Montclair Annual Security Report

The University provides a technology-assisted escort program through the Rave Guardian application which may be installed on a mobile phone. This service uses Global Position System (GPS) technology to provide voluntary monitoring of movements from one area of campus to another. If a person does not reach their intended destination in the period of time specified, an alarm is sounded in police headquarters and police will respond to the user’s location. Students who wish to take advantage of this service or for further information about this application, visit the Emergency Preparedness web page.

• Residence Halls: Access to residence facilities is generally restricted to students and employees with a Montclair State University ID Card and proper authorization.
• All other campus buildings are accessible by students, employees and faculty during normal business hours. Any person requiring access to rooms or buildings must have the proper authorization to be within the facility; all others may be escorted out of the building when campus is closed or during the overnight hours. 
• During weekends and holidays, persons who require access to any building must first check in at the University Police Headquarters.

There are 167 emergency call boxes located throughout the campus. When the receiver is picked up, a dispatcher comes on the line to offer assistance. The call boxes are easily identified by large red and white colored emergency phone signs and a blue light overhead.

The quality and effectiveness of campus lighting are surveyed weekly and maintenance is ongoing. Modern lighting systems enhance visibility and care is taken to keep walkways clear and free from encroaching trees and shrubs. If you observe severe lighting outages on campus that could jeopardize personal safety, please report immediately to University Police and we will notify University Facilities of the required repairs.

All vehicles parked on campus property are subject to University parking regulations. Parking lots are clearly designated to require parking permits. Visitor parking and metered parking is available in designated areas. Handicapped parking is also available. Information about available parking and regulations can be found at the Parking Services web page.

Operators of e-scooters, e-bikes, e-hoverboards, etc. (all personal electric vehicles) must follow all rules of the road. Bringing a personal electric vehicles inside any University owned building or facility for any amount of time is strictly prohibited. Storage is permitted outside of academic or residential buildings in the designated areas or at one of the University provided racks where they can be secured.

Regular shuttle bus service is available seven days a week. Scheduled information is available on the Shuttle Services web page.

Use and/or possession of cannabis in any form or any reason, including medicinal, is not permitted on Montclair State University’s campus.

While State regulations have instituted a big change, there are still rules and regulations to be aware of to ensure you are complying with policies. For example:

• Smoking Is Prohibited on Campus: Along with tobacco smoking, cannabis smoking is prohibited in all indoor public places.
• Marijuana/Cannabis Is Prohibited on Campus: Smoking/vaping or using cannabis in public places is also prohibited in NJ due to the NJ Smoke-Free Air Act.
• Driving and Using Cannabis Is Driving Under the Influence: Anyone driving under the influence of cannabis can be treated with the same consequences as driving under the influence of alcohol.
• Employers: Employers have the right to prohibit cannabis in their workplace and require drug testing if work procedures or safety protocols are compromised.

State vs Federal
While the State of New Jersey voted to allow the legalization and now has implemented the sales of cannabis, there is a difference between what the “State” allows vs what the “Federal” government allows.

Most importantly, Cannabis is not legal at the federal level. It cannot be transported out of state, or consumed at any university that receives federal funding.

Any college campus that permits use of cannabis risks losing all federal funding. This policy aligns with Montclair State University’s smoke and tobacco-free policy.

Alcohol

Alcohol goes directly into the bloodstream, physically affecting the whole body. Some illnesses and health problems caused by alcohol including:

• Alcohol Withdrawal: More commonly known as a “hangover”, causes fatigue, thirst, headaches, nausea, aches and pains, sensitivity to light, difficulty concentrating, shakiness, irritability, depression, poor quality sleep and bloodshot eyes.
• Weight Gain: Use of alcohol can cause weight gain as most alcoholic beverages contain at least 100 calories per serving.
• High Blood Pressure: Consuming more than three drinks in a sitting can increase your blood pressure temporarily, but repeated incidents of binge drinking can have long-lasting effects on blood pressure. Consuming more than three drinks in a sitting can increase your blood pressure temporarily, but repeated incidents of binge drinking can have long-lasting effects on blood pressure.
• Depressed Immune System: Binge drinking (as well as other substance use) impairs immune system function leaving individuals more vulnerable to the common cold and other viruses.
• Liver Disease: Heavy drinking can cause fatty liver, hepatitis, cirrhosis and cancer of the liver. The liver breaks down alcohol at the rate of only one drink per hour.
• Alcohol Poisoning: Drinking large amounts can result in alcohol poisoning. Vomiting related to alcohol consumption is a sure sign that an individual has alcohol poisoning and needs immediate medical attention.
• Heart or Respiratory Failure: Excessive drinking can have serious results including increasing one’s heart rate, as well as heart or respiratory failure (which can lead to death).

Excessive alcohol use increases the risk for health problems. Alcohol Can Be Used Responsibly. If excessive drinking becomes a problem treatment is usually necessary. Alcoholism is a disease that cannot be cured but can be treated.

Drug Use

Cannabis (Marijuana) – Greenish-gray mixture of the dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and/or flowers of cannabis sativa or cannabis indica—the hemp plant

• Acute: Drowsiness/relaxation; impaired short-term memory; impaired judgment, attention, coordination and balance; increased heart rate and appetite
• Long Term: Addiction; mental disorders: may be a causal factor in schizophreniform disorders; associated with depression and anxiety; chronic cough; bronchitis

Cocaine – White crystalline powder that can be snorted, injected or smoked

• Acute: Dilated pupils; increased body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure; nausea; increased energy and alertness; decreased appetite; insomnia; in high doses: erratic and violent behavior, panic attacks
• Long Term: Addiction; restlessness; anxiety; irritability; paranoia; panic attacks; mood disturbances; insomnia; nasal damage and difficulty swallowing from snorting GI problems; HIV

Prescription Stimulants – Amphetamine (Dexedrine, Adderall), Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)

• Acute: Increased alertness, attention, and energy; irregular heartbeat; dangerously high body temperature; potential for cardiovascular failure or seizures
• Long Term: In high doses especially: anxiety, hostility, paranoia, psychosis; Addiction

Methamphetamine – White, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that is easily dissolved in water or alcohol; can be ingested orally, intranasally, injected or smoked

• Acute: Enhanced mood; increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, energy and activity; decreased appetite; dry mouth; increased sexuality; jaw-clenching
• Long Term: Addiction; memory loss; weight loss; impaired cognition; insomnia; anxiety; irritability; confusion; paranoia; aggression; mood disturbances; hallucinations; violent behavior; liver, kidney, and lung damage; severe dental problems; cardiac and neurological damage; HIV, hepatitis

Inhalants– Volatile solvents, aerosols, gases, nitrites (poppers). Effects depend on the properties of the chemical, but inhalation is the common route of abuse

• Acute: Confusion; nausea; slurred speech; lack of coordination; euphoria; dizziness; drowsiness; disinhibition, lightheadedness, hallucinations/ delusions; headaches; suffocation; convulsions/seizures; hypoxia; heart failure; coma; sudden sniffing death (butane, propane, and other chemicals in aerosols)
• Long Term: Myelin break down leading to muscle spasms, tremors and possible permanent motor impairment; liver/kidney damage; addiction

Prescription Sedatives – Sleeping pills, or anxiolytics (abuse) – Central nervous system depressants include barbiturates (e.g., Nembutal) and benzodiazepines (e.g., Valium, Xanax)

• Acute: Drowsiness, relaxation; overdose
• Long Term: Tolerance, physical dependence, addiction
  Health Effects of Hallucinogens – LSD, PCP, psilocybin, salvia, ketamine

LSD

• Acute: Elation, depression, arousal, paranoia or panic; impulsive behavior, rapid shifts in emotions; distortions in perception; increased body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure; nausea; loss of appetite; sweating; dry mouth; jaw-clenching; numbness; sleeplessness; dizziness, weakness, tremors. High doses: Panic, paranoia, feelings of despair, fear of insanity and death.
• Long Term: Tolerance; frightening flashbacks, Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD).

Psilocybin

• Acute: Low doses: Relaxation; altered sensory perception; increased energy, heart rate; decreased appetite. High doses: Effects similar to LSD, including visual hallucinations, altered perceptions; nervousness, confusion, panic, paranoia.
• Long Term: Low addictive potential, however, may produce tolerance

Salvia

• Acute: Short-lived, but intense hallucinations, altered visual perception, mood, body sensations; emotional swings, feelings of detachment from one’s body; highly modified perception of external reality and self; sweating
• Long Term: Unknown addictive potential

PCP

• Acute: Shallow, rapid breathing, increase in heart rate and blood pressure; nausea, blurred vision, dizziness; numbness; slurred speech; confusion; loss of coordination; muscle contractions; analgesia; altered perceptions; feelings of being separated from one’s body
• Long Term: Unknown addictive potential

Ketamine

• Acute: Anxiety; agitation; insomnia; slurred speech; blurred vision; irregular heartbeat, nausea; hallucinations; memory problems
• Long Term: Cognitive impairment, including verbal and short-term memory; blurred vision; loss of coordination

MDMA (Ecstacy) – A synthetic drug that has stimulant and psychoactive properties. It is taken orally as a capsule or tablet.

• Acute: Euphoria; increased energy, alertness, and tactile sensitivity; decreased fear; increased/irregular heartbeat; dehydration; chills; sweating; impaired cognition and motor function; reduced appetite; muscle cramping; teeth grinding/clenching; hyperthermia, muscle breakdown, and death.
• Long Term: Impulsiveness; irritability; sleep disturbances; anxiety; addiction

Heroin, Opium (Street Opioids) – Processed from poppy plants; a white or brownish powder or black sticky substance known as “black tar heroin.” Usually smoked or injected, could be taken orally (opium).

• Acute: Euphoria; warm flushing of skin; dry mouth; heavy feeling in extremities; clouded thinking; alternate wakeful and drowsy states; itching; nausea; depressed respiration
• Long Term: Addiction; physical dependence; collapsed veins; abscesses; infection of heart lining and valves; arthritis/other rheumatologic problems; HIV; hepatitis C.

Prescription Opioid Abuse – Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Codeine

• Acute: Pain relief, drowsiness, nausea, constipation. When injected or snorted: increased risk of depressed respiration leading to coma or death
• Long Term: Tolerance, addiction

Androgenic Anabolic Steroid Abuse – Synthetic substances related to testosterone. Promote growth of skeletal muscle (anabolic) and the development of male sexual characteristics (androgenic) Taken orally, or by injection in doses much higher than would be prescribed.

• Acute: Headaches, acne; fluid retention, gastrointestinal irritation, diarrhea, stomach pains, oily skin, jaundice, and hypertension. Infections can develop at the injection site.
• Long Term: Liver damage; cardiovascular disease; high blood pressure; increases in LDL (“bad” cholesterol); and decreases in HDL (“good” cholesterol); cardiac hypertrophy; atherosclerosis; addiction.

Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

Alcohol and other drugs interfere with messages to your brain and alter your perceptions, emotions, vision, hearing and coordination. Alcohol and drugs affect your judgment and can lead to dangerous behavior that puts you at risk for:

• Accidental Injuries: More than half of all drownings and fatal falls are alcohol or drug-related. 45% of emergency room visits are alcohol-related. 80% of patients in special units like burn centers have injuries related to alcohol use. Half of all physical injuries sustained on college campuses stem from alcohol use.
• Car Crashes: Even small amounts of alcohol make driving unsafe. Drunk driving is not only unsafe, it’s illegal. Even a blood alcohol level of .05% (below the legal limit for driving in most states) makes you twice as likely to have a car crash. Almost half of all fatal auto crashes are alcohol or drug-related. Drinking and boating can be a dangerous combination as well. One-third of boating fatalities are alcohol-related and drunk boating is just as illegal as drunk driving.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) including AIDS: You are more likely to ignore safer sex precautions such as condoms if you are under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
• Unwanted Pregnancy: For the same reasons that alcohol and other drugs put people at greater risk for STIs, it also makes pregnancy a risk of substance abuse.
• Sexual Assault: When you’re intoxicated, impaired judgment can stop you from noticing dangerous situations and people. Slowed thinking and reaction time makes you more vulnerable to being forced into sexual activity. It also makes people less likely to notice when they are hurting others. Alcohol is involved in many acquaintance rapes. Either party being drunk is not a legal excuse for assault. Consent cannot be given when you are intoxicated.
• Fights: Barroom brawls don’t just happen in movies. Not only can you get hurt, you can get arrested. Two-thirds of violent behavior on college campuses involve alcohol.
• Trouble with the Law: Illegal drugs, underage drinking, drunk driving, public consumption–even giving guests alcohol–can get you into legal trouble.

Adapted from the Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), the Student Health Center and Health Promotion believe that best preventive medicine is knowledge. We provide outreach activities and educational workshops on health and wellness issues. Topics are wide-ranging and uncompromising in nature. CAPS is located on campus in Russ Hall, the Student Health Center is in Blanton Hall and Health Promotion is in the Student Center Annex.

Education and counseling are provided so that students can reduce their risk for personal health issues. CAPS, Health Promotion and the Student Health Center all provide a nonjudgmental and confidential place for information, conversation and referrals about health and wellness related topics. The primary objective is to keep students well in all aspects of their life at Montclair State University so that they can perform optimally in this academic environment as well as achieve necessary life skills to stay well in the future.

Alcohol and Other Drug Program

• Advisory Committee on Alcohol and other Drugs (ACAD): The Advisory Committee on Alcohol and other Drugs at Montclair State University is a coalition of campus and community members who collaborate on issues relating to substance use and abuse and educational efforts within the campus. The Advisory Committee is responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating educational and environmental approaches aimed at reducing risk related to alcohol and other drug use. With the use of evidence- based educational programs, policy recommendations and on-going research, the Advisory Committee strives to provide members of the University community tools for making informed decisions that will foster academic success, personal development and a healthy balanced lifestyle.
• Alcohol and Other Drug Program (AOD): The cornerstone of AOD treatment services at CAPS is the Exploring Change and Healthy Options (ECHO) program.
• The ECHO Program: Provides students a non-judgmental environment to explore their alcohol and other drug use to help make informed decisions about their use of substances. Students who participate in the ECHO program receive individualized feedback to facilitate an understanding of the role substances have in their lives. 
• Educational Harm Reduction Interventions: These initiatives are designed to empower students to make healthier and responsible choices.
  • e-CHUG: Provides personalized feedback on your use of alcohol.
  • e-TOKE: Provides you with accurate, detailed and personalized feedback on your use of marijuana.
• Substance Free Activities: Montclair State University provides a healthy and stable support structure for students in addition to their regular academic routine. There are hundreds of programs offered by various departments and student organizations that promote health and wellness and are substance free. 

Learn More about CAPS Programs and Services

Learn about Health Promotion Services

Learn about Student Health Center Services

It is our hope that no one within our campus community will experience sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating or domestic violence, or stalking. However, if it occurs, the Student Health Center has a certified professional Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner who can provide victim-centered services (during office hours). If the individual prefers or needs an off-campus hospital evaluation, the Student Health Center will facilitate this referral. 

The following resources are trained to provide compassionate, coordinated and comprehensive care directly on campus:

• University Police: The Montclair State University Police Department is a fully sworn police agency with extensive training in sexual assault law, victim rights and the emotional and physical needs of a victim. They provide criminal investigation at the request of the victim.
• The Office of Community Resilience and Officer Wellness: The Office provides confidential, trauma-informed support and advocacy for victims and survivors of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. Services include crisis intervention, safety planning, counseling referrals, assistance navigating campus and community resources, and support throughout reporting and healing processes. The office also partners with University Police and campus departments to foster a safe, inclusive environment.
• Forensic Nurses: Montclair State’s University Student Health Center has certified Forensic Nurses who are trained to provide medical care, forensic evidence collection and preventive medications. All services are provided at the Student Health Center.
• Sexual Violence Advocate: Any victim has the right to have an advocate. Advocates are trained individuals who provide competent and effective emotional support, education and referrals. They also assure that victims and survivors of sexual assault are aware of their rights. Advocacy and Outreach has a campus sexual violence advocate that can meet with a survivor to provide support. If the student would prefer an off campus advocate, then a referral can be made to a confidential community sexual violence advocate and/or rape crisis center.

The Crisis, Assessment, Response and Education (CARE) Team is a group of University administrators that meets regularly to evaluate concerning behaviors of Montclair State University students. Students referred to the CARE Team are expressing behavior that causes community members to be concerned. The CARE Team collects information about referred students and identifies and enacts appropriate strategies and responses for addressing the situation with the goal of supporting the student.

The Dean of Students Office can support victims of sexual violence to manage concerns related to campus housing, academic support among other services. A connection to the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator is provided to learn about campus options of filing a formal complaint and engaging in adjudication processes. This serves as supplementary support to the provisions offered by law enforcement.

Victim Options: Victims of sexual assault at Montclair State University have several options for care and services. The victim has the right to accept or decline any or all of the following:

• Evaluation/treatment of injuries and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy
• Forensic examination for evidence collection
• File criminal charges and/ or a report
• File University disciplinary charges
• File civil charge
• File a Title IX complaint with the Office of Civil Rights (OCR)

Report as a “Jane/John Doe” victim: This option allows the victim to have a forensic examination for evidence collection but not file charges or release identity to anyone except the forensic nurse. Evidence is stored for 5 years which allows for evidence preservation and for the victim to have time to make a final decision.

The victim may accept or decline any or all options. NO action is taken by the University or University Police without a victim’s consent unless it is believed that the individual or the community at large may be in danger.

Who to Contact

• University Police
• Student Health Center
• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
• Dean of Students Office
• Residence Life

In the State of New Jersey, crime victims are entitled to certain basic rights under the law including the right to make a victim impact statement at court, transportation to legal proceedings and the right to be informed as to the progress and disposition of a criminal case. The Crime Victims Bill of Rights (NJS 52:4B-36) may be viewed online at the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office of Victim-Witness Advocacy site. A copy of these rights will be given to the victim but is available in paper format at University Police Headquarters.

In addition, survivors of sexual assault are afforded services and rights under the State of New Jersey Attorney General’s directive on Providing Services to Victims of Sexual Assault. A copy of the standards is located on the NJ Division of Criminal Justice website. Paper copies of these standards are available at University Police Headquarters.

Resources

• JBWS: 24 Hour Hotline: 973-267-7520
• SAVE of Essex County (Sexual Assault and Violence Education Center) Hotline: 877-733-CARE (2273)
• New Jersey Sexual Assault Resources by County

Who To Contact

• Family Service League / Essex County Rape Care Center: 973-746-0800
• Rape Crisis Hotline: 877-733-2273

The “Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act” (section 1601 of Public Law 106-386 ) is a federal law that provides for the tracking of convicted, registered sex offenders enrolled as students at institutions of higher education, or working or volunteering on campus. The Act requires sex offenders already required to register in a state to provide notice, as required under state law, to each institution of higher education in that state at which the person is employed, carries on a vocation, or is a student. The law further requires that state procedures ensure that this registration information is promptly made available to law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction where the institutions of higher education are located and that it is entered into appropriate state records or data systems.

For information regarding Megan’s Law in the State of New Jersey and to search the New Jersey Sex Offender Internet Registry, maintained by the New Jersey State Police, visit their site. For information on how to register if you are a convicted sex offender, contact the MSUPD Detective Bureau for instructions.

The University provides programs to raise awareness and the prevention of sexual assault, dating and domestic violence and stalking. Specifically, the University provides the following:

• Residence Life Orientation – Students living on campus as well as commuting students, housing directors and assistants are made aware of topics and situations that might be encountered on the university campus. 
  • Topics include: Acquaintance Rape, Alcohol and Drug Awareness, Theft Prevention and Safety on Campus. Through Crime Prevention awareness, students living on and off campus, learn ways and methods on how to minimize the chances of becoming the victim of a crime.
• New Employee Orientation – Through orientation, new employees to the university are made aware of crime prevention methods and strategies that will be helpful in reducing the chances of becoming a victim of crime on and off campus. 
  • Topics include: Theft Prevention, Safety on Campus and Workplace Violence.
• Self-Defense Training – Offered by University Police Officers, this training is free and open to all members of the campus community. Training is offered periodically throughout the fall and spring semesters.
• Crime Prevention – A variety of educational programs are offered by the University, e.g. crime prevention officers conduct panel discussions in classes, at Residence Life, the Drop-in Center and Greek organizations. 
  • Topics include: Date/Acquaintance Sexual Assault, AIDS, Auto and Property Theft, Personal Safety Issues and Alcohol Awareness. Brochures and other literature are available at the University Police Headquarters.

Timely warnings are issued on a case-by-case basis for certain crimes or other serious incidents reported to campus authorities or University Police and that pose “serious and ongoing threats” to students and employees on campus or in the immediate campus community. In deciding whether to issue a timely warning, the University considers all of the facts surrounding the incident such as the nature of the crime, the continuing danger to the campus community and the possible risk of compromising law enforcement efforts. Incidents that may result in issuing a timely warning include the following crimes:

• Murder
• Criminal Homicide
• Manslaughter
• Sexual Offenses
• Robbery
• Aggravated Assault
• Burglary
• Motor Vehicle Theft
• Arson

The University will issue a timely warning as soon as it determines there is a serious and ongoing threat to students or employees on campus and/or in the immediate campus community. Considerations taken into account for the determination of a timely warning include the nature of the crime (severity), the continuing danger to the University community and the risk of compromising law enforcement activity. The determination will be made based on the information that University Police has available to it at the time and may be updated for more pertinent information.

The Chief of Police of the University Police Department or his designee is responsible for preparing and distributing timely warning reports. University Police may be reached at 973-655-5222. In addition, in the absence of the Chief of Police, the Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life may issue such warnings.

In most instances, the timely warning will be issued through the University’s email system to students, faculty and staff. Depending on the particular circumstances of the crime or threat, University Police may also post a notice through Rave Text Alerts, digital flyers posted in residence halls, academic buildings and the Student Center, official University social media outlets and announcements posted on the University website.

The intent of a timely warning is to enable members of the campus community to protect themselves. A timely warning will include information that promotes safety and aids in the prevention of similar crimes, such as the following information:

• A brief statement of the incident, general locations given
• Possible connection to other incidents, if applicable
• Physical description of the suspect, if available
• Date and time of the incident 
• Other relevant information.

Anyone with information about a crime or other serious incident should report the circumstances to University Police, by phone 973-655-5222 or in person at the University Police Department Headquarters, adjacent to the Red Hawk Parking Deck. 

To report a crime or an emergency off campus, dial 911. You may also use the emergency “blue light” phones or alert systems stationed around campus.

If you are a victim of or witness to a crime and do not want to pursue action within the university system or the criminal justice system, you may still want to consider making a confidential report. The purpose of a confidential report is to comply with your wish to keep the matter confidential while taking steps to ensure the future safety of yourself and others. With such information, the University can keep accurate records of the number of incidents involving students, determine where there is a pattern of crime with regard to a particular location, method or assailant, and alert the campus community to potential danger. Reports filed in this manner are counted and disclosed in the annual crime statistics for the institution and may result in a timely warning report.

Community members may call the TIPS line on campus at 973-655-8477 and leave as descriptive information as is possible for investigation or response. In addition, individuals can send texts with immediate relay to the University Police Department. You can text a crime tip to the University Police texting the keyword “E-TIPS”, a space, and your message to 67283. University Police will investigate any anonymous report.

Reports of emergency or dangerous situations that pose an imminent threat to the safety of campus community members may originate from various sources including:

• Reports from first responders
• Reports from established warning points
• Reports from other campus departments
• Reports from citizens through 9-1-1 directed calls from off campus

Confirmation of these situations will occur through several different processes:

Criminal Nature:

Emergency or dangerous situations that pose an imminent threat to the safety of campus community members and that are criminal in nature will be considered confirmed if a law enforcement Officer or other credible witness observes the situation as it is occurring. For situations that are criminal in nature which are not apparent or not directly observed by law enforcement, confirmation will be made by University Police Chief or Command level staff and, in their absence, the Officer in Charge.

Command level staff will review the readily available information and determine if there is enough information to reasonably conclude a significant emergency or dangerous situation poses an imminent threat to the safety of campus community members. Command level staff may consult with additional departments and policy level personnel as practical without jeopardizing life safety.

Other Emergency or Dangerous Situations:

Confirmation of non-criminal situations will be determined after readily available information is reviewed by campus emergency management, law enforcement, or policy level personnel.

Established Warning Points*:

Established warning points are considered entities with subject matter expertise on particular hazards that may affect campus. When a warning is issued by one of these entities it is considered confirmed, however, additional consultation with campus officials will occur as practical without jeopardizing life safety.

• National Weather Service: Warnings for weather events, food events and wildfires. Warnings for flash flood events.
• State of NJ or US Health/CDC or Public Health: Communicable disease/public health emergencies.
• Responsible Fire Agency: Structure fire and hazardous material events.

*This is not all-inclusive, but a sampling of established warning points.

The University shall provide notice of significant emergency or dangerous situation occurring on campus that poses an imminent threat to the safety of campus community members to all students, employees and visitors on campus through widespread messaging unless the emergency or dangerous situation is wholly contained to one building or area within a building and widespread messaging is determined to be unnecessary based upon the facts and circumstances. This decision was made based on the analysis of identified risks to the campus and to prevent accidental exclusion of a segment of campus population that the emergency notification was intended for.

In the situations when a single facility/area is involved, facility alarms, public address systems, phone-trees and other technologies of the facility may be utilized to provide warning. Campus personnel may also provide warning if needed and feasible. Should a segmented emergency notification be issued, on-going assessments of the situation will occur and a campus-wide notification will be sent as necessary.

The content of an emergency notification will be created by the Vice President responsible for the unit affected, in consultation with the President, the Vice President for Communications and Marketing and the Chief of Police. The message content will depend on the situation and the notification method. However, the following information will be included in all initial emergency notifications regardless of the situation or method:

• A description of the situation (flash flood warning, dangerous situation, etc)
• Relevant safety instructions (move to higher ground, shelter in place, etc)
• A third element of where to get more information (i.e., university website) will be included in the initial notification if feasible. Because of text character limits, or the immediate availability of information, the third element of where to get information may not always be included in the initial emergency notification if in text format.

Pre-scripted Emergency Notifications:

To the greatest extent possible, the institution will develop and utilize pre-scripted emergency notifications that have been collaboratively developed and agreed upon by University Police, Emergency Management, University Communications, Student Communications and appropriate vice president level personnel. The development of these notifications facilitates faster dissemination. Pre-scripted notifications have been developed primarily for the Rave Text Alert system, the Montclair State University website and the Montclair State University emergency information line.

During situations for which a pre-scripted notification has not been developed, or when the responsible official determines different content is needed the guidelines listed above will be followed to craft these notifications.

Additional content considerations:

As feasible, after the situation description, relevant instructions and additional information sources are provided, the following content should be considered for inclusion:

• Campus operating status (open, closed, etc)
• Information update frequencies
• Additional instructions that are not specific to life safety
• Notification at the conclusion of a significant emergency or dangerous situation:

As deemed appropriate by the responsible institution official, an “all clear” notification should be considered at the conclusion of a significant emergency or dangerous situation. These notifications should include campus operating status if relevant.

The primary method of issuing an emergency notification is Rave Mobile Safety Text Alerts. The Rave Mobile Safety system is capable of sending text messages and emails to registered users as well as displaying content across campus on our digital screens.

This is the primary alerting tool for campus-wide notification as it utilizes both “active” and “passive” alerting functions. The campus recognizes the need for public safety partners in the broader community to have situational awareness of emergencies that occur on campus and as such, select members of the broader public safety community are registered to receive campus-wide Rave Text Alerts.

Alert notifications may also be distributed through the University’s social media sites and the use of on-campus digital signage.

The campus website is designed to accommodate increased traffic during emergency situations so that both University students, employees and visitors are provided with emergency notifications and information. The website will be the primary point to disseminate information to the broader community, including parents.

Criteria for Emergency Notifications

The following factors will be considered to determine if a significant emergency or dangerous situation occurring on campus and posing an imminent threat to the safety of campus community members exists that would warrant emergency notification:

Life Safety Considerations:

• What is the potential for injury or death?
• What is the potential for damage?
• What is the potential for interruptions to critical services?

Situation:

• What is the impact to the campus?
• Is the situation stable, what is the potential for the situation to worsen?
• What is the urgency of the situation?

Audience:

• Who needs to receive the notification?

Limitations:

• Are there any known limitations of the notification systems?

The following officials are responsible for initiating an emergency response notice on behalf of the University:

• Montclair State University Police Department: The Police Department is responsible for initiating emergency notifications regarding criminal occurrences. The Chief of Police, Command staff or their designee are responsible for contacting University Communications to initiate additional notification methods (Montclair State University website, Emergency Information Line). Law enforcement is responsible for providing the necessary content to University Communications
• Communications: University Communications and Marketing and Student Communications are responsible for maintaining and disseminating emergency notifications that utilize:
  • The University website
  • University social media pages
  • Internal campus email systems
  • Rave Mobile Safety
  • Post-Emergency Notifications

University Communications and Student Communications in consultation with the Vice President having supervisory authority over the affected unit and Chief of Police will assume responsibility for messages after the emergency has been resolved.

Organization

The campus maintains an Emergency Operations Plan which outlines responsibilities of campus departments during emergencies. This plan outlines incident priorities, campus organization and specific responsibilities of particular departments or positions.

University departments are responsible for developing emergency response and continuity of operations plans for their areas and staff. This plan is available for view on the Montclair State University website with network credentials.

Education

Information about emergency response procedures is provided at the beginning of each semester at student orientation and it is re-emphasized throughout the year on a campus-wide basis as other relevant advisories are issued, such as those posted at the start of winter. Information on how to receive emergency notifications is also located in the campus disclosure policy, which is provided electronically to the entire campus community on an annual basis.

Every campus building is equipped with an emergency evacuation sign which illustrates the emergency evacuation route and plans are also available online for view at any time and as part of the Clery Annual report.

Furthermore, the campus emergency website provides information and instructions about hazards that are likely to affect campus.

Test Procedures

The Rave Mobile Safety system and digital signage emergency broadcast system are tested twice a year, once during the fall semester and once during the spring semester. During these scheduled test periods campus community members are encouraged to register for alerts and to become familiar with where emergency information can be found. These events are announced through internal campus emails. In addition to the emergency notification system test, the campus conducts tabletop exercises and participates in drills and exercises with community partners as opportunities to do so become available.

The residence halls, with University Fire Safety, conduct emergency evacuation drills at the beginning of each semester. Other campus facilities are responsible for organizing and conducting their own emergency evacuation drills.

Actual emergencies serve as tests of the notification system.

The University may at any time issue informational warnings in a timely manner on unconfirmed threats to the community. Certain information may be withheld if it were to compromise efforts to contain the emergency. On an annual basis, the emergency warning shall be tested if no actual emergency should have occurred or if activated for a real emergency will be evaluated for proficiency.

To view specific building evacuation plans please visit Exit Plans.

• Resident students: A resident student is any student residing in a University operated residential facility under a University housing agreement. All resident students are required to designate an emergency contact person, or persons, through their NEST account prior to check in at their residence hall. If a student moves to another University residence facility the student is required to verify the emergency notification information upon admittance to that hall.
• Non-resident students: All enrolled students at the University, regardless of living circumstances, are encouraged to designate an emergency contact person, or persons, through their NEST account.
• Every student (resident and non-resident) has their own NEST account and may enter or change, under personal information/addresses, a designated contact person at any time by updating their emergency contact information.

Only certain entities within the University with proper clearance have access to the emergency contact information (note: all persons indicated as a person that a report can be made to have access) and students should know that confidentiality is a factor. If a student is under the age of 18 and is not emancipated, the University must notify the student’s custodial parent or guardian within 24 hours of the determination that the student is missing, in addition to any person designated by the student as his/her contact.

Persons can report students missing to any official of the University, who then must notify the University Police Department within 24 hours of the determination that the student is missing. Residence Hall staff, building directors, Dean of Students personnel, among others, may many times be first contacts to report missing students. There is no waiting period for an individual to report a missing person. 

The Montclair State University Police Department will investigate, following established police protocol, all cases of missing persons that are brought to their attention. The University Police Department will serve as the lead investigating agency unless superseded by a Prosecutor’s Office or State of New Jersey or federal agency with appropriate jurisdiction. At any time, the person reporting a missing person may report to any other law enforcement agency that a person is missing. The University Police Department will contact any agency where the missing person may live, work or be reported to be within.

The University Police Department will inform the student’s identified emergency contact person, or persons, that a student is missing within 24 hours of receiving a missing person report. In cases where the student is under the age of 18 and or unemancipated, or where the missing student may be at risk, University Police shall also notify the student’s custodial parent or guardian within 24 hours of the determination that the student is missing, unless more immediate contact is warranted.

While anyone can report a student missing, the CSA list above indicates key personnel to report missing persons at any time and certainly if missing for 24 hours.