Active shooter situations are unpredictable and develop quickly. An active shooter is an individual engaged in killing or attempting to kill people. In most cases an active shooter uses a firearm. When responding to an active shooter you should make a decision if you are able to safely run, hide, or fight, in that order.

• Run  the act of trying to flee from the situation
• Hide  the act of trying to hide from the shooter
• Fight  the act of trying to fight the shooter

Immediate Action: Follow directive of CIA Alert messaging. If you encounter the situation, contact UCPD/CPD, if safe to do so. If you were made aware by CIA Alert, you do not need to call CPD/UCPD.

Secondary Action: Responding RA staff member contacts Pro-Staff On-Call

Third Action: Each RA should report to their supervisor to communicate that they are safe.

Fourth Action: Stay in place until CIA Alert issues an All Clear

Fifth Action: The Pro-Staff On Call will submit an Incident Report

Administrative entry occurs when an RA needs to enter a student’s room when they are not present. Any instances must be approved by Professional Staff.

Immediate Action: RA contacts Pro-Staff On-Call to request approval to enter a student’s room.

Secondary Action: Pro-Staff On-Call approves or denies the request. Approval for administrative entry may only be granted for the reasons outlined in the Housing Contract.

Third Action: If approved, RA enters the room. When entering a student room, staff members must do the following:

• Knock multiple times
• Announce their name, and job role
• Allow time for a response
• Give a final warning that entry is imminent
• Enter the room with another staff member. Staff may never enter an occupied student room alone.

Reporting Action: RA documents the situation with an Incident Report. The Pro-Staff member who approved the entry will inform the residents of the entry.

Circumstances for Administrative Entry:

• Making Repairs (completed by facilities staff)
• Turning off unattended music, televisions, alarms, or other sources of noise
• Upon reasonable suspicion of danger or health risk to students, guests, and/or University Property (See Wellness/Safety Check Policy)
• To perform emergency procedures, confirm evacuation, or verify compliance with safety standards

When approaching a situation where a student is believed to be under the influence of alcohol, it is important to remember that CIA staff are not medical professionals and are not trained to determine if a person is intoxicated. An alcohol intoxication emergency exists when the following signs are present:

• Student is vomiting or dry heaving
• Student is unable to answer simple questions, such as their name and room number
• Limp and sleepy, unable to hold a conversation
• Passed out
• Will not wake up, still breathing
• Will not wake up, not breathing

Immediate Action: RA contacts UCPD/CPD.

Secondary Action: RA contacts the Pro-Staff On-Call to notify them of the situation. Inform the Pro-Staff On-Call of any bodily fluids that may be involved.

Third Action: Pro-Staff On-Call responds to the scene to assess the situation if the scenario is ongoing or has a significant impact on the community. If the incident results in a medical transport, enact the medical transport protocol:

• Immediate Action: The most senior staff member present will ask CPD/UCPD/EMS the name of the student being transported, the reason for transport, and the name of the receiving facility.
• Secondary Action: The RA notifies the Pro-Staff On Call for follow-up.

Reporting Action: The RA and Pro-Staff documents the incident with an Incident Report. Pro-Staff will also submit a CARE Report.

Immediate Action: RA knocks on door and announces themselves as the RA. If alcohol is seen in the room, the RA will inform the residents that it's a policy violation and they will need to document the situation.

Second Action: RA asks residents to bring all alcohol to the center of the room and produce their CIA ID, or state ID in order to identify each individual in the space. RAs will need to write down the information for all individuals present to include in the IR.

Third Action: RA will take pictures of all the alcohol in this space. These pictures will be attached to the incident report. These pictures will also help in writing a report that lists all of the alcohol found (brands, quantities, containers, etc.)

Fourth Action: RA will instruct residents to dump out the alcohol and escort residents to recycle/dispose of the containers outside of the room (preferably a floor trash room or dumpster).

Reporting Action: RA On-Call documents the situation with an incident report.

Additional Information:

• RA contacts CPD when…
  • The situation/party is too large or non-compliant.
  • Residents or guests fail to produce identification.
• All residents must have their CIA ID with them at all times. ID cards are the property of the university and therefore must be provided to staff upon request.
• All guests must have their ID with them at all times.
• It is important to document who was in possession of alcohol, cups, or containers at the time of the incident (either through visual observation or admittance). This information should be included in your IR, and is a crucial portion of the procedural review meeting that most likely will follow.

When any report of possible bed bug infestation OR pest in room (mouse, rat, bat, etc.) is received by a CIA staff member, the following steps should occur:

• The student should be advised to seek medical evaluation and care via University Health Services or other physician of choice.
• Responding RA Staff members should notify their building’s Hall Director (if during business hours) or the Pro-Staff On-Call (after hours).

For any other bug infestation, the RA can provide the student with pest killer (located in the RA Closet in Uptown or the RLC office in Euclid 117), notify their Hall Director, and file a service request to be followed up on the next business day by Pro-Staff. The RA should encourage the student to wash their belongings with hot water and disinfectant, and dry fabric items and dishes on high heat.

A bias incident includes any blatantly and intentionally hateful language, pictures, or imagery being present in the halls. This is different from offensive language that stems from general ignorance and does not express intentional hate.

Immediate Action: RA notifies Pro-Staff On-Call

Secondary Action: Pro-Staff On-Call will respond to the scene and complete the following:

• Document biased incident with photos, videos, etc. Include this evidence with the Incident Report.
• If the responsible party is present, ask them to take action to correct the issue.
• Once the evidence is documented, remove and cover the impacted area until the Housekeeping or Facilities team can restore the impacted area.
• If the responsible party is present, speak to them regarding impact of their actions
• If impacted parties are present, inquire about their safety and well-being regarding the incident

Reporting Action: Pro-Staff On-Call documents the situation with an incident report.

A bomb threat is generally defined as a threat, usually verbal or written, to detonate an explosive or incendiary device to cause property damage, death, or injuries, whether such a device exists.

Immediate Action: Respond to the threat based on the following guidance:

• If the threat is called in, do not hang up the phone.
  • Try to keep the caller on the line and ask questions that may help in identifying the individual or the plan of action.
  • Alert someone nearby to call UCPD/CPD on another phone line.
• If the threat is found via campus mail, contact UCPD/CPD and close off the area.

Secondary Action: Notify UCPD/CPD immediately. Then, notify Pro-Staff On-Call.

Third Action: When UCPD/CPD arrives, they will assume control of the situation. Follow their instructions and assist them as needed. You may be asked to open windows, clear hallways, entrances, and exits.

Reporting Action: Pro-Staff On-Call documents the situation with an incident report.

Additional Information:

• The decision on whether or not to evacuate the residence hall is the responsibility of UCPD/CPD. If UCPD advises evacuation, proceed in the same routine as with a fire drill. If students are to be relocated to another building, UCPD/CPD will inform staff. Staff should be prepared to account for all missing students.
• Do not pull the fire alarm unless instructed by UCPD/CPD. Do not touch, investigate, or move a suspected bomb.
• Any suspicious items should be brought to the attention of the UCPD/CPD officer in charge of the search. Disposal of a suspicious object is the responsibility of the UCPD/CPD.

Marijuana Smell/Possession

Immediate Action:

• If you can only smell it: Call for backup to confirm that what you are smelling is correct then try and pinpoint the location of the smell. If you cannot pinpoint an exact location, go straight to documentation via an incident report.
• If you can pinpoint a location: Contact Pro-Staff (if you have not yet already) to alert them of the situation and indicate whether there are confiscatable items. Contact CWRU Police for support in case any drugs and/or paraphernalia needs to be confiscated.
• If you walk in on it: Instruct the students to get out any other drugs in the room while you call Pro-Staff and the police.

Reporting Action: The RA will write an Incident Report.

Cigarette Possession (Underage)/Smoking Near or In the Building

Immediate Action: RA asks the resident to put out the cigarette if one is lit.

• If the student is over 21, the incident ends here.

Secondary Action: If the student is underage, RA asks the resident to produce any other cigarettes they have, take pictures, and have the resident dispose of them.

Third Action: RA accompanies the resident to their room to search for other cigarettes to document and dispose of.

Reporting Action: The RA will write an Incident Report.

Other Drug & Paraphernalia Possession

This section covers all other narcotics, controlled substances and drug paraphernalia (scales, pipes, etc.); and prescription drug abuse, misuse, and misappropriation. Staff may be alerted to these situations from roommates, encounter them on rounds, or see them during health and safety inspections.

Immediate Action: RA notifies UCPD/CPD and Pro-Staff On-Call.

Secondary Action: Pro-Staff On-Call responds to the scene in-person.

Third Action: RA remains on scene until police arrive. Once police arrive, answer any questions they have about what alerted you to the incident. Assist police as requested and provide crowd control if necessary.

It is at UCPD/CPDs discretion how they will address the situation.

Reporting Action: The RA and Pro-Staff document the situation with an incident report. If the police confiscate anything from the resident(s), include a description of the items in the incident report. If the incident results in a student’s arrest, notify the Pro-Staff On-Call (if they are not yet present). The Pro-Staff On-Call will enact the Student Arrest protocol.

If not managed in the proper manner, elevator failure can potentially be a dangerous incident. It is of utmost importance to stay calm and reassure the trapped individual(s) that help is on the way. Do not leave the scene unless a second person can stand watch while you seek assistance.

Immediate Action: RA identifies if someone is trapped in the elevator. If so, try to figure out where in the building a student may be trapped and call UCPD/CPD then Pro-Staff On-Call.

Secondary Action: If there is nobody trapped in the elevator, notify Pro-Staff On Call

Reporting Action: RA documents the situation with an incident report.

Things to Note:

• Never attempt to get someone out of the elevator.
• Encourage the individuals not to get out of the elevator on their own.
• Establish voice contact with the individuals trapped inside the elevator and let them know that help is on the way.
• Once the trapped individuals have been removed, post “Out of Order” signs on the elevator until repairs can be made. Signs need to be placed on all floors.
• Elevator telephones are located inside of each elevator and are activated by pressing the call button; the telephone dials UCPD/CPD when activated. Any suspicion of vandalism to elevator telephones should be reported immediately for corrective action.
• No attempt should be made to open either the inner or outer doors until appropriately trained staff arrives.
• If the elevator is located between two floors, position CIA staff on both the upper and lower floors, if adequate help is available.

If first responders are called to the scene, an RA or Pro-Staff must notify someone immediately if there is a student that cannot evacuate independently and what room that student is in.

Fire Alarm Activation

Immediate Action: Once the fire alarm is activated all building occupants must immediately evacuate to the designated evacuation point. Responding CIA Staff members will evacuate the building and once outside assist with directing residents to the building’s designated evacuation point. RA On-Call notifies UCPD/CPD once they are outside and safe.

Secondary Action: RA On-Call notifies the Pro-Staff On-Call.

If the reason for the fire alarm activation is known and there was no active fire (i.e. a resident burnt popcorn) the Pro-Staff On-Call does not need to respond to the scene.

RAs may request Pro-Staff to respond in-person to assist with crowd control if needed.

Third Action: RA On-Call works with UCPD/CPD and CFD to determine the cause of the alarm activation; continue to keep Pro-Staff On-Call updated if they are not on-scene. If an active fire took place or is still in-progress move to Third Action under the Active Fire section below.

Reporting Action: RA documents the situation with an incident report.

Active Fire

Immediate Action: If a staff member personally encounters an active fire, the staff member will pull the alarm (if needed). Once the fire alarm is activated all building occupants must immediately evacuate to the designated evacuation point. Responding CIA Staff members will evacuate the building and once outside assist with directing residents to the building’s designated evacuation point. RA On-Call notifies UCPD/CPD once they are outside and safe.

Secondary Action: RA On-Call notifies Pro-Staff On-Call.

Third Action: Pro-Staff On-Call arrives at the scene and assesses the severity of the situation.

Things to Think About:

• A RED professional staff member should work with the affected RA staff to ensure duty coverage is found for that community.
• Do you know any of the following?
  • Who, if anyone, is responsible for the alarm?
  • What caused the alarm to go off?
  • Where is the smoke or fire occurring?
  • When did the alarm start to go off?

If a fire alarm system is disabled or out of service, a fire watch must be conducted to ensure the safety of the building and its occupants. Procedures for both a short term and long-term outage are explained below:

Short Term Procedures:

When possible the Pro-Staff On-Call should coordinate a fire watch using RA and Pro staff. Staff members are to do continuous rounds in the building until the fire alarm system can be restored.

Long Term Procedures:

Pro-Staff will communicate with Matt Smith to determine the safest course of action.

Immediate Action: Responding RA calls the RA On-Call (or RA On-Call calls backup) in order to confirm that it is a flood and not just a leak.

• Pro-Staff On Call can be contacted to confirm
• If the toilet is overflowing, RA should shut off the water to the toilet first and contact Pro-Staff only if the living area becomes unusable.

Secondary Action: RA contacts Pro-Staff On Call (if not already present) to assist.

Reporting Action: RA documents the situation with an Incident Report and a work order if necessary.

Things to Think About:

• Depending on the size of the situation, it may be necessary to check surrounding rooms where water could have leaked under doors, as well as the rooms below the affected area, where water could have drained down.
• Dependent on size of issue, the RAs on-call of that community should be rounding up the other RAs in their community to come assist with:
  • Getting moving carts  used to hold/remove any wet/damaged items and keep them organized (which cart belongs to which room)
  • Staying with the residents while they are displaced in the lounge.
    • Are they warm? Do they need somewhere else to go?  
  • Helping with getting all residents back into the community once able verify identity/check IDs  
  • Helping gather emergency bags for folks who must relocate for the night and have destroyed bedding/essential items

Immediate Action: If the gathering primarily consists of students, contact pro-staff on call first. If the gathering is of non-students, do not engage and contact CPD/UCPD.

Secondary Action: If Pro-Staff was called first, Pro-Staff will assess and determine if CPD is needed.

Third Action: On scene staff members should ensure safety of the residential community by keeping students away from the scene as much as you are able.

• If the gathering is large, call for backup so you can start enforcing crowd control
• De-escalate as much as possible but do not put one’s self in harm’s way
• If CPD gets involved, follow the instructions of the officers responding and stay out of their way

Reporting Action: Responding RA documents using an Incident Report.

Things to Think About:

• Taking notes and videos for the Incident Report
• Getting names and badge numbers from responding police officers if possible
• Be vigilant in case someone has a weapon

All lockdowns will be communicated through CIA Alert. You will also be notified through CIA Alert when the lockdown ends.

Immediate Action: Find a secure, well-protected place to shelter. This includes doors with internal locks and places with minimal windows and heavy furniture. Be prepared to barricade entrances.

Secondary Action: Contact Pro-Staff on call if it is safe to do so to tell them that you are safe. All RAs (not just those on call) should do this.

Third Action: Inform your residents of the lockdown order and ask them to check in with you when they are in a safe location.

Immediate Action: The most senior CIA staff member responding inquires with EMS to obtain the name(s) of the student(s) being transported, the reason(s) for transport, and the name of the receiving medical facility.

Secondary Action: If Pro-Staff On call is not already on scene, contact Pro-Staff On Call. Pro-Staff will accompany the student to the receiving facility until another support person can be present (if the student is allowed visitors).

Reporting Action: RA and Pro-Staff documents the incident with an Incident Report and submits CARE reports for the transported students.

Immediate Action: Contact Pro-Staff On Call so they can check with proper channels regarding the student’s potential whereabouts.

Secondary Action: Obtain as much information from the reporting student as possible.

• When was the last time the student was seen?
• What was the student last wearing?
• What would the student typically be doing around this time?
• What and when was the last communication received from the student?

Reporting Action: If the student is discovered to be missing, Pro-Staff will handle reports. A CARE Form for the friend reporting the missing student is recommended.

Other mental health concerns include but are not limited to the following: eating disorders, self-harm, panic attacks, and depressive episodes. For suicide attempt and suicide ideation, see those protocols. When responding to any mental health concerns, utilize the following model to guide the conversation with the resident:

A Assess for risk of suicide or harm

L Listen non-judgmentally

G Give reassurance and information (i.e. refer to campus resources)

E Encourage appropriate professional help

E Encourage self-help and other support strategies

Immediate Action: RA notifies Pro-Staff On-Call.

Secondary Action: Pro-Staff On-Call responds to the scene to speak with the resident. While waiting for Pro-Staff, RA can begin a wellness check conversation with resident.

Third Action: Pro-Staff On-Call speaks with the affected student and works to assess whether immediate medical attention is needed (see Assessing Mental Health Concerns below).

• If so, notify UCPD/CPD and enact Medical Transport protocol.
• If not, refer the student to the appropriate campus resource(s)

Fourth Action: Pro-Staff On-Call checks on responding RA and any other impacted individuals (i.e. roommates) to evaluate if any after-care or referrals are needed.

Reporting Action: RA and Pro-Staff On-Call documents the situation with an incident report. Pro-Staff submits a CARE Report.

Assessing Mental Health Concerns

The following information is from Mental Health First Aid, a resource of the National Council for Behavioral Health and the Missouri Department of Mental Health.

Anxiety

Symptoms of anxiety affect physical well-being, thoughts, and behavior. Some examples are as follows:

• Physical
  • Pounding heart, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, flushing, hyperventilation, shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, sweating, tingling, numbness, choking, dry mouth, stomach pains, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches and pain (especially neck, shoulders, and back), restlessness, tremors and shaking, inability to relax.
• Thoughts
  • Unrealistic and/or excessive fear and worry (about past and future events), mind racing or going blank, decreased concentration and memory, indecisiveness, irritability, impatience, anger, confusion, restlessness or feeling “on edge” or nervous, tiredness, sleep disturbance, vivid dreams.
• Behavior
  • Avoidance of situations, obsessive or compulsive behavior, distress in social situations, phobic behavior.

A panic attack is a distinct episode of high anxiety with fear or discomfort. It develops abruptly and has its peak within 10 minutes. During the attack, several of the following symptoms are present:

• Palpitations, pounding heart, rapid heart rate
• Sweating
• Trembling and shaking
• Shortness of breath, sensations of choking or smothering
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Abdominal distress or nausea
• Dizziness, light-headedness, feeling faint or unsteady
• Feelings of unreality or being detached from oneself
• Fear of losing control or “going crazy”
• Fear of dying
• Numbness or tingling
• Chills or hot flashes

If a student is experiencing symptoms of a panic attack, ask the student the following:

• Do they know what is happening, or
• Have they previously had a panic attack and believe they are having one now, and
• What help do they need?

Symptoms of a panic attack can mimic that of a heart attack. Only trained medical professionals can evaluate the difference. If the student has not had a prior panic attack and doesn’t believe they are having one now, alert UCPD/CPD for medical assistance.

Depression

Symptoms of depression affect emotions, thinking, behavior, and physical well-being. Some examples are as follows:

• Emotions
  • Sadness, anxiety, guilt, anger, mood swings, lack of emotional responsiveness, feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, irritability.
• Thoughts
  • Frequent self-criticism, self-blame, worry, pessimism, impaired memory and concentration, indecisiveness and confusion, a tendency to believe others see you in a negative light, thoughts of death and suicide.
• Behavior
  • Crying spells, withdrawal from others, neglect of responsibilities, loss of interest in personal appearance, loss of motivation, slowed down, using alcohol or other drugs.
• Physical
  • Chronic fatigue, lack of energy, sleeping too much or too little, overeating or loss of appetite, constipation, weight loss or gain, headaches, irregular menstrual cycle, loss of sexual desire, unexplained aches or pains.

Disordered Eating

Eating disorders have a wide range of symptoms and warning signs that impact behavior, thought, and physical well-being. However, the symptoms listed below indicate that there may be a physical health crisis requiring immediate treatment:

• Disordered thinking and not making any reasonable sense (a person who is malnourished may appear to have psychotic symptoms such as disordered thinking, delusions, or hallucinations)
• Disorientation, doesn’t know what day it is, where they are, or who they are
• Vomiting several times a day
• Fainting spells
• Collapses or is too weak to walk
• Painful muscle spasms
• Chest pain or trouble breathing
• Blood in their bowel movements, urine, or vomit
• A body mass index of less than 16
• An irregular or very low heartbeat (less than 50 beats per minute)
• Cold or clammy skin indicating a low body temperature or a body temperature of less than 95°F

Psychosis

Psychosis is a general term used to describe a mental health problem in which a person has lost some contact with reality, resulting in severe disturbances in thinking, emotion, and behavior. Common symptoms that indicate psychosis is developing:

• Changes in emotion and motivation
  • Depression; anxiety; irritability; suspiciousness; blunted, flat, or inappropriate emotion; change in appetite, reduced energy and motivation.
• Changes in thinking and perception
  • Difficulties with concentration or attention; a sense of alteration, such as the feeling that they or others have changed or are acting differently in some way; odd ideas; an unusual perceptual experience, such as reduction or greater intensity or smell, sound, or color.
• Changes in behavior
  • Sleep disturbances, social isolation or withdrawal, reduced ability to carry out work or social roles.

Psychosis may indicate that a person is suffering from schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Self-Harm

• Self-harm may include, but is not limited, to the following behaviors:
• Cutting, scratching, or pinching the skin enough to cause bleeding or a mark that remains on the skin
• Banging or punching objects to the point of bruising or bleeding
• Ripping and tearing skin
• Carving words or patterns into the skin
• Interfering with the healing of wounds
• Burning skin with cigarettes, matches, or hot water
• Pulling out large amount of hair
• Deliberate overdosing on medication when this is not meant as a suicide attempt.
  • Immediate medical attention is necessary if the individual has taken an overdose of medication or consumed poison.

CPD/UCPD should be notified if a person that is engaging or has engaged in self-harming behavior is confused, disoriented, unconscious or has bleeding that is rapid or pulsing.

Examples of prohibited behavior include, but are not limited to, assault, battery, stalking, telephone harassment, sex or gender-based violence, threats, intimidation, physical abuse of another, dating violence, domestic violence, and any other speech or conduct not protected under the first amendment that threatens the health or safety of any person.

Immediate Action: RA contacts UCPD/CPD. If someone needs medical attention inform UCPD/CPD.

Secondary Action: RA contacts the Pro-Staff On-Call. Pro-Staff On-Call will respond to the scene in person.

Third Action: If the scene is safe, the RA will stay with the student(s) affected until assistance arrives. If a threat is ongoing, do not intervene and wait for police to respond.

Fourth Action: Working together, the RA and Pro-Staff On-Call will attempt to identify all involved parties (victim, perpetrator, witness, etc.)

Fifth Action: Make sure that the affected student(s) feels safe in their assigned residence hall space. If not, the Pro-Staff will act accordingly. If the incident results in a student’s arrest, notify the Pro-Staff On-Call. The Pro-Staff On-Call will enact the Student Arrest protocol.

Reporting Action: RA and Pro-Staff will write an Incident Report and CARE Reports as needed.

TRIGGER WARNING: The following section includes semi-graphic descriptors of different offenses. Read at your own risk.

Definitions of Prohibited Conduct

Sex Discrimination: Sex discrimination takes place where a student or third party receives negative or adverse treatment based on sex, gender, or gender identity and the conduct denies or limits the individual’s ability to obtain the benefits of CIA’s programs or activities.

Sexual Harassment: Conduct on the basis of sex, occurring in the United States, that satisfies one or more of the following:

• An employee of the University conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the University on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct;
• Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the University’s education program or activity; or
• Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking. (See definitions for Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking.)

Sex- and Gender-Based Harassment: Sex- and gender-based harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature where:

• Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or academic success; or
• Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting such individual; or
• Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or study environment.

In addition, harassment without an overt sexual component can also violate the law and university policies where it is shown that the harassment is directed at an individual because of the individual’s gender or gender identity. In determining whether alleged conduct constitutes sexual harassment, the University will look at the totality of the circumstances, such as the nature of the sexual advances and the context in which the alleged incidents occurred. The determination whether a particular action violates this policy will be made from the facts, on a case by case basis. In cases in which a hostile environment is alleged, a determination of a violation requires not only a finding that the victim regarded the environment as hostile, but also that such conduct was severe, persistent or pervasive and would be considered hostile by any reasonable person. Offensive conduct that does not rise to the level of harassment, however, may be grounds for discipline under other applicable policies.

Sexual Assault: Sexual assault is defined as:

• Sex Offenses, Forcible: Any sexual act directed against another person, without the consent of the complainant, including instances in which the complainant is incapable of giving consent because of incapacitation.
  • Forcible Rape: Penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the complainant.
  • Forcible Sodomy: Oral or anal sexual intercourse with another person, forcibly, and/or against that person’s will (non-consensually), or not forcibly or against the person’s will in instances in which the complainant is incapable of giving consent because of incapacitation.
  • Sexual Assault with an Object: The use of an object or instrument to penetrate, however slightly, the genital or anal opening of the body of another person, forcibly, and/or against that person’s will (non-consensually), or not forcibly or against the person’s will in instances in which the complainant is incapable of giving consent because of incapacitation.
  • Forcible Fondling: The touching of the private body parts of another person (buttocks, groin, breasts), for the purpose of sexual gratification, forcibly, and/or against that person’s will (non-consensually), or not forcibly or against the person’s will in instances in which the complainant is incapable of giving consent because of incapacitation.
• Sex Offenses, Non-forcible:
  • Incest: Non-forcible sexual intercourse, between persons who are related to each other, within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by Ohio law.
  • Statutory Rape: Non-forcible sexual intercourse, with a person who is under the statutory age of consent of 16.

Dating Violence: Violence, on the basis of sex, committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the complainant. The existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on the complainant’s statement, and with consideration of the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. For the purposes of this definition, dating violence includes, but is not limited to, sexual or physical abuse or the threat of such abuse. Dating violence does not include acts covered under the definition of domestic violence.

Domestic Violence: Violence, on the basis of sex, committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the complainant, by a person with whom the complainant shares a child in common, or by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the complainant as a spouse or intimate partner, or by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the complainant under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred; or by any other person against an adult or youth complainant who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of Ohio.

Sexual Coercion: This occurs when a respondent unreasonably pressures a complainant to engage in sexual activity despite the complainant indicating that he or she does not want to engage in sexual interaction. Sexual coercion can occur through the use of words/pressure, substances such as drugs or alcohol, force, or manipulation. Sexual coercion can also occur where the respondent is in a position of influence or authority over the complainant, or where the complainant is a minor.

Stalking: Engaging in a course of conduct, on the basis of sex, directed at a specific person, that (i) would cause a reasonable person to fear for the person’s safety, or (ii) the safety of others; or (iii) suffer substantial emotional distress. For purposes of this definition, course of conduct means two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts in which the respondent directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about a person, or interferes with a person’s property. Reasonable person means a reasonable person under similar circumstances and with similar identities to the complainant. Substantial emotional distress means significant mental suffering or anguish that may but does not necessarily require medical or other professional treatment or counseling.

Third-Party Report

Immediate Action: When a third-party (someone other than the complainant) reports sexual misconduct, the RA On-Call will notify the Pro-Staff On-Call.

Secondary Action: The Pro-Staff On-Call will respond in-person to meet with the reporting party to gather information about the incident. For compliance purposes, the essential information needed is:

• Name(s) of the complainant(s);
• When the incident occurred; and
• Where the incident occurred.
  • If the reporting party is unable or unwilling to provide this information, do not pry or pressure. It is not our role to investigate further.
• If there is any immediate concern for the safety of the complainant, attempt to locate and make contact with them (utilizing police assistance as needed)

Reporting Action: The RA and Pro-Staff will write an Incident Report. Pro-Staff will also submit a CARE Report.

Complainant Report

Immediate Action: When a complainant reports that they experienced sexual misconduct, the RA On-Call will notify the Pro-Staff On-Call.

Secondary Action: The Pro-Staff On-Call will respond in-person to meet with the complainant to gather information about the incident.

• Assess for any immediate health and safety concerns.
• Involve support from police and emergency medical services only at the student’s request (unless they are incapacitated).
• Assess the need for an emergency space.
• Ask the student if there is a supportive person they would like us to contact and notify.
• For compliance purposes, the essential information needed is:
  • Name(s) of the complainant(s);
  • When the incident occurred; and
  • Where the incident occurred.
  • If the complainant(s) are unable or unwilling to provide this information, do not pry or pressure. It is not our role to investigate further.

Reporting Action: RA and Pro-Staff will write an Incident Report. Pro-Staff will also submit a CARE Report.

Any incident that results in the arrest of a resident or guest redirects to this section.

Immediate Action: The most senior Staff Member (RA On-Call or Pro-Staff On-Call) on scene will inquire with UCPD/CPD the name of the person(s) being arrested, the reason for the arrest, and the receiving detention facility.

Secondary Action: RA On-Call notifies the Pro-Staff On-Call (if they are not already on scene). Pro-Staff will report to Dr. Smith.

Reporting Action: RA On-Call and Pro-Staff On-Call documents the situation with an incident report

Immediate Action: Responding staff member calls UCPD/CPD then calls Pro-Staff on-call and Hall Director of the community (if different)

Secondary Action: Pro-Staff on-call will notify Assistant Dean of Students and start making their way to the scene and will stay through the duration of the incident. The Assistant Dean of Students will contact the Dean of Students to inform them of the incident.

Third Action: Whichever CIA staff on scene with most authority is there first, will begin to triage the situation:

• Crowd control; depending on location may need to shut down elevator(s) and limit students from accessing floor/their rooms and/or leaving their rooms if on floor
• Defer to UCPD/CPD for direction
• Support RA on-site
• Support affected students and offer support
• Be sure nothing is touched or removed from scene
• Work with the affected community’s RA staff to find RA coverage for rest of the shift, so responding RAs do not have to be on-call after the incident concludes
• Assess with is the most discreet way to exit the community so that the coroner can be told how to exit the building with the deceased individual
• Begin note taking for report writing. Be observant of:
  • Who was notified first?
  • Location?
  • Involved parties?

Once law enforcement has left the scene, the Dean of Students will begin the Student Death Protocol.

Reporting Action: Pro-Staff will write an Incident Report and CARE Reports for directly impacted parties (including the responding RA(s)).

What to Expect:

Police will likely arrive first, they will declare the situation a crime scene and contain everything until a coroner arrives. Once the coroner arrives, it can be pronounced as no longer being a crime scene and they will begin documenting the scene. Once they have concluded that process they will remove the deceased from the community.

Suicide Attempt

Immediate Action: RA calls UCPD/CPD immediately. Then, the RA contacts the Pro-Staff On-Call.

Secondary Action: Pro-Staff On-Call responds to the scene. RA waits for UCPD to arrive and provides police with any known information.

Third Action: When responding to an attempted suicide, the Pro-Staff On-Call notifies Dr. Smith. If the incident results in a medical transport, enact the medical transport protocol.

Fourth Action: Once the student has been transported, Pro-Staff On-Call will follow up with other students (i.e. roommate(s), neighbors, witnesses). Gather any additional information and provide information about Counseling Services.

Reporting Action: Pro-Staff On-Call documents the situation with an Incident Report and writes CARE Reports. RA will also write an Incident Report.

Additional Information

• The Pro-Staff of the hall will follow-up with the student that attempted suicide when they return to the community. Make sure the student has a plan to go to Counseling Services and inform them that they will hear from Dr. Smith and Dr. Grant.
• It is UCPD’s role to establish what was used in the attempt. Do not put yourself in harm’s way.

Suicidal Ideation

Suicide ideation is when a person has thoughts of suicide with deliberate consideration of planning. Ideation ranges on a scale from having thoughts to detailed planning. Most people who have suicidal thoughts do not complete suicide. However, this does not make the situation any less serious. Suicide ideation is a strong risk factor for suicide.

Immediate Action: If you become aware of a student experiencing suicidal ideation, the following is the appropriate procedure:

• Talk to the student. Attempt to determine the seriousness of the situation by asking specific questions;
  • “Do you plan to kill yourself?”
  • “Do you have a plan?”
  • “Have you attempted to kill yourself?”
• Explain to the student that you will be calling the Pro-Staff On-Call to ensure that the student will be safe. If the student is in immediate danger, contact UCPD/CPD prior to calling Pro-Staff On-Call.

Secondary Action: Explain to the Pro-Staff On-Call what is going on, provide all the information you’ve received and follow their directions.

• Tell the student that Pro-Staff On-Call will be arriving to talk with them.
• If the student resists this, reassure them that the Pro-Staff will be able to provide the student with more support.
• Once the Pro-Staff On-Call has arrived, be prepared to provide them with information regarding events and/or conversations leading up to their arrival.
• Allow the Pro-Staff On-Call to take charge of the situation.

Third Action: When the Pro-Staff On-Call arrives, they will do the following:

• Talk to the student. Attempt to determine the seriousness of the situation by asking specific questions;
  • “Do you want to kill yourself?”
  • “Do you have a plan?”
  • “Have you attempted to kill yourself?”
• Tell the student that you will need to get Counseling Services involved.
  • If Counseling Services is open, ask the student if they would like to walk there together, if the student agrees, call ahead and let them know that you are on your way with a student. o If Counseling Services is closed, call the 24/7 Counselor On-Call at 216-368-5872. This number can also be provided directly to the student.
  • When your call is answered, share all the information you’ve received and follow their directions.
  • If the student refuses to speak with Counseling Services and/or the consultation line, you may need to involve UCPD/CPD.  Explain to the student that you will be calling UCPD/CPD to ensure that the student will be safe.  Call UCPD/CPD.  Explain to the dispatcher what is going on and provide all the information you’ve received and follow their directions.

Fourth Action: If the incident results in a medical transport, enact the medical transport protocol.

Reporting Action: RA On-Call and Pro-Staff On-Call will document the situation with an Incident Report. Pro-Staff will also submit a CARE Report.

The College and its offices do not assume responsibility to students or other persons for the loss of money or valuables, damage to property, or injuries on the premises including but not limited to damage from electrical overload, water, fire, or smoke. Students are encouraged to check if they are covered under your parents’ or guardians’ homeowners’/tenants’ insurance. If not, we strongly recommend that students arrange insurance and protection against such losses.

This protocol should only be initiated in cases of large-scale theft and property damage. If it can be resolved via mediation, a mediation should be arranged first.

Immediate Action: When students report stolen or damaged property by another student or unknown individual, RA will refer the student to UCPD/CPD to make a police report. Police will handle any investigation needed.

Secondary Action: Inform the reporting party that they may want to submit a claim to their insurance company (if covered).

Third Action: If the student does not feel secure in their space, the responding RA should contact the Pro-Staff On-Call.

Reporting Action: RA will document the incident with an Incident Report and a CARE Report. Pro-Staff will also provide an Incident Report if involved.

Immediate Action: RA should ask the individual if they are a resident or guest of the building.

• If the person is not a resident, direct them to wait in the lobby area for their host.
• If the person is not an authorized guest, direct them to wait in the lobby area for their host.
• If the person is non-cooperative or refuses to identify themselves, contact Pro-Staff On-Call for assistance.
• If the person attempts to escape further into the building, contact UCPD/CPD for assistance.

Secondary Action: RA notifies the Pro-Staff On-Call if needed.

Reporting Action: RA documents the situation with an incident report. Pro-Staff will also provide an Incident Report if responding.

Additional Information:

• Staff should not attempt to interfere with a person’s movements and place themselves in a possible harmful situation.
• Staff should attempt to get a picture or remember/write-down as much of a description as possible while remaining safe.

Immediate Action: RA notify the residents of the timeframe to remove the pet when made aware. Students have 24 hours to remove the pet.

Secondary Action: RA notifies the Hall Director of their building and submits an incident report.

Third Action: RA rechecks the room with another RA after 24 hours. RAs can enter the room via keying in even if students are not present with Pro-Staff permission.

Fourth Action: RA submit an additional incident report if the pet is still present. Send email confirmation to the Hall Director of the building if pet is removed

Immediate Action: Responding staff member calls Pro-Staff to ensure they are aware of the situation.

• If the outage is in Uptown, Pro-Staff will contact MRN (Non-emergency if during work hours, emergency if during off hours)
• If the outage is in Euclid 117, Pro-Staff will contact Joe Ferritto in Facilities.

Secondary Action: If relocation is necessary, Pro-Staff will work with Dr. Smith to relocate students.

Reporting Action: RA will submit a Service Request for records as well as an Incident Report.

Firearms, explosive device of any description, ammunition or anything used to threaten, harm, or disrupt the university community including, but not limited to, firecrackers, compressed air or spring activated guns, pellet guns, BB guns, paintball guns, water guns, nerf guns, knives of any type, or any other items which would reasonably be deemed threatening by a reasonable person. If there is ever a question about a weapon, contact UCPD/CPD.

This protocol should only be initiated for firearms and explosives. Pepper spray and tasers/stun guns should be treated as confiscatable items UNLESS they are being actively employed against another student. If they are being used against another student, initiate the Physical Abuse or Harm protocol.

Immediate Action: Ensure your personal safety and the safety of others to the best of your ability. RA contacts UCPD/CPD and provides as much information as possible, remaining calm and observant.

Secondary Action: Wait for UCPD/CPD to arrive. While waiting, notify the Pro-Staff On-Call.

Third Action: Follow police instructions until the situation is resolved. Notify the Pro-Staff On-Call of any developments.

Fourth Action: If the incident results in a student’s arrest, notify Pro-Staff On-Call. The Pro-Staff On-Call will enact the Student Arrest protocol.

In Ohio, the most common types of extreme weather are severe thunderstorms, snowstorms, and tornado watches and warnings. There is no protocol for responding to and reporting severe thunderstorms and snowstorms unless there are utility outages (in which case, refer to the Utility Outage protocol) or damage to the facility. If there is damage to the facility, it should be documented with an Incident Report, a Service Request, and a CARE report if a student is impacted. Pro-Staff on call should be contacted if the damage is severe (i.e. broken window/glass, if there was an injury).

The following protocol dictates proper steps for tornado warnings and tornado sirens.

Tornado Warning

Tornado warnings indicate that it is likely that a tornado will touch down, but one has not touched down or has not touched down nearby.

Immediate Action: Inform residents that there is no true threat at that time, but to be conscious of any changes in case a siren sounds.

• If they choose to shelter, bathrooms and hallways with no windows are the safest spaces within their suites and apartments.

Tornado Siren

If a siren is sounding, there is a visible funnel cloud in the area that has or is about to touch down nearby. There is an immediate threat.

Immediate Action: Begin to move to safety. Knock on doors on your way down if possible to inform residents of the threat.

• Euclid 117- Shelter in the first floor hallway, NOT in the lounge. First floor residents should remain in their rooms to make space for other residents. Residents can also shelter in the first floor bathrooms near the lounge and in the short hallway by the mailboxes.The second floor hallways can also be used.
• Uptown- Shelter on either side of the second floor hallway, away from the exercise machines. Second floor residents should remain in their spaces to make room for other residents. The third floor hallways can also be used.
• In general, residents should be sheltering as close to ground level as possible while still staying away from glass and external doors.

Secondary Action: RAs should check in with Pro-Staff on call to confirm that they are sheltered/safe.

For a variety of reasons, a request may come to CIA to conduct a wellness check on a student. A wellness check means that a member of a professional hall staff member will go to the student’s room to attempt to make contact in order to determine the well-being of the student. This may include keying into the room to determine whether the student is present and may also include attempting to contact the student via telephone and/or e-mail. Wellness/safety checks are conducted if there is a concern about the well-being and/or welfare of the student.

Responding to an unattended alarm, loud stereo, and/or television does not qualify as a wellness/safety check and is considered an Administrative Entry.

Immediate Action: The RA notifies the Pro-Staff On-Call.

Secondary Action: Follow the directions of Pro-Staff On-Call. CIA staff will conduct a wellness check on behalf of the requester (Family/Friends/University entities), should the student live in University owned and/or operated housing.

• However, we will not be able to release any information about the student, including confirmation that they live in University owned and/or operated housing unless the student has an up-to-date release form, which indicates permission for the release of such information, on file with the Registrar’s Office.
• In the event that a wellness check is conducted and contact is made with the student, the student will be encouraged to contact the requester of the wellness check  but, due to federal regulations, CIA staff is not permitted to provide any information about the student, including confirmation that they live in University owned and/or operated housing unless the student has an up to date release form, which indicates permission for the release of such information, on file with the Registrar’s Office.

Third Action: The Pro-Staff On-Call will come to the appropriate residence hall to perform the wellness check. The Pro-Staff On-Call must be accompanied by another staff member, either another professional staff member or student staff member. The Pro-Staff On-Call will knock on the door and announce themselves.

• If the student does not answer, the Pro-Staff On-Call should leave a note for the student directing the student to contact their RA or RA On-Call as soon as possible.
• If there is reason to believe the student is harming themselves, the Pro-Staff On-Call will contact UCPD/CPD and request that an officer accompany them to the student’s room to conduct the wellness/safety check.

Reporting Action: The Pro-Staff On-Call documents the situation with an incident report.