Lock all doors and windows every time you leave your room, even if it is just to go to the bathroom.
Keep house and car keys on separate rings.
Do not lend your keys to people you do not know well.
Always ask service people to identify themselves before allowing them to enter your home or residence hall room.
Get to know your neighbors so you can help each other.
Do not keep large sums of money, jewelry, or valuable items in plain view in your home, room or vehicle.
Set radios, lights, and televisions on timers when out of town.
If off campus, leave spare keys with trusted neighbors, not under a doormat or in a flower planter.
Elevators
Try to avoid entering elevators occupied by strangers. If you are waiting for an elevator with a stranger, stand away from the door to avoid being pushed inside. Get off on the next floor if you feel uneasy. Hit the alarm button if you are accosted on the elevator.
When Walking ...
Avoid dark, vacant, or deserted areas; use well-lit and traveled areas.
Avoid walking alone with a music player and earphones-you can't hear people approaching from behind.
Avoid walking or jogging alone, especially at night. Ask a friend to jog with you. Call Security Services at ext. 2090 for evening safety escorts on campus. (Call boxes are situated at Fulton Street, Lewis Apartments and Ross/Bauman Lots)
Dress in clothes and shoes that will not hamper movement.
Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.
Report suspicious activity or noises to ext. 2090 IMMEDIATELY.
Carry a noise-making device with you at all times, and use it if you suspect you are in danger, then move to a lighted area or building and raise a commotion. Call 911 or activate a call box in the event of an emergency.
If You Sense You Are in Trouble
Move away from the potential threat if possible.
Join any group of people nearby; cross the street and increase your pace.
If a threatening situation is imminent, and people are close by, help, yell, scream, or make a commotion in any way you can to get their attention. Remember that dialing ext. 2090 and/or activating an alarm box are part of the personal safety system.
If you are facing an armed criminal, you may minimize the risk of injury if you comply with his/her demands. However, if your life is in immediate danger, use any defense you can to get away.
Dial 911 immediately and give a description of the suspect.
When Driving ...
Make sure no one is hiding in your vehicle.
Drive on well-traveled streets and keep your car in gear while stopped.
Keep doors locked, windows shut, and keep valuables out of sight; either covered or in the trunk.
Open the hood and stay inside if your car breaks down. If someone stops to help, do not open your window or door, but have them call for assistance.
Ask someone for specific directions before you leave if you do not know the location of your destination.
Do not pull over until you find a well-lit public area where you can stop and ask directions if you get lost.
Drive to a well-lit public area and call the police if you suspect you are being followed.
Because carjacking has become a growing phenomenon, beware of people who:
yell, honk, and point at your car as if something is wrong. If your car breaks down, stay inside and lock the doors. If anyone approaches to help, crack the window and ask them to call the police. Ask non-uniformed and uniformed people to show identification;
motion and ask you to stop and lend assistance. If you want to assist someone whose car has broken down, go to the nearest phone and call the police;
flash headlights at you;
bump your vehicle from behind. If you think you were bumped intentionally, signal the other person to follow you to the nearest police station.
Most importantly, if a person with a weapon confronts you and wants your vehicle, give it up. No car is worth being injured or losing your life over.
Disaster Preparedness
Building Evacuation
Familiarize yourself with evacuation procedures for the building; locate the nearest exits and fire extinguishers.
Find the Emergency Assembly Point (EAP) for your building.
If you live off campus, set up a meeting place with housemates or fellow tenants.
Participate in all drills when you hear the alarms ring in a university building.
Exit the building quickly and safely.
Wear shoes, if possible.
Never use elevators -- always use the stairs.
Help others evacuate -- knock on doors, check bathrooms as you leave the building. Help those with a physical disability evacuate the building.
Be alert for suspicious activity -- an alarm may be part of a crime in progress.
all ext. 2090 immediately and explain the situation if the alarm in a building has been set off by accident.
Report immediately any vandalism or tampering with the alarm.
Property Theft Prevention
Theft Prevention
When leaving your residence hall room, home, or office, lock doors and windows even if you will be gone for "just a minute."
Never leave purses, wallets, or valuables exposed; store them out of sight. Be especially careful with your credit cards, a very popular item among thieves because they are easy to steal and use.
Computers, especially if they are portable, are primary targets of theft. Consider the purchase of a locking device, which will secure the computer to a desk. If not, it may just walk away ...
Do not engrave on removable serial number plates.
Keep a list of all items and serial numbers in a safe place.
NEVER PROP DOORS OPEN.
Office Equipment
Record the serial numbers, brand names, and descriptions of property or valuables that are kept in your office. Keep a duplicate copy of this information in another location; it can be used to recover stolen property.
Engrave property with "George Fox University" and your department name.
Have all equipment secured with a locking device.
Car Protection
When you leave your car, always remove the ignition key, close the windows and LOCK ALL DOORS. Do not leave valuables in plain sight-lock them in the trunk.
When parking at night, park in well-lit, well-traveled areas.
Consider installing tamperproof lock buttons and/or a car alarm. Also consider using a lockable car cover.
Holiday Security
If you leave campus during the school holidays:
Secure your bicycle by leaving it in your room.
If you leave your car on campus, remove all valuables and contact Security Services for where to park it.
Place all valuables in your residence hall room, out of sight, and unplug all appliances before you leave.
If you stay on campus during the holiday or summer:
Be alert to any suspicious persons around residence halls, bike racks, or parking lots.
Do not walk, jog, or bike alone at night -- consider asking a friend to go with you.
Call Security Services at ext. 2090 to report any unusual activity.
If you live off campus and are leaving for vacation:
Lock all doors and windows securely.
Make your house/apartment look occupied -- have a friend or neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers; set your television and lights on timers; keep lawns mowed and watered.
Leave your vacation itinerary and contact information with a friend.
Personal Information
Not only can thieves steal your physical possessions, they can also use your personal information to steal from you. Many times you unknowingly provide them with this information. Here are some items you should never provide to strangers over the phone:
Your credit card number or expiration date, unless you know the company is reputable. Thieves can use these numbers to make purchases of their own.
Your checking account number can be used to withdraw money from your account.
Your telephone calling card number can be used to charge unwanted calls to your account.
Your Social Security number can be used by someone else to find out information about you or to establish a false identity. Only give it out if it is legally required.
Your driver's license number may allow someone to obtain information about you, such as your physical description.
Health information, such as your insurance, medical, mental history, and doctor can be used to fraudulently obtain health care and health services.
Information about your home security system, such as whether or not you have one.
Information about those who live with you or whether you live alone.
Financial information, such as annual income or mortgage.
Bicycle Safety and Security
Please seriously consider whether you want to bring a bike to campus. The vast majority of bikes are never used and suffer severe weather damage or theft. Do not bring expensive bikes-they are targeted by thieves.
Bicycle Safety
Below is a list of safety items that will assist any rider:
A bike light when riding at night
Working brakes -- get new pads and adjustments at any bike shop
Helmets are highly recommended for any age.
There are six rules to keep in mind when riding at George Fox:
Always ride on the right side and with the flow of traffic; ride on the road and not on the sidewalks when possible.
Ride predictably, whether on a roadway or in a public area. Maintain a steady course and speed.
Obey all traffic laws. Yes, STOP at intersections. Pedestrians have the right-of-way.
Pay attention to your surroundings; warn pedestrians or fellow riders when you are passing them with, "On your right!"
Likewise, pedestrians should warn bicyclists when they place them in danger. You should also warn drivers if they are placing you in danger with their driving. A quick yell to get their attention should suffice.
Take extra care when passing parking lot exits.
Identifying Your Bicycle
Always keep a record of your bicycle description including make, model, frame/serial number, size, color, and number of speeds to be reported in case your bike is stolen. Take a picture of your bike and of the serial number.
Locking Your Bike
Use a non-Kryptonite U-lock to secure your bike. When possible, lock at least your front wheel and frame. Try not to leave your bike locked "free standing." A thief can easily remove the lock and walk away with the bike.
Seriously consider using a space reduction device to make it more difficult for a thief to remove the lock.
Don't park your bike in a doorway or traffic thoroughfare. People in wheelchairs must have a three-foot pathway, and bikes left in handicapped zones are illegal.
Suspicious Activity / Bike Theft In Progress
Dial 911 from a campus phone.
Give the dispatcher the time and location of the incident and description of the suspect.
If your bike is stolen, report it IMMEDIATELY to Security Services at ext. 2090. Give them the serial number, make, model, size, and color of the bike.
Bicycle Accidents
In all injury accidents, call 911.
In non-injury accidents, survey and assess property damage and call ext. 2090 with your report.
You must inform the damaged property owner of your name, address and phone number. Leave a note if you cannot find the owner of the property and report the accident to the police.
Pedestrian Safety Zones
Regarding mopeds, scooters, and motorcycles: No motorcycle, motor scooter or moped shall be driven, operated, stopped, left standing or parked anywhere except for marked parking lots and streets. These vehicles may not be operated within an area closed to other motor vehicles.
Alcohol Issues
Policy on Controlled Substances and Alcohol
George Fox University is committed to providing an environment that maximizes the potential for a drug-and- alcohol-free lifestyle. Possession, consumption, or furnishing alcoholic beverages is prohibited on or off campus by any George Fox University undergraduate student. Possession, use, distribution, and/or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages and/or any illegal substances, or use of tobacco is prohibited by graduate students while on campus, campus property, property designated for university use, attendance at a university activity, or when they are representing the university. Community members also are expected not to abuse legal substances. The use, possession, sale, giving, or exchange of illegal drugs or controlled substances is prohibited by state law and university policy. People who violate the policy are subject to discipline and corrective intervention by the university, including possible suspension, expulsion, and filing of criminal charges.
Peeping Toms
It is usually best not to yell or try to detain an offender. He or she may panic and react in an unpredictable manner. If an offender runs away, note the direction in which she/he traveled. If there is a place from which you can observe safely, watch to see if she/he gets into a car or goes to another residence hall, etc. Try to get a good description of the person and report the incident by calling 911 immediately.
Obscene Phone Calls
Report all obscene or threatening phone calls immediately to security at ext. 2090. Try to write down the exact wording, if it is a threat. If you have Caller ID, note the phone number or try dialing *69. Ask yourself:
Do I recognize the voice?
Does the caller know me?
Do not enter into any dialogue with the caller.
About Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is a general term used to describe any unwanted sexual activity. It includes, but is not limited to, rape. Anyone can be the target of sexual assault, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, sexual history, or social class. There is no stereotypical rapist. Acquaintances (people who know each other in some way) are involved in 85 percent of campus rapes in the United States. It is important that you decide what you want to happen in intimate situations.
Both women and men should consider the following
Pay close attention to what is happening around you. Clearly communicate your desires, limits and intentions to your date, partner, or friend.
Intercourse constitutes rape when a person is under the influence of any intoxicating or controlled substance and is thereby prevented from resisting the sexual assault. Be aware that alcohol and other drugs can impair judgment, make you slow or unable to escape from a dangerous situation.
Previous sexual contact, regardless of frequency, does not constitute consent for sexual activity in the present or future. A current or previous dating relationship does not constitute the basis for implied consent.
Do not assume that sexual intercourse is permissible if a person is dressed in a certain way.
Being turned down for sexual activity is not necessarily a personal rejection. It should be accepted as expressed because "NO" means "NO."
If You Are Sexually Assaulted
Remember that you are not to blame -- no one deserves to be raped.
You should contact the Newberg Police by dialing 911.
Contact Security Services at ext. 2090 and Student Life at ext. 2310.
For Health and Counseling Services, dial ext. 2340 (on campus) or 503-554-2340 (off campus).
Talk to someone you trust who can help you clarify your options. The toll free Sexual Assault Hotline is 877-227-5946. The Yamhill County Victim Assistance number is 503-434-7510.
Do not wash, shower, douche, change, destroy, or clean the clothes you wore during the assault. These provide vital evidence should you later decide to prosecute.
Contacting the police department does not mean you must press charges. Ask about filing an "informational" (informal) report, which covers the expenses for a rape exam and provides a record of the incident if you later decide to file charges. As a victim you have rights that can be explained to you by the staff of Health and Counseling-please ask that these rights are explained to you.
This page was last updated 4-15-2008 10:20:20.
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