Reports filed in this manner are only counted and disclosed in the annual crime statistics for the institution.

Crime Statistics
College and University campus crime statistics are an important resource that the entire campus community and prospective members of it can use to gauge their safety, and take proactive steps to avoid and prevent campus crime.

In accordance with the Campus Security Act, the University provides crime statistics to prospective students, matriculated students and employees. Crime statistics are available for reported crimes that occur on-campus, off-campus, non-campus and public property and are published on the OSS website. The statistics represent alleged criminal offenses reported to campus security authorities and/or local police agencies. Therefore, the data collected do not necessarily reflect prosecutions or convictions for crime. Because some statistics are provided by non-police authorities, the data are not directly comparable to data from the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting System which only collects statistics from police authorities.

See Appendix A for Crime Statistics.

Sexual Assault
Although Seattle Pacific University makes every reasonable effort to provide for the safety and security of its students, sexual assault is a reality on any college campus. In a study of "date rape" on 32 college campuses, one in four women surveyed were victims of rape or attempted rape. What's more, eighty-four percent of those raped knew their attacker. And rape is not just a crime against women. There are cases of sexual assault against men as well.

Therefore, it is to your advantage to know as much as you can about the issue of rape and how to cope with it should it happen to you, or someone you know. You should also be aware of the University policy toward sexual assault and become familiar with the laws of Washington State. If you or someone you know is the victim of a sexual assault, resources are available to help you on and off campus.

The Washington State Criminal Code defines rape as engaging in sexual intercourse (which includes several forms of intimate contact) with another person by forcible compulsion; or when the victim is incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless or mentally incapacitated (such as when the victim is intoxicated and/or unconscious); or when a victim does not consent to sexual intercourse with the perpetrator and such lack of consent is clearly expressed by the victim's words or conduct. In some cases, a rape may occur in a social setting (for instance, on a date or at a party), and the victim does not understand that the incident meets the legal definition of rape. The perpetrator may also be unaware that the incident meets this definition.

Rape is a crime punishable under the Washington State Criminal Code. Punishment may include prison and/or monetary fines. For more information, contact the Seattle District Attorney's Office at 296-3565.

In addition to the legal consequences of sexual assault, the University has its own policies against sexual violence of any kind, from harassment to rape (see the Student Handbook, pages 34, 42-43). Infractions of these policies can result in a variety of disciplinary actions, up to and including suspension or permanent expulsion from the University.

The University will make reasonable accommodations to meet the needs of an assault victim's academic and living situation after an alleged sex offense. This may mean offering to change the victim's class schedule and/or the location of the victim's residence.

If the accuser or the accused wish to have a friend present during the University's investigative proceedings, approval must be arranged in advance. Attorneys are not permitted to be present. Both parties will receive the same opportunities to have others present during the University's disciplinary proceedings, and both will be informed of the outcome of any disciplinary action taken by the University.

If you're on campus, call campus security at 2911. If you're off campus, call police at 911. Off campus, go to a hospital emergency room or Harborview Hospital Sexual Assault Center at 325 Ninth Avenue.

Get help. It's not your fault! Call SPU's Student Counseling Center at (206) 281-2016, or SPU's Health Center at (206) 281-2231.

You can also contact the Rape Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) at 1-800-656-HOPE. The Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network will automatically transfer the caller to the nearest rape crisis center, anywhere in the nation.

Emergency Response
SPU’s Emergency and Crisis Management Plan is updated annually and can be found on the SPU web page at www.spu.edu/info/emergency/index.asp. Links to the plan are also located on the "Current & New Students" and "Faculty & Staff" tabs on the SPU main page.

Online Emergency Preparedness Tutorial
An online tutorial designed to provide faculty and staff with a general understanding of SPU’s Emergency and Crisis Management Plan is available. This orientation to SPU’s emergency policies and procedures will help familiarize individuals with the University’s planned response to a crisis. Students may view the tutorial upon request: contact OSS at (206) 281-2922.

"Stop. Think. Act." Books
The “Stop. Think. Act. Seattle Pacific University Emergency Procedures" booklet is distributed to all employees and located in all classrooms and gathering spaces around campus. The booklet contains a list of evacuation sites for each building as well as steps to be taken in response to specific types of emergencies. A flipbook has been attached to the podium or located in another conspicuous place in each classroom. In addition, booklets are secured in most gathering spaces on campus such as lounges, residence hall lobbies and campus dining facilities. RLCs and PAs in each residence hall have copies of the flipbook as well.

Building Emergency Coordinator (BEC)
One or more Building Emergency Coordinators have been appointed for each campus building. In the residence halls, the RLCs serve as BECs. These individuals are vital in the efforts to respond successfully to an emergency situation and to determine whether everyone in a given building is accounted for. BECs are asked to provide leadership and guidance to the community during an emergency. They will assist OSS with notification to their building occupants of the type of emergency and provide instructions on how to respond. During and evacuation, they will account for community members at designated buildings evacuation locations.

Emergency Drills
Emergency drills will be conducted on an annual basis to help evaluate the effectiveness of the University’s emergency plan and to train people on the appropriate emergency response procedures. The buildings affected and the times of the drills will vary from drill to drill so that the occupants of all campus buildings will have the opportunity to practice for an actual campus emergency. Drills may be announced or unannounced. All drills will be documented, including a description of the exercise, the date, time, and whether it was announced or unannounced.

Campus Lockdown and Evacuation Information
In the event of a violent incident on campus there would likely be a campus wide lockdown. The SPU-Alert System will be used to notify the campus community that a lockdown is in effect. In a lockdown, campus building entrances will be locked and all persons inside should find a secure location to take shelter in. Most offices and classrooms doors can be locked by pushing a button or other mechanical device on the door lock should an emergency situation arise which would warrant such action.

In the event an act of violence occurs on campus it can be assumed that, unless specific notice is given otherwise, all remaining classes and events for the day have been cancelled. The purpose of this default policy is to avoid confusion due to lack of information so that any person who is off campus when violence occurs and hears a notice of such an event can assume that they should not come to campus. A communication will go out via a number of avenues (email, snow closure hot-line, web page, Seattle media, etc.) to the community if classes or events will resume as originally scheduled.

Lockdown / Shelter in Place – General Guidance
In the event that the University is threatened by an act of violence such as a bank robbery or armed intruder on campus, the University will initiate a lockdown. It should be assumed, unless specific notice is given otherwise, all remaining classes and events are temporarily suspended until the incident is over. Lockdown notifications are sent from the SPU-Alert System to cell phones as text messages and to email, announced by Building Emergency Coordinators and displayed on electronic reader boards.

If in a building at the time of the lockdown individuals should:

• Stay in the buildings unless it is affected or the danger is in the immediate area. If it is affected, evacuate;
  
• Move to a securable area (such as an office or classroom) and lock the doors;
  
• Close the window coverings then move away from the windows and get low on the floor;
  
• Remain in the secure area until further direction or the all clear is given (this notification will be sent via the SPU-Alert System)

If locked out of a building, individuals should:

• Leave the area and seek safe shelter off campus
  
• Return to campus after the all clear is given (this notification will be sent via the SPU-Alert System)

Evacuation – General Guidance
An evacuation will be considered if a campus building is affected. The campus will always evacuate if the fire alarm sounds. In the event of an evacuation, individuals should gather personal belongings (purse, keys, cell phone, SPU-ID card, etc.) and proceed to the nearest exit. Most classrooms contain a wall plaque or poster on or next to the classroom door showing the evacuation route and the assembly site for the building. The elevator should not be used.

Once individuals have evacuated a building, they should proceed to the nearest evacuation location (the booklet “Stop. Think. Act” attached to each classroom podium contains a list of evacuation sites for each building). Community members will be instructed to check-in with a Building Emergency Coordinator (BECs are easily recognizable by their bright orange vests). During emergencies, please give the BEC your full cooperation whenever they issue directions or information.

Campus Fire Safety Information
In accordance with the 2008 changes to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, institutions that maintain on-campus housing, shall, on an annual basis, publish a fire safety report. For compliance purposes this report is contained in this section of the annual Safety on Campus Clery Compliance report. In accordance with the law the complete report’s name has been changed to Clery Compliance and Fire Safety Reporting.

Reporting a fire is everyone’s responsibility. All fires that present a risk to persons or property both on and off campus should be reported immediately to OSS and/or 911. Additionally, concerns about fire that are not considered an emergency may be reported to a Residence Life Coordinator, supervisor, designated Building Emergency Coordinator, Facility Management, or OSS.

See Appendix B for Fire Safety Systems in on-campus student housing.

See Appendix C for dates fire drills were conducted for the previous three years.

Fire Safety for On Campus Apartments
Inspections for fire safety equipment and a mandatory state inspection of the hot water heaters are done as state law and University policy requires.

A fire extinguisher is located in every apartment; learn where it is located. Never relocate the fire extinguisher. If the extinguisher is used to extinguish a fire, immediately notify OSS and it will be replaced at no cost. The University inspects fire extinguishers once a year, but tenants should periodically inspect the gauge to be certain the fire extinguisher is properly charged. If the needle indicates that it is undercharged or overcharged notify OSS. Barbecue grills and combustible materials such as propane, gasoline, kerosene, and items containing combustible materials (i.e. lanterns) are not permitted inside the apartment (including storage closets/units).

Because of the risk of burning incense or an open flame left unattended, the use of such is prohibited in residence halls. Candles or lanterns may not be used even in the event of a power outage. Residents are encouraged to have flashlights or similar devices to provide emergency lighting.

In accordance with state law, smoking is prohibited in University buildings. This includes balconies and stairwells to residence hall rooms or public areas.

Smoke Alarms/Detectors
Smoke alarms are located on the ceiling/wall in every apartment; learn where they are located. When the alarm is set off, it will make a loud piercing sound. If the alarm beeps intermittently, the batteries need to be replaced. Please notify OSS as soon as possible. Tampering with smoke detectors may result in disciplinary action, including a fine and/or eviction. Excessive amounts of smoke from cooking or excessive amounts of steam from the bathroom may activate the smoke alarm. If this occurs, simply ventilate the apartment by opening the doors and windows and turning on the fan. The detector will automatically stop sounding when the smoke or steam is completely removed from the area.

Fire Alarms & Evacuation Procedures
Legitimate fire alarms save lives. When activated, the alarm sounds in the entire building and everyone must evacuate immediately. Residence halls have emergency procedure signs that indicate the designated evacuation areas for the building.

Fire Drills
Safety and Security works with residence hall staff to conduct fire drills for each residence hall annually. Students are instructed on evacuation procedures during this process.

Fire Log
Seattle Pacific University maintains a fire log that records any fire that occurs in an on-campus student housing facility. The fire log includes the date the fire was reported, time, nature of the fire and general location of each fire. Entries are made within two business days of the receipt of information. The fire log for the most recent sixty day period is open to public inspection during normal business hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday) at OSS. Any portion of the log older than sixty days is available within two business days of a request for inspection.

Fire Statistics
Seattle Pacific University publishes as part of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, statistics for the three most recent complete calendar years pertaining to on-campus student housing only. Those statistics include: location, total number of fires in each building, date, time, cause of the fire, number of injuries requiring treatment at a medical facility, number of deaths related to a fire, value of the property damage caused by the fire and a unique case number.

See Appendix D for Fire Statistics

Appendix A. Crime Statistics

 *Indicates the number of people involved.

Appendix B. Resident Hall Fire Safety Systems

*Partial Sprinkler System is defined as having sprinklers in "common areas" only
**Full Sprinkler System is defined as having sprinklers in both common areas and individual rooms

Appendix C. Historical Fire Drill Dates for Residence Halls

Appendix D. Fire Statistics

NA – Universities were not required to collect statistics in 2008.

*Fire-related Incident Details

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