Coming clean

From The Courier:


Arkansas Tech University is now among the growing number of colleges and universities across the country which use undergraduate admissions applications to inquire whether students have ever been convicted of any crime other than a minor traffic violation and whether they have any criminal charges pending against them.
At a special meeting Tuesday, Tech’s board of trustees approved an amendment to add four “Campus Safety Questions” to the university’s application for undergraduate admission.
The amendment states “To maintain a safe learning community, we ask the following of all applicants. We cannot accept your application unless you answer these questions. Your ‘yes’ answer will not necessarily preclude your being admitted. However, failure to provide complete, accurate, and truthful information will be grounds to deny or withdraw admission, or to dismiss after enrollment.”
The questions, which according to Tech officials will be added to applications during the next scheduled printing, are as follows:
Have you ever been convicted of, or pleaded no contest to, a crime other than a minor traffic violation?
Do you have any criminal charges pending against you?
Have you ever been expelled, dismissed, suspended, or placed on probation by any other school, college, or university?
n If you have ever served in the military, did you receive any type of discharge other than an honorable discharge?
The amendment further states, “You must promptly notify the Admissions Office of any criminal charge, any disposition of a criminal charge, or any school, college, or university disciplinary action against you, or any type of military discharge other than an honorable discharge that occurs at any time after you submit this document.”
On previous applications for admission, the only question of this nature was “Have you ever been convicted of a felony?” The question further instructed any students answering in the affirmative to attach a separate sheet explaining their answer.
Many private and some public colleges and universities across the country use the Common Application, a mainly online form that asks, “Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor, felony, or other crime?”
Admissions applications for most public colleges and universities in the state, including the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, the University of Central Arkansas in Conway and Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, ask whether prospective students have been convicted of a felony.
The University of Arkansas-Fayetteville and Henderson State University in Arkadelphia ask about felony convictions, but also inquire whether students have been subject to disciplinary action while attending another school or university. UAF also asks prospective students to disclose information about misdemeanor convictions.
The admission application for Arkansas State University asks prospective students whether they are convicted sex offenders.
Holly Dickson, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Arkansas, wrote in an e-mail to The Courier there are several problems with the amendment to Tech’s admissions application.
She wrote Tech’s proposed questions “do not appear to be narrowly tailored to further the stated goal of ‘campus safety’ but instead capture a lot of information that would not be relevant to campus safety.”
Dickson also expressed concern about how the university will use the information, how such information will be safeguarded and how the privacy of students who choose to answer the questions will be protected.
“There are no protections,” she wrote, “to protect the privacy of this information once it is submitted to the university, and no protections against the misuse of the information.”
Dickson further stated, “In Arkansas, you must have a release signed by an individual or be a law enforcement officer acting with an official purpose to obtain criminal history information. Some juvenile dispositions are sealed, and other criminal histories expunged. The proposal does not address those issues.”
It’s unclear what kind of crimes and misdemeanors might warrant denial of admission or dismissal after enrollment at Tech.
When asked to respond to issues raised by Dickson, Susie Nicholson, assistant to Tech President Dr. Robert Brown, wrote in an e-mail the questions which will be added to the application “are tailored to safety concerns and follow closely to those asked on other campuses” and any information obtained “will be used in reviewing student applications” and “will be safeguarded in a similar fashion to all other student records.”
When asked whether the university is looking for particular behaviors or patterns of behavior, Tech officials stated, “Yes, we are looking for those behaviors that would result in an affirmative answer to one of the questions.”

Parenting college students

Advice on parenting college students:


In parenting college students during their launching years (generally the first two years in college), parents want to stay connected with their emerging adults while respecting their need for independence and privacy. Parents are often in a quandary about staying involved in the lives of their children but not overstepping the parents� welcome into their students� lives.

Parents also make the mistake of over focusing their attention on activities that are harmful to their maturing young adult children, such as binge drinking and late night parties. This type of instructional dialogue will only fray the parent-child relationship, and further exacerbate the parental tendency to worry. The college student will turn a deaf ear if they have heard these same words over and over. So save them.

In parenting college students, we need to be supportive of the students� efforts, celebratory of their successes and proud of their accomplishments. Parents can converse with their children concerning which activities they would like to share with their parents. Actually, listening is probably the best way to communicate. Let them do the talking, especially if you do not throw in conversation stoppers, like, "You didn't do that, did you?" No lectures when they are telling you a funny story. Take mental notes.This is the time to listen.

Parenting College Students - Peer Pressure is Acute

Peer pressure is particularly worrisome for parents when it comes to negative behaviors, such as drinking and drugs. There is a high incidence of drug and alcohol related crimes. Parents want to practice effective parenting techniques by staying a viable part of their children 's lives. Parents need to remain available. Believe it or not, college campus 's have better crime rates than the world at large. Crime has increased on campus though and college students need to be reminded to be safe.

When parents visit their student it is important to find mutual activities on campus that won't embarrass them. Moms and Dads must remember how it was when they were in their launching years. During these times, students are filled with anxieties combined with emotional volatility and mental health issues.

Kids are easily embarrassed. They question being seen by their peers with their parents. This isn't always true, some kids are very proud that their parents visited them. It 's fun to tell your students your own stories and how you felt when you parents came to campus. There are some activities that parents and their students can share, just ask them what they want to do. Your student will appreciate your allowing them to guide the activities.

Parenting College Students - Some Mutual Campus Activities

Your student will probably have some suggestions. You might talk to them before you arrive and have them plan the schedule. There may be a restaurant they want to go to (since you will be paying) or there may be something happening on campus. Athletic events, concerts, art shows and musical programs are some of the activities that may be of mutual interest. Just let them take the lead. If there is a place you are interested in, you might suggest it or do it on your own.

Parents can enjoy walking around the campus. Perhaps your student can give you the tour or you can simply pick out a comfortable bench on the quad and people watch for awhile. Share a nice dinner together in a restaurant that is comfortable for both you and your student. Most students appreciate a good meal. Try and let your student recommend the dinner site. There are so many ways for parents to share fun activities with their student. It is not a bad idea to go off on your own at times and allow your student to stay on their routine. Remember, they will not always be this sensitive. They are trying to figure all this out so be patient.

When you are making plans, always be sure to obtain and to value your child�s input. Your relationship with them has shifted. You are on their ground. It is like they are showing you their new home. Keep it pleasant so you can enjoy many visits while they are in college.

Campuses are fun. There is so much good energy. The library is a great place to visit and don't forget to go to the bookstore. This is a great place for souvenirs.

By parenting college students in an environment of mutual love, understanding, and respect, both parties will find activities that they can share. Parent and students alike will eagerly anticipate the parents� visits to campus. These are bitter sweet years, your young adult is about to earn their wings.

Campus security

My other life keeps me busy with tomatoes and salmonella but I'm looking forward to putting in a little more work on this blog. It's disappointing that only four of Big 12 campus security directors responded to my short six question survey. I'll send one more reminder out today and see if any more will be arriving. Again, thanks to all the campus security directors who took time to finish the survey or assign someone else to do it.

More responses coming?

I look for more campus security survey responses by tomorrow. We don't have universal participation yet from Big 12 schools, but hopefully a reminder email will prompt a couple more responses.

Response - Kansas State University

Response from Kansas State University, June 6, 2008

1. How can students and parents find out about campus crime statistics at

your school? (Please provide Web link)

The Manhattan Campus Annual Security Report is available at http://www.k-state.edu/studentlife/reportsandpolicies/documents/2006AnnualSecurityReport_000.pdf

The Salina Campus Annual Security Report is available at http://www.k-state.edu/studentlife/reportsandpolicies/documents/campus-security-report-06.pdf

A hard copy of the security reports can be requested through Student Life, 102 Holton Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 785-532-6432.

2. Where can students and parents finds recent daily campus police logs at your school? (Please provide Web link)

Students and parents can sign up for the daily police log at http://www.k-state.edu/cns/services/listserv/basics4members. The list name is Policelog.

3. Does your university have a stated policy on illegal alcohol and drug use? If so, what is your policy?

K-State has a comprehensive drug and alcohol policy, which can be found in the Student Life Handbook at http://www.k-state.edu/osas/Documents/2007/2007-08%20handbook.pdf

4.What the single most important factor in the ability of students to avoid being victimized by personal and property crimes at your school?

There are many way for students to avoid being victimized. Go to http://www.k-state.edu/studentlife/campussafety/ for FAQs on safety, community building, and safety tips.

5. Do your security officers carry weapons? Does your university have a stated position on concealed carry by students or faculty?

The K-State Police Department is a law enforcement agency and officers carry weapons.

K-State does not allow concealed carry by students or faculty in accordance with state law and Board of Regents guidelines.

6. What's the single most significant change to campus/residence hall security policies or procedures in the past five years? Please provide a link or email any helpful powerpoint presentations on student security, if possible.

Guideline for Residence Hall Polices can be found at http://housing.k-state.edu/reshalls/policies.php.

Response - University of Colorado

From the University of Colorado:

Brad Wiesley
Commander

IT, Technical and DPS Support Services Division
Public Information Officer
Police Department
University of Colorado at Boulder

502 UCB (mailing address)
1050 Regent Drive (physical/shipping address)
Boulder, CO 80309-0502
(303) 492-2316
(303) 492-4427 (facsimile)

Brad.Wiesley@Colorado.edu

http://www.colorado.edu/police

1. How can students and parents find out about campus crime statistics at your school? (Please provide Web link)

www.colorado.edu/police

also applies to #2

2. Where can students and parents finds recent daily campus police logs at your school? (Please provide Web link)

3. Does your university have a stated policy on illegal alcohol and drug use? If so, w?hat is your policy?

Yes, is available on www.colorado.edu in Ralphie’s Guide

4.What the single most important factor in the ability of students to avoid being victimized by personal and property crimes at your school?

Reasonable prevention such as locking bikes, not leaving laptops and iPods unattended.

5. Do your security officers carry weapons? Does your university have a stated position on concealed carry by students or faculty?

Our police officers are armed

Only sworn police officers/law enforcement professionals may carry weapons on campus, all others are prohibited

6. What's the single most significant change to campus/residence hall security policies or procedures in the past five years? Please provide a link or email any helpful powerpoint presentations on student security, if possible.

You would need to check with our housing department on this one.

Dearth of follow up

Still waiting on campus security directors to return surveys - will follow up with an email and phone call later in the week. Only two of the 12 schools returned surveys so far, though at least three schools said they were working on the surveys when I contacted them Friday or Monday.

Checking in

I talked to all Big 12 schools (except the University of Texas, who I had already heard from) about responses to my survey that I sent out about a week ago. I expect at least two or three more schools to give me their email responses by Monday, and perhaps more than that. After another week of grace period, I'll compile a document that compares and contrasts the responses for each Big 12 school. Thanks to the schools that have responded and will respond to the campus security survey.

Tom Karst

Eastern Michigan pays $350,000 fine for violations of Clery Act

The consequences are serious indeed for violations of the Clery Act. From the Student Press Law Center:

Eastern Michigan University will pay $350,000 in federal fines for failing to disclose crime information in violation of the Clery Act, the largest such fine ever.

"We're pleased to have arrived at an agreement with the [U.S. Department of Education] and we appreciate their recognition of the progress and improvements that EMU has made during the past year in regards to Clery Act Compliance," said university provost and executive vice president Don Loppnow in a press release issued Friday.

The $350,000 is slightly less than the original $357,500 fine proposed by the DOE in a Dec. 14 letter to the university. Within the letter, the DOE called the university's conduct an "egregious violation, which endangered the entire EMU campus community."

EMU was cited for 13 violations stemming from the investigation that followed the death of Laura Dickinson in her Hill Residence Hall room in December 2006. The violations range from failing to issue a timely warning to the campus community in the Dickinson case to failing to properly disclose crime statistics. Some of the violations dated back as far as 2003.

In addition to the DOE fines, the university agreed to settle a civil lawsuit with the Dickinson family for $2.5 million, according to the Ann Arbor News.

On Dec. 15, 2006, custodian Michelle Lockwood found Dickinson dead in her room. At the second murder trial of Orange Taylor III, Lockwood testified that she found a woman, later identified as Dickinson, lying on the floor, naked from the waist down. Taylor was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.

The EMU police department "immediately determined the death to be suspicious in nature," the DOE said. But a day after Dickinson's body was found the university issued a statement saying there was "no reason to suspect foul play."

In addition, the June 2007 DOE report concluded that the university did not provide "relevant information to the campus community that would alert it of a potential safety threat." The report cites this failing as a clear violation of the Clery Act.

The Clery Act is a federal law that requires any university taking federal money to disclose information about crime on campus, including annual statistics and "timely warnings" to the campus community about serious ongoing threats.

The misleading public report in the Dickinson case led to the dismissal of then-university president John Fallon and the ouster of two other officials. Fallon has filed a lawsuit against the university claiming his rights were violated under the Michigan Whistleblowers Protection Act.

By Rob Arcamona, SPLC staff writer

Response - Baylor University

From Baylor University:

Mr. Karst:

In response to your questions, I am providing the following information:

1.
Baylor.edu/Baylor_Police then click on ‘Clery Act’, then click on ‘Camus Crime statistics’ in column on left side of page.

2. Same as above and then click on ‘Crime Log’ on screen to the left side of page.

3. Baylor.edu/Baylor_Police, then click on ‘Clery Act’, then click on Alcohol and Drug Policy….this will take you to the site.

4. Applying common sense principles and fundamentally removing the opportunity for crime to occur.

5. We have only State of Texas certified police officers who are all armed. No security guards are employed. The university prohibits anyone from carrying a concealed handgun on campus. State law also prohibits the carrying of a gun inside a campus facility.

6. I have no powerpoint or other materials to provide. The biggest single contributor to overall student safety is the advent of the electronic card swipe entry into residence halls. Very effective in keeping undesirables out of buildings.

Hope this is helpful to you.

Jim Doak, Chief
Baylor University
Police Department
254-710-2222

Taking stock

Thanks to the University of Texas for their prompt response to my query. I've heard from one other campus security director who said their responses are coming. I'll probably send out an email on Thursday to remind everyone of the June 6 deadline.

I think these responses will eventually be of use and considerable value to thousands of parents and students in Big 12 country.

Additional information - University of Texas

From the University of Texas, additional perspective on my query:

Good Morning,

My name is William Pieper. I am a crime prevention specialist with The University of Texas at Austin Police Department. I am sure you have already heard form my partner in crime…prevention that is, Officer Halstead, regarding your questions. I wanted to provide some additional information or simply reinforce what Officer Halstead has provided. Please see the attached document with my responses.

Be Safe!

William R. Pieper

Crime Prevention Officer

Office: 512-232-9638

Fax: 512- 471-7505

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth A Pound of Cure

”Intellectuals solve problems; geniuses prevent them.”

-Albert Einstein

1. How can students and parents find out about campus crime statistics at your school? (Please provide Web link)

The Vice President for Student Affairs with The University of Texas at Austin also sends out a brochure on an annual basis. The brochure is entitled The University of Texas at Austin: What You Need To Know. The brochure includes information on campus security and crime awareness, selected campus policies and reports, and the policy mandating the campus as a drug free university. The brochure lists the following web addresses:

Campus Security and Crime Awareness: http://www.utexas.edu/student/vpsa/security

The University’s policies concerning privacy: http://www.utexas.edu/student/registrar/catalogs/gi06-07/app/appc09/html

The University’s policy regarding illicit drugs: http://www.utexas.edu/student/vpsa/security/drugfree/index.html

Information for Students with Disabilities: http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/ssd/

Information pertaining to registered sex offenders: http://www.utexas.edu/police/alerts/sex_offenders.html

The brochure also contains text regarding university standards of conduct which includes drug and alcohol information, offenses, penalties (federal, state and university penalties) and information for available counseling and rehabilitation.

2. Where can students and parents find recent daily campus police logs at your school? (Please provide Web link)

In addition to the Campus Watch, anyone is free to visit the police department to review the daily police blog that lists crimes reported to or observed by the police department.

3. Does your university have a stated policy on illegal alcohol and drug use? If so, what is your policy?

The University of Texas at Austin does have a stated policy regarding illegal alcohol use and drug use on campus. This policy can be researched at http://www.utexas.edu/student/vpsa/security/drugfree/conduct.html

4. What the single most important factor in the ability of students to avoid being victimized by personal and property crimes at your school?

Knowledge is key: students need to know what the risks are, how to recognize a potential problem and how to prevent or avoid crimes as they arise. The police department offers a variety of crime prevention seminars and posts prevention information on their web-site.

5. Do your security officers carry weapons? Does your university have a stated position on concealed carry by students or faculty?

The police officers with The University of Texas at Austin Police Department are commissioned peace officers and do carry side arms. State law in Texas prohibits citizens from carrying any prohibited weapons on campus.

6. What's the single most significant change to campus/residence hall security policies or procedures in the past five years? Please provide a link or email any helpful PowerPoint presentations on student security, if possible.

The police department routinely trains with Housing and Food Staff which allows the two departments to develop good working ties. The crime prevention office also provides the resident assistants with a variety of programs and literature to provide them with a good base knowledge for creating a crime free environme

Additional information - University of Texas

From the University of Texas, additional perspective on my query:

Good Morning,

My name is William Pieper. I am a crime prevention specialist with The University of Texas at Austin Police Department. I am sure you have already heard form my partner in crime…prevention that is, Officer Halstead, regarding your questions. I wanted to provide some additional information or simply reinforce what Officer Halstead has provided. Please see the attached document with my responses.

Be Safe!

William R. Pieper

Crime Prevention Officer

Office: 512-232-9638

Fax: 512- 471-7505

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth A Pound of Cure

”Intellectuals solve problems; geniuses prevent them.”

-Albert Einstein

1. How can students and parents find out about campus crime statistics at your school? (Please provide Web link)

The Vice President for Student Affairs with The University of Texas at Austin also sends out a brochure on an annual basis. The brochure is entitled The University of Texas at Austin: What You Need To Know. The brochure includes information on campus security and crime awareness, selected campus policies and reports, and the policy mandating the campus as a drug free university. The brochure lists the following web addresses:

Campus Security and Crime Awareness: http://www.utexas.edu/student/vpsa/security

The University’s policies concerning privacy: http://www.utexas.edu/student/registrar/catalogs/gi06-07/app/appc09/html

The University’s policy regarding illicit drugs: http://www.utexas.edu/student/vpsa/security/drugfree/index.html

Information for Students with Disabilities: http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/ssd/

Information pertaining to registered sex offenders: http://www.utexas.edu/police/alerts/sex_offenders.html

The brochure also contains text regarding university standards of conduct which includes drug and alcohol information, offenses, penalties (federal, state and university penalties) and information for available counseling and rehabilitation.

2. Where can students and parents find recent daily campus police logs at your school? (Please provide Web link)

In addition to the Campus Watch, anyone is free to visit the police department to review the daily police blog that lists crimes reported to or observed by the police department.

3. Does your university have a stated policy on illegal alcohol and drug use? If so, what is your policy?

The University of Texas at Austin does have a stated policy regarding illegal alcohol use and drug use on campus. This policy can be researched at http://www.utexas.edu/student/vpsa/security/drugfree/conduct.html

4. What the single most important factor in the ability of students to avoid being victimized by personal and property crimes at your school?

Knowledge is key: students need to know what the risks are, how to recognize a potential problem and how to prevent or avoid crimes as they arise. The police department offers a variety of crime prevention seminars and posts prevention information on their web-site.

5. Do your security officers carry weapons? Does your university have a stated position on concealed carry by students or faculty?

The police officers with The University of Texas at Austin Police Department are commissioned peace officers and do carry side arms. State law in Texas prohibits citizens from carrying any prohibited weapons on campus.

6. What's the single most significant change to campus/residence hall security policies or procedures in the past five years? Please provide a link or email any helpful PowerPoint presentations on student security, if possible.

The police department routinely trains with Housing and Food Staff which allows the two departments to develop good working ties. The crime prevention office also provides the resident assistants with a variety of programs and literature to provide them with a good base knowledge for creating a crime free environment.

Response - University of Texas

From the University of Texas, in response to my query.

Good Morning Sir

My name is Darrell Halstead, I am a police officer at the University of Texas @ Austin. I am currently assigned to the Crime Prevention Unit at UT.

I would like to address your questions:

1. How can students and parents find out about campus crime statistics at your school? (Please provide Web link)

All students, staff, faculty, and parents can access the Clery stats on line: http://www.utexas.edu/student/vpsa/security/awareness/campus_stats.html

2. Where can students and parents find recent daily campus police logs at your school? (Please provide Web link)

The University of Texas Police Department posts a daily crime log called the Campus Watch. This is sent out to subscribers as well as being posted on the UTPD web site.

www.utexas.edu/police/campuswatch

3. Does your university have a stated policy on illegal alcohol and drug use? If so, what is your policy?

Yes the University of Texas has a police about illegal drug and alcohol use. This policy is posted on the Vice President of Student Affairs website:

http://www.utexas.edu/student/vpsa/security/drugfree/conduct.html

4.What the single most important factor in the ability of students to avoid being victimized by personal and property crimes at your school?

The one single most important factor to help students is to help them become aware of what is going on around them. Help in the education process by teaching them what the criminals already know.

5. Do your security officers carry weapons? Does your university have a stated position on concealed carry by students or faculty?

Yes the police officers at UT are armed. State law prohibits concealed weapons on any university.

6. What's the single most significant change to campus/residence hall security policies or procedures in the past five years? Please provide a link or email any helpful powerpoint presentations on student security,if possible.
Currently the Division of Housing and Food and the University of Texas Police Department are working together to re-define policy and procedures within the dormitories. All computer workstations will be standardized. All access points will be controlled 24/7.

If you have any additional questions please contact me at:

Officer Darrell Halstead

2201 Robert Dedman

Austin Texas 78705

512-232-9634