Campus Safety, Police Department Regulations & Resources

4.1 SAFETY

The W Police Department is available to assist students at any time during the day or night. The purpose of this department is to provide protection for students, staff, faculty, guests and physical property from fire or other safety hazards and from criminal or dangerous acts of individuals or groups. Services include the maintenance of order; investigation of matters in which the University is, or may be a party of interest; law enforcement; enforcement of regulations; control of traffic and parking on the University campus; unlocking cars; starting dead batteries, etc.

Any person requiring the services of the police department should call (662) 241-7777.

The University is not responsible for damage to or loss of personal property due to fire, theft, interruption of water, heat or other utilities or other causes. Students are encouraged to provide their own personal insurance. Thefts, damage to property, etc. should be reported to The W Police Department.

YOU PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS WHEN YOU:

• Are observant;
• Report all suspicious acts;
• Report all locks, windows, and doors in need of repair or which are unlocked;
• Always keep your room door locked in the residence hall;
• Lock your car;
• Try not to walk alone, especially at night;
• Never leave your valuables unattended;
•  Identify your personal property with a special identification number in case of theft;
• Are security conscious and alert to potentially dangerous situations; and
• Don’t panic.

PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS

• Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid unpopulated and poorly or unlit areas after dark. Look for potential hiding spots.
• If you must be in an isolated area (e.g., working or studying alone in labs or offices) lock the doors and tell a friend or The W Police Department where you are and when you plan to leave.
• Walk and act with confidence. LOOK alert! BE alert!
• Know the location of campus emergency telephones on routes to and from campus destinations.
• Keep personal belongings in view while eating, meeting, or shopping on campus.
• Whenever you are on campus or off, and see or hear someone who might be in trouble, your options include running, yelling, confronting, and calling 911 or The W Police Department at 662-241-7777.

RESIDENCE HALL SAFETY TIPS

• Think of your residence hall as your home. Remember that by taking a share of the responsibility to keep your residence safe, you can make a difference. Contact housing and residence life staff regarding your security/ safety concerns at 662-329-7127.
• Keep doors locked - even if you are going to be gone only a few minutes.
• Door-to-door solicitation is prohibited on campus. Please report the presence of solicitors to The W Police Department.
• Notify The W Police Department or housing and residence life staff of suspicious individuals who appear to be loitering.
• Take security regulations seriously for your own protection.
• If you leave for an extended vacation, take high-value personal property with you.

WALKING SAFETY TIPS

• Walk Facing Traffic: If there is no sidewalk and you must walk on the side of the road, choose the side where you are facing oncoming traffic. In North America, this is the left side of the road. This gives you the best chance to see traffic approaching closest to you.
• Cross Safely: Look both ways before crossing any street. At controlled intersections, it is wise to cross only when you have the pedestrian crossing light, but even then, drivers and bikers may have a green light to turn and won’t be expecting you to be in the crosswalk. Make eye contact with any drivers who may be turning. Give them a wave. Make sure they see you.
• Walk Single File: Unless you are on a sidewalk separated from the road or a wide bike lane, you should walk in single file. This is especially important on a road with lots curves, where traffic has only a split second chance of seeing you before hitting you.
• Stay Aware of Bikes and Runners: Share the road and path with bikes and runners. Bike riders should alert you when approaching from behind with a bike bell or a “passing on the left/right.” Listen for them, and move to walk single file, allowing them to pass safely. Runners should also call out for passing.
• Be Visible: Wear bright colors when walking in daytime. When walking at night, wear light-colored clothing and reflective clothing or a reflective vest to be visible. Drivers are often not expecting walkers to be out after dark, and you need to give them every chance to see you, even at street crossings that have crossing signals. Be just as cautious at dawn or twilight, as drivers still have limited visibility or may even have the setting or rising sun directly in their eyes.
• Be Predictable: Make a practice of staying on one side of the path while walking rather than weaving randomly from side to side.
• Keep the Volume Down: Don’t drown out your environment with your mobile device. Keep the volume at a level where you can still hear bike bells and warnings from other walkers and runners.
• Hang Up and Eyes Up: Chatting or texting on a mobile device while you walk is as dangerous as doing those things while driving. You are distracted and not as aware of your environment. You are less likely to recognize traffic danger, passing joggers and bikers or tripping hazards. Potential criminals see you as a distracted easy target.
• Know When to Stop Walking: Heat sickness, dehydration, heart attack or stroke can strike walkers of any age. Learn the symptoms of medical emergencies and carry a cell phone to dial 911.
• Be Aware of Stranger Danger: Choose your walking route for paths frequented by other walkers, joggers, and bikers. If you see someone suspicious, be prepared to alter your course or go into a store or public building to avoid them.

DRIVING SAFETY TIPS

• Have your keys in your hand as you approach your car.
• Lock your doors when driving and after parking.
• Check the backseat and floor before entering your car.
• Keep your valuables out of sight, under the seat, or in the glove compartment or trunk.
• Park in well-lighted areas.
• If you have car trouble, signal for help by raising the hood. Remain in your car with doors locked until identifiable help arrives. Should another motorist offer to help, roll down the window slightly and ask them to call the police.
• Keep an emergency kit in your car containing a flashlight, flares, telephone charger, change, distress signs, and other essentials.
• To protect your car, use a lock bar that prohibits the use of the steering wheel.

TELEPHONE SAFETY TIPS

• Be aware of telephone surveys.
• List only your first initial and last name in the telephone directory.
• If you receive a threatening or obscene telephone call, hang up. Contact The W Police Department and make a report.
• Answering machines are useful in screening calls. Your outgoing message should not say that you are away from home.

 ELEVATOR SAFETY TIPS

• Check the inside of an elevator before entering. Wait for the next elevator if you are unsure of the people inside.
• When riding an elevator, stand by the control board. If you feel in danger, press all the buttons and get off the elevator as soon as possible.
• Utilize the emergency telephone in the elevator, if applicable.

SELF DEFENSE SAFETY TIPS

• If someone tries to snatch your purse, let it go. Most injuries from robberies occur when people resist during purse snatches.
• If you are attacked, whether you resist and how you resist will depend on your personal resources and your personal values. Give some thought right now to what you would do in various situations that could arise. The more you have thought ahead, the more likely you will be to act in the way you have planned.
• In considering your reactions to different situations, keep these three basic rules in mind: Trust your instincts. Don’t be afraid to be impolite or make a scene; this is especially important if someone you know threatens or attacks you. Try to remain calm and use your imagination and good judgment; give yourself time to think.

4.2 CAR TROUBLE

The W police officers are available to “jump start” automobiles on a 24-hour per day schedule at no charge. Police officers are also available to assist in gaining entry to vehicles whose owners have locked their keys inside. Those receiving assistance are required to sign appropriate release forms. Officers are not able to change or inflate flat tires.

4.3 CAR REGISTRATION

University owned parking lots are for use by students, faculty, staff, and guests only. For this reason, each person operating a car on campus must register with The W Police Department. A parking permit, required to be displayed in the vehicle, will be issued. The registered holder of the permit is responsible for the payment of any citations issued to a vehicle bearing their permit. Car registration can be completed online through WConnect and picked up at The W Police Department, located in McDevitt Hall.

4.4 TRAFFIC

All prior rules and regulations for the control, direction, parking and general regulation of traffic and automobiles on the campus and streets of Mississippi University for Women are hereby repealed.

For purposes of these regulations, the term:

1. Vehicle includes any device upon or by which any individual or property is, or may be, transported or drawn upon a highway, roadway, or street on the campus of Mississippi University for Women;
2. Motor Vehicle includes every motorized vehicle which is self-propelled, and every boat and trailer whether or not self-propelled;
3. Motorcycle includes every motorized vehicle having a saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground;
4. Bicycle includes every vehicle, other than a motor vehicle, designed to travel on not more than two wheels in contact with the ground and propelled by human power;
5. University means Mississippi University for Women;
6. Campus means all buildings, streets and grounds under the jurisdiction of Mississippi University for Women or any part thereof: including university owned property outside the fenced area, and city streets where MUW owns property on both sides of the street.
7. Police Department means the Police Department at Mississippi University for Women;
8. Visitor means any individual, other than a faculty member, a staff member, or a student who operates or parks a non-registered vehicle on the campus occasionally, rather than regularly;
9. Student means any individual enrolled in classes, regardless of number of credit hours, at the W. 
10. Faculty or Staff means any individual who is eligible to receive staff benefits, any individual who works for a federal government agency with offices on campus, and any individual who is not a registered student and who works for a contracted campus business.
11. Decal/Tag means the parking permit properly affixed to the vehicle. The University shall have no liability for loss or damage to any vehicle or the contents of any vehicle brought, operated or parked on the university campus. The University does not guarantee a parking space.

Registration and Decals

Any individual who operates or parks a motor vehicle or motorcycle on the campus and streets of Mississippi University for Women must register the vehicle and display the appropriate decal/tag on or before the first day of classes or within twenty-four hours (excluding weekends and holidays) after it is first brought on the university campus or streets.

Any individual required to register a vehicle shall furnish the following information on forms provided by the university:

(1) Name, address, and student ID number of person registering the vehicle;

(2) Year, make, model and color of the vehicle; and

(3) State and license tag number of the vehicle.

Other information concerning the identity of the motor vehicle as may, from time to time, be required. The university shall prescribe the form of the decal/tag. No individual shall display more than one university decal/tag on any one vehicle. The decal/tag shall be properly displayed in a place and manner prescribed by the university or in accordance with instructions printed on the decal/tag. Any regular employee of Mississippi University for Women, or any employee of a State or Federal agency located on the university campus, must obtain a staff decal/tag for any vehicle or motorcycle brought to campus. Staff decals/tags are solely for the use of regular employees, as described above and may not be secured for the use of a student, friend or relative. Staff decals/tags shall not be displayed on a vehicle that is operated on campus on a regular or occasional basis by a student, friend or relative. Students shall obtain a decal/tag for any vehicle or motorcycle brought to campus. The fee for issuing a decal/tag to any individual during the fall semester shall not exceed the amount established by the university. The fee for issuing a decal/tag to any individual during the spring semester shall not exceed two-thirds of the amount; the fee for issuing a decal/tag to any individual during a summer term shall not exceed one-third of the amount. The cost of a decal/tag shall be established by the university.

Any individual to whom a decal/tag has been issued shall:

(1) Remove any expired decal/tag from the vehicle.

(2) Remove any decal/tag from the vehicle upon transfer of ownership or possession of the vehicle.

If a decal/tag becomes marred, mutilated or obliterated, or if, because of damage to the vehicle the decal/tag has to be replaced, or if the individual changes their status to a different classification during the year, the individual shall obtain a new decal/tag. The original decal/tag or satisfactory evidence of its destruction should be presented to The W Police Department.

Any individual who expects to operate or park any vehicle on the campus for more than eight (8) hours, but less than fourteen (14) days may obtain a temporary parking decal/tag from The W Police Department. An individual is limited to two (2) temporary decals/tags per school year.

Any individual to whom a decal/tag or permit has been issued shall be responsible for any parking or registration violation(s) in which the vehicle is involved.

Parking

Failure by any individual to find a legal parking space shall not be an excuse for violation of these regulations.

For purposes of these regulations, the university may classify individuals into different categories and may restrict parking in any area of its campus to a certain category of individuals. The university shall not, except upon posting or installation of appropriate signs, change the restriction in any area from one category to another during the school year. 

No individual, unless otherwise authorized by these regulations or The W Police Department located in McDevitt Hall, shall park any motor vehicle on the campus

1. In any area designated for Handicap Parking;
2. In any manner that obstructs any wheelchair route or potential wheelchair route;
3. Adjacent to any yellow curb;
4. On any sidewalk, lawn or grassed area, except as otherwise provided in these regulations.
5. In any driveway;
6. In any loading zone;
7. In any “No Parking” zone;
8. In any manner that obstructs traffic;
9. In a double or multiple manner;
10. In any manner that obstructs any sidewalk;
11. In any manner that obstructs or blocks a fire hydrant;
12. In any location not designated by lines, signs or other parking devices as parking areas;
13. In any manner exceeding the posted length of time where “time” parking is in effect;
14. In any area of the campus which has been closed off by the use of barricades, signs, yellow lines or other traffic control devices except as otherwise authorized by these regulations;
15. In any fire lane; or
16. In any area designated as “Reserved Parking.”

Parking accommodations for mobility-impaired individuals are provided by Mississippi University for Women. Mobility-impaired individuals should obtain a handicap parking permit authorized by the State of Mississippi through an application process which begins at the courthouse. Parking spaces are reserved throughout the campus to accommodate mobility-impaired individuals.

Students shall park their vehicles in areas marked in white on weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. weekdays and on weekends students may also park in green areas. Areas marked Reserved Parking are only for designated individuals, reserved parking is NOT to be used as student parking on evenings and weekends.

Every individual, unless otherwise permitted or directed by appropriate authority, who parallel parks a motor vehicle upon the campus where there is an adjacent curb shall park with the right-hand wheels of the vehicle parallel to, and within twelve inches of the right-hand curb.

• No individual shall abandon any motor vehicle on the university campus. The university may, in addition to any other remedy herein provided, upon evidence that a motor vehicle has remained on campus parked and unused for a period of thirty (30) days, remove the vehicle and dispose of it as junk.
• No individual shall operate or park any motor vehicle or motorcycle on the campus in a manner as to cause injury or damage to any individual, grounds, building or other facility or property of the university.               
• Any individual who operates or parks a vehicle on campus shall obey all traffic and parking signs, yellow or white lines for routing traffic, indicators, markers or signals for the control, direction, parking and regulation of traffic on the campus and streets of Mississippi University for Women including, but not confined to, lawful hand, voice, whistle or other commands or signals.
• No individual shall drive or operate a motor vehicle on campus at a speed in excess of ten (10) miles per hour.
• Mississippi University for Women shall, consistent with these regulations, place and maintain signs, markers and other traffic control devices upon its campus and streets as it shall deem necessary and sufficient to regulate, warn or guide traffic.
• No individual, other than those individuals who by nature of their functions are required to do so, shall park any vehicle in or upon any area of campus that has been closed by the use of barricades or other traffic control devices.  No individual shall operate any motor vehicle on the campus without due regard for the safety and property of others.
• Pedestrians shall have the right of way at all marked crosswalks on the campus. 
• No individual shall operate on the campus any motor vehicle equipped with, noisemaking muffler, cutout or straight exhaust.
• No individual shall blow the horn of his or her motor vehicle in an excessive manner.
• Any individual who has an accident on the campus shall, if the accident resulted in property damage or personal injury, report the accident to The W Police Department.

In addition to the rules and regulations contained herein, all of the laws of the State of Mississippi are in full force and effect at all times on the campus.

Procedures for Traffic Ticket Appeals

Any individual charged with a violation of any rule or regulation is entitled to appeal the citation to the Traffic and Parking Committee.

(1) The appellant must complete an appeal form available on WCONNECT.  This form must be completed ten days from the date the citation is issued.

(2) The following are NOT acceptable grounds for appealing a traffic ticket: Ignorance of the regulations, unavailability of a legal parking space, improper display of decal/tag, failure to purchase any decal/tag, inclement weather, late arrival for class or meetings, or failure to display decal/tag

The Traffic and Parking Committee is charged with the responsibility of reviewing all appeals of traffic citations and making a final judgment.

The Traffic and Parking Committee will consist of 2 residential and 2 commuting students as appointed by the Vice President for Student Affairs Office, 2 faculty members, as appointed by the Faculty Senate; and 2 staff members, as appointed by the Staff Council; 1 MSMS student and 1 MSMS Faculty/Staff, as appointed by the MSMS director. Tickets are considered pending during the appeal process.

Traffic ticket appeals are heard on an anonymous basis; only a case number is available to the committee.

The W Police Department does not collect money. Decals/tickets are charged to your account and paid at the University Accounting Office located in Welty Hall, Room 106.

Penalties

Any individual who knowingly provides any false information required by the terms of these rules and regulations will result in the loss of parking privileges and may be result in a judicial hearing.

Any student who fails to meet their financial obligation to the university before the end of the semester will not be permitted to re-register as a student of the university or secure a transcript or credits. Unpaid traffic penalties are cumulative until paid.

The university may, in addition to any other remedy herein provided, enforce the traffic rules and regulations through the use of a wheel lock device. This device will render the vehicle immobile. The owner of the vehicle will be responsible for all costs and unpaid traffic fines involved. Fees associated with the use of wheel lock devices will be established by the university. Vehicles that are unregistered or have unpaid citations may be wheel-locked and/or towed at the owner/operator’s expense. Unauthorized vehicles in exclusive service parking or Handicap Parking will be wheel-locked and/or towed at the owner/operator’s expense.

4.5 STUDENT I.D. CARD

All enrolled students are issued a student identification card. The identification card will provide admittance to campus and into campus buildings. The identification card may be used for attaching monies for use at dining services on campus. The identification card may be used to verify identification for check distribution, admission to University events, and/or purchase of University event tickets. Students should keep identification cards with them at all times. Use of another person’s I.D. card constitutes fraud and will result in disciplinary action.

Residential students are issued identification cards to use for obtaining their meals in the Dining Center and for access to the residence halls. Residential students must have their identification card to dine in the Dining Hall, or must pay for their meal.

Lost or stolen identification cards must be reported to The W Police Department. A replacement fee will be directly applied to an individual’s banner account. In order to receive a replacement identification card, a picture governmental identification card must be presented to The W Police Department.

4.6 TORNADO INFORMATION

• Tornadoes can occur any time.
• Tornado Watch - Conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop.
• Tornado Warning - Tornado has been sighted or indicated on radar
• How to recognize a tornado: A tornado usually appears as a funnel-shaped cloud which spins rapidly and extends toward the earth from the base of a thundercloud. When the tornado is close by, it sounds like the roar of airplanes.

Tornado or Storm Alert

• When a tornado warning is issued, take shelter immediately and remain sheltered until the warning has been lifted.
• Proceed to the lowest floor which can be reached before high winds or the tornado strikes.
• Stay away from windows and exterior doors.
• All electrical items should be disconnected if time permits.
• Remain calm.
• Do not use the elevator.
• If a tornado strikes, do not move to see the damages until the storm is well out of the area. Tornadoes sometimes come in pairs.
• In open country, move away from the tornado’s path at a right angle. If there is not time to escape, lie flat in the nearest depression, such as a ditch or ravine.

Students should refer to The W’s website for weather updates at http://www.muw.edu. 

4.7 THEFT

The W encourages all students, faculty, and staff to take positive steps to prevent the likelihood of falling victim to a theft of personal or institutional property. Doors to offices and residence hall rooms should be locked if not occupied. Housing & Residence Life does not assume risk or liability for items that are stolen when left in a public area, when a door is not locked or when access has been given by the student to another person. Similarly, automobiles should be secured to prevent easy access. Expensive car stereos, CB radios, and radar detectors should not be left in cars which will be unattended.  Valuable jewelry, keepsakes, or other irreplaceable items should be left at home. Money, billfolds, and purses should be kept in secure areas when not in use. All personal property should be engraved with the owner’s name and identifying number when possible. Students should put their name and other identifying marks in their textbooks. Textbooks should not be left unattended.  All instances of theft should be reported to the police department.

4.8 INSURANCE, PERSONAL AND PROPERTY

Although precautions are taken to maintain adequate security, the university does not assume any legal obligation to pay for injury to persons - including death or loss or damage to items of personal property which occurs in its buildings or on its grounds, prior to, during or subsequent to registration. Students are encouraged to carry appropriate insurance to cover such losses.

4.9 WEAPONS ON CAMPUS

Institutions of Higher Learning, State of Mississippi

Policy 1106

“The Board recognizes that the possession of pistols, firearms or other weapons on any of its institutional premises or at its institutions or student functions off- campus by persons other than duly authorized law enforcement officials, institutional security officials, other authorized persons and the institutional approved programs creates an unreasonable and unwarranted risk of injury or death to its institutions’ employees, students, visitors and guests and further creates an unreasonable and unwarranted risk of damage to properties of the institutions, employees, students, visitors, guests and properties of others.  Because of such dangers, the Board hereby prohibits the possession of pistols, firearms or other weapons in any form by any person other than duly authorized law enforcement officials, institutional security officials and other authorized persons. “Authorized persons” includes those individuals authorized by applicable law and by the institutional executive officer or his/her designee.  “Authorized persons” also includes those who have in their possession a valid, unexpired state firearms permit with the “Instructor Certified” (IC) sticker on the back, or the equivalent permit issued by a state with a reciprocity agreement with Mississippi.  Even so, those possessing such permits are not permitted to possess firearms in any institutional facilities and/or areas that are deemed non-public.  Students and employees are not authorized to possess firearms on institutional property or at institutional off-campus events regardless of possession of firearms permits.”

It is against university policy for residents to possess firearms, ammunition, fireworks, knives, explosive devices, tasers, hunting equipment, crossbows, bows and arrows, or any such item that can be used as a weapon in a residence hall. Violators will be subject to immediate removal from campus housing, in addition to disciplinary action and possible criminal prosecution. Highpowered water guns, BB guns, paintball guns and airsoft pellet guns are not to be used in or near the residence halls.

The University deems the following areas sensitive/non-public:

Academic buildings; Administrative offices and buildings; Athletic facilities and fields; Residence Halls; Stark Recreational Facility; Campus Health Center (Eckford Building); Fant Memorial Library; Carrier Chapel; Child and Parent Development Center; Speech and Hearing Center; Counseling Center; Any ticketed event, no matter the location; and any building or facility not specifically identified as a non-sensitive/public area.

The University deems the following as non-sensitive/public areas:

Hogarth Student Union; University Dining facilities (not located in Academic buildings) including, but not limited to, Hogarth Cafeteria and Subway; University Police Department; Barnes & Noble Bookstore; Puckett House; Stovall Welcome Center Lobby; Plymouth Bluff; Bryan Green Gazebo and surrounding lawn; and outdoor locations including Shattuck lawn.

Definitions

1. Firearm- Any device that shoots a bullet, pellet, flare, tranquilizer, spear dart, paintball or other projectile - whether loaded or unloaded - including those powered by CO2 , is considered a firearm. This includes, but is not limited to, guns, air guns, dart guns, pistols, revolvers, rifles, cannons, etc., and any ammunition for any such device.
2. Weapon - A weapon is any device that is designed or traditionally used to inflict harm. This includes, but is not limited to, firearms, slingshots, switchblades, daggers, blackjacks, brass knuckles, bows and arrows, hand grenades, hunting knives, hatchets, nun chucks and throwing stars, as well as any object that could be reasonably construed as a weapon.
3. Explosives - Explosives are chemical compounds or mechanical mixtures that contain oxidizing, combustible units or other ingredients - in such proportion, quantities or packing - that an ignition by fire, friction, concussion, percussion or detonator or any part of the compound, mixture or gaseous pressures are capable of producing destructive efforts on contiguous objects or of destroying life or limb. This includes, but is not limited to, firecrackers, black powder and dynamite, as well as detonating devices such as detonators, blasting caps, timers, incendiary wire and the like.

4.10 PROHIBITED VEHICLES/DEVICES

The use of roller skates, rollerblades, and hoverboards (and similar vehicles/devices) is prohibited on campus, including campus buildings and campus grounds.  Hoverboards (and similar vehicles/devices) may not be stored or charged on campus. Skateboards may be used on campus but should remain on the streets and roadways while in use. Misuse of skateboards that result in injury or damage to property could result in disciplinary action. 

4.11 W-ALERT

The W is committed to ensuring the campus community receives timely and accurate information in the event of a confirmation of a significant emergency or dangerous situation occurring on the campus involving an immediate threat to the health and safety of the students and employees. The University uses the emergency notification system through Blackboard Connect to provide alerts via W-Alert. This is The W’s emergency notification service available to all students, faculty and staff. It can be used to send emergency messages within minutes of the occurrence of an incident. Once the emergency notification has been made, more detailed follow-up information will be released to the campus community.

Steps to enroll to receive W-Alerts or to update contact information:

1. In a web browser, go to The W’s home page, http://www.muw.edu
2. Click on the WCONNECT icon on the top right hand side of the home page.
3. Enter your NetID (user ID/first part of your email without @myapps or @muw.edu) and password then click the “Login” button.
4. Click the “Personal Information” tab.
5. Click on “W Alert Text Messaging Opt In/Out.
6. Enter your cell phone number with area code and select “Opt-In” as Participation Level.
7. Then click the “Submit” button.

Note: You will receive a success notification if your number was saved successfully.

4.12 SECURITY CAMERAS: ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

Mississippi University for Women will permit the use of security cameras to enhance campus safety and security, while respecting the privacy rights of the University community and public, and maintaining compliance with all applicable laws and policies.  Security cameras may also be used by MSMS and other contractors, such as Barnes & Noble, GCA and Sodexo.  These cameras must be registered with The W Police Department, and a copy of the policies and procedures governing their use should be on file with The W Police Department.

• All security cameras on campus must be registered with The W Police Department. 
• The W Police Department will provide direct supervision of the use of University security equipment.
• The W Police Department will maintain an inventory of video security equipment installed on campus.
• The W Police Department and Information Technology Services will maintain a list of all of the individuals on campus with access to security equipment, including individuals with administrative access and individuals with access to review recordings.
• All individuals on campus with access to University security equipment will participate in training, and will sign a statement indicating they have received training.  The training will include the role of security equipment in student conduct matters and in criminal investigations. 
• Any misconduct that is captured on camera, and viewed by an employee or contractor, must be reported to the appropriate authorities (ex: Vice President for Student Affairs, Human Resources, and The W Police Department), using established procedures.
• The W Police Department can authorize removal/reinstallation of any University camera.
• University security cameras are not actively monitored under normal operating conditions but may be monitored for legitimate safety and security purposes.
• Records produced by University security cameras shall be available only to authorized officials of The W and/or appropriate law enforcement agencies.  In order for materials to be provided to authorized agencies, The W Police Department must receive a duly issued subpoena.  Individuals wishing to have video recordings reviewed must submit the Security Camera Viewing Request Form, indicating justification for the request, to The W Police Department.
• Security cameras may not be used to intrude upon the privacy of any member of the university community.  Cameras will not be placed in areas where an individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as student rooms in the residence halls, bathrooms, locker rooms, or treatment rooms in the Health Center. 
• Unauthorized installation, and/or misuse, of cameras on campus may result in disciplinary action.
• The W Police Department and Information Technology Services will determine locations of University video cameras.  Departments wishing to install cameras must complete the Request for Security Camera Form and follow these procedures:
  • Approval of the Director (if applicable), Department Chair (if applicable), Dean (if applicable), and Cabinet Member must be forwarded to The W Police Department and to Information Technology Services.
  • The W Police Department and Information Technology Services will review the video security system requested to ensure the equipment is compliant with the University system.
  • The department requesting the system must inform The W Police Department and Information Technology Services of the length of time recorded files can be retained by the system, and the department must be responsible for retaining the recorded files for that amount of time. 
  • The W Police Department and Information Technology Services will approve or deny the request to install cameras.
  • Approval or denial of the request will be provided to the requesting Department.  Denials will include justification for denying the request.
  • Purchasing of hardware, software, installation services, etc., must follow standard procurement procedures. 
  • Information Technology Services must review contracts and specifications prior to any purchase of hardware, software, installation services, etc. 
  • The division/department must maintain written approval in the building manager’s office.

• All existing, and new, uses of security cameras on campus will be required to comply with these procedures. Exceptions may be made by The W Police Department in the course of investigations.

4.13 CRISIS MANAGER APPLICATION (APP)

An easily downloaded emergency information app can be found at your smartphone’s app store. We encourage you to download it and use it as a reference in the event of an emergency. By clicking on an icon, you can easily retrieve information about what to do in specific circumstances. These circumstances include: active shooter violence/hostage, bomb threat, demonstration/disgather, earthquake, evacuation, facility/building emergencies, lockdown, medical emergency, natural gas safety, shelter-in-place, smoke or fire, suspicious mail/package and tornado or severe weather.

How to download app:

• Go to your smartphone’s App Store.
• Download “Schooldude CrisisManager” app to your smartphone.
• Open app and follow instructions to create an account.
• Once you have entered the app, click on the blue + at the top of the right of the page.
• Wait for the list of crisis plans, then click to open the client plans.
• Scroll to find Mississippi University for Women, click the + to open it.
• Then download the emergency guidelines.
• Open the guidelines.