Campus Safety Clery Report

Campus Safety Annual Security and Fire Safety Report 2018/19

Crime Statistics

This report has been prepared in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crimes Statistics Act (formerly the Campus Security Act of 1990) of 1998 and to implement the requirements of the 2008 Higher Education Opportunity Act Fire Safety Reporting provisions. These laws require Colleges and Universities to annually distribute information about its campus safety procedures, crime statistics, and campus fire safety procedures and statistics to the Federal Department of Education, as well as to the institution’s current and prospective students, parents, and employees. The URL address for this report is distributed annually to current students and employees thru the campus email system.

Campus Safety Services

The Campus Safety Department employs one full-time Chief, three full-time 12 month staff, one full-time 9 month staff, one part-time assistant and shared clerical support staff. We also contract with a licensed security company to provide additional patrol services. The Campus Safety Department assists in preserving a safe environment, and protects faculty, staff, students, and property from crime and safety hazards. Specific services include but are not limited to 24 hour a day 7 days a week security patrols, the locking and unlocking of buildings, parking regulations enforcement, campus escorts, and dissemination of safety-related information. The Campus Safety Department reports to the Vice President of Finance. The Ocean View apartments are serviced by a contracted private security guard company which provides periodic patrols between the hours of 8pm-4am 7 days a week.

The arrest authority of the Campus Safety officers is the same as private citizens as specified in the California State Penal Code. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department has the jurisdiction over criminal matters on the Campus. At the Ocean View apartments located in the City of Santa Barbara, the Police department of Santa Barbara has jurisdiction over criminal matters. All officers receive training through the California College and University Police Chiefs Association. All campus buildings are key locked with a removable core system designed to insure the prompt re-keying of locks when keys have been lost. Burglary alarms are located in special areas to protect property. All of the residence halls and major buildings have fire alarm systems in place that are monitored by in house staff and an alarm monitoring company. Many buildings are also protected by fire sprinkler systems. Westmont is committed to a retro-fit program that is installing fire sprinklers in all the residence halls and major buildings. All of the residence halls are locked.

In the event of an emergency, all faculty, staff, students, and visitors should call 911, and then call the Campus Safety Department. The Campus Safety Department can be reached from any campus phone by dialing ex. 6222 or (805) 565-6222 from an off campus phone. The Campus Safety Department is located in the office area of the Physical Plant Department building.

Westmont posts warnings of crimes committed that may impact the safety of staff and students. These postings may take the form of all campus voice mails and or flyers on the bulletin boards through out the campus. These warnings are for the purpose of raising the awareness of staff and students of their surroundings and personal safety.

Cooperation with Local Law Enforcement

Westmont enjoys an open and positive relationship with local law enforcement officials and shares information about criminal activity when it involves the College. We collect statistics of reportable crimes, as required and defined in the Clery Act from the local law enforcement agencies.

Westmont encourages victims of crime to report incidents to Campus Safety regardless of how insignificant the crime may appear. To report a crime, a victim or witness need only call extension 6222 or 565-6222. (In all emergencies, always call 911 first.) A Campus Safety officer will take the information. The officer will make an official report and send a copy to the victim upon request. College administrators receive reports about crime on a regular basis.

Westmont Campus Safety officers will also assist victims who want to report crimes to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department.

Alcohol Policies


Westmont expects all students to uphold both California state laws and these college policies regarding alcoholic beverages.  For the policies below Ocean View apartments is considered campus housing.

State Law

In the state of California, persons under the age of 21 shall not purchase, consume or possess alcoholic beverages. In addition, it is against California law to sell or furnish alcoholic beverages to persons under 21 years of age.

Possession and Consumption

Westmont prohibits the presence or consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus and at off-campus Westmont student-sponsored or related activities. Any student in the presence of alcohol on campus (regardless of who actually owns it or who brought it to campus) will be considered in violation of this policy.

Alcohol Containers

Westmont prohibits the presence of full or empty alcoholic beverage containers anywhere on campus, including vehicles. Students are responsible to ensure that no guest brings full or empty alcohol containers on campus.

Drinking in Moderation

Westmont expects students of legal drinking age who choose to drink alcoholic beverages to be moderate in their consumption. Any consumption of alcoholic beverages by any student that results in impairment or intoxication is a serious violation of community standards.

Off-Campus Hosting Responsibilities

It is a serious violation of both California law and college policy to directly or indirectly provide alcoholic beverages that are consumed by underage visitors. It is also a violation to collect money for admission to events where alcoholic beverages are either directly or indirectly provided. Any off-campus student who lives where a hosting violation of the alcohol policy occurs and is present at such time may also be in violation of this policy. Students who host events off-campus (either at their residence or other venues) and choose to provide alcohol or allow alcohol to be present at the event are responsible to ensure that no underage or excessive consumption of alcohol occurs at the event and must take reasonable steps to ensure this does not occur. At a minimum, hosts must:

Accurately identify guests under the age of 21 (e.g. checking IDs) and clearly designate them in some way (e.g. marking hands, wristbands, etc.).

Clearly communicate to guests under the age of 21 that they are not to consume alcohol at the event even though alcohol may be present (e.g. stated in invitations, visible signage at the event, verbal communication at the event).

Place alcoholic beverages (including any beverages brought by guests) in one location and monitor that location in a way that would ensure guests under the age of 21 do not obtain alcohol or guests who are 21 are not served alcohol in excess. (Competitions involving the consumption of alcoholic beverages are discouraged as they can make it difficult to accurately monitor alcohol consumption).

Provide an adequate supply of appealing non-alcoholic beverages and substantive snacks/food. These should be available to all guests and located in a prominent location.

One of the common reasons hosts lose control of an event is because unknown students arrive. Limiting the attendance to students who are known by the hosts can be accomplished by having a guest list.

Hosts should also ensure that students who have consumed alcohol have a ride with someone who has not consumed alcohol.

For more information regarding responsible hosting, students are encouraged to consult with a staff member in the Student Life Office.

Illegal Drugs

In association with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, Westmont has adopted and implemented policies that are intended to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs and the abuse of prescription drugs by students and employees. College policy prohibits the use or presence of all controlled substances and any related paraphernalia. Students and employees are also prohibited from exceeding the dosage of physician prescribed medications. Substance abuse affects the individual, the family, and the community. Violation of college policy with respect to drug use or possession is a serious breach of our behavioral standards, and students who violate this policy are subject to the full range of disciplinary consequences, including expulsion from the college.

If you need help or know someone with a drug-related problem, please know that the counseling center, the health center, our resident directors, deans, faculty, and all other college personnel will provide assistance to those who come forward seeking help. The counseling center provides confidential consultations with trained psychologists and marriage & family therapists, and also makes referrals to outside counseling and treatment services.

Weapons Policies

Possession of firearms, explosives (including firecrackers and dry ice), weapons, (including but not limited to: swords, knives, air soft guns, beebee guns and toys that replicate or could be mistaken for real guns) or dangerous chemicals on college premises is expressly prohibited.

Timely Reporting of Campus Threats and Emergencies

Purpose

In accordance with Federal law and in order to protect members of the campus community, the college establishes the following policy for the timely warning of serious or continuing criminal offenses and other emergencies or dangerous situations that pose a threat to the campus community.

Policy

Upon confirmation of a reportable criminal offense or other emergency considered to be a threat to health or safety, the college will issue a timely warning to the campus community (unless to do so will further jeopardize their health or safety).

Procedures

Upon receipt of information that a reportable offense or other emergency has occurred, the college will take the following actions:

  • A member of the Situation Readiness and Response Team (SRT), Executive Team or Campus Safety staff will determine whether the nature of the reportable offense or emergency amounts to a serious or continuing threat to the health and safety of the campus community.
  • A member or designee of the SRT or Executive Team will then prepare an appropriate warning to the campus community that:
    • describes the nature of the threat;
    • provides instructions and/or recommendations on actions to take in light of the nature of the threat; and
    • includes information on evacuation procedures if the threat requires such action.
  • An SRT member or designee will communicate the timely warning to the campus community through any means appropriate including, but not limited to, one or more of the following ways:
    • email alerts
    • phone alerts (Text to Speech [TTS] and/or text messages and/or hotline postings)
    • website announcements
    • posted warnings

Nonconsensual Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedures

Individuals Covered Under This Policy

This policy and the procedures that follow apply to incidents of alleged occurrences of nonconsensual sexual misconduct (including but not limited to sexual assault and sexual harassment) between students or when the responding party is a student. For alleged occurrences of harassment on bases other sex or when the responding party is a faculty or staff member, or for alleged occurrences of discrimination of any form, please refer to the college’s Unlawful Discrimination, Unlawful Harassment, and Sexual Assault policy.

Our Commitment

Westmont is committed to an environment free from nonconsensual sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, stalking, dating and domestic violence.

Westmont is committed to effectively investigating all complaints made under this policy and taking remedial and/or disciplinary action where appropriate in as expeditious a manner as possible. Westmont is deeply concerned about any incidents and strongly encourages the prompt reporting of all allegations covered under this policy to the college and to law enforcement officials. The college will not tolerate against any individual for making a complaint under this policy and will take strong, corrective action where retaliation is found to have occurred. For purposes of this policy, retaliation means any threat, act intended to cause fear, or exertion of pressure against any person for making a complaint under this policy or for involvement in the procedures under this policy.

 

Deciding to Make a Complaint

The college encourages the prompt reporting of incidents covered under this policy for resolution in accordance with the procedures as described here. The college also strongly encourages individuals to report complaints to law enforcement officials as soon as possible. Reports to the college can be made to any individual listed in the section below titled, “The College’s Duty to Investigate.” Prompt action under this policy allows for individuals to receive the immediate medical care that may be necessary. Prompt action also allows the college and/or law enforcement to provide individuals with reasonable and necessary protection from any further harm. Preservation of evidence is also critical in the investigation. Individuals making complaints under this policy should take measures to preserve forensic information related to their complaint (e.g., documented communication, photographs of injuries; medical examination results, correspondence such as letters, emails, telephone or text messages, gifts, etc.).

Deciding to make a complaint under this policy to the college and/or filing a complaint with law enforcement officials can be difficult. There are options available for those who do not want to make this decision on their own. Counselors at Westmont College Counseling Services or the Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center are available to those who would like assistance to think through their options. The information shared with these providers will not be disclosed to others without consent. Contact information for these resources is below.

The College’s Duty to Investigate

While the college does have a responsibility to effectively address all reports made under this policy, requests of the reporting party to withhold their identity or to not initiate a conduct process will be considered in light of the college’s responsibility to provide a safe and non-discriminatory environment for all students.

Sharing information about sexual discrimination covered under this policy with any of the following college officials is considered reporting it to the college:

Resident Directors
Resident Assistants
Student life deans
Faculty department chairs
College employee supervisors
Directors of off campus programs
Vice presidents
The College Title IX officer

For those not ready to make an official report, contact Westmont Counseling Services at 805-565-6003 or the Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center 24-Hour Hotline at 805-564-3696.

 

Counseling and Support

Whether or not a reporting party decides to submit a complaint to the college for investigation and discipline under this policy, the college is committed to providing a safe place to work through the range of emotions and questions that can arise in the event of an incident covered under this policy. The college encourages individuals to take advantage of personal avenues of emotional support as well as one or more of the following resources:

Campus Resources

  • Counseling Center, 805-565-6003, Information and resource referral, Lower Campus
  • Campus Pastor’s Office, 805-565-6170, Pastoral support and counseling, Clark B
  • *Health Center, 805-565-6164, Medical and information resource, Lower Campus
  • *Vice President for Student Life, 805-565-6028, Information about the student conduct process and list of advisers, Kerrwood Hall, Second Floor
  • *Dean of Students, 805-565-6028, Information about the student conduct process and list of advisers, Kerrwood Hall, Second Floor
  • *Associate Dean of Students, 805-565-6038, Information about the student conduct process and list of advisers, Kerrwood Hall, Second Floor
  • *Resident Director on Call, 805-565-6273, Emergency Response, information and referral resource
  • *Campus Safety Department, 805-565-6222, Emergency response

*Note:a campus resource with an asterisk appearing next to it indicates that the individual in the position has a duty to report the incident for investigation by the college under this policy and/or, in certain circumstances, to law enforcement officials.

Community Resources

  • Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center Hotline, 805-564-3696, 24-Hour Hotline

  • Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center, 805- 963-6832, 433 E. Canon Perdido Street, sbrapecrisiscenter.org

  • Cottage Hospital Trauma Center, 805-569-7451, Pueblo at Bath Street, Medical assistance and evidence collection

Confidentiality and Privacy

Confidentiality for the both the Reporting Party and the Responding Party shall be encouraged and maintained as appropriate and to the extent allowed under the circumstances by law. Information received in connection with a sexual assault, stalking, dating or domestic violence complaint is private and will be shared with those who need to know the information in order to investigate allegations, impose appropriate disciplinary sanctions and/or take necessary corrective actions to protect individuals and the community from further harm.Under the Clery Act, the college must disclose statistics of incidents covered under this policy in its Annual Security Reports (ASRs). When the college receives information about an allegation presenting a serious or ongoing threat to the safety of the community, a timely warning may be issued. The college will never disclose the identity of the reporting party without his or her consent nor otherwise violate privacy rights afforded to students under the Clery or Family Educational Rights and Privacy Acts (FERPA).

 

 

Definitions of Prohibited Behaviors

Nonconsensual Sexual Misconduct covers a range of sexual acts committed by one person against another by use of coercion or intimidation or when the individual does not otherwise provide consent or is incapable of providing consent for reasons of age, unconsciousness, mental impairment, or ingestion of drugs, alcohol or other substance. Nonconsensual sexual misconduct covered under this policy includes the following prohibited behavior:

  • Sexual Assault is defined as engaging in sexual intercourse with any person without that person’s consent. Sexual intercourse is the penetration, however slight, of the vagina or anus with any object or body part or of the mouth with a sexual body part or sexual object.

  • Nonconsensual Sexual Contact is defined as the intentional act of making sexual contact with the intimate body part of another person without that person’s consent. Intimate body parts include the sexual organs, the anus, the groin or buttocks of any person, or the breasts of a female. Some nonconsensual

    sexual contact may constitute sexual harassment. Generally, this is the case if the contact is brief and does not involve force or incapacitation.
  • Sexual Harassment is generally described as any offensive, unwelcome, sex-based behavior that is so severe or pervasive that it creates a hostile environment. Unwelcome sexual touching may constitute sexual harassment. As with all cases, these instances are fact specific and no single factor will be determinative.

  • Sexual Exploitation means taking non-consensual or abusive sexual advantage of another person for one’s own advantage or benefit, or to benefit or advantage anyone other than the one being exploited in a manner not covered under other prohibited behaviors as defined in this policy. Examples of sexual exploitation include, but are not limited to surreptitiously observing another individual's nudity or intimate activity or allowing another to observe consensual intimate activity without the knowledge and consent of all parties involved; non-consensual sharing or streaming of images, photography, video, or audio recording of intimate activity or nudity, or distribution of such without the knowledge and consent of all parties involved; exposing one's genitals or inducing another to expose their own genitals in non-consensual circumstances.

Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking when based on sex constitutes prohibited conduct for purposes of this policy and is defined as follows--

  • Domestic Violence means felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed against one’s current or former cohabitant, spouse, former spouse, or person with whom the suspect has had a child or is having or has had a dating or engagement relationship or any other person protected under domestic violence law.

  • Dating Violence means violence by a person who has been in romantic or intimate relationship with the Reporting Party. Whether there was such relationship will be gauged by its length, type, and frequency of interaction.

  • Stalking means a pattern of actions composed of more than one act over a period of time, however short, demonstrating a continuity of conduct, directedat a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for her, his, or others' safety, or to suffer substantial emotional distress. Stalking includes

but is not limited to unwanted letters, emails, text and telephone messages; telephone calls; unwanted gifts; following an individual or frequently appearing at locations where the individual is located.

Consent is defined as unambiguous and willing participation or cooperation in an act or as an attitude that is commonly understood to be consistent with the exercise of free will. Consent requires participants who are fully conscious, are equally free to act, have clearly communicated their willingness, cooperation, or permission to participate in a specific sexual activity, are positive and clear in their desires, and are able to cease ongoing consensual activity at any time. Refusal to consent does not have to be verbal; it can be expressed with gestures, body language or attitude. A prior sexual history between the Reporting Party and Responding Party does not constitute consent.
Consent is not freely given if one of the following applies:

  1. A reasonable person in the position of the alleged perpetrator at the time the alleged conduct occurred should have known* that the other person was unable to give consent for any of the following reasons:
    1. The individual is unable to make an informed decision as a result of alcohol or other drugs (including but not limited to predatory drugs or prescribed medications); or
    2. The individual is unconscious, asleep, or suffering from shock; or
    3. The individual is under the age of 18 and therefore legally unable to give consent; or
    4. The individual has a known mental disorder or developmental or physical disability and therefore legally unable to give consent.

      * It is important to note that in the Westmont conduct process, use of alcohol does not diminish personal responsibility or act as a mitigating factor in conduct sanctions should a violation be found to have occurred.
  2. The individual has acted or spoken in a manner which expresses he or she refuses to give consent.
  3. It is obtained through the use of force or through the fear of or the threat of force.

Student Conduct Process The following student conduct process applies to allegations of prohibited conduct described in this policy. For all other alleged violations of the Community Life Statement or other college policy, refer to the conduct process section of the Student Handbook on page 131. The college will attempt to resolve complaints made under this policy no more than sixty (60) calendar days after a complaint is received. However, in some cases, the process may take longer.

Pre-Investigation Review.
Upon receipt of a report or complaint, whether oral or written, of an alleged violation of this policy, the Dean of Students (which, for all purposes described in this policy, includes his or her designee) will conduct a pre-investigation review of the information received. During the pre-investigation review, the Dean of Students will conduct separate meetings with the parties. During the meetings, the Dean of Students will explain the process and answer any questions about the process. Neither the Reporting nor Responding Party will be required to provide substantive information about the alleged misconduct during their meetings.

Interim Measures
During the pre-investigation meeting, the Dean of Students will consider whether to issue interim measures. The purpose of interim measures is, to the extent possible, to ensure safety of all persons involved, reduce concerns for personal physical and emotional safety and overall prevent creation of a hostile environment for the individuals and the community. Interim measures may include, but are not limited to, no contact advisories, residence hall relocations; restrictions to campus housing or other campus locations and activities; alternative class assignments or classrooms; and/or interim suspension.

Notice of Investigation
Once the Dean of Students opens an investigation, the parties will receive written notice. The notice of investigation will include, the identity of the parties, the specific section of this policy allegedly violated, the precise conduct allegedly constituting the potential violation, and the date and location of the alleged incident.After issuing the notice of investigation, the Dean of Students will assign an investigator to schedule separate investigative meetings for the parties. In anticipation of the interviews, the investigator will ask the parties to submit written statements to be reviewed by the investigator prior to the interview. In the alternative, the parties may elect to have the information they provide during their substantive investigative interviews to serve as their written statement on the allegation. The parties may also identify a list of any witnesses with information pertinent to the alleged conduct. After conducting interviews with both parties, the investigator will determine whether there is enough information to forward to the student conduct panel for resolution or, where appropriate, offer the parties the option of voluntary, informal resolution of the complaint.

Complaint Resolution
Informal Resolution
If after conducting substantive interviews with the parties, the investigator determines that the complaint is appropriate for informal resolution, the parties may voluntarily agree to forego a full investigation and any subsequent student conduct panel proceedings and instead participate in an informal process to reach a mutually acceptable resolution.

Formal Resolution (Student Conduct Panel Proceedings)
When the informal resolution procedures are not possible or appropriate, or fail to satisfactorily resolve the concern, the investigator will complete a full investigation and determine whether there is sufficient information to forward the matter to the Student Conduct Panel for resolution.

Student Conduct Panel
The Student Conduct Panel is comprised of a minimum of three student life staff who have been trained to investigate and resolve allegations made under this policy. The Dean of Students serves as the chair of the Student Conduct Panel. The chair’s role is to facilitate the Student Conduct Panel meeting and ensure compliance with the process and procedures outlined below. A note taker who does not serve on the panel may also be present to take notes during the Student Conduct Panel’s meetings with any parties or witnesses.

Conflicts of Interest
Student Conduct Panel members should avoid conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from proceedings when their membership on the panel jeopardizes the impartiality of the process. Both the Responding Party and Reporting Party may raise issues of concern about the impartiality of a member of the Student Conduct Panel convened for a particular case. If a potential conflict of interest is identified, the Student Conduct Panel Chair has the sole discretion to decide whether a Student Conduct Panel member should serve on the panel and will replace anyone whom he/she determines is unable to serve on the panel. If the potential conflict involves the chair, then the Vice President for Student Life will make the determination.

Witness Truthfulness
One of the core values of the Westmont community is integrity and truth telling. As such, all individuals participating in the student conduct process are expected to tell the full and complete truth in all disciplinary matters. Neither the reporting nor responding party; nor any individual who participates as a witness under this policy will be subject to conduct sanctions for violations of other college policies at or near the time of the incident, unless the college determines that the violation was egregious, or amounts to an action that places the health or safety of any other person at risk or involves academic dishonesty.
The college will not consider polygraph examinations in any student conduct proceedings.

Confidentiality/Privacy
Every reasonable and appropriate effort will be taken by the Student Conduct Panel and Student Life office to protect the privacy of all individuals involved in a student conduct meeting. The college will, to the extent possible, maintain confidentiality regarding the details and content of the student conduct process including, but not limited to, the investigation, Student Conduct Panel meeting and appeal process. The college will disclose information about this process only when it is necessary for the investigation and resolution of a complaint made under this policy, or to meet an otherwise legitimate educational interest.

Rights of the Parties
Both Responding and Reporting Parties have the right—

 

  • To receive written notice that the college is conducting an investigation of the incident alleged to be in violation of this policy, including the identity of the Responding and Reporting Parties, the specific section of this policy allegedly violated, the precise conduct allegedly constituting the potential violation, and the date and location of the alleged incident.
  • To receive a copy of this policy explaining the policies and procedures used to resolve complaints of prohibited conduct as it is described in this policy.
  • To receive information about reasonably prompt timeframes for the major stages of the investigation and student conduct panel process.
  • To receive timely notice of all student conduct meetings in which either or both parties will be present.
  • To have a support person or adviser present during any stage of the investigation and student conduct proceedings.
  • To have the opportunity to give information, identify witnesses, and provide documentary information during the course of the investigation.
  • To have timely and equal access to all information that will used during any informal or formal proceedings.
  • To not have their irrelevant sexual history discussed during the proceedings.
  • To confront opposing information*
  • To receive simultaneous, written notification of the outcome, including any sanctions imposed.
  • To appeal the outcome of the proceedings.
  • To receive written notice of any appeal and notice of any modification made to the outcome during or after an appeal.
  • To have appropriate conduct outcomes, remedial measures, and systemic remedies put in place following a final finding of responsibility.

*The Right To Confront Opposing Information The right to confront opposing information means that the Responding Party and the Reporting Party have the right:

 

  • To view one another’s written statements submitted to the investigator prior to the conduct meeting.
  • To view prior to the conduct meeting, documents or material discovered or developed by the investigator during the course of the investigation that was provided to the Student Conduct Panel as part of the conduct process.
  • To be verbally informed during the conduct meeting of relevant and material, opposing information communicated by any witness during the conduct meeting. Relevant and material information is information directly related to the merits of the violation alleged that, in the opinion of the panel Chair, when considered may influence the decision maker(s) in reaching a decision.

The right to confront opposing information does not mean that students have the right to directly confront, question or speak to the other party or witnesses. Only panel members will ask questions of the parties and witnesses during the proceedings. Parties may submit questions to the panel to be asked of any party or witness. The panel will, in its sole discretion, determine whether the questions the parties present are relevant and appropriate to ask.

 

Adviser
Adviser’s Role
The role of the adviser is to support the student as she or he prepares to participate in proceedings under this policy, and to provide a supportive presence in any meetings the student attends. An adviser may assist the student in reviewing and confirming their understanding of procedures; or reminding the student of available resources referred to in this policy or by any college official administering this policy. The adviser chosen may be present with the student at any time but is not an advocate for the student and may not address the Student Conduct Panel directly or speak on behalf of the student. The student’s chosen adviser may be his or her legal counsel. However, in no case may an adviser, even if the person is the student’s legal counsel, speak or take on an advocacy role during any portion of the proceedings. The adviser chosen may speak with the student privately and in a manner that is not disruptive. The Student Conduct Panel chair will remove or dismiss advisers who become disruptive or who do not abide by these limitations on their participation.

Choosing an Adviser
Students are strongly encouraged but not required to choose an adviser to support them during any meetings conducted under this policy.
Many students choose a faculty or staff member. While students are not restricted in their choice of an adviser, they are encouraged to choose an individual they believe understands the scope of the adviser’s role and who will respect students’ privacy and the confidential nature of information disclosed during the proceedings. The adviser may be present with a student during any meeting he or she attends. Meetings are scheduled so as not to conflict with the student’s regular academic schedule. While reasonable requests to reschedule meetings due to a conflict with the adviser’s schedule will be considered, advisers are expected to make adjustments to accommodate the student’s scheduled meeting.

Before the Student Conduct Panel Meeting
Submission of Documentary Information
Prior to any Student Conduct Panel meeting, the Reporting Party and Responding Party may offer documentary information in support or defense of the complaint, including any questions that they would like asked of the other party or witnesses during the conduct proceedings. The Student Conduct Panel Chair will inform the Reporting Party and Responding Party of the deadline for the submission of such information. Information submitted after the deadline will generally not be accepted unless prior permission from the Chair is received. The Student Conduct Panel Chair will review all information submitted and return all that is not relevant or material to the complaint or that is submitted after the deadline when no exception to timely submission is warranted. It is within the sole discretion of the Chair to determine what information is relevant and appropriate and whether extenuating circumstances warrant an exception to the deadline given to the parties for the submission of the information described here.Inspection and Review of Documentary Information
The Student Conduct Panel Chair will assemble for the Reporting Party, Responding Party and Student Conduct Panel’s review, all documentary information related to the allegations. Documentary information will generally consist of, but is not limited to:

  • A statement of the specific allegations to be resolved by the Student Conduct Panel
  • A written summary of the investigation conducted
  • All relevant and material statements and documents collected by the investigator
  • All relevant and material statements and documents submitted by the Reporting Party and Responding Party

Notification of Student Conduct Panel Meetings
Within seven days of the Student Conduct Panel’s review of documentary information, the Student Life office will notify the Reporting Party and the Responding Party of the time and date of its first witness meeting. Generally, the Reporting Party and Responding Party will receive seventy-two (72) hours advance notice of the scheduled meeting time for their respective meetings with the Student Conduct Panel. While participation in the Student Conduct process is voluntary, students are expected to participate in the student conduct process upon request. Should a student fail to appear for a meeting when proper notification has been given or should the student fail to provide a statement during the conduct process, the meeting will proceed without benefit of that student’s input. Meetings with the Student Conduct Panel will be scheduled taking into consideration students’ regular academic schedules only. Student Life is committed to prompt resolution of all student conduct meetings. However, the Dean of Students in his or her sole discretion may extend or modify the above-referenced timeframes.

Student Conduct Panel Meeting
Once convened by the Chair, the Student Conduct Panel may conduct several meetings as part of its proceedings under this policy. In addition to its meetings with the Reporting Party and Responding Party, the Student Conduct panel may meet with all, some or none of the witnesses identified in the documentary information it receives.
The Responding Party and the Reporting Party will not have the right to directly question one another or any other witnesses (if applicable), but will have the opportunity to confront opposing information (see previous section titled “Confronting Opposing Information”). If a student refuses to answer questions at the meeting on grounds of Fifth Amendment privilege, or if they choose not to attend the meeting, the meeting can still take place, and the panel may draw negative inferences that may result in sanctions. Student Conduct Panel meetings are closed to all parties except the individual student(s), the Student Conduct Panel members, witnesses and the respective student’s designated adviser. As a general rule, the Student Conduct Panel will meet with the following individuals over the course of one or more days:

  1. The Reporting Party
  2. The Responding Party
  3. Any witnesses requested by the Student Conduct Panel

Prior to the Student Conduct Panel deliberations, the Chair will give members of the panel the opportunity to ask follow up questions of the Reporting Party, the Responding Party and any witnesses previously met. Therefore, all participants should remain available for recall prior the Student Conduct Panel’s deliberations.DeliberationAt the conclusion of its meetings, the Student Conduct Panel will deliberate in private, and, weighing all of the available information, the Student Conduct Panel will determine whether it is more likely than not that a sexual assault, stalking, dating or domestic violence occurred. This level of proof is commonly referred to as a “preponderance of the evidence.” This level is a lesser level than that used in the criminal justice system, which requires that a case be established “beyond a reasonable doubt.” The Student Conduct Panel will determine one of the following appropriate findings by majority vote:

  1. It is more likely than not that the alleged violation occurred, and the Responding Party is responsible; the Student Conduct Panel will impose sanctions, as appropriate; or
  2. It is more likely than not that the alleged violation did not occur and the Responding Party is not responsible; or
  3. There is not sufficient information available to make a determination.

Note: In the event of a finding of (b) or (c) is reached by the panel, the finding is not necessarily based on the accuracy of the charges but rather on the strength of the information available.

Outcome
The chair of the Student Conduct Panel will communicate the outcome of the Student Conduct Panel to the Responding Party and the Reporting Party in writing generally within seven (7) business days.
Unavoidable delay in providing notice of result shall not constitute an appealable procedural error. Results will include the name of the student, the findings of the student conduct panel meeting, any sanctions imposed by the student conduct panel, and the rationale for the findings and sanctions. Disclosure of the result in this manner does not violate the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and is consistent with the college’s obligations under the Clery Act.

Sanctions
Students found responsible for having committed a sexual assault will be suspended for a minimum of one (1) semester. In addition to this mandatory minimum, students found responsible for any violation under this policy are also subject to the following sanctions:

Active Sanctions: Our goal is to make the student conduct process a redemptive and learning experience, students are often required to complete an assignment that is designed to offer opportunities to develop new knowledge or skills, reflect on their experiences, and contribute to the community in some way. Some examples of these opportunities are written reflection papers, community service, mentoring, educational programs, and counseling.

Sanctions may also include, but are not limited to one or more of the following:

  • Formal apology. A written and/or verbal apology to the offended party/parties.
  • Restitution. Compensation for loss, damages or injury. This may take the form of completing appropriate service and/or monetary or material replacement.
  • Parental Notification. Parental notification may be required as a sanction through the student conduct process, and is generally required as a result of violations of the alcohol or drug policy. Parental notification may occur if a student is claimed as a dependent and is either found responsible for sexual assault, placed on deferred suspension, suspended or expelled.
  • Loss of privileges. Denial of specified privileges for a designated period of time. Loss of privileges includes, but is not limited to, open hours, vehicle permit, living in residence halls or off-campus, entering the dining commons, withholding transcripts, and attending or participating in college programs or activities (such as athletic events, intramurals, music performances, drama productions, intercollegiate athletics, graduation exercises, student leadership positions, club activities, off-campus study programs, summer travel programs, etc.).
  • Student Life probation. A period of review during which the student must demonstrate the ability to comply with the Community Life Statement and other college policies or requirements. Probation status takes away the privilege of holding certain student leadership positions. Probation may, but does not always, restrict a student’s ability to participate in activities such as study abroad programs, or other activities in which the student is representing the college. Students are typically placed on Student Life probation for 15 or 30 weeks of the academic calendar. Violations that occur during the probation period may lead to further restrictions such as, but not limited to, extension of the probationary period, deferred suspension, suspension, or expulsion from the college.
  • Deferred suspension. Deferred suspension is a period of review during which the student must demonstrate an ability to comply with the Community Life Statement and other college policies or requirements. If, during the period of deferred suspension, the student is found responsible for a similar or more serious violation, the student will be suspended from the college (the suspension may be imposed immediately with the loss of the current semester). Deferred suspension status takes away the privilege of holding certain student leadership positions. Deferred suspension may, but does not always, restrict a student’s ability to participate in activities such as study abroad programs, or other programs in which the student is representing the college. Students are placed on deferred suspension for 15 or 30 weeks of the academic calendar. If, during the period of the deferred suspension, a student is found responsible for a Level I violation, the period of the deferred suspension for the student will be extended. (For a list of violation levels and associated sanctions see the Student Conduct Process section on Sanctions in at p. 141-142)
  • College suspension. Separation of the student from the campus for a specified period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. While suspended, students may not be on campus or participate in any college related event. Length of suspensions may vary from one or more days to one or more semesters. The timing of the suspension will not occur at the convenience of the student. The Academic Policies and Procedures state, “Faculty are not permitted to provide make- up opportunities or alter established class schedules for suspended students. Where this creates a hardship for students, they are to be referred to the Dean of Students.” Conditions for the student’s return to campus may be specified. If a student is suspended for the remainder of a semester or the entire semester, they must re-apply for admission to the college.
  • College expulsion. Permanent separation of the student from the college.

Other Remedial Efforts
In addition to the imposition of sanctions, the college may develop and/or distribute additional education and training for students and other members of the college community on prevention and awareness of sexual assault, stalking and domestic violence; provide increased supervision, monitoring and/or Campus safety presence in locations where violations under this policy are found to have occurred; revise and publicize procedures; or conduct climate surveys.

Appeals
This process applies to an appeal of sanctions received from a violation of this policy only. For appeal of sanctions received from a violation of other college policies, refer to the Appeals section of the Student Conduct Process. Both the Reporting Party and the Responding Party may seek review of a decision made under this policy by making an appeal. Appeals must be submitted to the Vice President for Student Life in writing via an email to stulife@westmont.edu within three business days of the decision. Appeals will be reviewed by the Vice President for Student Life (or designee). Any requests for extension must be made in writing to the Vice President for Student Life within the original three-day appeal time period. Extensions for appeals are rarely granted, and will only be granted in extremely unusual circumstances. The decision to grant or deny an extension is within the sole discretion of the Vice President for Student Life.
If an appeal is received from either the Reporting Party or the Responding Party, the Dean of Students will notify, in writing, the non- appealing student within two business days of receipt of the appeal that an appeal has been filed.
Only one request for an appeal may be submitted by either the Reporting Party and/or the Responding Party.

Appeal Criteria
An appeal must be in writing and consist of:

  1. A completed Appeal Request form (available in the Student Life office), and
  2. A statement outlining and supporting the specific grounds on which the student is appealing.

The appeal is not a rehearing of the original case and the role of the Vice President for Student Life is not to substitute his or her own judgment for the judgment of the Student Conduct Panel. The role of the Vice President for Student Life is to determine whether a new decision should be considered due to a procedural error, the availability of new information or the imposition of excessive sanctions. Therefore, a student’s appeal must be based on one or more of the following grounds:

  • A process or procedural error was made that was significantly prejudicial to the result of the student conduct meeting as it affects the student appealing.
  • New information that was not available or known to the student appealing at the time of the student conduct meeting has arisen which, when considered, may materially alter the result. Note: Information that the appealing student chose not to present at the time of the hearing is not considered new information.
  • The sanctions imposed are so severe or not severe enough — considering the nature of the violation, student attitude, previous history, impact of the student’s behavior on the community and other specific circumstances —that they demonstrate an abuse of discretion by the Student Conduct Panel.

It is not enough to simply assert one of the grounds for appeal. The written statement accompanying the appeal form must provide information that supports grounds upon which the student bases the appeal. For example: If the student asserts that a procedural error occurred, he or she must name the procedure with specificity and explain how the error affected the decision made. If an appeal does not contain sufficient information to support the grounds upon which the student bases the appeal, review of the appeal will be denied.
During the appeal process, the Vice President for Student Life may choose to set aside sanctions as appropriate.

Preliminary Review of Appeal
The Vice President for Student Life will grant or deny review of decisions rendered by a Student Conduct Panel based on the student’s written appeal. The decision to grant or deny review of the original decision will be made within three business days following receipt of appeal.

  1. Review Denied: Vice President for Student Life will not review an original decision based on an appeal that fails to meet the criteria outlined above. In such cases, the Vice President for Student Life will make no inquiry beyond the written material submitted and the original decision and any sanctions imposed will stand.
  2. Review Granted: If the student’s written appeal satisfies the appeal criteria, the Vice President for Student Life will grant a review of the original decision.

If the Vice President for Student Life grants a review of the appeal, the vice president will communicate to the non-appealing student this decision and provide the non-appealing student an opportunity to view a copy of the appeal. Within three business days of such notification, the non-appealing student may submit a written statement to the Vice President for Student Life that he/she wishes to be considered by the Vice President for Student Life.

Appeal Review
The Vice President for Student Life has two options regarding who will make a decision on the appeal:

  • The Vice President for Student Life will make a decision on the appeal; or
  • The Vice President for Student Life will refer the appeal back to the Student Conduct Panel for a decision on the appeal. If the Vice President for Student Life refers the appeal to the Student Conduct Panel for a decision, the Vice President for Student Life will give instructions to the Student Conduct Panel to review the original decision in light of the information contained in the appeal.

The choice between these two review bodies is in the sole discretion of the Vice President for Student Life. The Vice President for Student Life will communicate to the appealing student whether the Vice President for Student Life or the Student Conduct Panel will be the reviewing body for the appeal.
As part of the appeal review process, the reviewing body will consider material and/or testimony previously presented or a written summary of the previous student conduct panel meeting. The review body may, but is not required to, meet with the Reporting Party, Responding Party, any witnesses and/or members of the Student Conduct Panel (if reviewed by the Vice President for Student Life) prior to making a decision regarding the appeal.

Appeal Decision
Following a prompt and effective review, the Vice President for Student Life or Student Conduct Panel chair (as appropriate) will communicate a decision on the student’s appeal no later than ten business days following the decision to grant a review of the original decision. The decision will be communicated in writing to both the appealing and non-appealing student. The decision will be in one of the two following forms:

  1. Original Decision Upheld: Where review of the original decision does not demonstrate a different decision is warranted, the original decision will be upheld.
  2. Original Decision Modified: Where review of the original decision demonstrates support for the appeal and a different decision is warranted, the review body will modify the original decision. This decision may include sanctions being decreased, modified, or revoked. Only in instances when the Reporting Party appeals the decision may sanctions be increased.

The decision on the appeal is final, and no other office will accept or review appeals following the decision.

Notice of Nondiscrimination
Westmont College does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, medical condition, religion, marital status, military status, or veteran status in its admissions policies or in the administration of its educational programs, including scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other college-administered programs and activities.
Inquiries regarding the obligations of Westmont College under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 may be directed to: Chris Call, Vice President for Administration and Planning/Title IX Officer; telephone: (805) 565-6023; email: ccall@westmont.edu or to the Director, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20201.

Parental Contact
The college is permitted but is not required to contact your parents under the following circumstances:

  • If either parent claims you as a dependent on their federal income tax returns,
  • If you are under 21 and found responsible for violating college policy or federal or state law related to alcohol or a controlled substance,
  • If you have a health or safety emergency.

Patriot Act
The USA Patriot Act, signed into law by President Bush in October 2001, has given the federal government new authority to access education records that previously were protected by FERPA, campus privacy policies, and other laws. In order to minimize any legal liability for Westmont College, we must be prepared to respond to any request for access to student or employee records.
The Patriot act does contain liability-minimizing language (e.g., a college or university shall not be liable to any person for good faith disclosure of education records in response to a federal law enforcement request.)
Since the probability of Westmont College receiving a request for information under the Patriot Act is likely very small, Westmont College requires a response approach for which the cost is commensurate with the risk.
Therefore, Westmont College adopts the following policy regarding its responsibility under the Patriot Act.

  1. Any Patriot Act request (originating internally or externally) must be submitted to the Office of the President.
  2. The request will be submitted for counsel to the institution’s legal counsel.
  3. The institution, under the direction of the president’s designee, will respond to the request after review of the legal counsel.

Privacy Rights (FERPA)
Pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), you, as a student, are vested with certain rights and the college with certain responsibilities regarding your education records. These rights and responsibilities are as follows.

Inspection and Review
FERPA provides students with the right to inspect and review records directly related to them and maintained by the college. Direct your requests for inspection and review to the custodian in charge of the records you wish to see as follows:

  • Academic records: the registrar (e.g., transcripts, test results, petition forms, correspondence regarding academic progress, class schedules);
  • Student Conduct records: vice president for student life;
  • Financial records: controller;
  • Health records: director of health services.

The college must fulfill your request to inspect and review your record within 45 days of its receipt of your request.

Making Corrections and Amendments
If you believe information contained in your education records is inaccurate, misleading or in violation of your privacy rights, you may request the appropriate custodian to delete or correct the information. The custodian, or his or her nominee, must afford you an opportunity to present your opinion regarding the amendment of your records and must render a decision on your request within a reasonable time.
If the custodian denies your request, you may place a statement in your education records commenting on the disputed information and setting forth your reasons for disagreeing with the custodian.

Record Disclosure
Westmont discloses education records without a student’s prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official typically includes a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position; a person serving on the board of trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as the Student Conduct Panel or Student Care Team. A school official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of the Westmont who performs an institutional service of function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of information from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, orcollection agent or a student volunteering to assist another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official typically has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an educational record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for Westmont.
The college will also disclose information from education records to schools of intended enrollment; specified state and federal educational administrators; providers of financial aid; and emergency health-care providers.
Access to student records without consent may also be obtained by court order.
Westmont will send your grade reports to your home address as long as you remain a dependent of your parents. Students who have established independence from their parents may request their grades be sent directly to them at another address.
The college will keep a record of all individuals or entities other than college personnel who have requested or obtained access to your records.

Your Directory Information
Westmont will disclose certain information about you unless you submit a written directive to the contrary. Called directory information, this includes your name, address, telephone number; date and place of birth; major; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; dates of attendance at the college; degrees, honors, and awards received; and the most recent previous educational institution attended. It also includes the height and weight of members of athletic teams.
If you do not want your directory information to be released, you must sign and deliver to the registrar a Request to Withhold Directory Information form available from the Registrar’s office.

Complaints
If you feel the college has violated your privacy rights under the act, you may file a complaint to this effect with the Office of the Secretary, Department of Education, Washington, D.C.
 

Registered Sex Offenders

Individuals who have been defined as Registered Sex Offenders are required to notify the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department if they are enrolled or employed at Westmont. This requirement includes contractors and vendors on the campus. Information regarding Registered Sex Offenders can be obtained at the Sheriff’s Department.

Crime Statistics

In accordance with the requirements of the Clery Act, Westmont collects and publishes crime statistics. The statistics are reviewed and prepared by the office of the Vice-President for Student Life and the Campus Safety Office. College employees who have significant responsibility for student and campus activities report these statistics. They include non-professional counselors, athletic directors, faculty advisors to student organizations, team coaches, residence life personnel, other student life staff, and the officers of the Campus Safety Department. Attached is a list of crimes and disciplinary referrals that have been committed as reported to College officials for the past three years.

Campus Crime and Fire Log

The Campus Safety department maintains a campus crime and fire log that is posted at the Campus safety office. This log contains a list all the crimes and fires reported to the campus safety department within the past 60 days. Also included is the location of where the event occurred, the date and time of the occurrence, and the status of the incident.

Missing Student Notification Procedures

I. Purpose

In accordance with Federal law and to assist in guarding student safety, Westmont College establishes the following missing student notification policy and investigation procedures.

II.Definitions

A.Residential Student – For purposes of this policy a residential student is enrolled in the academic program and resides in on-campus housing.

B.Missing – For purposes of this policy, a Residential Student is presumed missing if he or she is more than 24 hours late in reaching their expected destination. A Residential Student may also be considered missing if 1) he or she is overdue in reaching home, campus or another specific location past their expected arrival; 2) additional factors lead College staff to believe he or she is missing, and 3) a check of their dormitory room supports that determination.

C.Confidential Contact- For purposes of this policy a confidential contact is the individual named by the residential student, to be contacted not later than 24 hours after the College determines the student is missing.

III.Notification to Residential Students

A.Residential Students are informed that they have the option to identify an individual to be contacted by the institution not later than 24 hours after the time that the student is determined missing.

B. Residential Students, who are under 18 years of age and not emancipated individuals, are informed that the College is required to notify a custodial parent or guardian if it is determined that the is missing. Residential Students who are 18 years of age or older are notified that the college will contact their parents if they do not identify an alternative confidential contact.1 In both cases, the college will contact students’ parent/guardian or other identified contact not later than 24 hours after the time the student is determined missing.

C.Residential Students are informed that the College will notify the appropriate law enforcement agency within 24 hours after the time that the student is determined missing.

D.The Office for Student Life will collect and maintain confidential contact information. The student is responsible for ensuring that the contact information is up-to-date and accurate.

IV.Procedures for Reporting and for Investigating Missing Students

  • Any College employee who receives a report that a student is missing, or has independent information that a student is missing, must immediately report the information or evidence to the Office for Student Life and to Campus Safety. If Campus Safety is initially contacted, they will notify the Office for Student Life, whose staff will determine whether the student is a Residential Student. If the Office for Student Life is initially contacted, they will notify Campus Safety.
  • If the student is a Residential Student, the staff of the Office of Student Life will conduct a preliminary investigation in order to verify the situation and to determine the circumstances which exist relating to the reported missing student.

1.A staff member will attempt to contact the student using his or her cell phone number on file with the College.

2.If the student cannot be reached by cell phone, two staff members will visit the student’s room to verify their location and/or wellness, and, in some cases, when appropriate, deliver a message to contact a parent or other person who is searching for them.

3.If the Residential Student is not at the room, but it is occupied, the residence life staff will attempt to gain information on the student’s location and/or wellness from questioning the student’s roommates.

4.If there is no response when the staff members knock on the door of the room or there are occupants who do not know of the subject student’s location, the residence life staff will enter into the room in question, by key if necessary, to perform a health and safety inspection. The staff members will take note of the condition of the room and look for visible personal property (wallet, keys, cell phone, clothing, etc.) which might provide signs as to whether the subject student has taken an extended trip or leave from the residence hall.

5.If the student is not found in the room, the residence life staff will attempt to gain information on the student’s location from roommates, other members of the residential community, or other friends. The residence life staff will also attempt to acquire additional phone numbers for the subject student (if not already on file) and use them to initiate contact.

6.At any step in the process, staff members will immediately report any suspicious findings to Campus Safety.

7.If all of these steps do not provide residential staff with an opportunity to speak with the missing resident or to learn his or her location, Campus Safety will be contacted to investigate further.

8.If the missing student is determined to be under the age of eighteen, Residence Life staff will notify the Dean of Students, (or his/her designee), so that contact will be made with the student’s parents or guardians; or other identified contact within 24 hours of determining that the student is missing.

9. If these steps provide residential staff with an opportunity to speak with the missing Residential Student, verification of the student’s state of health and intention of returning to campus is made. If needed, a referral will be made to the college Health Center and/or the college Counseling Center. Residence Life shall contact Campus Safety to document that a missing student investigation was begun and apprise them of the student’s state of health and well-being.


If the student is not a Residential Student, the Campus Safety department will conduct a preliminary investigation in order to verify the situation and to determine the circumstances which exist relating to the reported missing student. If the Campus Safety department determines that the student should be considered missing, it will contact the Student Life office who will contact the relevant outside law enforcement authority and provide the relevant information. If Campus Safety determines that the student should be considered missing, the person making the initial report will be encouraged to make an official missing person report to local police.

 

Safety Tips and Crime Prevention

  • Report suspicious people to Campus Safety at extension 6222 or 565-6222.
  • Avoid getting into places where you are vulnerable and there are no exits.
  • Do not hesitate to call 911 or Campus Safety when strangers confront you.
  • Lock your office or residence hall room when you leave at night or when you are sleeping.
  • At night, walk in groups of two or more or call Campus Safety for an escort.
  • Walk only on lighted footpaths after dark.
  • When parking, remove valuables from plain view and lock your vehicle.
  • Record the serial numbers of your valuables.
  • Make a record of your credit card numbers and other valuables in your wallet.
  • Write your name and ID number in several places in your textbooks.
  • Lock your bicycle in your room or a bicycle rack with a high-quality U shaped lock.
  • Report all criminal incidents and losses to Campus Safety immediately.
  • Enroll in the self defense for women class taught by the PE department.
  • Review the written safety plans posted throughout the residence halls.

Fire Safety

Fire Safety Systems

Westmont College operates 6 separate residential complexes on campus and an apartment complex in the City of Santa Barbara. Each of these housing units contains fire protection systems that vary by building. Listed below are the units and their systems.

Armington Halls

  • Fire sprinklers in all the rooms
  • Smoke detectors in all the rooms
  • Heat detectors in the mechanical rooms
  • Fire alarm pull stations throughout the buildings
  • Fire horns and strobe alarm lights throughout the buildings
  • Fire doors on all the suites and stairwells
  • Fire extinguishers throughout the buildings
  • Digital fire alarm panels monitored by Cosco Alarm Company

Van Kampen Hall

  • Fire sprinklers in all the rooms
  • Smoke detectors in all the rooms
  • Heat detectors in the mechanical rooms
  • Fire alarm pull stations throughout the buildings
  • Fire horns and strobe alarm lights throughout the buildings
  • Fire extinguishers throughout the buildings
  • Digital fire alarm panels monitored by Cosco Alarm Company

Clark Halls

  • Fire sprinklers in A, C, D, E, F, H, M, and S buildings
  • Smoke detectors in all the rooms
  • Fire alarm pull stations throughout the buildings
  • Fire horns and strobe alarm lights throughout the buildings
  • Fire extinguishers throughout the buildings
  • Digital fire alarm panels monitored by Cosco Alarm Company

Emerson Hall

  • Fire Sprinklers in all the rooms
  • Smoke detectors in all the rooms
  • Fire alarm pull stations throughout the building
  • Fire horns throughout the building
  • Fire extinguishers throughout the building
  • Digital fire alarm panel monitored by Cosco Alarm Company

Page Hall

  • Fire sprinklers in all the rooms
  • Smoke detectors in all the rooms
  • Fire alarm pull stations throughout the building
  • Fire horns and strobe alarm lights throughout the building
  • Fire doors on all of the stairwells
  • Fire extinguishers throughout the building
  • Digital alarm panel monitored by Cosco Alarm Company

Ocean View Apartments

  • Smoke detectors in all the rooms
  • Fire alarm pull stations throughout the buildings
  • Fire horns and strobe alarm lights throughout the buildings
  • Fire extinguishers throughout the buildings
  • Digital alarm panel monitored by Cosco alarm company

Global Learning Center

  • Fire sprinklers in all the rooms
  • Smoke detectors in all the rooms
  • Fire horns and strobe alarm lights throughout the buildings
  • Fire extinguishers throughout the buildings
  • Digital fire alarm panels monitored by Cosco Alarm Company

Fires in 2016-2018

There were no fires that occurred in residence halls on campus during the years 2017 and 2018. On 9/26/16 a fire occurred in a Page Hall storage room. The cause was a camping equipment stove. One person was injured. The damages were $50,500. There were no fatalities.

Fire Drills in 2018

It is the College practice to conduct one or more supervised fire drills in each of the residence halls each year. Whenever the alarms are active (planned or unplanned), a mandatory evacuation of the buildings is required. In 2018 the College conducted separate fire drills in all residence halls and the Ocean View apartments during the month of September.

Residence Life Fire Safety Policies

Appliances and Cooking

You may use hot air corn poppers which do not use oil and hot pots that do not have exposed heating coils in your room. Residence halls have kitchens for occasional, recreational cooking. The students in each residence hall are responsible to keep their kitchen clean, as Westmont does not provide regular cleaning service for them. Fire and safety regulations prohibit the use of appliances with exposed heating coils, microwave ovens, and toaster ovens in student rooms.

Bunk Beds/Trading Beds

In order to keep your sleeping surface below the wall-mounted smoke detector and prevent injury or damage from striking the ceiling, your mattress must be at least 36 inches from the ceiling. Your resident director has bunk bed connectors and he/she must approve any trading of beds between rooms.

Candles, Fires, and Oil Lamps

Safety codes prohibit your burning open flames or incense in any college building except Ocean View at any time. Violations are subject to a $100 fine per incident.

Electrical Cords

You may use UL-rated power strips with built-in circuit breakers as extension cords in your room. However, regular extension cords may fail at the outlet during a power surge and cause an electrical spark, representing a safety hazard. Therefore, these are prohibited.

Fire Equipment

County fire regulations make it illegal to tamper with fire equipment. Tampering with fire extinguishers, hoses, or alarms will result in a minimum $100 fine, and damaged equipment or emptied fire extinguishers will result in additional charges.

Firearms and Fireworks

As the possession of fireworks and firearms is illegal, and for safety reasons, you may not possess weapons, firearms, or fireworks on campus at any time. This includes air soft guns and pellet guns. Violators of this policy are subject to suspension.

Lighting

Westmont provides ceiling-mounted fluorescent fixtures in each room. The college recommends that you bring your own desk lamp. Westmont allows the use of new fluorescent torchieres bearing the Energy Star label. These cost more to purchase but provide a safer, more efficient torchiere.

Halogen floor lamps (torchieres) are prohibited. Though inexpensive to purchase, they present serious safety concerns because the bulbs burn at extremely high temperatures (1,000°F). They can easily ignite flammable and combustible materials. Halogens also require a large amount of electricity to operate. You should place personal light fixtures away from flammable materials such as draperies, mattresses, carpet, bed linens, and clothing.

Smoke Detectors

Each residence hall room is supplied with a working smoke detector. Please do not remove or tamper with the smoke detectors. If you are experiencing any problems with your smoke detector, contact a residence life staff member immediately. Campus safety personnel check smoke detectors in rooms during Christmas break to insure they are in working condition. Any smoke detectors that have been removed or damaged will be replaced, and the residents of the room will be charged.

Smoking

Westmont College sits in a wild land interface with the Los Padres National Forest. We are subject extreme fire danger situations at various times throughout the year. As a result the College has a no smoking policy everywhere on the campus including within all buildings.

Emergency Response Procedures

  • [The following reflects the content of our Emergency Info page as of the date of this Clery Report. It may have been updated since then.]

We are thankful to not currently be facing an emergency situation. We will update this page as information develops that may be helpful to you. We will also use various other means to reach our students, staff and faculty, including text message, automated voice calls, emails, and word of mouth.

You may also wish to keep in some convenient location our Crisis Hotline number: 888/565-7911. It will be refreshed with updates that are as current as possible if our website is down.

Students should add a contact in their cell phone titled "Westmont Emergency" and showing the number "281-207-4890". This is the number that will show up on caller ID in case Westmont broadcasts an emergency announcement by cell phone or text message. (Click here to view Westmont's Timely Warning policy, in compliance with the federal Clery Act requirements.)

Students are reminded periodically that we will only be able to reach them (or someone about them) in an emergency if they have updated their contact information on the Student Profile page. Depending upon the circumstance, we may route emergency notifications via cell phone, email and/or text message.

Emergency Response - Immediate Actions

Wildfire

  • Go to the gym
    If it's safer to leave campus, we'll coordinate departure from there.
    If it's safer to shelter at the gym, that's what we'll do. 
    Bring backpack, meds, empty bladder
  • Do not leave the campus solo 
    Wait for official word about whether to stay or go.
    We may need to use the seats in your car.
  • If time is short you're safer here
    Gym has housed us safety before 
    Leaving late can be dangerous

Dorm Fire

  • If door HOT, stay in room
    or exit thru window if possible
  • If door COOL, open slightly
    to check for smoke
  • If SMOKE, stay in room
    and use towels, etc to cover openings
  • If no smoke, close door behind you and go to assembly area
    (pull alarm en route)

Power Loss

  • Never use candles
    Use flashlights instead
  • Turn off computer
    to prevent surge when power restored
  • Minimize movement in the dark
    Library, DC and Gym may have backup power in case it's safe to find your way there

Earthquake

  • Duck & Cover
    away from windows, falling objects, power lines, building perimeters
  • Hold on
  • Check in at dorm assembly area, then go to Lovik Field
    and if safe to get them, bring your meds
  • Food, shelter, medical 
    The very basics will be available ASAP
  • If trapped, BANG on something 
    That sound travels better, and you won't get worn out shouting
  • To the extent possible, HELP OUT
    those around you with needs

Dorm Assembly Areas

Armington
Clark
Emerson
Global Learning Center

Deane Lawn
Front Lawn
Front Parking Lot
Van Kampen Parking Lot

  

Ocean View
Page
Van Kampen

Parking Lot
Parking Lot
Front Parking Lot

Reporting a Fire

In all occurrences of a fire immediately call 911. For the purposes of including a fire in the statistics in the annual fire safety report, report the fire to the campus safety department at (805) 565-6222. The officer on-duty will investigate and file a report.

Future Fire Safety Improvements

The College plans to improve campus fire safety by retrofitting the remaining residence hall areas that do not have a fire sprinkler system in place. The College also plans to upgrade all of the fire alarm panels to digital systems to improve the identification of alarm activations and lessen the response time.