101.2 Campus Safety Alerts – Timely Warning Notices, Emergency Notifications, and Public Safety Advisories

1. Policy

As circumstances warrant, the University prepares and distributes — either selectively or throughout the campus — campus safety alerts. The Dean of Students or designee will decide when to issue a campus safety alert. The Dean of Students or designee will notify the Chancellor, the Provost/Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, and the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to protect the safety of those on the campus of the University of Montana Western.

3. Procedures

If a crime is reported or a situation arises within the University of Montana Western Clery Geography (on campus, public property, or non-campus property) that, in the judgment of the Dean of Students or designee and in consultation with responsible authorities when time permits, constitutes a serious or continuing threat, a timely warning, emergency notification, or public safety advisory will be issued.

Depending on the circumstances, campus safety alerts may be posted on bulletin boards, at building entrances, on social media, face-to-face, or electronically through Regroup.

Timely Warning Notifications

Timely Warning Notifications are typically issued for the following UCR/NIBRS crime classifications:

  • Murder / Non-Negligent Manslaughter
  • Aggravated Assault
    (Assaults among known parties, such as roommates, are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine whether an ongoing threat exists.)
  • Robbery involving force or violence
    (Incidents such as pick-pocketing or purse-snatching are reviewed case-by-case.)
  • Sexual Assault
    • All sexual assault cases — stranger and acquaintance — are evaluated for possible issuance of a Timely Warning Notice.
    • Delayed reports may not allow for a timely warning.
  • Major incidents of Arson
  • Other Clery-reportable crimes as determined necessary by the Dean of Students or designee

UMW may issue Timely Warning Notices for additional crime classifications or locations, even when not required by law.

Timely Warning Notices are distributed as soon as pertinent information is available, while keeping victim identities confidential.

Timely Warning Notices are typically written and distributed by the Director of Communications or designee, in consultation with the Dean of Students or designee.

The institution is not required to issue Timely Warning Notices for crimes reported to pastoral or professional counselors.

Emergency Notifications

Emergency Notifications are issued for immediate threats to health and safety on campus, including Clery-reportable crimes and other emergencies that are occurring or expected to occur soon.

Emergency Notifications are issued upon confirmation of an emergency when possible and are typically written and distributed by the Director of Communications or designee, in consultation with the Dean of Students or designee.

Examples of incidents that may require an Emergency Notification include:

  • Active shooter on campus
  • Hostage or barricade situation
  • Riot
  • Suspicious package with confirmed device
  • Tornado or earthquake
  • Fire or explosion
  • Suspicious death
  • Structural damage to a university facility
  • Outbreak of meningitis, norovirus, or other serious illness
  • Biological threat (e.g., anthrax)
  • Significant flooding
  • Gas leak
  • Hazardous materials spill
  • Environmental risk factors such as asbestos or lead paint

Public Safety Advisories

Public Safety Advisories are issued at the discretion of UMW for safety or security concerns that do not meet the threshold for a Timely Warning or Emergency Notification (e.g., multiple bike thefts, identity theft trends).

Circumstances may be reported to the Dean of Students, Campus Security Authorities, or the Dillon Police Department (DPD). UMW has requested that DPD notify the University when crimes occur on or near campus that may pose a threat.

Individuals who believe a campus safety alert is warranted should report concerns immediately to:

  • Dean of Students
    In person at the Dean of Students Center
    Phone: 406-683-7388 (business hours) or 406-925-9782 (after hours)
  • Director of Residence Life
    Phone: 406-683-7664 (business hours) or 406-925-9828 (after hours)
  • Director of Facility Services
    Phone: 406-683-7145 (business hours)
  • Director of Communications
    Phone: 406-683-7201 (business hours)

4. Authority

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy & Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1990
(See policy details at the Clery Center website.)

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy & Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1990 http://clerycenter.org/policy-resources/the-clery-act/

5. Responsibility

Chancellor
Provost/Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Student Affairs
Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance
Dean of Students