Campus Safety and Security
The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is committed to the safety and security of our students and employees. Safety personnel regularly monitor the campus and work closely with the Rapid City Police Department in enforcing community, state, and federal laws, and providing education and prevention programs. Emergency procedures are available at http://business.sdsmt.edu/ehs/emergency/.
Important Things To Remember:
- EMERGENCY 911 (9-911)
- CAMPUS SAFETY 394-6100
- INFORMATION LINE 394-2210
- (On-campus Prefix # 394- Dial 9 first on campus phones for off-campus calls; South Dakota area code 605)
- You do not have to walk alone on campus at night.Campus Safety Employee will escort you from any campus building to another or from your car to any campus building. Campus Safety can be reached at x6100 on a campus phone and 605-394-6100 from a cell phone.
Campus Alert Registration Information:
The School of Mines has implemented a Campus Alert Notification System for all students, faculty, and staff. This service allows the School of Mines to send emergency alerts to your cell phone, landline or computer. Below you will find instructions for registering for the system.
1. Registration e-mails are sent out periodically from membership@everbridge.com.
2. You are encouraged to participate by providing personal contact information, but must at least leave your campus e-mail information in the system.
3. Registration directions can be found at the following website: http://business.sdsmt.edu/ehs/campus-alert/ or contact Jerilyn Roberts at Jerilyn.Roberts@sdsmt.edu or 394-6729.
4. If you have already registered, but need to update your information, go to the following link: https://www.everbridge.net/nns/pub/Login.do.
Crime Statistics
The following statistics are gathered from Crime Reports generated by the Rapid City Police Department, and campus agencies as required by the Uniform Crime Reporting program. Additional information including non campus buildings and public property is available at http://ope.ed.gov/security. The following is the number of occurrences on the School of Mines campus from January 1 - December 31 of each year.
|
|
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
Homicide |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sex Offenses |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Robbery |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Assault |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Burglary |
2 |
8 |
2 |
|
Vehicle Theft |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Arson |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Alcohol Violations |
29 |
25 |
17 |
|
Drug Violations |
4 |
3 |
2 |
|
Weapons Violations |
0 |
1 |
0 |
A list of Registered Sex Offenders in Pennington County is accessible by contacting the Rapid City Police Department, 394-4134 and on-line at http://sor.sd.gov/disclaimer.asp?page=search&nav=2.
Residence Hall And Campus Apartment Safety
Policies and procedures have been developed to help ensure the safety and security of all students residing in campus housing. Facilities are staffed with trained employees of the university. Each residence hall has a hall director and all living areas have a student hired to help maintain the safety and security of all residents and the facility. However, the facilities are only as safe as our residents make them. Students must work with staff to ensure room doors are locked when residents are sleeping or not in the rooms. Residence hall building entrance doors are to remain locked 24 hours a day. Students need to work with staff to make sure doors are not propped open. Students residing in the campus apartments are responsible for securing doors. Potentially dangerous situations need to be reported as soon as possible-non-escorted guests, leaking water, torn carpet, etc.
Sex Offenses/ Sexual Assault Policy
Students who are alleged to have committed sex offenses (including rape, sodomy, forcible, and non-forcible sexual contact, indecent exposure, simple, and aggravated assault) against members of the School of Mines community will be subject to disciplinary measures that apply to "Aggressive Conduct or Harassment," as defined in the Board of Regents Policies.
Procedures
1. Procedures to follow if a sex offense occurs:
a. A student should contact the Rapid City Police. The police will describe the importance of preserving evidence as may be necessary to the proof of criminal sexual assault.
b. If a student would like additional support, or assist in contacting the police, please contact the: Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students (394-2416), Hall Directors, or Director of Counseling (394-1924).
2. Sanctions for sex offenses as described above will be determined on a case-by-case basis following an on-campus disciplinary procedure, which may include, but will not be limited to expulsion.
3. On-campus disciplinary action in cases of alleged sexual assault will follow the aggressive conduct or harassment proceedings with the additional provision that the accuser and accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a campus disciplinary proceeding; and both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the outcome of any campus disciplinary proceedings brought alleging sexual assault.
4. Educational and Counseling Support:
a. A sexual assault training program will be given annually to all Residence Hall Wing Advisors. Campus educational programs will cover areas such as promotion of awareness of rape, acquaintance rape, and other sex offenses.
b. The School of Mines Counseling Services are available for assistance, as are local support agencies such as Working Against Violence Incorporated.
c. The Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Office will assist the victim in changing academic and living arrangements if requested by the victim and if these changes are reasonably available.
Drug Free Environment policy
School of Mines and the South Dakota Board of Regents (4:27 Drug Free Environment) are committed to providing a drug free workplace. With the exception of policy 4:27:E 1-11, policy strictly prohibits the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, sale, possession, procurement, contributing to a minor, and consumption or use of alcohol, marijuana or controlled substances by students and employees on any property controlled by School of Mines and in connection with any institutionally sponsored activity. School of Mines students and employees are expected to abide by all state liquor laws while on any property controlled by School of Mines and in connection with any institutionally sponsored activity (e.g. possession by consumption for students under 21 years of age will be enforced). Furthermore, School of Mines prohibits the possession of empty bottles, cans, wine boxes, or other containers that originally contained alcoholic beverages and being in the presence of alcohol or other drugs on campus proper or in the dormitories or in the campus apartment complex areas.
BOR alcohol and other drug policy violations are cumulative throughout a student's enrollment at South Dakota Board of Regents institutions. (Violations stay on the student's discipline record and are transferable.) School of Mines alcohol and other drug policy violations are not cumulative between academic years.
This policy does not replace nor restrict the student discipline code as established by the South Dakota Board of Regents (3.4.2.B.16.).
Procedure
Any employee violating this prohibition shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, which may include termination of employment.
Students found in violation of the School of Mines policy for alcohol and other drugs may or may not also be in violation of BOR policy concerning alcohol and other drugs (BOR Policy 3.4.2.B.16). Interpretation is at the discretion of the student conduct administrator and the Judicial Committee on a case by case basis. In the event a student is found responsible for a second violation of the School of Mines Policy IV-A-03 within the same academic year, it will be considered a violation of BOR Policy (3.4.2.B.16.) automatically.
Recognized student organizations are expected to report underage drinking at their sponsored events or on their property to the student conduct administrator for remedial action with individual students. Failure to report via the campus student conduct process may result in action being taken against the student organization.
At a minimum, students who violate the School of Mines alcohol or other drug policy will be sanctioned as follows:
1. 1st violation-a $50 fine, completion of the Choices interactive journal; if under 21, parental notification will include a copy of the letter of sanction being sent to the student's parent/legal guardian.
2. 2nd violation-a $100 fine, completion of a brief alcohol assessment and any recommended consequences from the assessment, one-year disciplinary probation; if under 21, parental notification.
3. 3rd violation-suspension for at least a semester; in extenuating circumstances, student may stay enrolled but must complete an approved treatment program; if under 21, parental notification.
The foregoing sanctions, together with such actions as may be imposed pursuant to local regulations for initial infractions, are minimum sanctions. The reference to them does not preclude the institution from imposing more severe sanctions at any level, including expulsion, where the facts and circumstances of the infraction warrant such action.
Where an infraction of Regental alcohol, marijuana, or controlled substances policies appears also to constitute a criminal offense under South Dakota or federal law, the university may refer the matter to law enforcement authorities. Where the facts suggest a felony offense, such referral shall be mandatory. Referral of a matter to law enforcement authorities shall not require suspension of disciplinary proceedings nor delay imposition of discipline.
Exceptions
- No possession, use, or distribution of alcohol, marijuana, or controlled substances is permitted on premises controlled by the South Dakota Board of Regents except:
- when needed in conjunction with approved research activities;
- when alcohol is possessed, used, or distributed in a lawful manner inside a dwelling occupied by an employee who, as a condition of employment, is required to maintain a residence on premises controlled by the Board of Regents;
- when alcohol is possessed, used, or distributed in a lawful manner on premises controlled by the Board of Regents which have been designated by the institutional president as places where such possession, use, and distribution may be permitted, subject to such conditions as the institutional president may also prescribe, provided that a notice of such designation and conditions have been filed previously with the executive director;
- when the possession, use, or distribution of the controlled substance is incidental treatment by a licensed health care professional authorized to prescribe such substances.
Alcohol and Substance Abuse Consequences
Legal Risks
The unlawful use of alcohol, marijuana, or controlled substances exposes students and employees to criminal prosecution by local, state, or federal authorities. Immediate penalties may range from fines, to loss of driving privileges, to jail time. In addition, criminal proceedings and criminal sanctions interrupt normal educational or employment activities and may force individuals to withdraw from the university and to terminate employment. A criminal record is permanent and available in background checks. Existence of a criminal record may affect future employment, scholarship opportunities, certification or licensure requirements and opportunities to serve the community.
Health Risks
The recreational use of alcohol, marijuana, or controlled substances may cause or contribute to physical impairment or psychological dependency. Using or abusing substances can cause loss of memory, chronic fatigue, loss of appetite, frequent absence from classes or work and other effects that prevent achievement of educational, social, or employment goals. Moreover, individuals who abuse alcohol or drugs in early adulthood may also establish patterns of behavior that later disrupt their careers and limit their ability to maintain normal family life.
Drug And Alcohol Education And Prevention Services
The university is committed to decreasing high risk and illegal drug and alcohol use by our students through wellness education and university policies. Education begins for new students during summer and fall orientation programs that familiarize students with campus policies and abuse issues through group discussions and skits.
Residence Life takes a proactive role in training Resident Assistants in responding to alcohol poisoning, illegal drug use, identifying problems students are experiencing, referring students, peer counseling, legal issues, and confrontation skills. They provide information about campus rules and discipline procedures related to alcohol and drug use during wing meetings with residents, through bulletin boards and publications.
Counseling Services and Student Health Services provide screening, information, referral and counseling on substance abuse. Each February the campus sponsors a health and wellness fair which provides information on local resources and educational materials related to substance abuse.
The Campuses Community Wellness Coalition (CCWC) was established in 2005 and The Tobacco Prevention program in 2006. Both programs offer a wide range of educational services including alcohol, tobacco and other drug surveys, social norms information, bystander training, wellness activities, counseling and referral, alcohol and drug prevention classes such as Choices and Understanding Addiction.
Greek organizations have written agreements with the university which include a uniform alcohol policy and discipline guidelines.
Student Affairs staff are regularly in contact with statewide campus networks, initiatives, and trainings related to substance abuse prevention.
The Student Conduct Administrator makes every effort to encourage growth and learning of new information for those with substance abuse infractions.
Weapons Policy
Unauthorized possession of firearms, other items defined as dangerous weapons in SDCL § 22-1-2(10), fireworks, explosives, tasers, BB guns, pellet guns or dangerous chemicals on institutional premises is strictly prohibited. No student or employee shall possess or carry a weapon while on university property, except as authorized in this policy.
This policy does not apply to:
- Any starting gun while in use at an athletic event, and any firearm or air gun at a firing range, a gun show, or supervised school or session for training in the use of firearms;
- The ceremonial presence of any unloaded weapon at a color guard ceremony;
- Any weapon under the control of military personnel assigned to the South Dakota National Guard or to the Reserve Officers Training Corps;
- Any otherwise lawful firearm held in a weapon storage facility operated by the institution or while such firearm is being transported to or from such a storage facility; or
- Storage of any otherwise lawful firearm inside a locked personal motor vehicle is permitted on university property.
- Chemicals used for academic or research purposes purchased in accordance of university policies
Procedure
1. Authorized weapons must be stored in a locked car or surrendered to Campus Safety for secure storage upon entering campus. If the weapon is surrendered to campus safety, the individual will then be required to sign and abide by the Weapons Storage Agreement provided to them by Campus Safety. When removed from storage, the weapon must be locked in the individual's car. It must never be taken to residence hall rooms or campus buildings.
2. Any employee or student who becomes aware of a violation of this policy is required to immediately notify the Campus Environmental Health and Safety Manager, Residence Life, or Supervisor. Employees who are bound legally not to release such information are excluded from the notification policy.
3. Violation of this policy may result in immediate termination of employment or expulsion.
Exception to the Policy
1. If a weapon is necessary for academic purposes or for a special visiting group, a request must be provided with 2-weeks advance notice to the Campus EHS Manager for approval.
2. If approved, the supervisor of the person having the weapon on campus must follow the activities from start to finish.
3. Campus EHS Manager will provide the information and plan for storage/use to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Director of Residence Life and Surbeck Center, Vice President of Business and Administration, and Campus Safety Officer for informational purposes only.
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Campus Safety Report (PDF)
Camp[us Safety Report (Word)
