Crime Prevention on Campus

Mohawk Valley Community College's two campuses, in Utica and Rome, are open to all the residents of our community for educational programs, special events and just to learn about their community college. We encourage area residents and those from other communities to visit our campuses for that purpose.

This very openness, however, means that MVCC is an integral part of the community by which it is surrounded, and reflects both positive and negative aspects of that community. MVCC, and the people who study and work here have been fortunate. Serious crime has not been a regular occurrence. However, because we are an open campus, it is possible. Some incidents have occurred on campus. Thus, protecting our students, employees and visitors is an important concern. Knowledge and precaution are our two best defenses against crime on campus. To help prevent crime-related problems, MVCC has a professionally trained Campus Security Office on both its Utica and Rome Campuses. However, other college employees and students should also take steps to insure that they and their personal possessions are protected.

Student Responsibilities

Students must become actively involved if the campus safety program is to be successful. Students must cooperate in matters of safety and security, and be responsible for their personal safety and the security of all their possessions. This means taking simple, common sense precautions. For example: Although the MVCC campuses are well lighted, students should consider walking in groups at night, or calling a Campus Security Officer (on the Utica Campus) for an escort. Residence Hall and off-campus residence doors should be locked at all times when unoccupied. Valuable items such as stereos, cameras and televisions should be marked with personal identification to discourage theft; engraving instruments are provided by Security and the Residence Hall Office at no charge. Bicycles should be secured with a sturdy lock. Bicycle racks are provided at all campus buildings.

Cars should be parked in well-lighted areas and locked. Valuables should not be left where they can be seen in the vehicle, but should be locked in the trunk. Report any suspicious-looking individuals who you feel do not belong on campus, or any unusual incidents, to the Security Office (Phone 5777 from any regular office phone or the red emergency phones in public areas, or use one of the Outdoor Emergency Call Boxes on the Utica Campus. Phone 7708 on the Rome Campus during business hours. After 6:30pm, call (pager #) 722-0016 for Security, Monday - Thursday.)

Further Information

To learn more about campus safety, call the Director of Campus Safety and Security at (315)792-5566 or 792-5318.

MVCC has strong policies regulating the use of alcohol and other controlled substances, and the possession of weapons on campus. Firearms and dangerous weapons of any type are not permitted on campus. Intentional use, possession or sale of firearms, or other dangerous weapons by students is strictly forbidden, and is a violation of the student code of conduct.

Potential criminal actions and other emergencies on campus can be reported directly by any student, faculty member, or employee to the Security Office. On the Utica Campus, dial extension 5777 from any regular office phone or one of the red emergency phones in public areas, or use one of the Outdoor Emergency Call Boxes and a Security Officer will be dispatched immediately to the site of the complaint. On the Rome Campus, (during business hours), call extension 7708 and a Security Officer or Rome Police Officer will be dispatched. If the situation warrants, Utica or Rome Police Departments will be called to the scene by Security Officers as well.

The Residence Life Office and the Security Office hold informational sessions for students each semester on topics such as personal safety awareness and security, rape prevention, and the prevention of burglary and vandalism. Information on safety and security is provided to students and employees periodically through seminars, teleconferences, bulletins, crime alerts, student newspapers and other publications.

The Facilities & Operations Department maintains the College buildings and grounds with a concern for safety and security. They inspect campus facilities regularly, promptly making repairs that affect safety and security and respond immediately to reports of potential safety and security hazards, such as broken windows and locks, from the Security Office.

Even though the campus is well-lighted, continual lighting improvements are being made. These include placing high intensity sodium vapor lights on buildings, in parking lot areas, and along pathways frequently traveled by students.

In addition to the regular telephone system, on the Utica Campus there are outdoor emergency call boxes strategically located throughout the campus, connected directly into the Campus Security Office radio system. These call boxes are easily located after dark by the bright blue light that is attached to the top of each call box.

Red emergency telephones have also been placed in public areas in the Academic Building, Alumni College Center, Gym, Payne Hall, Information Technology and the Science & Technology Building, on the Utica Campus. They may also be used to contact other campus extensions. On the Rome Campus, red emergency phones are located in the Plumley Complex and the Academic Building.