Sexual assault is a deeply rooted issue on American college campuses. The purpose of this study was to examine the systems that enable a culture of sexual assault and then enact an action step that strengthened the institutional strategies for preventing these incidents on campus. This qualitative action research study took place at a mid-sized…

In 2013, the U.S. Department of Education published revised guidelines for emergency response planning for colleges and universities in the United States. These guidelines reflect the collective work of numerous government intelligence, law enforcement, and preparedness agencies that have taken into account the past successes and failures of…

Campus sexual misconduct has been a growing concern in recent years. The researchers of this qualitative study analyzed the perceived adequacy of current sexual misconduct training and delivery practices from Title IX coordinators representing 11 higher education institutions across the United States. Results point to the importance of…

Over the last decade, sexual violence in higher education has been a focus for colleges and universities, student activists, parents and families, and the media alike. As institutions responded to these complaints and students demanded action and accountability, it became clear there were too few resources available to address this issue.…

In 2007, the landscape of campus safety changed abruptly with the Virginia Tech shooting and the subsequent wave of anonymous threats in colleges across the country. In response to the tragedy, the Virginia state legislature mandated that every public institution of higher education establish a "threat assessment team." Both the FBI and the U.S.…

Everyone at some point has asked the question "Why do bad things happen to good people? Even while asking it, most know that finding an answer to this question is not likely in their future. People's best responsible action, then, is to manage their risks to prevent future bad things from occurring, to the greatest extent possible. Risk…

From the top down, says the writer, Russia's universities are impoverished by bribery and insider deals large and small. A new president's dorm at Nizhniy Novgorod is one example of what anti-corruption watchdogs say is widespread mismanagement, and in some cases outright corruption, throughout the country's higher-education system. Presidents use…

Presents a road map for colleges and universities to follow when establishing an in-house protective services department, focusing on: the leadership and command structure, screening and hiring of security officers, training of campus security personnel, documentation of officers' actions, policies and procedures (particularly regarding the use of…

Provides administrative advice on how some safety experts have made college campuses safer and friendlier without breaking the budget. Tips on security and advice on safety management that encompasses the whole environment are highlighted. (GR)

Crime is increasingly characterizing the contemporary college experience. In a post-Columbine, post-Sept. 11 world, the "It can't happen here" response to such violence has been replaced with "Oh Lord, not again." In response to the loss of their daughter, and the lack of institutional support they received, Howard, and Connie Clery filed suit…

This report on safety in Minnesota's secondary and postsecondary schools assesses and evaluates the impact of existing laws and programs on school safety and anti-violence and recommends changes in law or policy to increase safety and curb violence. The report is based on a 1995-97 survey of postsecondary students, interviews with campus security…

This report provides the results of a survey of safety and security at colleges and universities in Minnesota, along with policy recommendations to improve safety and security at Minnesota post-secondary institutions. It is based on campus security reports voluntarily submitted by 60 of the 110 Minnesota post-secondary institutions, personal…

A safety audit took place at McGill University (Quebec, Canada) with special consideration of women's feelings of safety on campus. Initially, a mini-audit took place at the urban campus in and around several buildings with a group of students, faculty and staff and a representative from the local action committee on violence. The administration…

The article reports on a 1989-90 survey which examined the campus crime rate and perceived issues at 219 colleges and universities. Institutional liability is addressed; and ways to reduce liability are recommended, including distributing notices to keep room doors and windows locked, conducting crime prevention workshops, and increasing security…

This chapter reviews court cases and makes recommendations in light of the rising incidence of campus crimes and increased third-party litigation. There is greater awareness of gang and acquaintance rapes and a general increase in rapes, assaults, and murders. To secure compensation, women are also suing the institution on whose campus the assaut…