University of the Cumberlands

University of the Cumberlands

Safety and Security

University of the Cumberlands attempts to provide a safe and secure environment for our students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The University has developed policies and procedures, offers educational programs, and cooperates with local law enforcement agencies.

Campus Safety and Security

The University of the Cumberlands has full-time contracted security officers, one full-time safety/security employee, one part-time safety/security employee, and several student staff. These staff members cover the hours from 7:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. Fridays through Sundays. They work out of the Bock Building, located on Main Street, which is open 24 hours daily. None are sworn law enforcement officials, but the security staff work closely with the Williamsburg City Police Department and other law enforcement agencies when appropriate and necessary, and have radio contacts at all times.

General Safety and Security Policies

Any student who has a campus safety or security concerns should contact the Safety/Security Office at extension 4444, Student Services at extension 4230, or any residence hall office. Students are not to be in academic buildings after 11:00 p.m. and should never be in a building alone. Several buildings are monitored by security cameras which provide a recorded copy of activity in that building.

Any student who needs an escort to or from parking areas or resident halls, should contact Campus Safety/Security Staff at extension 4444. This service is offered from 7:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 11:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Residence Hall Security

The University of the Cumberlands has nine residence halls. The main doors of each are unlocked from 7:00 a.m. until 12:00 midnight Mondays through Thursdays, and 7:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. All side entrances remain locked, while still allowing residents to exit; however, for added security, these doors are alarmed from 7:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. daily.

Students needing access to their residence halls, after the main doors are locked, go to the Bock Building, show a valid University ID, sign in, and are then admitted to their individual residence hall by a safety/security staff member.

One staff member remains in the Bock Building and is assigned to check in students. At least two additional staff members patrol the residential area of campus. Patrolling staff have radio contact with the staff member in the Bock Building and Williamsburg City Police.

Fire drills are scheduled each semester, and fire drill diagrams and procedures are posted on each room door of each residence hall. The University of the Cumberlands Student Handbook is published each summer and is given to each student. Included in the Handbook are safety standards and policies to be followed by residents for their personal safety as well as the safety of all students.

Training and Information Seminars

Student Services coordinates several seminars annually, including Sexual Assault and Dating Violence Prevention, Alcohol Abuse Prevention, and Self Defense. While these seminars are open for all students to attend, they are required of all entering freshman enrolled in the freshman orientation program, Insights, and of all students participating on an athletic team. In the fall of 2003, eight programs were offered with a total participation of 613 students. In addition, any student who violates the University alcohol policy must attend the Prime for Life – On Campus Talk About Alcohol program which is conducted by a certified instructor.

Safety/Security Suggestions

Safety/Security on campus requires active support of the University community. Students should assume responsibility for their safety and the security of their property by following the simple suggestions listed below:

Keep room doors and windows locked.
Keep vehicle door locked at all times.
Protect valuables.
Identify valuable property by keeping a list of serial numbers.
Avoid walking alone.
If you need help, draw attention to yourself.
Shouting for help is the first line of defense.
Let someone know your plans.
Ask yourself if you would be an easy target; if so, change your behavior.
Walk confidently – be aware of your surroundings.
Avoid shortcuts.
Report unusual situations to the Safety/Security Staff or Student Services.