Policies & Procedures

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Training and Authorized to Serve You

North Greenville University officers are trained and registered by a state approved instructor and licensed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

North Greenville University officers, being licensed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), have the same powers and authority as Deputy Sheriffs (South Carolina State Law 40-18-80), including the authority to make arrests for misdemeanors and felonies (South Carolina State Law 40-18-110), and the authority to be armed (South Carolina State Law 40-18-100).

Security Services

North Greenville Security operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year. In case of emergency, dial 9-911 from a campus telephone or 911 from any other telephone. For emergencies, dial 9-911 from a campus telephone or 911 from any other telephone. For non-emergencies, use the LiveSafe mobile app to contact Campus Security.

In fulfilling the primary role of providing an environment that is as safe as possible, we patrols the campus, secures and unlocks buildings and rooms at appropriate times, provide safety escorts, and provide on campus medical transportation. We investigate any criminal activity that occurs on campus.

During business hours, the University will be open to students, parents, employees, contractors, guests, and invitees. During non-business hours, access to all University facilities is by key, if issued, or by admittance via the Department of Campus Safety. In the case of extended closing, the University will admit only those with prior written approval to all facilities.

Residence halls are secured 24 hours a day. Admittance to female residence halls is gained using both a key and an ID card. Admittance to male residence halls is gained by using a key. Over extended breaks, the doors of all halls will be secured 24 hours a day.

All freshmen and transfer students go through orientation. You will learn the functions, services, and authority of Campus Security.

Students are instructed in taking personal responsibility, and brochures and other materials are made available to students outlining safety tips and other means of protecting oneself and personal property. This information is available to all faculty and staff members of the University community.

Crime Prevention Program

At the beginning of the fall semester, all-female freshmen and transfer students are taught personal safety and responsibility. It is a situational instruction program that teaches awareness, prevention, risk reduction, and avoidance. The whistle defense program is also taught.

Campus Safety & Security Policies

  • Monitoring Off Campus Activity Policy

    The Office of Campus Safety and Security and North Greenville University have an excellent working relationship of cooperation with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Traveler’s Rest Police Department and other area law enforcement agencies. It is the policy of these two off-campus law enforcement agencies to share information with North Greenville University.

  • Sexual Assault

    In the event that a sexual assault occurs, the victim should: stay as calm as possible; notice details about the attacker (i.e., speech, hair, clothes, scars, height, weight); preserve evidence (do not bathe, douche or change clothes); and report the assault to and/or request assistance in reporting crimes, dial 9-911 from a campus telephone or 911 from any other telephone, or contact Health Services (864.977.7170), or Student Services (864.977.7121).

    If the crime occurs off-campus, call the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office (864.257.5210) or the Travelers Rest Police Department (864.834.9029). A complete description of procedures, in the event of sexual assault, is contained in the “Be Safe Procedures” on the Campus Security Website.

    When a sexual assault is reported, a team usually consisting of the Director of Student Services, Director of Counseling Services, Director of Health Services, and the Chief of Campus Security will work with the victim to assist in any and all areas of need. Following the crisis, the team members will remain in contact with the victim. When appropriate and reasonable, changes in the victim’s academic and living arrangements will be made.

    Section 493(a) of the Higher Education Opportunity Act 2008 will require notification of the final results of any crime of violence upon written request of the victim. If the victim is unable to make the request, the next of kin can give a written request.

  • Weapons

    NGU is committed to providing a safe and secure campus for all of its students, faculty, and staff. The University is patrolled 24 hours a day by armed security personnel who are SLED Level III officers and are here to serve and protect the community.

    As part of NGU’s safety and security policies, students agree they will not be found in possession of any weapons (on person, in vehicle, or in room) while on campus.

    This policy does not include tools such as knifes and multi-tools from being carried. Knives that are carried on campus must have blades that are roughly 3” or less in length. Knives longer than this can be confiscated by NGU officials and may not be returned to the owner. Current CWP holders may have a weapon locked in their vehicle while on campus after they have notified the Office of Campus Safety and Security and completed the registration process.

    Below is a non-exhaustive list of weapons that are not allowed under this policy:

    • Knives with blades longer than 3”
    • Decorative swords or knives
    • Bows, crossbows, or arrows
    • Sling Shots, BB guns, paintball guns, pellet guns, or water guns
    • Explosives of any type or purpose (this includes all types of fireworks)
    • Fake weapons that look like real weapons
  • Alcoholic Beverages Policy

    The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by North Greenville University students, whether on campus or off campus, is strictly prohibited. Also, it is prohibited to be under the influence of alcoholic beverages at any time, whether on or off campus.

    Appropriate officials/representatives reserve the right to determine if a student is deemed to be under the influence of alcohol. For University purposes, the ability of a University official/representative to smell alcohol on a student’s breath is considered evidence in support of being under the influence of alcohol. Outside law enforcement, gate checks, personal observation, and the use of Breathalyzer equipment may be employed to determine whether or not a student is under the influence of alcohol.

    For a student to possess, consume, or be deemed under the influence of alcohol on or off campus is a major policy violation and will result in the immediate loss of privilege to attend North Greenville University. When a question of responsibility is involved, those guidelines listed under Disciplinary Procedures shall be exercised.

    Campus Security enforces all state laws regarding the possession and consumption of alcohol.

  • Illegal Drug Policy

    The possession or use (without valid medical or dental prescription), manufacture, furnishing, or sale of any narcotic, mood altering, or dangerous drug controlled by federal or South Carolina law by North Greenville University students, whether on or off campus, is prohibited. Also, it is prohibited to be under the influence of the above.

    Appropriate officials/representatives of the University reserve the right to require a student to show proof of a drug-free condition including drug testing whenever such officials/representatives suspect or have reason to believe that an individual(s) might be engaging in drug use on or off campus. Further, the University and its officials/representatives reserve the right to determine what constitutes “suspicion” or “reason to believe”: to include common symptoms routinely identified with a person under the influence.

    For a student to violate the drug policy in any way is a major policy violation and will result in the immediate loss of privilege to attend North Greenville University. When a question of responsibility is involved, those guidelines listed under Disciplinary Procedures shall be exercised. The University reserves the right to use a narcotic-detecting dog whenever drugs are suspected on University property and are undetected by other means.

  • Substance Abuse Education Policy

    Counselors are available to help students, faculty, and staff.

Additional Policies & Procedures

IRIS (Immediate Response Information System)

Beginning January 2, 2008, North Greenville University, in cooperation with ADT Security and TechRadium, Inc., implemented an Immediate Response Information System (IRIS). This system will allow campus security to send an emergency message to all cellphones, computer screens, and wireless enabled PDAs listed in the system.

In addition, people receiving the message will be able to respond with a code that will allow campus security to know their location on campus in the event of an emergency alert. If a situation arises, the Vice-President of Student Services, the Chief of Campus Security, or the Director of Student Services will authorize the activation of the IRIS system.

Three alert levels will be used to communicate with the NGU community:

Level One – Operational Alert

This level will be used to communicate weather related or general information which would call for a change in the normal operation of the campus. Included would be information about the cancellation of classes due to inclement weather, power outages, a change in traffic flow, etc. The message will begin with OA. All information following would be instructions concerning a change in the normal pattern of NGU procedures.

Level Two – Situational Alert

The SA message would be sent in response to an active, credible threat of harm made against the campus via phone, e-mail, mail, or made personally to a student, staff, administrative, or faculty member. The following procedures will be in effect if a Situational Alert is initiated:

  • The threat will be reported to Law Enforcement. Law Enforcement Officials will be advised of our alert status.
  • All doors to classrooms should be closed and locked (if possible) while class is in session.
  • Visitors to the campus will be required to check in with Campus Security.
  • All vehicles locked.
  • Campus Security will establish a checkpoint at the main entrance of the campus to check all incoming traffic.
  • No off campus visitors for students.
  • Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to be on alert and report any suspicious activity to campus security.
  • Student Leadership Team members and Coordinators on alert monitoring activity in student housing.
  • All Campus Security Officers on duty and patrolling the campus.
  • No loitering on campus. Everyone should move quickly across campus to his or her destination.

Level Three – Emergency Alert

An Emergency Alert will be issued in the event a clear and present danger exists on campus. An example would be an armed assailant on campus or a known fugitive in the area. An Emergency Alert message will be accompanied by a long, continuous blast of the campus emergency siren. The following procedures will be in effect if an Emergency Alert is initiated:

  • Stay where you are until the all-clear (AC) message is sent. The all-clear signal will be accompanied by three short tones by the campus siren. Do not open the door to your office, classroom, or dorm unless directed to do so by Law Enforcement or Campus Security or until the all-clear message is sent and sounded.
  • If possible, lock the door to your office, classroom, or dorm. Stay away from doors and windows.
  • Respond to EA message with your location using abbreviations for campus housing and campus buildings.
  • If the threat is in your immediate area, respond to the EA message with the 911 code following the letters for the building where the threat is located.
  • Take a deep breath, pray, and remain calm. Do not confront an assailant. If the assailant is nearby and you are in an open area where flight is a possibility, clear the area as quickly as possible or seek immediate cover. If you are in a confined area, look for cover or drop to the ground and play dead.

Fire Safety Information

North Greenville University maintains a public log of all fires and fire alarms that occur in on campus student housing facilities.

Student Services provides each residential student a copy of the Enlightener and a housing contract. To view the housing contract online, go to www.ngu.edu, click on “Student Life”, click on “Residence Life,” and click on “Housing Forms and Contracts”. These forms provide rules and information to residential students regarding appropriate appliances, evacuation procedures, and policies regarding fire safety.

Who To Report a Crime To

Campus Security Via the LiveSafe app.
Student Services 7121 from any campus phone
864.977.7121 from any other phone
Director of Health Services 7170 from any campus phone
864.977.7170 from any other phone
Director of Counseling 7700 from any campus phone
864.977.7700 from any other phone

Reporting a Crime

Students, employees, and visitors are encouraged to immediately report any criminal offense, suspected criminal activity, traffic accident, fire, injury, or request for medical assistance directly to Campus Security.

To make a report, For non-emergencies, use the LiveSafe mobile app to contact Campus Security. Confidential reports of crime may also be made to the Vice-President of Student Services or the Chief of Campus Security only.

Confidential Reporting Procedures

If you are the victim of a crime and do not want to pursue action within the University system or the criminal justice system, you may still want to consider making a confidential report. With your permission, the Vice-President of Student Affairs or the Chief of Security can file a report on the details of the incident without revealing your identity.

The purpose of a confidential report is to comply with your wish to keep the matter confidential, while taking steps to ensure the future safety of yourself and others. With such information, the University can keep accurate records of the number of incidents involving students, determine where there is a pattern of crime with regard to a particular location, method or assailant, and alert the campus community to potential danger.

Reports filed in this manner are counted and disclosed in the annual crimes report; however, the identity of the person filing the report is protected.

Policy Statement Concerning Counselors With Confidential Reporting

Everything said in therapy is confidential and will not be disclosed except when reporting is required by South Carolina state law, including the following:

  1. suspected abuse of a child, developmentally disabled person, or a dependent adult;
  2. potential suicidal behavior;
  3. threatened harm to another, which may include knowledge that the client is HIV positive when there is an unwillingness to inform individuals with whom the client is intimately involved; and
  4. when required by court order. Information may also be disclosed if a client signs a written authorization or in the event that a complaint is filed by the client against the counselor.

If client has caller identification on their phone, the name of the counselor may appear on the monitor. All supervision or consultation professionals are bound by the same rules of confidentiality as previously stated herein. Student Services is bound by the Federal Statute: Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99). Pastoral Counselors are bound by the state regulations concerning privacy and confidentiality.

Whistleblowers

North Greenville University is prohibited by law from retaliating against, intimidating, threatening, or coercing anyone who reports any violations of the CLERY requirements or the Higher Education Opportunity Act 2008.

© North Greenville University. All Rights Reserved. | Accessibility Statement

North Greenville University (NGU) admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.