Student Right-To-Know and Campus Public Safety ("Clery Act") Report

 

This information is presented in accordance with the required reporting under the Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act of 1990 and the applicable Higher Education Amendments, including the Higher Education Reauthorization Act of 1998, as amended.

 

Graduation Rates

 

Washington and Lee University's longest (and only) undergraduate degree program is normally completed in four years. Statistical information on student retention may be obtained from the University Registrar's Office in the Early- Fielding University Center. W&L offers no athletically-related aid.

For 2005-2006, the completion rate for our cohort of 448 full-time students who entered Washington and Lee University in Fall 2000 is 86%.

 

 

 

Crime Awareness and Campus Public Safety Report

 

This information is presented in accordance with the required reporting under the Student Right-to-Know Act, the Clery Act ("The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act," formerly the Campus Security Act of 1990), and the applicable Higher Education Amendments, including the Higher Education Reauthorization Act of 1998, as amended.

 

Washington and Lee University is a private liberal arts institution, comprising a community of more than 2,900 people (1750 undergraduates, 410 law, and 750 faculty and staff) within the borders of a 325-acre campus.  Approximately 1050 students and 50 faculty and staff members live in on-campus housing facilities.  While the Washington and Lee campus and the City of Lexington are relatively safe places, both communities are not immune from incidents of crime.

 

 

Public Safety

Washington and Lee University Public Safety is staffed by 13 full-time Public Safety officers who have a combined 150 years of security and professional law enforcement experience.  Public Safety officers, while responsible for the enforcement of rules and regulations prescribed by the University are not empowered with arrest authority.  These officers protect and serve the community 24 hours daily.  The relationship with the Lexington Police Department, Rockbridge County Sheriff's Office, and Virginia State Police is excellent and the departments hold regular meetings to discuss common problems.

 

Members of Public Safety patrol the campus grounds 24 hours daily and provide various support services for members of the community.  Escorts are provided to more distant parking areas, resident halls are patrolled with extra emphasis on major weekends, and the officers maintain a high degree of visibility. A card access system for the exterior doors of the freshman dormitories was installed in 1995, and the system was expanded to the upper class residence halls in 1996.  There are currently 23 emergency phones located at various places on campus to allow contact with public safety personnel at all times. Individuals are encouraged to report all criminal activity to University Public Safety or the Lexington Police.

 

Individuals who become victims of crime should immediately report to Public Safety at 458-8999. Public Safety officers are on call 24 hours per day, seven days per week.  During the academic year, in addition to the 24-hour coverage, the Public Safety Office, in the John W. Elrod University Commons, is staffed from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. daily, and 24 hours daily on weekends.  Any Public Safety Officer will take a report of crime.  The Director of Public Safety or the Associate Director of Public Safety can also be reached for this purpose by calling 458-8400. The University Public Safety Department will investigate any criminal activity reported. Reports may also be made to the Lexington Police Department, the Dean of Students, the University Mediator, or other officials who have significant responsibility for student and campus activities, including the Dean of Freshmen, Director of Student Activities, Director of Athletics, and Director of Human Resources. Incidents reported to the University Public Safety Department that fall into one of the required reporting classifications will be disclosed as a statistic in the appropriate annual compliance information.  If you are a victim of a crime and do not want to pursue action within the University judicial system or the criminal justice system, you may still want to consider making a confidential report.  Confidential reports of crimes that will not reveal your identity may be made by contacting the Director or Associate Director of University Public Safety.  Reports filed in this manner will be counted in the annual crime statistics information.

 

The University Public Safety Department will provide Campus-Wide Alerts to the university community in cases of crimes and other emergency situations that are considered threatening to students, faculty and staff members.  These notices will be posted at various locations on campus and will be sent by campus wide e-mail.  In accordance with the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, law enforcement agency information concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained from the Virginia State Police on-line at sex-offender.vsp.state.va.us/cool-ICE/.  The Public Safety Department meets regularly with members of the student newspaper staffs to discuss and release timely information concerning safety and security.  A Crime Log is maintained in the Public Safety Office and can be reviewed by contacting the Director of University Public Safety during normal business hours.

 

Public Safety Officers present an open and helping attitude that creates a trusting relationship with students and other members of the community.  University Public Safety personnel are always available to answer questions and deal with the problems young people encounter during their careers at Washington and Lee.

 

Alcohol/Controlled Substances

Students at Washington and Lee University are considered adults and are expected to abide by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and federal statutes concerning possession and use of alcohol, illegal drugs and other unlawful controlled substances.  Information on these laws is provided in the Student Handbook 2006-2007.

 

Sexual Misconduct

Washington and Lee University encourages students to immediately report incidents of sexual misconduct.  Confidential and Impartial Resolution ("CAIR") Resources (See campuslife.wlu.edu/cair ), appointed annually by the Provost or designee from a diverse range of University faculty and staff, Designated Officers identified in the University Policy on Prohibited Discrimination and Harassment, University Public Safety, and the Sexual Assault Investigator of the Rockbridge County Sheriff's Office are specially trained to respond to sexual misconduct complaints. These reports may alternatively be made to a variety of people, including, the Lexington Police Department, the Dean of Students, the University Mediator, or other officials who have significant responsibility for student and campus activities, including the Dean of Freshmen, Director or Assistant Director of Student Activities and Greek Life, Director of Athletics, and Director of Human Resources.

 

If you are raped or sexually assaulted:

            1.         Get to a safe place as soon as you can.

            2.         Try to preserve all physical evidence.  Don't wash or change clothes if you can avoid it.  If you do change clothes, put all of the clothing that you were wearing at the time of the attack in a paper, (not plastic) bag.

            3.         Get medical attention as soon as possible to make sure you are physically well and to collect important evidence in the event you may wish to later take legal action.

            4.         Contact University Public Safety. 540-458-8999

            5.         Contact someone you trust to be with you and support you.

            6.         Talk with a counselor who will maintain confidentiality, help explain your options, provide information and emotional support.  Counseling for victims of sexual misconduct is available through the University Counseling Service or through the Rockbridge Area Coalition Against Sexual Assault in Lexington.

 

There are University disciplinary procedures available to all students reporting instances of sexual misconduct that are documented in the Student Handbook 2006-2007, which serve as a supplement to this report.  These procedures deal with the issues of sexual misconduct cases including sanctions, academic and living situations, disciplinary hearings and disciplinary notification of both the complainant and the accused.

 

Students who are involved in alleged sexual misconduct may request special assistance from the office of the Dean of the College for academic options or the office of the Dean of Freshmen for housing options.

 

The accused and the complainant involved in alleged sexual misconduct cases are entitled to be accompanied to hearings by a student adviser specified under existing policies.

 

The accused and the complainant are entitled to prompt notification of the outcome of these proceedings.

 

The University may impose sanctions ranging from a warning to dismissal from the University for individuals found in violation of the University Policy on Prohibited Student Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct.

 

Educational Programs

Members of the Dean of Students staff, including the Public Safety Department, in cooperation with the Student Health Education Committee and LIFE (Leadership Information For Everyone) coordinate drug and alcohol prevention programs, sexual assault prevention programs, and general crime prevention programs beginning with freshman orientation and continuing throughout each academic year.  Members of Public Safety teach the Rape Aggression Defense Course.  There are on-going programs that include lectures, workshops, videos and student surveys.

 

 

Responsibilities of the University Community

Members of the University community must assume responsibility for their own personal safety and the security of their personal property. The following precautions should be used for guidance.

 

            1.         Report all suspicious activity to University Public Safety immediately.

            2.         Never take personal safety for granted.

            3.         Avoid walking alone at night.  Contact Public Safety for an escort.

            4.         Limit your alcohol consumption, and leave social functions that get too loud, too crowded, or that have too many people drinking excessively.  Call University Public Safety at the first sign of trouble.

            5.         Carry only small amounts of cash.

            6.         Never leave valuables (wallets, purses, books, computers, etc.) unattended.

            7.         Carry your keys with you at all times and don't lend them to anyone.

            8.         Lock up your bicycles.  Lock your car doors and close the windows when leaving your car.

            9.         Always lock the door to your residence hall room whether you are there or not.  Be certain that your door is locked when you go to sleep and keep the windows locked when you are not at home.

            10.        Never leave valuables in your car especially if they are easily noticeable.

            11.        Inventory your personal property and make records of the serial numbers of all items of value.

 

Crime Statistics

The statistical data gathered for Washington and Lee University include reported violations for the period January 1 - December 31 for 2003, 2004 and 2005. Washington and Lee maintains statistics using the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting System as a guideline. University Public Safety also maintains a daily crime log as required by the Clery Act.

 

 

2005

January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2005

 

                                                                        On Campus                   In Residence Halls

 

Murder                                                              0                                  0

Negligent Manslaughter                                      0                                  0

Non-Negligent Manslaughter                               0                                  0

Robbery                                                            0                                  0

Burglary                                                            1                                  0

Aggravated Assault                                            0                                  0

Arson                                                                0                                  0

Motor Vehicle Theft                                            1                                  0

Weapons Violations                                           1                                  0

Forcible Sex Offenses                                        0                                  0

Non-Forcible Sex Offenses                                 0                                  0

Drug Violations                                                  4                                  3

Hate Crimes                                                      0                                  0

Liquor Law Violations (Public Safety)                   23                                 16

Liquor Law Violations (Res Life Staff)                   32                                 24

 

Liquor Law Violations (Police)                                         59 Off Campus  

 

 

In 2005, Washington and Lee Public Safety Officers issued 11 Trespass Warnings to individuals preventing them from entering university owned property.  Public Safety officers also investigated 25 cases of theft of property, 13 of which were from residence halls.

 

 

2004

January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2004

 

Crime                                                                On Campus                   In Residence Hall

 

Murder                                                                          0                                  0

Negligent Manslaughter                                                  0                                  0

Non-Negligent Manslaughter                                           0                                  0

Robbery                                                                        0                                  0

Burglary                                                                        9                                  3

Aggravated Assault                                                        0                                  0

Arson                                                                            0                                  0

Motor Vehicle Theft                                                        0                                  0

Weapons Violations                                                       2                                  2

Forcible Sex Offenses                                                    0                                  0

Non-Forcible Sex Offenses                                             0                                  0

Drug Violations                                                              5                                  3

Hate Crimes                                                                  0                                  0

Liquor Law Violations ( Public Safety Officers)                 14                                  7

Liquor Law Violations (Dormitory Staff)                            43                                 43

Liquor Law Violations (Local Police)                                             38 Off Campus

           

Addendum

University Public Safety works in close cooperation with the Lexington Police Department and the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office to deal with unwanted visitors to the campus.  In 2004, Public Safety Officers issued trespass warnings to 13 individuals preventing them from entering onto Washington and Lee property.  Public Safety Officers also investigated 16 cases of theft on campus with 3 of those cases reported in the residence halls.

 

2003

January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2003

 

Crime                                                                On Campus                   In Residence Hall

 

Murder                                                                                      0                                  0         

Non-Negligent Manslaughter                                           0                                  0

Negligent Manslaughter                                                  0                                  0

Robbery                                                                        0                                  0

Burglary                                                                        3                                  0

Aggravated Assault                                                        0                                  0

Arson                                                                            0                                  0

Motor Vehicle Theft                                                        0                                  0

Weapons Violations                                                       0                                  0

Forcible Sex Offenses                                                    0                                  0

Non-Forcible Sex Offenses                                             0                                  0

Drugs Violations                                                            8                                  8

Hate Crimes                                                                  0                                  0

Liquor Law Violations (Public Safety Only)                       12                                 5

 

The Public Safety Department investigated 48 cases of theft on campus with 24 of those cases happening in residence halls.  Trespass warnings were issued to 16 individuals.

 

Our records indicate police arrests for liquor violations  at 51.  These include Drunk in Public, Drinking in Public, Possession Under Legal Age, and Open Container violations.

 

 

The Sexual Assault Laws in Virginia: 2006

 

The following is a paraphrase. For detailed information see the Va. Code sections cited.

 

Note:  Victims of criminal offenses that result in serious bodily injury may obtain a protective order prohibiting contact and other conditions necessary to prevent further violence. (19.2-152.8)

 

1.         Rape (18.2-61)

            Vaginal sexual intercourse with a person against her/his will and by force.

            Penalty: 5 years to life imprisonment

2.         Forcible Sodomy (18.2-67.1)

            Oral sex (cunnilingus, fellatio, anilingus) or anal intercourse by force and against the will of the victim.

            Penalty: 5 years to life imprisonment

3.         Inanimate Object Sexual Penetration (18.2-67.2)

            Penetration of the vagina or rectum with any object by force and against the will of the victim.

            Penalty: 5 years to life imprisonment

4.         Aggravated Sexual Battery (18.2-67.3)

            Sexual abuse (fondling) of the victim (1) through the victim’s mental incapacity or physical helplessness OR (2) by force, threat or intimidation where either serious bodily harm or mental injury to the victim results or the assailant uses or threatens use of a weapon.

            Penalty: 1 to 20 years imprisonment and a fine of not more than $100,000.

5.         Sexual Battery (18.2-67.4)

            Sexual abuse (fondling) of the victim by force, threat, intimidation or ruse, against the will of the victim.

            Penalty: 12 months jail and/or up to $2,500 fine

            Attempted Rape and Other Attempted Sexual Offenses #1-5 above (18.2-67.5)

            Penalty:  Attempted Rape/Forcible Sodomy/Object Sexual Penetration = 2 to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of not more than $100,000. Attempted Aggravated Sexual Battery = 1 to 5 years imprisonment OR 12 months in jail and/or up to $2,500 fine.  Attempted Sexual Battery =            same penalty as Sexual Battery.

7.         Incest (18.2-366)

            Sexual intercourse between two people who are not permitted by law to marry.

            Penalty: 12 months jail and/or up to $1,000 fine

8.         Indecent Liberties (“Statutory Rape”) (18.2-370)

            Sexual intercourse with a person aged 13 or 14, with consent, when the offender is 3 years or more the senior.

            Penalty: 1 to 5 years imprisonment OR 12 months jail and/or up to $2,500 fine

(If the offender is less than 3 years the senior the charge is fornication, a misdemeanor. Any person under the age of 13 has no legal capacity to consent to sexual intercourse; therefore, if a person under the age of 13 has sexual intercourse, the offender could be charged with rape.)

9.         Infected Sexual Battery (18.2-67.4:1)

            A person infected with HIV, Syphilis, or Hepatitis B having intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, or anilingus with another person with the intent to transmit the disease.

            Penalty:  1 to 5 years imprisonment OR 12 months jail and/or up to $2500 fine.

            A person infected with HIV, Syphilis, or Hepatitis B having intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, or anilingus with another person without disclosing that status, even without intent to transmit the disease.

            Penalty:  12 months in jail and/or up to $2,500 fine.

10.        Stalking (18.2-60.3 and 8.01-42.3)

            Engaging in conduct on more than one occasion directed at another person, when the offender intends to place, or knows or should know that the conduct places, the other person in reasonable fear of death, criminal sexual assault or bodily injury to self or family.

            Penalty:  12 months jail and/or up to $2,500 fine, plus an order prohibiting contact between the offender and the victim/victim’s family.  Additionally, victim may bring a civil suit for damages, whether or not criminal charges are filed.

11.        Obscene Sexual Display (18.2-387.1)

            Intentionally engaging in actual or simulated masturbation in a public place in the presence of other.

            Penalty:  12 months jail and/or up to $2,500 fine.

12.        Harassment by computer (18.2-152.7:1 and 18.2-152.12)

            Use of a computer with intent to coerce, intimidate or harass by communicating obscene, vulgar, profane, lewd, lascivious, or indecent language, or making any obscene suggestion, or threatening any illegal or immoral act.

            Penalty:  12 months jail and/or up to $2,500 fine.  Additionally, the victim may bring a civil suit for damages.

13.        Use of profane, threatening or indecent language over telephone (18.2-427)

            Using obscene, vulgar, profane, lewd, lascivious, or indecent language, or making any obscene suggestion, or threatening any illegal or immoral act over the telephone with the intent to coerce, intimidate, or harass another person.

            Penalty:  12 months jail and/or up to $2,500 fine.