Campus Safety & Security

 

Nicolet College ranks among the safest campuses in the country, with no violent crimes reported on campus for many years. The same goes for drug, gun or sex crimes.

The college adheres to the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure Act, which requires colleges to report crimes, which are then logged into a public website. The database, maintained by the U.S. Department of Education, shows seven thefts of property for all of 2003 to 2006, the latest years for which statistics are available.

For more information about security and how to keep yourself safe, click on the appropriate link below:

 

Emergency Reporting Procedures
Crime Reporting Procedures
Confidential Reporting of Crimes
Security & Access to Campus Facilities
Timely Warning of Potential Threats
Crime Prevention
Crime Prevention Programs Offered
Reporting a Sexual Assault
Sexual Assault Victim Information
Sexual Assault Prevention
Risk Reduction: Increasing Your Personal Safety
Sex Offender Information
Stalking Laws
Harassment
Annual Disclosure of Crime Statistics
Possession, Use & Sale of Alcohol & Illegal Drugs


Emergency Reporting Procedures

 

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY YOU SHOULD CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.

An emergency situation can be defined as any event that may pose a significant threat to the life, safety, or health of students and/or staff. After contacting authorities, and if the situation allows, call either the Facilities office at 365-4419, the Office of College Services at 365-4413, or the President’s Office at 365-4415. Remember that when calling on a regular office phone the emergency number is 9-911.

 

Crime Reporting Procedures

The primary office of reporting criminal action on the Lake Julia (Rhinelander) Campus is the Facilities Department at 365-4419. The Director of Facilities will act as the liaison with all law enforcement agencies on the Lake Julia Campus. The primary office for reporting criminal action on the Lakeland (Minocqua) Campus is the Dean of the Lakeland campus at 356-6753. The Dean will act as the liaison with all law enforcement agencies on the Lakeland Campus. Crimes can also be reported to the Office of College Services at 365-4413. These offices are open from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

At the Lake Julia Campus, facilities personnel patrol the grounds 7 days a week, from 7:00 a.m. until 11 :00 p.m. To reach facilities personnel during the evening or on weekends, call 365-4419. If no answer is received, wait and an emergency pager will be offered. For an emergency (dangerous or life-threatening situation) dial 911 immediately for the Oneida County Sheriff Department On the Lakeland Campus, report all incidents to the main office at the Lakeland Campus at 356-6753 during business hours or dial 911 for emergency contact with the Minocqua Police Department.

 

Confidential Reporting of Crimes

If you feel you would be placing yourself at risk by identifying yourself when reporting a crime, you may do so anonymously. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may call the Facilities Office at 365-4419 or the Office of College Services at 365-4413 and report the crime without revealing your identity. With such information, the College can take steps to ensure the future safety of yourself and others. Reports such as this will be counted and disclosed in the annual crime statistics of the institution.

 

Security and Access to Campus Facilities

Nicolet encourages the prompt reporting of all crimes or suspicious behavior to appropriate College officials. College officials, when deemed appropriate, will involve local law enforcement agencies as soon as the information is known. Prompt crime reporting and the reporting of suspicious behavior will better enable local law enforcement officials to remedy the situation.

The Oneida County Sheriff Department has primary jurisdiction of the Lake Julia Campus. The Sheriff Department can be reached by calling 911 for emergencies or (715) 361-5100 for non-emergencies. At the Lakeland Campus, the Minocqua Police Department has primary jurisdiction and can be reached by calling 911 for emergencies or (715) 356-3234 for non-emergencies.

Most campus buildings and facilities on both the Lake Julia Campus and the Lakeland Campus are accessible to members of the campus community, including guests and visitors, during normal hours of business, Monday through Friday, and for limited designated hours on weekends (this excludes most holidays). Students, staff, and community visitors should be aware the campus grounds at both the Lake Julia and Lakeland sites are open to vehicular and pedestrian access 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even when campus buildings are closed and locked. Although the Oneida County Sheriff and the Minocqua Police Departments do periodically patrol the campuses, security cannot be provided at all times.

 

Timely Warning of Potential Threats

In the event that a situation arises, either on or off campus, that, in the judgment of the President and/or members of the Emergency Response Team, constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat to personal safety, a campus-wide “timely warning” will be issued. The warning will be issued through the College email system to students and staff. Warnings will also be posted on building kiosks.

Depending on the particular circumstances of the crime or incident, especially in situations that could pose an immediate physical threat to members of the campus community, the Emergency Response Team may also post hard copy notices in campus buildings.

Anyone with information warranting a timely warning should report the circumstances to a member of the Emergency Response Team or Facilities immediately. Member of the Emergency Response Team include:

  • President - 365-4415
  • Vice President of College Services - 365-4466
  • Vice President of Instruction - 365-4416
  • Dean of the Lakeland Campus - 356-6753
  • Director of Facilities - 365-4419
  • Director of Human Resources - 365-4449
  • Director of Community Relations - 365-4512

 

Crime Prevention

It is the philosophy of the College that crime prevention is preferable to reaction after the fact. A primary vehicle for accomplishing this goal is the diligence of students and staff. Crime prevention is based upon the dual concepts of eliminating or minimizing criminal opportunities whenever possible and encouraging students and staff to be responsible for their own security and the security of others.

The following is a list of some campus crime prevention tactics that may reduce a student or staff member’s risk of becoming a victim:

  1. Walk on established and maintained walkways. At night, walk on those walkways that are well lighted.
  2. Always lock your vehicle. When coming to a night class, park as close to your building as space allows. When provided the opportunity, park under or near street lamps in the parking areas.
  3. When walking from your class to your car when it is dark, walk with a friend or in a group. Avoid darker areas and try to avoid walking between vehicles to get to your intended destination.
  4. Place anything of value left in your vehicle out of sight (under a seat or locked in a trunk).
  5. Never leave purses, coats, or other items of value unattended in the classroom, library, or other study or student areas.
  6. Promptly report any suspicious behavior you observe to a college official or call the Office of College Services at 365-4413.
  7. Take the time to locate and become familiar with the emergency telephones located outside at various locations on campus.


The following safety precautions should be taken by Nicolet staff:


Offices and Classrooms

  • Do not leave handbags unattended
  • Retrieve keys from persons no longer affiliated with your department
  • Do not leave keys where they are visible
  • Always lock doors when areas you are responsible for are unattended
  • Report suspicious persons to Facilities or VP of College Services
  • Never give out your computer passwords or write them down
  • Report any suspected tampering with your computer to the CIT department
  • Lock personal items in a safe place
  • Document and report unusual calls or emails

Working During Non-business Hours

  • Inform family and colleagues of your whereabouts and schedule
  • Lock your office or classroom door behind you
  • Do not get on an elevator with suspicious persons


Missing property must be reported in writing using an Incident/Crime Report form.These forms are available from the Facilities Office or the Office of College Services.

 

Crime Prevention Programs Offered

 

Specific crime prevention programs and efforts include:

  1. Crime prevention information is presented during New Student Orientation.
  2. Facility and safety surveys are routinely done to judge exterior lighting, doors, and the safety of the grounds.
  3. Identification of all school equipment—tagged and assigned an inventory number.
  4. Publicity articles regarding security and safety published in the student newsletter.
  5. Distribution of the college Resource Guide document mailed to all students annually and the inclusion of the Campus Security Policy in the college catalog, student handbook, on the college webpage, and on the Nicolet Infonet.

Reporting a Sexual Assault

 

If you are sexually assaulted on either of the college campuses, report this crime immediately by calling 911 . If you are not comfortable with calling the police, there are 24 hour crisis hotlines available to call. The numbers in this area are 1-800-236-1222 or 1-715-362-6800. Regardless of whether you report the crime directly to law enforcement authorities or contact the crisis line, make sure you preserve as much evidence of the crime as you can. Do not shower, change clothes, or wash away any evidence. Although difficult, you need to allow law enforcement authorities to gather as much physical evidence from your person as possible. This will greatly aid in the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator.

As soon as possible, please report the assault to the Office of College Services as 365-4413 so the college authorities may take action against the perpetrators or issue a warning to the rest of the campus population if the perpetrator remains at large. You are also encouraged to seek help from the agencies listed below for follow-up counseling and support. If needed, the College will assist a student victim with changes in her/his academic schedule if desired and if possible.

Alleged sex offenders on college premises will be subject to the Student Code of Conduct and disciplinary action. The accuser and the accused will be informed of the outcome of any institutional disciplinary action taken. Sanctions which may be imposed if the accused is found to be in violation of the Student Code of Conduct could include suspension or expulsion from the College. Sanctions may be imposed for these violations whether or not criminal or civil sanctions are pursued. All decisions made by the Student Conduct Committee can be appealed through the formal college Grievance Procedure.

 

Sexual Assault Victim Information

 

The following organizations can be contacted for help if you are the victim of a sexual assault.

Oneida County
Tri-County Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
- Sexual assault victim advocacy
- 24 hour crisis hotline
- Legal advocacy

St. Mary’s Hospital
- Sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) program

Howard Young Medical Center
- Sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) program

Oneida County Health Dept. (Reproduction Health Clinic)
- STD screening, treatment, education
- HIV counseling and testing
- Emergency contraception

Forest County
Tri-County Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
- Sexual assault victim advocacy
- 24 hour crisis hotline
- Legal advocacy

Forest County Potawatomi Health Care Center
- Sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) program

Forest County Potawatomi Domestic Violence program
- Sexual assault advocacy

Vilas County
Tri-County Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
- Sexual assault victim advocacy
- 24 hour crisis hotline
- Legal advocacy

Eagle River Memorial Hospital
- Sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) program

Lac du Flambeau Domestic Violence Shelter
- Sexual assault victim advocacy

Lincoln County
The Haven – Lincoln County Domestic Violence Shelter
- Sexual assault victim advocacy
- 24 hour crisis hotline
- Legal advocacy

 

Sexual Assault Prevention

 

Nicolet College does not offer specific training in preventing sexual assault other than to offer the following guidelines. Additionally, the agencies above have prevention information, as well as the Student Development Center at 365-4477, room 211 , University Transfer Center.

The following information can be found at The Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault at http://www.wcasa.

Rohypnol and GHB are the most commonly referred to as “club drugs” and are the most frequently used in drug-facilitated rapes. The chemicals are often colorless, odorless, and tasteless, and as a result, the victim often unknowingly ingests the chemical after a perpetrator has mixed it into an unattended drink. Therefore, it is strongly suggested that you do not accept beverages that have been already open. Accept drinks only from service workers such as bartenders, and do not leave your drink unattended.

Please keep in mind that nearly 7 in 10 (70%) of sexual assault victims knew their attacker. It is reported that drugs and alcohol are an important influencing factor in non-stranger date/acquaintance) rape.

 

Risk Reduction: Increasing Your Personal Safety

 

  • Park/walk in well-lighted areas and follow the other pertinent crime prevention strategies listed under Crime Prevention above
  • Trust your instincts: If the situation feels uncomfortable, leave immediately
  • Be assertive. Expect respect
  • Stay sober and be aware of date-rape drugs: don’t leave your drink unattended
  • Do not accept food or drinks that are opened or not directly from the server
  • Be cautious when inviting someone into your home or going to someone else’s home
  • Use a buddy system: always make sure that someone else knows who you are with, where you will be, and when you are expected to return
  • Carry a cell-phone and/or have money available for a phone call or transportation to get away if necessary

 

Sex Offender Information

 

In 1997, the state of Wisconsin enacted the Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification Law. The law was created to monitor and track people convicted of sex crimes and to provide access to this information for police, victims, and the general public. Information on registered sex offenders since 1995 in this state can be obtained on the web at http://offender.doc.state.wi.us/public.home.jsp or you may call (608) 240-5830 between 7:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

 

Stalking Laws

What is stalking?

A person stalks a victim in Wisconsin when he or she engages in a course of conduct that causes the victim to experience serious emotional distress or to fear bodily injury or death of her/himself, to a family member, or to a member of his/her household. If the stalker knew or should have known that at least one of the stalking acts would cause the victim to experience this distress or fear, the stalker may be charged. In most instances, a course of conduct means two or more acts carried out over any period of time. However, if a person had previously been convicted of a domestic abuse offense or a sexual assault offense against the same victim, the person may be charged with stalking after one stalking act against the victim.

Stalking acts include but are not limited to:

  • Maintaining a visual or physical proximity to the victim
  • Approaching or confronting the victim
  • Appearing at the victim’s workplace or contacting coworkers or employers of the victim
  • Appearing at the victim’s home or contacting the victim’s neighbors
  • Entering property owned, leased, or occupied by the victim
  • Contacting the victim by telephone repeatedly or continuously causing the victim’s (or another’s) telephone to ring, whether or not a conversation ensues
  • Photographing, videotaping, audiotaping, or, by other electronics means, monitoring/recording the victim’s activities, regardless of where the monitoring takes place
  • Sending material by any means to the victim or to the victim’s family, member of the victim’s household, employer, coworker, or friend in order to obtain information about, disseminate information about, or communicate with the victim
  • Placing an object on or delivering an object to property owned, leased, or occupied by the victim
  • Delivering objects to certain others with the intent of delivery to the victim or placing objects on property owned, leased, or occupied by certain others with intent that it be delivered to the victim
  • If you believe you are being stalked by someone on the Lake Julia Campus, notify the Facilities Office at 365-4419 or the Office of College Services at 365-4413 immediately. If the stalking is taking place at the Lakeland Campus, notify the Dean of the Lakeland campus immediately at 356-6753. If this action is taking place off campus, it is strongly suggested you involve the police immediately. Additionally, if you have been a victim of stalking and have a restraining order against another individual which includes either the Lake Julia Campus or the Lakeland Campus, please bring this to the attention of the Office of College Services. This is especially important if the person who is object of the retraining order is a student or staff member at the college.


     

Harassment


Nicolet College does not tolerate harassment by its employees, its students, or by community members using the campuses. Staff members who engage in harassment will be subject to corrective disciplinary action and/or termination. Students who engage in harassment are subject to the Student Code of Conduct and will face disciplinary action up to and including being expelled from the institution. Community members engaging in harassment will be turned over to either the Oneida County Sheriff Department or the Minocqua Police Department.

Harassment is defined as unwanted attention verbally or physically that interferes with an individual’s work/school performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or learning environment.

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or learning environment.

If you are a victim of harassment on the Lake Julia campus, notify the Office of College Services at 365-4413 or the Human Resources Office at 365-4450 immediately. If the harassment takes place on the Lakeland campus, notify the Dean of the Lakeland campus at 356-6753.


Annual Disclosure of Crime Statistics

 

Nicolet College complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure Act and prepares an annual report of crimes that have occurred on campus. Those statistics can be found on the Nicolet College home page, obtained from the Office of College Services, and each year all enrolled students receive the report in the campus Resource Guide brochure which is mailed directly to them. Campus crime, arrest, and referral statistics include those reported to the Oneida County Sheriff Department, the Minocqua Police Department, and to college officials. A copy of this report can be obtained from the Office of College Services, UTC, Room 103, or by calling (715) 365-4413.

Counseling staff on campus inform their clients of the procedure to report crime to the College on a voluntary or confidential basis, should they feel it is in the best interest of the client. A procedure is in place to anonymously report and capture crime statistics (see section on Confidential Reporting of Crimes above).

 

Possession, Use, and Sale of Alcohol and Illegal Drugs

 

Nicolet prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances, including but not limited to alcohol, prescription, and illicit drugs on any college campus or other instructional facility; or while participating in officially sponsored college events off premise. Violations of this policy will result in appropriate disciplinary action up to and including: (a) expulsion of students in accordance with applicable civil, state, and federal law, and in accordance with the Nicolet College Student Code of Conduct, and (b) termination of employment from Nicolet in accordance with applicable Board policy, master contract provisions, civil, state, and federal law.

Information on alcohol and drug addiction treatment centers and clinics can be obtained from the Student Development office, University Transfer Center, room 211, or you may call (715)365-4477. This information can also be obtained from the college Resource Guide available in the Office of College Services, University Transfer Center, room 103, or you may call (715)365-4413.


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