Reporting: Calendar Year 2006
Issued: Oct. 1, 2007
The Savannah College of Art and Design maintains an office of college security, which operates 365 days per year, 24 hours a day. Criminal actions and all emergencies occurring at the college are to be reported to the college security dispatch office at 345 Bull St., 912.525.4500. In Atlanta, contact the SCAD command security desk at 1600 Peachtree St., 404.253.3472.
Urgent and life-threatening situations should immediately be called in to 9-1-1 in both Atlanta and Savannah.
On-site staff members are also available to assist with emergencies. All academic buildings are staffed with front desk personnel during their hours of operation. Residence halls are supervised by professional, full-time staff members who coordinate and provide assistance to residence hall students 24 hours a day for the duration of the contracted occupancy period. Residence directors can be contacted at the following phone numbers:
- Boundary Village, Gaston and Pulaski houses — 912.525.8600
- Dyson House — 912.525.7161
- Oglethorpe House — 912.525.7000
- Turner House — 912.525.8400
- Weston House — 912.525.7250
- ACA Residence Hall, Atlanta — 404.253.3419
- Spring House, Atlanta — 404.253.3256
In Lacoste, report crimes or incidents to the director of SCAD-Lacoste at 33.(0)4.90.75.66.32 or the student services coordinator at 33.(0)4.90.75.66.33. Police may be reached by dialing 17, SAMU (ambulance) by dialing 15 and the fire department by dialing 18.
The college maintains a 24-hour on-call staff through the department of student services. Immediate assistance and follow-up reports are provided for students and other members of the college community by the staff, in coordination with local health services and law enforcement agencies as needed.
All college community members are encouraged to report all incidents, including sexual offenses. All reports are strictly confidential. Disciplinary actions for all violations follow the procedures used for disciplinary charges in accordance with college policies. Incidents should be reported to SCAD security, 912.525.4500; the dean of students in Savannah, 912.525.6980; the SCAD command security desk in Atlanta, 404.253.3472; the dean of student services in Atlanta, 404.253.3400; the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police, 912.232.4141; or the Atlanta Police Department, 404.658.6666.
SCAD security works closely with law enforcement agencies to review current criminal activity and information in Savannah and Atlanta. In the event that a situation arises, either at the college or in the community, that (in the judgment of college security) constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat, college security will issue a college-wide warning. The warning will be issued through the college e-mail system to students, faculty and staff, and posted on the college MySCAD portal.
SCAD also utilizes the Connect-ED emergency contact system to notify students, faculty and staff about emergency situations via e-mail, phone and text message.
In Lacoste, the student services coordinator reviews security issues and procedures. As new issues arise, announcements are made in the dining hall.
SCAD security is responsible for gathering statistics, identifying reportable crimes and publishing the statistics with the U.S. Department of Education. SCAD security works with the director of judicial affairs in the student services department, the SCAD security contractor, and local police departments to compile the annual security report statistics and information necessary to comply with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. The information is provided to the Department of Education through its electronic filing system. It is printed and available at the college and is posted on the college Web site. Notice of the posting, with the Web site link and URL, is e-mailed to students, faculty and staff, posted on MySCAD and printed in the college newspaper. Notice is also disseminated through the Student Media Center, including the college’s student newspaper, the student Web radio station and the student Web site. Both the public logs and the printed annual security report are available at SCAD security, 345 Bull St., or by calling college security at 912.525.4500. Annual security reports also are available at the office of the dean of students, 115 E. York St., 912.525.6980. In Atlanta, annual security reports are available at the residence life office in Spring House, 1470 Spring St., 404.253.3104, at the greeter’s desk at 1600 Peachtree St., 404.253.2700 and at the SCAD command security desk at 1600 Peachtree St., 404.253.3472.
In Lacoste, statistical numbers about acts of crime are compiled by the student services coordinator.
Access to academic buildings is reserved for currently enrolled students and currently employed faculty and staff members. Members of the college community must show a valid SCAD ID card to gain access to college facilities. Students are required to renew their validation each quarter to gain access. All guests and visitors must be registered and escorted by a host member of the college community. Registration forms are available in the offices of the residence directors. Access to each building is controlled by greeters and/or security personnel during all hours of operation. Students may not utilize an unsupervised college facility.
Dyson, Oglethorpe, Turner and Weston houses, and Boundary Village are staffed by college security 24 hours a day, and residents receive keys to their respective rooms. Other residence halls (Forsyth, Pulaski, Gaston houses, Turner Annex and Barnard Village) remain locked 24 hours a day. Residents of these halls receive keys to the main entrance.
In Atlanta, 1600 Peachtree St. is staffed by SCAD security when the building is open. Spring House has a guard at the front desk during daytime hours and a SCAD security guard in the booth at the entrance to the parking lot 24 hours a day. ACA Residence Hall is staffed by a SCAD security guard 24 hours a day. Residents receive keys to their respective rooms.
All college facilities are maintained according to federal, state and local codes to provide a safe environment for the college community.
In Lacoste, only students, faculty and staff are allowed in the college buildings. All buildings have locks. If the director of the SCAD-Lacoste feels the key or the code to a building has been compromised, then the director changes the lock or the code.
SCAD contracts with Allied Barton in Savannah and Atlanta to provide security personnel who are trained to operate in accordance with state codes for unarmed security personnel and watchmen. Daily logs and incident reports are filed and reviewed, and any necessary action is taken immediately by SCAD security. Violations of college policies are referred to the dean of students for review and action.
SCAD security personnel have no law enforcement authority and cannot make arrests, physically restrain or detain individuals; however, they may report criminal activity, summon assistance and act as witnesses. This includes a partnership with Crimestoppers of Savannah called College Crimestoppers. Students in Savannah can report criminal activity or access the rumor hotline to assess safety information by calling 912.234.2020.
Through SCAD security, the college maintains a close, positive working relationship with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
In Lacoste, there are alarms and an alarm-monitoring company for most college buildings. The library, computer labs, gallery, office and hotel all have alarms, and the alarms are monitored by a security service.
Safety policies and procedures are published, distributed and discussed with all students, faculty and staff at the beginning of each year, at new student and staff orientations throughout the year, and in residence hall meetings throughout each quarter. In addition, SCAD security coordinates safety awareness programs for the college community each academic quarter.
The Savannah College of Art and Design provides a series of crime prevention and awareness programs throughout the year. All students entering the college for the first time attend mandatory, quarterly first-year seminars to acquaint them with college policies, procedures, services and resources.
Access Control, CCTV and Call Boxes The SCAD security office has installed access control systems at many college facilities that limit building access to authorized members of the SCAD community. Closed-circuit television systems have also been installed at many facilities. In Savannah, state-of-the-art call boxes are available to students, faculty, staff, local residents and visitors throughout the college property.
Fleet Crime Watch In support of local crime watch initiatives, college transportation drivers are trained to be alert for suspicious activities and dangerous situations and to report that information to local law enforcement authorities through the college transportation dispatch office. The college transportation routes take drivers through much of the Savannah downtown and surrounding areas, and Fleet Crime Watch gives local authorities another set of watchful eyes in the community. All current drivers have undergone training. New drivers are trained upon hire.
Operation Chain Guard SCAD security offers a bicycle registration program to all students. Owner and bicycle information is entered into the office’s database, and a SCAD sticker containing a unique number is placed on the bike. This system provides a means to return lost or stolen bicycles, if they are recovered, to their rightful owners. Students can bring their bicycles and register them at any time at the SCAD security office, 345 Bull St., in Savannah, or at the SCAD command security desk, 1600 Peachtree St., in Atlanta. This is an ongoing program.
Rape Aggression Defense Systems The SCAD security office offers a nationally certified women’s self-defense course called
Rape Aggression Defense Systems. SCAD is one of only three colleges in Georgia to offer this program. For more information about the R.A.D. Systems, call 912.525.4500.
Safety at SCAD Safety at SCAD presentations in Atlanta and Savannah introduce students to the issues and community responsibilities of crime prevention. The presentations are given by local law enforcement agencies and representatives from other organizations. The presentations inform students of the college’s sexual assault prevention and support programs and information and are open to any member of the college community. In addition, special presentations are made when requested by college groups and clubs. These presentations are offered each quarter and are scheduled to accommodate the approximate number of incoming students.
Lacoste The director of SCAD-Lacoste and the student services coordinator talk to students during the initial orientation about procedures for personal safety and how to handle security problems in Lacoste, France and Europe. If there are incidents, staff make announcements at meal times.
SCAD does not recognize any off-campus student organizations. Any college organization sponsoring an activity at an off-campus location must comply with the guidelines established for student organizations.
SCAD prohibits the unlawful possession, use, manufacture, distribution or dispensing of alcohol or controlled substances by students or employees in college buildings, on grounds or property, or as part of any college activity. Any full- or part-time student or employee found to be in violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the policies and laws of the college, the city, the county, the state and federal government.
A SCAD student who violates the college’s drug and alcohol policy will be subject to sanctions. Disciplinary action includes, but is not limited to, warnings, probation, suspensions and expulsions or referral for prosecution and/or the completion of a substance abuse assistance or rehabilitation program specified by SCAD at the expense of the student.
SCAD has an established substance abuse education program and a substance abuse counselor. SCAD may require, as part of disciplinary action, that the student receive treatment by a designated college professional. Failure to comply with the college’s requirements is justification for immediate dismissal from the college.
SCAD recognizes that sexual harassment and sexual assault undermine individual growth and self-esteem. The college informs students about sexual assault through seminars and through the efforts of the college’s office of counseling and student support services and its coordinator of risk awareness/prevention. The college investigates reports of sexual harassment and sexual assault; adjudicates them according to the policies and laws of the college, the cities of Atlanta and Savannah, the state of Georgia and the federal government; supports survivors of sexual harassment and sexual assault; and, when appropriate, informs the college community of such instances.
SCAD affirms its commitment to ensuring an environment for all members of the college community that is safe, fair, humane and respectful. Behaviors that inappropriately assert sexuality or gender as relevant to performance are damaging to this environment. Sexual harassment, discrimination or assault by any member of the college community is not tolerated.
In the event of a report of sexual harassment or assault, student services staff advise students, faculty and staff of their options and support them in their decisions; however, in the event of an imminent threat to the safety of the college community, the college proceeds without consent to protect the safety and well-being of all and prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law.
Victims have the right to privacy and confidentiality. In most circumstances, the college does not release a victim’s name; however, in the event a victim decides to file a complaint, the accused has a right to see the complaint.
This policy applies to all members of the college community — students, faculty, staff and administration. Recognizing that both men and women are victims of sexual harassment and assault and may commit such offenses, this policy is gender-neutral and applies equally to men and women.
College policies and definitions on sexual harassment and sexual assault are also available in the student handbook and through MySCAD.
Process for Reporting and Addressing Sexual Assault Students should report a sexual assault as soon as possible so that essential support can be provided. Reporting the crime can help the student regain a sense of personal power and control and can also help to ensure the safety of other potential victims. Confidential reports can be made to the dean of students, director of counseling and student support services, or to the office of college security.
Students have the right to make a criminal report to the police department having jurisdiction over the incident, and SCAD officials assist the student in making that report.
- Atlanta Police Department — 404.658.7054
- Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police —9 12.232.4141
- Emergency (Atlanta and Savannah) — 9-1-1
A counselor from counseling and student support services, 912.525.6971 (call 912.525.4500 after hours to speak to a counselor) or the rape crisis center, 912.233.7273 in Savannah and 404.377.1428 in Atlanta, should be contacted to provide additional confidential support. The rape crisis center provides advocacy in accompanying students throughout the court system.
In Lacoste, students should report or address a sexual assault to the director of SCAD-Lacoste, 33.(0)4.90.75.66.32, or the student services coordinator, 33.(0)4.90.75.66.33.
Medical Attention/Preserving Evidence It is important that the victim seek medical attention even if the victim does not report the assault to the police. A medical exam is needed to check for sexually transmitted diseases, infections, injuries or pregnancy. A test for “rape drugs” may also be requested, since evidence of these drugs leaves the body within two to 48 hours. It is important that the victim not bathe, shower, brush teeth, use mouthwash, comb hair, wash or dispose of clothing, or take other actions to clean up before going to the hospital. Physical evidence should be collected as soon as possible following the assault.
Victims have the right to: - Be treated with respect by anyone handling the sexual assault case
- Be interviewed by a same-sex police officer if requested
- Report the crime and not prosecute
- Reasonable prosecution by the law
- Withdraw testimony against the attacker at any time
- Decide whether or not to seek medical treatment (however, medical treatment is strongly encouraged)
- Request that a same-sex physician or personal physician perform the examination
- Change his/her mind and refuse treatment
- Exclude law enforcement officers from the examining room
- Receive confidential counseling
Counseling and student support services, 912.525.6971, may serve as a liaison between students, faculty and the dean of students to make necessary academic and/or housing accommodations. Transportation is available to help students access ongoing counseling/medical appointments. After hours, students may contact the college security office at 912.525.4500 to be connected to the on-call counselor. Similar support is available at SCAD-Atlanta. Students may contact SCAD security at 404.685.9770 and ask to be connected to the on-call counselor.
Student-to-Student Sexual Assault A victim of sexual assault by another student, in addition to contacting local law enforcement, has the right to notify a SCAD official. That information is forwarded to the dean of students.
- The dean of students investigates the charge. During the investigation, the victim may request a new housing assignment (if applicable) and receive extensions of academic requirement deadlines. Requests are granted whenever possible. When the safety of the person reporting is at risk, restrictions are placed on the alleged perpetrator.
- A hearing is scheduled in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct. (See definition in the student handbook.)
- Both the accused and accuser are informed of the outcome of the hearing and the action(s) taken.
- Students found responsible for, or who admit responsibility to, harassment or unwanted sexual contact (which includes, but is not limited to, fondling and/or penetration) are subject to probation, suspension or expulsion.
Additional sanctions may be combined with those stated above.
The Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act is a federal law enacted in 2000 that calls for tracking convicted sex offenders enrolled at or employed by institutions of higher education. The act amends the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act to require sex offenders, who are already required to register in a state, to provide notice as required under state law to each institution of higher education in the state at which the offender is employed, carries on a vocation or is a student. State procedures ensure that this registration information is promptly made available to law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction where the institutions of higher education are located and that it is entered into appropriate state records or data systems. These changes took effect Oct. 28, 2002. These requirements are tied to state eligibility for certain types of federal grant funding and must be implemented through state law.
The act also amends the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act to require institutions of higher education to issue a statement, in addition to other disclosures required under that act, advising the college community of where to obtain information provided by a state concerning registered sex offenders.
Information regarding registered sex offenders required to provide notice in connection with the Savannah College of Art and Design under the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act can be obtained by contacting the Chatham County Sheriff's Department in Savannah at 912.652.7624 or the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office in Atlanta at 404.853.2155. In the state of Georgia, additional information about registered sex offenders may be found through the
Georgia Bureau of Investigation Sex Offender Search Web page.
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, part of the Higher Education Act, is a federal law that requires colleges and universities to disclose certain timely and annual information about campus crime and security policies. Schools have to publish annual reports. Each school must disclose crime statistics for the campus, public areas that are accessible from and immediately adjacent to a college facility used by students or employees, and certain non-campus facilities.
Any building or property owned or controlled by an institution within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area and used by the institution in the direct support of, or in a manner related to, the institution’s educational purposes; and any building or property that is within or reasonably contiguous to the locations mentioned in the first part of this definition, that is owned by the institution but controlled by another person, is frequently used by students and supports institutional purposes (such as a food or retail vendor). This definition includes all academic buildings, administrative buildings, residence halls and cafeterias.
As the college is located within the historic portion of Savannah, it has no defined campus apart from the various buildings it owns or controls and utilizes in relation to its educational purposes.
View maps that reflect the college’s facilities as well as the other public areas from which crime statistics that were included in compliance with the Clery Act.
Any building or property owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by the institution; or any building or property owned or controlled by an institution that is used in direct support of, or in relation to, the institution’s educational purposes, is frequently used by students, and is not within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area of the institution.
All public property, including thoroughfares, streets, sidewalks and parking facilities, that is within the campus, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.
For SCAD, this includes city sidewalks and streets as well as public parks, including historic squares and Forsyth Park, which are visited by thousands of Savannah residents and tourists each day. While this expanded area of reporting has produced greater numbers in SCAD’s statistical reporting, only a portion involves members of the SCAD community.
Crime data for Savannah comes from three sources: the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department, the SCAD security office and the SCAD office of judicial affairs. Crime data for SCAD-Atlanta comes from the Atlanta Police Department. Prior to June 2005 crime data for the Atlanta College of Art came from the Woodruff Arts Center. Crime data for Lacoste comes from the department of student services and local French authorities.
