Policies

Alcohol & Controlled Substances Policy
Campus Facilities
Campus Sex Crime Prevention Act
Hate Crime
Judicial Process
Maintenance of Campus Grounds & Facilities
Sex Offender Registration Policy
Sexual Harassment
Sexual Offenses, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking
Sexual Offense Policy
Student Housing
Weapons Policy
Other Disclosure Policies

Alcohol & Controlled Substances Policy

The University policy regarding alcohol and controlled substances is specified in the student handbook “The Net,” and in the Employee Personnel Policy and Procedure Manual. Any individual who violates University policy regarding the possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol will be subject to criminal or civil sanctions and subject to University disciplinary procedures including, but not limited to, probation, suspension, or dismissal from the University.  Anyone who is concerned about another person’s drinking or drug use is encouraged to seek assistance and support through Counseling and Psychological Services, which is ready to assist in a confidential manner any individual experiencing a problem with alcohol and/or drugs.

Campus Facilities

Except for the student residencies, University facilities are open to all students during the day and evening hours when classes are in session.

When the University is officially closed, buildings are locked with only security, faculty, staff, administrators, and authorized students with proper identification being admitted.

Campus Sex Crime Prevention Act

Amended by Section 170101 of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14071), the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act requires individuals convicted of a sexually violent offense against minors to notify the state and each institution of higher learning at which they are employed or enrolled. The State of New Jersey must then ensure that the information reported by the individual is promptly entered into the state police data system and made available to local law enforcement agency with geographical responsibility or jurisdiction where such institution of higher education is located. The institution of higher education (IHE) is not required to request this data from the state, but the institution must issue a statement advising the campus community as to where information concerning registered sex offenders can be obtained.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, is amended to make it clear that nothing in that Act may be constructed to prohibit an educational institution from disclosing information provided to the institution under Section 170101 of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14071) concerning registered sex offenders.

Hate Crime

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Safety Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998, Saint Peter’s University documents and investigates thoroughly all cases of crimes involving bodily injury to any person in which the victim is intentionally selected because of actual or perceived race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or the disability of the victim.  Such data is collected and reported according to category of prejudice. Statistics concerning the occurrence of hate or hate crimes on campus will appear in this annual report.  Such incidents will also appear in the Campus Crime Log, located in the office of Campus Safety in Saint Peter Hall.

Judicial Process

Saint Peter’s University takes pride in our Catholic Jesuit educational mission of fostering a learning environment that is conducive to developing our students as a “whole person”. As part of this mission, students are expected to uphold and abide by certain standards of conduct as described in the Student Code of Conduct. These policies clearly define a set of values and principles to be adhered to by our community and describe the Judicial Process and the disciplinary procedures of this University. The Judicial Process provides for a written notice of specific charges in the alleged violation of the Student Code of Conduct. The Judicial Process begins with a Judicial Complaint, followed by an informal or formal hearing. Upon the completion of any hearing process, the University shall impose appropriate judicial sanctions of any student found to be in violation of the Code. By accepting admission to the University, students are expected to abide by the general conditions for community living and the Code of Conduct. In accordance with provisions of the Code of Conduct, students are expected to enhance the University Community Standards. To view the, Student Conduct and Judicial System Policy.

Maintenance of Campus Grounds & Facilities

The Maintenance Department is responsible for all of the University buildings and grounds.  Maintenance personnel regularly inspect campus facilities and buildings with emphasis on compliance with local fire codes and building ordinances.  They regularly inspect fire extinguishers, firefighting equipment, smoke detectors, and fire panels.

Fire drills and inspections are conducted periodically at randomly selected locations.  The fire drills are conducted by Campus safety, and/or Jersey City Fire department. The Maintenance Department regularly inspects campus lighting, stairs, sidewalks and walkways. Reports of, and requests for, repairs of broken windows, doors, and locks receive prompt attention.

The Campus Safety Department reports hazardous conditions that may require immediate attention.  Campus Safety urges all students, faculty, and staff to report to the Maintenance Department or the Campus Safety Department any hazards they may discover.

Sex Offender Registration Policy

A list of registered sex offenders provided by the New Jersey State Police in compliance with Megan’s Law is regularly provided, updated and maintained by the Director of Campus Safety.  New Jersey State Police Sexual Offender Registry

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is defined by the EEOC as, “unwelcome sexual advances” and is illegal under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972. There are two types of sexual harassment:
“Quid Pro Quo” harassment: occurs when a person in a position of power or authority over another person pressures the individual in the subordinate position into a sexual relationship in exchange for a favorable decision, outcome, or exercise of that authority.

“Hostile Environment” harassment: occurs when repeated offensive behavior or comments create an unpleasant, intimidating, or hostile environment and may include inappropriate touching or suggestive comments or statements.

Saint Peter’s University disapproves of all acts or patterns of sexual harassment of employees and students and will not tolerate violations of the law pertaining to such acts.

Sexual Offenses, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking

Saint Peter’s University prohibits and strictly enforces all cases of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking, in accordance with the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA), which was signed into law March 7, 2013. Saint Peter’s University staff will strictly adhere to all laws and regulations to protect our campus community from these violent threats.
Saint Peter’s University, in addition to the Clery Act requirements regarding annual reporting of crime statistics for various offenses, including forcible and non-forcible sex offenses and aggravated assault, under the new provisions of VAWA have included Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking to the categories that, if the incident was reported to a Campus Safety authority or local police agency, will be reported under the Clery Act.

These offenses are defined as:

• Domestic Violence includes asserted violent misdemeanor and felony offenses committed by the victim’s current or former spouse, current or former cohabitant, person similarly situated under domestic or family violence law, or anyone else protected under the domestic or family violence laws.
• Dating Violence means violence by a person who has been in a romantic or intimate relationship with the victim. Whether there was such relationship will be gauged by its length, type, and frequency of interaction.
• Stalking means a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for her, his, or others’ safety, or to suffer substantial emotional distress.

This report has also added “national origin” and “gender identity” to the hate crimes categories involving intentional selection of a victim based upon actual or perceived characteristics, which will be reported under the Clery Act.

VAWA Training: Saint Peter’s University will provide training to students and employees that address “primary prevention and awareness”. These training programs will promote awareness of Rape, Acquaintance Rape, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking.

Sexual Offense Policy

Saint Peter’s University recognizes the rights of our students to participate in a community that is conducive to learning and personal growth. In order to achieve this goal, the campus needs to be one in which students feel safe and secure in their surroundings. Acts of sexual assault or other sexual offenses pose a serious threat to the spirit of community and as such, Saint Peter’s University prohibits all forms of sexual offenses and reaffirms the principle that its students, faculty and staff shall be free from sexual discrimination, including sexual harassment and any other form of sexual misconduct. Sexual assault of any kind will not be tolerated. Sexual Assault is a criminal offense pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2. Sexual Assault is any nonconsensual, unwanted, coerced, forced or threatened sexual contact and/or sexual intercourse or coerced touching by the victim of another person’s private areas either directly or through clothing. It is also a criminal offense to have sexual contact with a person who is physically or mentally incapacitated or intoxicated on drugs, alcohol, or other intoxicating substances. This policy also addresses Criminal Sexual Contact, which is described as any contact with the intimate parts of another for the purpose of sexual gratification or for the purpose of degrading or humiliating the person.

Sexual assault concerns or actual incidents reported to Campus Safety will be investigated and may be transferred to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit for follow up investigation. The SVU is comprised of specially trained officers, who deal solely with sexual offenses and are skilled and compassionate in dealing with these difficult matters. Any victim shall have all the rights described in the Campus Sexual Assault Victims Bill of Rights, adopted by the State of NJ Commission of Higher Education. The Campus Safety office encourages all University members who feel they have been a victim of any sexual assault or related crime, to report the crime immediately to Campus Safety. The Saint Peter’s University Counseling and Psychological Services is also available to assist in the interview process of a sexual assault, in most cases by a same sex staff counselor.

Sexual conduct policies are presented to students at student orientations. To view a full version of Saint Peter’s University: Sexual Misconduct Policy

Student Housing

The University has apartment-style residence halls located on its West Campus in addition to Whelan Hall, Saint Peter Hall, and Millennium Hall situated on the East Campus.

To enhance a student’s experience, Saint Peter’s University provides a staff comprised of people trained to work in a living, learning environment. Campus Safety Officers monitor lobby entrances 24 hours a day in areas where desks are located.  The attendants and/or officers provide hall security, screening of students, guests, and visitors entering the premises, as well as making appropriate notifications during difficult or crisis situations.   Building entrances and sidewalks are electronically monitored from the security office CCTV system.  Campus security cameras record the exterior of all University buildings, and permits constant monitoring of entry, grounds, and walkways.

As an additional safety measure, heat sensitive sprinkler head fire protection devices cover the residential life facilities such as corridors, mechanical areas, and students’ rooms.  Should any part of the residential fire detection system be activated, the Jersey City Fire Department will immediately be notified by the Central Station.

Residence Life staff members are on call 24 hours a day to handle emergencies, student questions, concerns and needs. The staff members are available and may be contacted through the campus safety office.

Campus Safety and the Office of Residence Life are jointly responsible for the development of procedures and protocols that promote campus safety and student awareness of security issues.  Safety and security procedures are published in the student handbook, The Net, and the Residence Life Handbook.

Educational programs emphasizing personal safety and security are provided for freshman student body. In addition, supplemental seminars are conducted by the Campus Safety Department, Jersey City Police Department, and Jersey City Fire Department.  Handouts, posters, and campus wide email alert bulletins are periodically issued as required.

Weapons Policy

Possessing, using, or selling firearms, other dangerous weapons, dangerous chemicals, incendiary or explosive devices, including fireworks, on University property or at University sponsored functions will result in disciplinary sanctions in addition to any criminal or civil sanctions allowed by law.

Other Disclosure Policies

In addition to the policies listed above, Saint Peter’s University is in compliance with other policy statements that are required by the Clery Act. The additional policy statements are incorporated into the Saint Peter’s University Student Handbook, The NET, or as otherwise noted below.

The Campus Safety Department is comprised of the Director of Campus Safety, Assistant Director, Shift Managers and an Operations Manager who all are University employees. In addition, the University provides approximately 75 Security Officers who are contracted through Summit Security Services, a New Jersey based company. The Campus Safety Department maintains a highly professional working relationship with the Jersey City and Lyndhurst Police Departments. All crime victims and witnesses are strongly encouraged to immediately report any crimes to the Campus Safety Department and to the appropriate police agency.  Prompt reporting will assure proper emergency response, timely warning notices to our campus community and timely disclosure of crime statistics.

When a Saint Peter’s University student is involved in an off-campus offense, local police officers may assist with the investigation in cooperation with other agencies, such as state or federal law enforcement. The Jersey City Police routinely work and communicate with Campus Safety officers on any serious incidents or crimes occurring on-campus or in close proximity to campus. Saint Peter’s University does not offer off-campus housing or off-campus student organizations, however, some students live in the neighborhoods surrounding the University campus.  While the Jersey City Police have primary jurisdiction in all areas off campus, Campus Safety Officers can and do respond to student-related incidents that occur in close proximity to campus.  Campus Safety Officers have telephone numbers of the police, fire, and EMS to facilitate rapid response in any emergency situation.