The following University of Houston-Downtown Policy Statements are available for your viewing:
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy, Student Use of Alcoholic Beverages at UHD Policy, Firearms Policy, Sexual Assault Policy, Smoking Policy, Traffic & Parking Policy, Traffic & Parking Enforcement Policy, Safety Process Policy and Crime Awareness & Campus Security Policy
The University of Houston-Downtown strictly adheres to all city, state and federal laws governing the distribution and consumption of alcohol. The university is committed to the national initiative of preventing the abuse of alcohol. The legal drinking age in Texas is 21. Alcoholic beverages served on the University of Houston-Downtown campus may be distributed and consumed by students of legal age only in areas designated by the chief student affairs officer. The use or possession of alcohol on any part of the university campus, other than a formally approved or designated area, is a violation of the Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy Statement 04.A.01 in the new UHD PS Handbook. Any requests regarding student use of alcoholic beverages at UH-Downtown must be directed to the chief student affairs officer.
1. PURPOSE
This PS establishes the University of Houston-Downtown's guidelines for the enforcement of a drug and alcohol abuse policy.
2. POLICY/PROCEDURES
2.1 It is the
policy of the University of Houston-Downtown that the unlawful use, manufacture,
sale, distribution,
dispensation,
or possession of any illicit drug in the workplace, on campus, or as part
of any campus activities is
prohibited.
This policy includes alcohol except when its use is formally approved for
a specific activity at a
designated
time and location. Sanctions imposed for violation of this policy are indicated
below.
2.1.1 Any employee
engaged in the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs
or alcohol on campus or
at campus sponsored
events held off-campus will be subject to disciplinary action and referral
to a drug and alcohol
rehabilitation
program, if deemed necessary. Disciplinary measures, to be imposed by the
President, will include
written reprimand,
suspension without pay, or termination, depending on the severity of the
infraction. Employees
referred for
assistance must satisfactorily participate in a drug and alcohol abuse
rehabilitation program, as agreed
upon between
the employee, the Department of Human Resources, and Counseling and Testing
Services.
2.1.2 Any student
having violated the University of Houston-Downtown's Student Rights and
Responsibilities
policy (PS
04.A.01) regarding the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit
drugs and alcohol on campus or
at campus sponsored
events held off-campus will be subject to disciplinary action and referral
to a drug and alcohol
rehabilitation
program, if deemed necessary. The Dean of Student Affairs will enforce
the disciplinary measures, as
outlined in
PS 04.A.01. Students referred for assistance must satisfactorily participate
in a drug and alcohol abuse
rehabilitation
program, as agreed upon between the student, the Dean of Student Affairs,
and Counseling and
Testing Services.
2.1.3 Each employee
and student will receive a copy of the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention
Policy and
Procedures
(Exhibit A).Employees will be required to sign receipt of the policy which
will be retained in the
personnel file.
All new employees will be issued a copy of the policy upon employment with
the University of
Houston-Downtown.
A new receipt must be signed when significant changes in the policy occur.
3. REVIEW AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible Party (Reviewer): President
Review: Biennial
Reprint of original policy statement. Signed original on file in the President's Office.
1. PURPOSE
This PS sets
forth regulations regarding the service, consumption, and distribution
of alcoholic beverages to students
at the University
of Houston-Downtown (UHD). The University strictly adheres to all city,
state, and federal laws
governing the
distribution and consumption of alcohol. The University is committed to
the national initiative of
preventing
the abuse of alcohol.
2. POLICIES/PROCEDURES
2.1 The legal
drinking age in Texas is 21. Alcoholic beverages served on the UHD campus
may be distributed and
consumed by
students of legal age only in areas designated by the Dean of Student Affairs.
The use or possession
of alcohol
on any part of the university campus, other than a formally approved or
designated area, is a violation of
the Student
Rights and Responsibilities Policy Statement 04.A.01.
2.2 The Dean
of Student Affairs must be notified of the proposed sale and/or distribution
of alcoholic beverages to
students by
any individual or organization at UHD and has the authority to approve
or deny these activities.
2.3 Only licensed
catering services approved by the Dean of Student Affairs may sell or distribute
alcoholic
beverages on
the UHD campus.
2.4 Only registered
student organizations will be allowed to conduct an event at which alcoholic
beverages will be
sold or distributed
to students by the catering service or vendor.
2.5 The president
or designated officer and the advisor of a registered student organization
must read the Alcoholic
Beverage Distribution
Information form (Exhibit A) and must complete the request for Alcoholic
Beverage
Distribution
Permit.
2.6 For student
organization, the completed Alcoholic Beverage Distribution Permit must
be submitted to the
Director of
Student Activities at least four weeks before the date on which permission
to serve alcohol is requested.
The Director
of Student Activities forwards a recommendation to the Dean of Student
Affairs within five working
days of submission.
2.7 The Dean
of Student Affairs notifies the UHD Police Department when permission is
granted to student
organizations
to hold an event at which alcoholic beverages will be distributed on the
campus. The student
organization
receiving permission must make arrangements for police coverage directly
with the UHD Police
Department,
not less than three (3) weeks prior to the event. The UHD Police Department
will determine the
number of police
officers required for the event. Only UHD police officers or peace officers
approved by the Chief
of the UHD
Police may be hired for the event. The sponsoring organization or department
is responsible for
payment of
UHD police services.
2.8 State appropriated
funds, student service fees, or University Center fees may not be used
to purchase alcoholic
beverages for
any reason. Registered UHD student organizations may purchase alcoholic
beverages for official
student organization
functions using funds which have been deposited into the student organization's
agency fund
account.
2.9 Alcoholic beverages may not be served or consumed in any vehicle owned or operated by UHD.
3. REVIEW AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible Party (Reviewer): Dean of Student Affairs
Review: As needed
Policy History
Issue #1: 5/11/83
Issue #2: 7/10/84
Issue #3: 3/1/86
Issue #4: 11/5/90
Exhibit A
University
of Houston-Downtown
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE
DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION
A permit to
distribute alcoholic beverages on the campus of the University of Houston-Downtown
is a privilege
granted to
registered UHD student organizations and departments. Failing to adhere
to university regulations may
result in the
denial of future permits.
I. A permit DOES NOT
a) Give the
sponsoring organization the right to sell alcoholic beverages. Selling
includes, but is not limited to the
following:
1) The price of alcoholic beverages being included in the admission price.
2) Including the price of alcoholic beverages in the food ticket.
b) Give the right to the space for an event. Space and facilities must be reserved through normal university channels.
II. Once a permit
is granted the organization is responsible for obeying all university,
state, city, and federal laws
governing the
distribution and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
III. The legal age for drinking in Texas is 21.
Giving alcoholic
beverages to a minor can result in a fine of $100 to $500 plus university
disciplinary action.
A minor producing
false identification to secure alcoholic beverages can be fined $25 to
$500 and is subject to
university
disciplinary action.
IV. At all events
where alcohol is served, a posted sign must state clearly that only those
21 years of age or older
are permitted
to drink the alcoholic beverages.
V. Persons of legal drinking age must be clearly identifiable to the licensed caterer/vendor.
VI. Non-alcoholic
beverages must be available in equally attractive variety as the alcoholic
beverages and must also
be displayed
with equal prominence. If alcoholic beverages are free, all other beverages
must be free.
VII. The amount of alcoholic beverages permitted at an event is relative to the number of guests attending the function.
VIII. Food items must be available in sufficient amounts for the number of persons attending the function.
IX. All advertisements
must note the availability of non-alcoholic beverages and food as prominently
as alcohol, if
alcohol is
to be advertised. Alcohol may never be the main emphasis of an advertisement.
X. Any questions
regarding the distribution of alcoholic beverages should be addressed to
the Office of the Dean of
Student Affairs
at (713) 221-8100.
DISTRIBUTION INFORMATION:
1. Requests
for permission to serve alcoholic beverages must be submitted to the Office
of the Dean of Student
Affairs four
weeks prior to the time of planned distribution. This will allow time for
review, clarification of concerns
and sufficient
time for the events planners to take copies to the appropriate offices.
2. Only registered UHD student organizations and departments are eligible for permission to distribute alcoholic beverages.
3. The organization
must provide monitors who will be responsible for verifying and identifying
those persons who
may legally
consume alcoholic beverages, and for halting the distribution of alcoholic
beverages to those individuals
drinking to
excess or who appear intoxicated. The legal age for drinking in Texas is
21.
4. The organization may not promote or allow drinking games of any kind.
5. Alcoholic
beverages may not be distributed before 3:00 p.m. on Monday-Friday and
12 noon on Saturday and
Sunday. For
major campus events, exceptions to the 3:00 p.m. start time may be granted.
6. In addition
to the required steps, individuals planning an event should seek other
ways to foster the responsible
use of alcoholic
beverages.
7. The organizers
of an event must be prepared to call a cab for anyone that appears to be
under the influence of
alcohol or
any other intoxicating substance. A written list of phone numbers for several
cab companies should be available.
8. Students may be held responsible for their guest's compliance with university regulations.
9. The organization
must submit a copy of all permits to the university police department immediately
upon approval
by the dean.
It is a federal and state offense to possess or use any firearm, ammunition or illegal weapon on university property except as a duly authorized law enforcement officer or for legitimate classroom instruction.
1. PURPOSE
1.1 This PS establishes university responsibilities with regard to sexual assault at the University of Houston-Downtown and the responsible parties.
2. POLICY/PROCEDURES
2.1 It is the policy of the University
of Houston-Downtown that sexual assault, including rape and other
sex offenses, is a violation of the
University's Student's Rights and Responsibilities Policy, the University's
Sexual Harassment Policy, and the
Texas Penal Code.
2.1.1 The University of Houston-Downtown
provides programming to enhance sexual assault awareness
and prevention throughout the year
with specific emphasis during annual Sexual Assault Awareness Week
programs. Selected faculty and staff
members and community experts give presentations and provide
resources on request.
2.2 A faculty member, staff member
or student who commits a sexual assault may also be charged with a
violation of the Sexual Harassment
Policy by the University. The policy explains which administrator the
victim should contact to obtain an
informal consultation for penalties up to and including expulsion for
students and termination of employment
for faculty and staff. See the Student Handbook, the Staff
Handbook or the University Policy
Statement Manual for more information on the Sexual Harassment
Policy.
2.3 A sexual assault victim may seek
on-campus assistance by contacting any of the following: University
of Houston-Downtown Police Department
(118-N; 713-221-8065), Counseling & Testing Services (390-N;
713-221-8132), Student Health Services
(358-N; 713-221-8137), and the Dean of Student Affairs (380-N;
713-221-8100). Staff members from
these offices can provide assistance in notifying the proper
law-enforcement authorities, if the
victim so desires. To file an emergency sexual assault report off-campus
call the Houston Police Department
(911) or the Houston Area Rape Crisis Center (713-528-RAPE). For
non-emergency reports of sexual assault
to off-campus law enforcement officials, victims should call the
Houston Police Department at 713-222-3131.
2.3.1 Because evidence of a sexual
assault and attacker's identity may be left on the victim's body, a
victim should not wash in any way
until the victim has been examined at a hospital emergency room. A
victim of sexual assault should undergo
a physical exam as expediently as possible because the evidence
deteriorates quickly and is important
in proving the assault in criminal proceedings. The hospital staff will
collect evidence, check for injuries,
and deal with the possibility of exposure to sexually transmitted
diseases.
2.3.2 A victim who wishes to file
a complaint of violation of the University's Sexual Assault Policy against
a student should notify the Dean
of Student Affairs. The dean can assist the victim in reporting the assault
to on or off-campus law enforcement
authorities. While criminal investigations will be conducted by the
appropriate law enforcement authorities,
the Dean of Student Affairs will conduct an on-campus hearing
or investigation. Possible sanctions
against a student found guilty of sexual assault through on-campus
proceedings include expulsion, suspension,
and probation. See the Student Rights and Responsibilities
Policy Sec. 3.2.21, Sec. 3.2.28,
and Sec. 3.2.2.23 found in the Student Handbook for more information
on procedures and sanctions.
2.3.3 A victim who wishes to file
a complaint of violation of the University's Sexual Assault Policy against
a faculty or staff member should
notify the Assistant Vice President for Human Resources/Affirmative
Action. The Assistant Vice President
for Human Resources/Affirmative Action can assist the victim in
reporting the assault to on or off-campus
law enforcement authorities. While criminal investigations will be
conducted by the appropriate law
enforcement authorities, the Assistant Vice President for Human
Resources/Affirmative Action will
conduct an on-campus investigation and/or hearing. A faculty or staff
member found guilty of sexual assault
through on-campus proceedings will be subject to receive penalties
up to and including termination.
See University Policies Manual Sec. 03.06 and Sec. 02.06 for more
information on disciplinary procedures
and sanctions for faculty and staff members.
2.3.4 The accuser and the accused
perpetrator are entitled to have an adviser or advocate present during
campus disciplinary proceedings.
Both parties shall be informed of the outcome of any campus disciplinary
proceeding alleging sexual assault.
2.3.5 After reporting a sexual assault,
a victim has the option for, and may request assistance in, changing
academic or employment situations.
A student victim may request assistance from the Dean of Student
Affairs or University of Houston-Downtown
Police Department. If the victim is a faculty or staff member,
assistance may be obtained from the
Assistant Vice President for Human Resources/Affirmative Action,
the University of Houston-Downtown
Police Department, and the appropriate supervisor.
Accommodations will be made only
if so requested by the victim, and only if such changes are reasonably
available.
2.3.6 Counseling and referral information
for survivors of' sexual assault is available on campus through
Counseling & Testing Services
and off- campus through the Houston Rape Crisis Coalition (24 hour
hotline: 713-528-7273), the Housto.1
Health Department V.A.S.A. Program (713-794-9360), the Houston Area
Women's Center (713-528-2121), and
the Baytown Area Women's Center (713-422-2292).
2.3.7 For more detailed information
on sexual assault response and prevention procedures, please refer to
the resources available in the following
offices: Counseling & Testing Services, Student Health Services,
Human Resources, Information Center,
University of Houston-Downtown Police Department, and
Student Affairs.
3. REVIEW AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible Party (Reviewer): Dean of Student Affairs
Review: As needed
This is a reprint of original policy statement. Signed original on file in the President's Office.
1. PURPOSE
This PS states
the policy and procedures related to smoking on campus.
2. POLICY/PROCEDURES
2.1 Smoking
is not permitted within any building which is the property of the University
of Houston-Downtown. It is
allowed outside
the building in designated smoking areas. It is not allowed within ten
feet of any doorway or building
entrance.
2.2 This policy applies to all employees, students, independent contractors, and visitors.
2.3 Compliance
with this policy will be obtained through education and respect for the
rights of others. Violations will
be referred
to the appropriate administrative unit.
3. REVIEW AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible Party (Reviewer): Vice President for Administration
Review: As needed
Signed original on file in the Human Resources Department.
1. PURPOSE
This PS is established
by the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) to facilitate the conduct of
university
business and
to provide parking as conveniently as possible within the space limitations.
Operation of a motor
vehicle on
the campus is a privilege and is conditioned, in part, on compliance with
this policy.
2. POLICY/PROCEDURES
2.1 All faculty, staff, and students who park vehicles on University of Houston-Downtown property must register their vehicle at the Parking Office and display a valid parking permit.
2.1.1 The permit must be hung from the rear view mirror with the permit number facing the windshield.
2.1.2 Motorcycles
and scooters must display the permit in a location that allows it to be
clearly visible at all times,
such as the
fender or gas tank.
2.2 Parking permits are available to students, faculty and staff.
2.2.1 Student
Parking Permits are sold to any student registered at the University of
Houston-Downtown. Students
are allowed
to park in any available parking space in the Student Parking Lot located
at 500 North Main or in one
of the ground
level lots off Girard Street. Student parking is also available at one
of the lots adjacent to the
university
at a higher rate.
2.2.2 Two Wheel
Parking Permits are sold to any faculty, staff, or student who operates
any type of motorized
bicycle on
campl,s. The parking area for two wheel motorized bicycles is located across
from the University of
Houston-Downtown
loading dock area, off Girard Street.
2.2.3 Disabled
Parking Permits will be issued to any person with a documented physical
disability. Appropriate
documentation
of disability or a state-issued disabled permit must be presented to the
Student Health Services
Office. No
fee will be charged for permanent parking permits.
2.2.4 Temporary
Disability Parking Permits are issued to any person with a temporary disability
(broken leg, back
surgery, etc.)
when presenting appropriate documentation from their personal physician
to the Student Health
Services Office.
2.2.5 Students
from other universities or UHD alumni may park at any UHD satellite student
lots along North Main,
provided a
valid parking permit from the other university/college or membership in
the UHD Alumni Association is
properly displayed
on the vehicle.
2.2.5 Visitors
are provided special areas marked "Reserved for Visitors". A fee is assessed
for Visitor's Parking
regardless
of the length of the visit. City of Houston parking meters are also available
on Wood Street under the
1-10 overpass.
Visitors are defined as individuals with no official connection with the
university as student, faculty
or staff. Visitors
parked in areas not designated "Reserved for Visitors" are subject to a
campus citation and/or
having their
vehicle immobilized.
2.2.7 Students,
faculty and staff may not park in areas designated for visitor's parking.
Citations will be issued for
violation to
this regulation.
2.2.8 Faculty
and Staff Parking Permits are sold to any employee of the University of
Houston-Downtown
provided proper
documentation from their department manager or Human Resources is presented.
An access card
to enter the
garage is issued with the parking permit. Lost, stolen or damaged access
cards can be replaced for a
fee. All part-time
and adjunct faculty must return their access cards to the Parking Office
upon completion of their
teaching assignment;
all other personnel, upon their resignation or termination from the University
of
Houston-Downtown.
2.2.9 Parking
permits from other University of Houston components will be honored. Faculty
and staff who visit the
University
of Houston-Downtown campus occasionally, may park in the Visitor's area
and will, with proper UH
identification,
be issued an exit token. Employees that visit frequently will be issued
an access card for garage
parking with
proper UH identification.
2.3 Purchasing
a parking permit does not guarantee a parking place but allows the individual
to park if space is
available.
2.4 The registered holder of the permit is at all times responsible for
the vehicle in which the permit is
used. Violations
will be assessed to the registered permit holder, regardless of who operates
the vehicle. 2.5
Permits may
be transferred to another vehicle on a temporary basis. Permanent transfers
require a change of vehicle
registration
records.
2.6 The University
of Houston-Downtown makes every effort to protect vehicles parked on the
campus or on
properties
under ' ts control. However, the university cannot assume responsibility
for any damage or loss of motor
vehicles or
personal property contained in any motor vehicle parked on campus or on
properties under its control.
2.7 All thefts,
accidents, or any offenses must be reported immediately to the Campus Police
Office.
2.8 Faculty,
staff, students, and visitors must comply with the University of Houston-Downtown
rules and regulations for traffic
and parking,
as outlined below. Violators will be subject to the traffic and parking
enforcement rules and
regulations,
as stipulated in PS Ol.B.02.
2.8.1 Pedestrians will be given the right of way at all times.
2.8.2 Speed
limits are as follows: 10 miles per hour on campus unless otherwise posted;
10 miles per hour in any
parking lot;
and 5 miles per hour in any parking garage on campus.
2.8.3 Parking
is governed by markers and traffic signs and is permitted only in such
areas clearly identified for
parking. A
valid parking space is an area designated on three sides by lines, posts,
curb or any other type of
barrier.
2.9 Traffic citations may be issued for any of the following reasons:
2.9.1 Parking in a non-designated area;
2.9.2 Parking permits not properly displayed;
2-9.3 Falsifying, reproducing Or altering permit;
2.9.4 Parking in a "NO PARKING,, zone;
2.9.5 Unauthorized parking in a "RESERVED", "HANDICAP", "VISITOR", or "CONSTRUCTION", parking area;
2.9.6 Obstructing traffic, street, sidewalk, crosswalk, driveways, trash container(s) and/or building entrance or exits;
2.9.7 Parking in a striped zone;
2.9.8 Parking a vehicle in such a way that parking other vehicles is impaired or where such parking creates a potential hazard;
2.9.9 Parking without a valid permit;
2.9.10 Parking in a "TOW AWAY ZONE";
2.9.11 Parking by a fire hydrant or in a "FIRE ZONE";
2.9.12 Driving past a STOP sign;
2.9.13 Failing to yield right of way to pedestrians;
2.9.14 Violation of any Texas Motor Vehicle Law(s);
2.9.15 Changing, damaging or moving any UH traffic sign or signal;
2.9.16 Taking citations off other vehicles;
2.9.17 Disobeying traffic directions given by Police personnel;
2.9.18Failure to pay attention to traffic signs or lawfully erected barricades; and
2.9.19 Other violations as defined on the face of the citation.
2.10 Procedures for resolving traffic or parking citations or obtaining the release of "booted", towed or impounded vehicles are as follows:
2.10.1 Traffic
or parking citations may be resolved by paying a $15 00 service fee for
each citation. If payments
are made within
ten calendar days of issuance, the fee will be reduced to $10.00. Payments
are to be made at the
Cashier's Office
and receipts must be taken to the Parking Office for payment verification.
Otherwise, the UHD
parking permit
may be surrendered to the Parking Office, and on-campus parking will not
be; permitted for a
period of 30
days for each citation. Upon completion of the surrender period, the permit
will be replaced for a
$3.00 fee.
Only citations bearing the individual's permit number may be surrendered
to resolve the citation. This
option is not
available during the last 30 days of the semester. Violations accumulate
over the permit holder's
lifetime and
not by year or semester.
2.10.2 The Vice
President for Administration shall provide an equitable and efficient appeals
process through the
Parking Violations
Appeals Committee. Written appeals will be forwarded to the Appeals Committee
by the
Parking Office.
The Parking Violations Appeals Committee shall be comprised of two students,
two faculty
members, three
classified staff and one professional/administrative staff appointed by
the President. The President
will also appoint
the chairman of the committee.
2.10.3 Release
of "booted" (immobilized) vehicles is contingent upon compliance of the
requirements on the
immobilization
notice. When all elements of release have been met, a Police Officer will
remove the immobilization
device as soon
as operationally possible.
2.10.4 Towed
and/or impounded vehicles will be assessed towing, citation service and
storage fees. Violators must
contact the
university Police and pay all required fines/fees to obtain the release
of their vehicle.
3. REVIEW AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible Party (Reviewer): Chief of Police
Review: Biennial
Reprint of original policy statement. Signed original on file in the President's Office.
1. PURPOSE
This PS describes
the traffic and parking regulation enforcement efforts designed to insure
the safe operation and
parking of
vehicles at the University of Houston-Downtown. Traffic and parking regulation
compliance will be
accomplished
with the least disruption to students, faculty, staff and visitors.
2. POLICY/PROCEDURES
2.1 Traffic
and parking enforcement consists of four levels of action which are dependent
upon many variables
including the
discretion-of the campus police officer. These levels include:
2.1.1 Verbal
warnings to traffic and parking citations verbal. warnings can be utilized
when campus police officers
have the opportunity.
2.1.2 Issuance
of traffic and parking citations All citations issued are turned in to
the Parking Office on the day the
citation is
written. The Parking Office is responsible for documenting and tracking
traffic and parking citations. All
citations must
be resolved by payment of a fine or through the appeals process. Unresolved
citations will be
considered
overdue and further action may be taken, such as restriction of subsequent
academic registration at the
University
of Houston-Downtown and/or having vehicles immobilized or removed from
the campus.
2.1.3 Immobilizing
of vehicles Immobilizing refers to locking a "booting" device to the front
wheel of the vehicle.
Vehicles having
a minimum of three outstanding citations may be subject to immobilization.
A copy of the
immobilization
notice will be affixed to the driver's window. The other copy will be returned
immediately to the
Police Dispatch
Office. Immobilizing a vehicle is utilized in lieu of towing when the vehicle
poses no significant
adverse impact
on the safe operation and parking of vehicles at the University of Houston-Downtown.
Release of
immobilized
vehicles will be accomplished when the violator has met all elements of
release as stipulated in the
immobilization
notice.
2.1.4 Removal
of Vehicles . Removal refers to the towing of a vehicle by an authorized
wrecker to an authorized
storage lot,
after approval by a Police supervisor. Towing is limited to those vehicles
presenting an adverse impact
on the safe
operation and parking of UHD vehicles. Owners of towed and/or impounded
vehicles must contact
University
Police to make arrangements for the release of their vehicles.
3. REVIEW AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible Party (Reviewer): Chief of Police
Review: Biennial
Reprint of original policy statement. Signed original on file in the President's Office.
1. PURPOSE
This PS emphasizes
the University of Houston-Downtown commitment to the prevention of accidents
and injuries
within the
university community; to inform students, faculty and staff of their responsibility
for safety and accident
prevention;
and to establish a mechanism for the development and review of the University
of Houston-Downtown
safety process.
2. POLICY/PROCEDURES
2.1 The Safety Process at the University of Houston-Downtown is organized around a 3-tier plan.
2.1.1 Tier 1
is the Safety Coordinator, as assigned by the Vice President for Administration.
Tier 2 is the Safety
Committee,
as assigned by the President. Tier 3 is the Vice President for Administration
and the President of the
University
of Houston-Downtown.
2.2 The responsibilities of each tier are outlined below.
2.2.1 The Safety
Coordinator is responsible for emergency operations; evacuation process;
safety enforcement;
safety training
coordination; site safety inspection and evaluation; safety process record
keeping; fire safety;
coordination
and involvement of managers, directors and deans in the safety process;
unit-based planning and budget
development
of the safety process; and university compliance coordination.
2.2.2 The Safety
Committee is responsible for promoting and maintaining the university community's
interest in safety
through participation,
education and training; group/committee support for safety projects and
campaigns; individual
member assistance
in the safety process objectives.
2.2.3 The Vice
President for Administration and President are responsible for executive
support of the safety
process through
the following means: inclusion of the safety process in executive decision-making;
financial support
for the safety
process; support for internal enforcement of the safety process standards
as determined by the Safety
Committee and
the Safety Coordinator.
2.3 The general rules of implementation are as follows:
2.3.1 The Vice
President for Administration will appoint the Chief of Police as the Safety
Coordinator. The President
will appoint
the members of the Safety Committee by January I of each calendar year,
to two year staggered terms,
such that only
half of the committee members are reappointed each year.
2.3.2 The Safety
Committee will meet monthly as a group and individually, when necessary,
with the Safety
Coordinator,
when working on inspections or safety campaigns.
2.3.3 The Safety
Coordinator will submit meeting minutes and quarterly reports to the Vice
President and President
and an annual
report before the end of each calendar year.
2.3.4 The Safety
Coordinator will develop a safety library for all university community
customers. The safety library
will include
literature, training materials and resource information. Major resource
information will include the
following titles:
Life Safety Code. Employees’ Safety and Health Program for Texas State
Agencies, Texas Safety
Association
and National Safety Council Literature.
2.3.5 Safety
enforcement will be administered by the Safety Coordinator through the
Vice President for
Administration.
Recommendations for safety enforcement actions may be initiated by any
Safety Committee
members, the
Safety Coordinator, the Vice President for Administration or the President.
3. REVIEW AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible Party (Reviewer):Vice President for Administration
Review: Biennial
Reprint of original policy statement. Signed original on file in the President's Office.
1. PURPOSE
This policy
statement sets forth regulations regarding the communication of information
in compliance with the federal
Student Right
to Know and Campus Security Act of 1990, Title 11 - Crime Awareness and
Campus Security. The
University
of Houston-Downtown is committed to enhancing the well-being and security
of its students, faculty and staff
and of promoting
broad awareness of campus safety procedures.
2. POLICY/PROCEDURES
2.1 The University
of Houston-Downtown will collect specified statistical information on crimes
committed on campus
which involve
murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary and motor vehicle theft.
2.1.1 Definition of these crimes is based on the FBI Uniform Crime Report.
2.2 Timely reports
will be made to the campus community on crimes considered to be a threat
to students and
employees and
reported to campus or local police agencies. The campus community will
be notified within 24 hours of
any murder
or rape which occurs on university property. Timely notification will be
made as necessary in cases of
aggravated
assault, robbery and burglary. Information on campus crime, including motor
vehicle thefts, will be compiled
monthly and
disseminated.
2.2.2 An Emergency
Response Team will be designated to determine procedures for assuring timely
notification and
reports to
the university community on campus crime.
2.3 In the event
of a serious crime, the Office of Communications and Promotions, in consultation
with the Executive
Council, will
circulate periodic campus-wide follow-up reports to deans, department heads,
the Faculty Senate
Executive Committee,
and the Student Government Association.
2.4 Beginning
September 1, 1992, and continuing each year thereafter, the University
will publish and distribute an
annual report
of Campus Security Policies and Crime Statistics to all current students
and employees. Copies of the
Annual Report
also will be provided to any applicant for enrollment or employment upon
request.
2.4.1 The Annual
Crime Statistics Report will be submitted upon request to the Secretary
of Education, as required by
federal law.
2.4.2 Pursuant
to state law, the University will make available to the Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board the
information
required to be reported by the federal Student Right to Know and Campus
Security Act for the previous
year.
2.5 All inquiries
from the media regarding campus crime shall be directed to the Office of
Communications and
Promotions.
3. SAFETY AWARENESS
3.1 The University is committed to promoting safety awareness among students, faculty and staff.
3.2 Safety awareness programs will be developed by the University of Houston-Downtown Police.
4. REVIEW AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible Party (Reviewer): Vice President for Administration and Executive Director of Institutional Advancement
Review: As needed
Reprint of original policy statement. Signed original on file in the Human Resources Department.