Community & Public Safety
Williamson College of the Trades is committed to the safety and security of our students, faculty, staff and visitors.
Looking for information on college safety, emergency management policy, and other general information about Williamson College of the Trades? This is a great starting place. Choose from any of the links below to find more information about your area of interest. If you have questions concerning content, please contact the Office of the Provost.
Table of Contents
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
Williamson College of the Trades is committed to providing for the safety and security of students, faculty, staff, and visitors to its facilities.
The Office of the Provost publishes this report in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security and Crime Statistics Act. The report informs current and prospective Williamson employees, students, parents, and visitors about campus security policies, measures to prevent and respond to crimes and emergencies, and the occurrence of crime on our campus.
Make A Report
Williamson College is committed to a positive learning environment where open, honest communications are the expectation, not the exception.
In situations where you prefer to place an anonymous report in confidence, you are encouraged to use this online report, hosted by a third-party provider, EthicsPoint. We want to have your voice heard!
General Information
Williamson College of the Trades is committed to the safety and security of our students, faculty, staff and visitors. Our primary concern is to nurture and sustain a safe environment for you to learn, live and work. Williamson’s campus is monitored by security officers and a myriad of other electronic devices and means.
For Emergencies
Call 911 first, then notify Security at (610) 308-9973
For non-urgent matters
Call (610) 566-1776 ext. 444
- Becoming familiar with the college community
- Reading the Student Handbook and the Emergency Action Guide found throughout each facility on campus
- Taking appropriate precautions to minimize potential risks
Building Access
All academic and administrative buildings are open through key card access while the college is in session. All college visitors are asked to check in with reception in Rowan Hall upon entering campus. Dormitories are accessible only through electronic key cards provided to students assigned to a specific dormitory and key administrative staff members. Dormitory access is also monitored by college security through surveillance cameras installed across campus. If facility access is required after hours, please contact the vice president of Operations at tbrown@williamson.edu or campus security.
If access to a facility is required after hours, please contact the residency staff or at (610) 308-9973 or (610) 566-1776, ext. 444.
Crime Statistics - Clery Act
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (The Clery Act) requires colleges and universities to provide students and employees with information on its security policies and procedures and specific statistics for certain criminal incidents, arrests and disciplinary referrals. The Clery Act also requires that this information and statistics be made available to prospective students and employees upon request.
It is important to note that the crime classifications for which colleges and universities must provide statistics differ under state and federal law. The crime statistics reported under the Jeanne Clery Act include the following:
- Criminal Homicide: Murder, Non-negligent manslaughter
- Sexual Assault (Sex Offenses): Rape, Fondling, Incest, Statutory Rape
- Robbery
- Burglary, to include Forcible Entry, Unlawful Entry – No Force, Attempted Forcible Entry
- Motor Vehicle Theft
- Arson
Hate Crimes
The law requires the release of statistics by category of prejudice regarding the occurrence of hate crimes both in the crime classifications listed above, and for crimes involving bodily injury to any person in which the victim is selected because of the actual or perceived race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ethnicity, national origin, or disability of the victim.
In August of 2008, The Higher Education Opportunity Act modified the above hate crimes to include the following additional crimes under the hate crime category:
- Larceny Theft: The unlawful taking, carrying, leading, or riding away of property from the possession, or constructive possession, of another.
- Threats: Intimidation (includes stalking) To unlawfully place another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words and/or other conduct, but without displaying a weapon or subjecting the victim to actual physical attack
- Vandalism: To willfully or maliciously destroy, damage, deface, or otherwise injure real or personal property without the consent of the owner or the person having custody or control of it
- Simple Assault: An unlawful physical attack by one person upon another where neither the offender displays a weapon, nor the victim suffers obvious severe or aggrieved bodily injury involving apparent broken bones, loss of teeth, possible internal injury, severe laceration, or loss of consciousness
The law requires statistics for an expanded area beyond the campus and it requires these statistics to be shown in specific geographic categories. Note that incidents shown in the On-Campus Residential category are also included in the statistics shown in the Campus category.
Crime statistics are provided in compliance with the specific time periods, crime classifications, geographic categories and arrest data mandated by federal law. Crime statistics are available within Williamson’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. A link to this report is available at the top of this page.
Missing Student Notification
Williamson fully supports the US Federal Jeanne Clery Act of 1990 that requires colleges and universities with housing residencies to provide students with information regarding the institutional procedures followed if a student has been reported to be missing for 24 hours while the College is in session. Students should report a missing student to the Vice President of Student Affairs, Director of Residence Life, or any college employee. Upon notification, the college will do the following:
- Contact the individual designated by the student in his Student General Information Form. Information designated by the student within the form is governed by the college’s Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines. This information will be registered confidentially and will only be accessible to authorized campus officials, and local law enforcement personnel in furtherance of a missing person investigation.
- Register a missing person report with local law enforcement within 24 hours of the determination that the student is missing.
Clery Act Terminology
- Campus: Any building or property owned or controlled by an institution of higher education within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area of the institution in direct support of, or in a manner related to the institution’s educational purposes, including residence halls or any property that is within or reasonably contiguous to the institution and owned by the institution but controlled by another person, is frequently used by students, and supports institutional purposes (such as food or other retail vendor).
- Non-campus Building or Property: Any building or property owned or controlled by a student organization recognized by the college and any building or property (other than a branch campus) owned or controlled by an institution of higher education that is used in direct support of, or in relation to, the institution’s educational purpose, is frequently used by students, and is not within the same reasonably continuous geographic area of the institution. Williamson College of the Trades does not have any non-campus buildings or property as defined.
- Public Property: All public property that is within the campus or immediately adjacent to and assessable from the campus, such as a sidewalk, a street, other thoroughfare, or parking facility.
Pennsylvania College & University Information Act Crime Rates
The Pennsylvania College and University Security Information Act requires the release of crime statistics and rates to students and employees. The rate is based on the actual number of full time equivalent (FTE) students and employees which is calculated according to the following state mandated formula:
- Number of students plus the number of FTE employees (which is the sum of full-time employees plus one half the number of part-time employees).
- The rate is obtained by dividing this figure into 100,000 and multiplying the quotient by the individual statistics to produce the crime rate per 100,000 persons in each category.
Note “All Other Offenses” listed in the report include harassment, harassment by communication, threats, unlawful restraint, loitering, prowling and trespass.
Pennsylvania College & University Information Act crime rates are available within Williamson’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. A link to this report is available at the top of this page.
Daily Crime & Fire Log
The Office of Student Affairs maintains a combined Daily Crime and Fire Log of all incidents reported. This includes all crimes, fire-related incidents, and other serious incidents that occur on campus.
Fire Statistics
Residence Hall | Fire | Cause | Injuries/Death | Cost | Drills |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Byers II | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | 10 |
Byers III | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | 10 |
C Cottage | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | 10 |
Clemens | 0 | - | - | 0 | 10 |
Derrickson | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | 10 |
Eyre | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | 10 |
George | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | 10 |
Jenks | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | 10 |
Longstreth | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | 10 |
Smith | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | 10 |
Strine | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Townsend | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | 10 |
Watson | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | 8 |
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
Williamson College of the Trades is committed to providing for the safety and security of students, faculty, staff, and visitors to its facilities. Many programs and services have been designed to ensure that a peaceful learning environment is maintained at all times. There are approximately 300 students and 100 full- and part-time employees who comprise the Williamson campus community. Their common bond is a commitment to student success.
The Office of the Provost publishes this report in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security and Crime Statistics Act. The report informs current and prospective Williamson College employees, students, parents, and visitors about campus security policies, measures to prevent and respond to crimes and emergencies, and the occurrence of crime on our campus.
The report provides the statistics for the previous three years of reported crimes that occurred on campus. The report is available October 1st of each year and notification is made to all current students and employees through their college email account and the college’s Student Information Management System (SIS). An electronic copy of the report is made available to all students and employees through the college’s SIS and to prospective students through the college website (williamson.edu). A paper copy of this report can be obtained by contacting the Office of the Provost at (610) 566-1776, extension 252.
The annual crime and fire statistics provided in this report are collected from both college and local law enforcement sources. The college sources include the Offices of Student Affairs, director of Residence Life, Health Services, Student Activities, Athletics, Counseling, Title IX coordinator, and the vice president of Operations, which includes campus security personnel. Local law enforcement sources include the Pennsylvania State Police.
Emergency Action Plan
The College Emergency Action Guide, accessible throughout the campus, outlines the policies and procedures the college and individual(s) on campus should follow in the case of an emergency.
Timely Warnings
The Office of the Vice President of Operations oversees the campus warning systems and processes used to notify the college of an emergency. The college employs a number of alerts and alarms, depending on the nature of the specific emergency, to initially notify and update the college community. The college community receives training and participates in exercises throughout the year using the various alert and alarm systems.
Fire Safety
As a member of the Williamson community, you will need to take precautions at all times to prevent a tragedy due to fire and smoke. Whenever a fire alarm sounds, whether it’s in a residence hall complex or an academic building, evacuate immediately. All residents should know the exit routes from their rooms.
Please be familiar with the following college fire evacuation procedures:
- Know at least two ways out of the building from your room
- Sound the building fire alarm if you discover fire or smell smoke
- Leave immediately. Close all doors behind you. Proceed to the primary fire exit nearest to your location. Upon leaving the building, do not reenter until you are told you can do so by college administrative personnel.
- Do not use the elevator
- If it is hot or smoke is seeping in, do not open the door. If you become trapped and cannot reach the fire exit keep the door closed and seal off any cracks. If you have a telephone in your room use it to call 911 and give the name and location of the building, the floor you are on and the room number. If you do not have a phone, go to the window and signal for help.
- Do Not Jump. The Fire Department will be in the building within minutes to assist you.
- If the door feels cool, open it cautiously. Be prepared to slam it shut if the hall is full of smoke or if you feel heat or pressure against the door. If the hall is clear, proceed to the nearest fire exit and move away from the building.
- If caught in smoke or heat, stay low where the air is better, take short breaths, (through your nose) until you reach the fire exit.
- Know the numbers of doors from your room to the fire exit. This will prevent you from passing the fire exit.
- Comply with any directions from the fire department and maintain a clear area to allow them to complete their work
- Be sure fire exit doors and hallway doors are kept closed at all times. These doors prevent the spread of noxious smoke and heat should a fire occur.
Regulations established by the college and Pennsylvania State law will be strictly enforced. Fire drills, usually unannounced, are conducted periodically.
The following are serious violations of Williamson policy and are subject to disciplinary action:
- Failing to evacuate a residence hall during an alarm or reentering without permission
- Tampering with fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinklers or other safety equipment
- Pulling a fire alarm or activating a smoke detector with no evidence of fire
- Starting a fire or causing an explosion in or around the residence hall complex
- Interfering with authorities as they respond to a fire or other type of emergency
- Smoking anywhere on campus. Williamson is a tobacco-free college
- Possession or use of the following items in residence hall rooms are prohibited, and will result in confiscation and disciplinary action: High wattage appliances, particularly those with open or closed hearing elements (i.e. toasters, grills, microwaves, coffee makers, etc.), halogen lamps, fireworks or chemicals that are explosive or flammable in nature, candles or incense, extension cords or power strips not regulated by a circuit breaking device
- Leaving cooking items unattended in kitchen while in use
Student Hazing
Williamson College of the Trades is fully committed to a safe and secure learning environment for all of its students. As such, hazing, in any form, is strictly prohibited at Williamson. Students should not tolerate such behavior, as it does not promote the core values and trust upon which Williamson was founded. Individuals and organizations found in violation of these policies will be held accountable. Students should report any concerns or incidents of hazing immediately to members of the administration, faculty, or staff. Permission or approval by a person being hazed is not a defense.
Code of Student Conduct – Statement on Hazing
Hazing is absolutely prohibited. At Williamson, the term “hazing” means any action or situation that
- recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of an individual, or
- destroys or removes public or private property
for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in, any organization or program operating either (1) as organization or group recognized by the college or (2) operating independently of such college recognition, that is, without college approval.
The term shall include, but not be limited to,
- any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics,
- exposure to the elements,
- forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance,
- any other forced physical activity which could adversely affect the physical health and safety of the individual,
- sleep deprivation,
- forced exclusion from social contact,
- forced conduct, which is indecent, obscene, or could result in extreme embarrassment, or
- any other forced activity which could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual, or any willful destruction or removal of public or private property.
For purposes of this Code, any activity as described in this definition upon which the initiation or admission into or affiliation with or continued membership in an organization is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be “forced” activity, the willingness of an individual to participate in such activity notwithstanding.
In the case of individuals, sanctions may range from probation to expulsion. In the case of organizations or programs, sanctions may range from suspension to removal of the organization or program from the college. The prohibition against hazing applies to acts conducted on or off campus whenever such acts are deemed by the college to constitute hazing.
Williamson is fully compliant with Title 24 of the Pennsylvania consolidated statutes:
Section 5352: Any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student or which willfully destroys or removes public or private property for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in, any organization operating under the sanctions of or recognized as an organization by an institution of higher education. The term shall include, but not be limited to, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substance, or any other forced physical activity which could adversely affect the physical health and safety of the individual, and shall include any activity which would subject the individual to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct which could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual, or any willful destruction or removal of public or private property. For the purposes of this definition, any activity as described in this definition upon which the initiation or admission into or affiliation with or continued membership in an organization is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be “forced” activity, the willingness of an individual to participate in such activity notwithstanding.
Title IX Policy
Williamson College of the Trades is committed to providing an educational and employment environment conducive to its mission and one that is free from sexual harassment. We are dedicated to ensuring a safe campus climate for our students, residents, and employees. Through a comprehensive compliance, investigative, and adjudication program, we promote fundamental and individual rights and institutional integrity in alignment with our institutional mission, core values, and Title IX legislation.
Williamson does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX provides that “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
Williamson’s Title IX program applies to all students and employees in the scope of the college’s programs and activities. For the purpose of the Title IX policy, a college program or activity includes locations, events, or circumstances over which the college exercises substantial control over both the participants and the context in which the sexual harassment occurred whether on or off campus. It also includes any building, owned or controlled by the college, and/or any organization that is officially recognized by the college. Reports or formal complaints alleging sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, or retaliation may be filed at any time, including non-business hours, in person, by mail or by electronic mail, to:
Title IX Coordinator: Dr. Todd ZacharyWilliamson College of the Trades, Rowan Hall
106 S. New Middletown Road, Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 566-1776 ext. 252, or cell (267) 240-7116
Email: tzachary@williamson.edu
For more information, please refer to the Williamson Title IX Policy Manual, or contact the college’s Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Todd Zachary at (610) 566-1776 ext. 252.
Title IX Staff Training:
Whistleblower Policy
Williamson’s Whistleblower Policy is available on the Consumer Information page.
