Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
St. Cloud State University joins the rest of the nation in mourning the deep loss of the Michigan State University community as a result of the senseless shootings that occurred this week. Terrible incidents like these remind us of the value we place on the safety of our students, our campus, and our community.
At SCSU, the safety of our campus and our community continues to be a top priority--with vigilance, up-to-date emergency procedures, public safety partnerships, and continuous training at the core of our daily operations. We work diligently to ensure that SCSU Public Safety Officers are prepared to prevent, protect, and respond to security concerns as they continuously monitor campus safety and local conditions. Our campus culture embraces the notion that we Protect the Pack – as we promote safety practices for ourselves and each other.
Incidents like these give us pause in our daily operations to review the processes we have in place in support of our priorities. The Public Safety Department monitors campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week with recently upgraded security cameras located throughout campus. Our Public Safety Officers will quickly contact law enforcement if there is any sign of a potential security threat.
Our ongoing focus on preparedness creates numerous opportunities for our safety personnel to review procedures and stage exercises for emergency scenarios so that we are swift in our response and readied to connect with local public safety officials. SCSU Public Safety also offers Run, Hide, Fight training to any interested student or faculty/staff member, or department/student organization. This training helps equip campus community members with the tools to respond to a potential threat.
We ask all members of the campus community to join us in helping to protect our pack by staying alert and contacting Public Safety at 320-308-3333 with any non-emergency concerns, or to call 911 to report any emergency. If any student needs any support or assistance in dealing with the thoughts or feelings that this incident may bring up, please contact SCSU's Counseling and Psychological Services at 320-308-3171. Employees needing support or assistance can contact the state Employee Assistance Program at 800-657-3719. For more information on Protect the Pack, please visit www.stcloudstate.edu/safety.
With warm regards,
Dr. Robbyn R. Wacker
President
St. Cloud State University
Welcome Huskies to Spring 2023!
As we begin the semester, there are some safety tips to keep in mind. Please remember that SCSU Safety: Protect the Pack is a new, one-stop web resource for students and members of the community. It provides updated information on safety matters related to health, parking, crime, travel and more.
Some Safety Conditions and Tips: Highlights
Husky Health
Services related to mental health continue to be in high demand on campus. There are numerous services on campus and available to employees for added support. Learn more about services that are available to students and employees.
Property Crimes
Overall property crimes on campus continue to decrease. Students and staff should still prioritize basic practices for safety. That means keeping vehicles locked on and off campus. Make sure that personal items and valuables are out of sight in parked vehicles. Continue to secure residences by locking doors and windows. Learn more about useful safety reminders.
Winter Weather Conditions
Winter storms can make for dangerous conditions for drivers and pedestrians. Make sure to monitor weather conditions before traveling. SCSU will update employees and students using the Star Alert notification system if there are any changes in operations due to weather conditions. Find more information on safety for winter weather conditions (e.g., including dressing warmly for frigid temperatures, how to prepare for storms, and safety on the road) from the National Weather Service.
Best wishes for a safe and successful spring semester!
Go Huskies!
Dear Campus Community,
The winter weather season is now upon us, and we want you to have the following information regarding procedures used in the event of class and event cancellations and/or closings due to weather (or other circumstances) pertinent to the health and safety of the campus community.
The university takes the safety of our employees and students very seriously, and considers that many of our students and employees commute to campus from some distance away. In determining whether operations should be altered due to weather, the university uses data from the National Weather Service and the Minnesota Department of Transportation to help inform decision making regarding the cancellation or delay of classes or events.
In order to provide a consistent approach to these decisions, St. Cloud State uses a model, developed in consultation with an SCSU meteorologist, that uses data input from the National Weather Service forecasts to calculate potential weather-related risk impacts on the safety of our campus community. The president then reviews data and makes a ‘risk management framed decision’ that seeks to minimize the impact on classes and events however, the safety of students and employees is the top priority for SCSU, and that value informs the president’s/university’s decision-making around possible operational changes due to weather.
St. Cloud State makes every effort to announce any closing/cancellation by 5 a.m. (6 a.m. for St. Cloud State at Plymouth) regarding day classes and events and before 3 p.m. for evening classes and events.
Messages regarding weather-related decisions will most likely take one of these forms:
The primary method of communicating class closures or cancellations is campus-wide Star Alert emails and text messages, as well as notifications on the university's homepage. Please take a moment to verify your Star Alert contact information by logging in with your StarID.
Visit the Emergency Preparedness website for information on other communications channels and policy information.
There may be times when the university continues normal operations, but winter weather and road conditions still have an impact on the commute to and from campus. Students and employees are encouraged to use caution when traveling in such conditions. If necessary, based on individual employee circumstances due to weather impacts (i.e., an employee lives in a rural area where roads are not plowed as early as they are in the city), supervisors are encouraged to provide the option of some flexibility for employees such as a late start or remote work as employees manage road conditions. Refer to the SCSU short-term telework policy for additional details.
Winter weather travel tips
St. Cloud State recognizes that while many of our employees and students are familiar with Minnesota winters, we also have many members of our campus community from outside of Minnesota, who are not as familiar with winter weather conditions here. We want to provide all students and employees with the following information and tips for safety in winter weather. Please see the links below, and visit stcloudstate.edu/safety.
Winter Car Travel Tips:
Emergency Preparedness
St. Cloud State University
Public Safety Center
Office: 320-308-2010
https://www.stcloudstate.edu/osh/emergency.aspx
Dear Campus Community,
I invite you to visit a new St. Cloud State University website dedicated to sharing information on campus and community safety (scsu.mn/safety).
Bringing together information on a range of elements that are important for individual safety and the safety of others in and around our campus community, the site is a significant expansion of the Protect the Pack campaign. Its development reflects the high prioritization we give to safety.
Viewers will find campus updates on SCSU’s safety strategies and action items that are part of daily operations and planning, and the results of external partnerships. This includes information on the addition of lighting and/or surveillance cameras, collaboration with local law enforcement for crime prevention, use of tracking systems for informed decision making, and external partnerships that reinforce the safety and stability of area neighborhoods.
It is designed with students and parents in mind, so that without any additional knowledge of university infrastructure, relevant information on safety conditions on and off campus is informative and easy to locate. Campus communications are archived to share intentional messaging or details on developing events or incidents. Helpful safety practices and contact information is student focused, as many are developing their independence and living away from home for the first time.
While data show SCSU is a safe campus, sharing this level of information with the public provides reassurance that safety, as we have broadly envisioned it, is a top priority for our university and we are carefully monitoring conditions, and connecting to local officials for up-to-the-moment information on developing events, public health concerns, weather conditions, or other incidents. Most importantly, it demonstrates the many ways university representatives are available to or in touch with students when they are in need.
As a way of increasing its relevance as a communication tool, information on the Protect the Pack SCSU safety site will continue to be updated by the Office of University Communications.
Warmest regards,
Robbyn R. Wacker
President
St. Cloud State University
ST. CLOUD, Minnesota — On Thursday, Nov. 17 and Friday, Nov. 18 from 2-4 p.m. St. Cloud State University leaders will be participating in Southside Neighborhood Safety Walks in areas adjacent to the SCSU campus.
This is part of the St. Cloud Police Department's Safe Streets Initiative, and will be conducted in partnership with the Landlord Taskforce, the COP House Neighborhood Coalition, and SCSU. This engagement aligns with the University's focus to Protect the Pack as it is elevating safety as a university priority and working with external partners to promote safety, security, and awareness among students residing in neighboring off-campus housing. Called Protect the Pack Partnership Walks, so that this will be a recognizable and anticipated event by students, university leaders will be joining the SCPD and partners to meet students and residents and share packets with information and tools for safety.
Overall goals of this week's community engagement are to meet with students and residents, listen to concerns and create a dialogue, and to develop meaningful relationships for the safety and security of residents and neighborhoods.
Huskies,
As the fall brings shorter days, colder weather, and seasonal festivities, we would like to remind all Huskies of important practices everyone should consider for safety.
SCSU Public Safety will walk with or transport students at night. Call 320-308-3333 from dusk to dawn and SCSU Public Safety will escort you or up to three Huskies at a time to any on-campus building or within four blocks of campus.
See something suspicious? Say something: SCSU Public Safety and the St. Cloud Police Department want you to have a safe and successful college experience. If you see something that looks suspicious on campus, call SCSU Public Safety at 320-308-3333. If you ever see anyone in danger, or you are in danger yourself, call 911 immediately.
The safety of our students, faculty, staff and visitors is a top priority for our university and we are making continuous improvements to protect the pack. This includes increased investments in camera surveillance capabilities. Uniformed SCSU Public Safety Officers continue to patrol campus on foot and by vehicle 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Dispatchers monitor security cameras and alarm systems, and answer calls for assistance. Public Safety is working in close cooperation with the St. Cloud Police Department to monitor campus safety conditions and engages in frequent communication whenever incidents of concern occur near campus.
The SCSU Public Safety website has a helpful list of tips for personal safety and to protect your property available at: https://www.stcloudstate.edu/publicsafety/safety-tips/default.aspx
Public Safety Center
Office: 320-308-3453
pubsafe@stcloudstate.edu
https://www.stcloudstate.edu/publicsafety
The security of all members of the campus community is of vital concern to St. Cloud State University. In support of this mission Public Safety wishes to advise all students, employees, and visitors that the 2021 edition of the "Annual Security and Fire Report" is available today. This report includes statements and information regarding:
This report is being presented on Public Safety's website at the following address: https://www.stcloudstate.edu/publicsafety/report/default.aspx. An electronic copy may be obtained at no cost by contacting Public Safety, 526 4th Avenue South (mailing address: 720 4th Avenue South) St. Cloud, MN 56301-4498; phone: 320-308-3453, or email:pubsafe@stcloudstate.edu.
The documenting of this report's information on a calendar year basis is required by law, while many other university reports reflect information based on fiscal/academic years' information.
Public Safety Center
St. Cloud State University
Public Safety Center
Office: 320-308-3453
pubsafe@stcloudstate.edu
https://www.stcloudstate.edu/publicsafety
On September 18, SCSU was alerted of an off campus incident that took place on September 18, in the area of 11th Street South and 6th Avenue South. This Incident was contained to a specific off-campus area. The immediate needs of students living in the area were addressed by University personnel. This incident is still under investigation. The St. Cloud Police Department has advised that this was not a random incident, and this specific incident no longer poses a threat to the public.
SCSU is monitoring safety conditions and determining next steps to address safety in neighborhoods adjacent to campus—and to maintain our high-level of safety on campus. This involves working closely with the St. Cloud Police Department on incidents like these that occur in off campus neighborhoods. Please know that if the safety of the University proper is considered at risk, the St. Cloud Police Department will notify SCSU Public Safety to immediately issue a Star Alert (our emergency notification system). This is available to employees, students and family members at scsu.mn/alert.
Key action steps underway:
Public Safety Center
Office: 320-308-3453
pubsafe@stcloudstate.edu
https://www.stcloudstate.edu/publicsafety
St. Cloud State University is aware of and monitoring incidents that took place on September 18 in the area of 11th Street South and 6th Avenue South. Investigations are both active and ongoing by the St. Cloud Police Department (SCPD). The St. Cloud Police Department will be providing extra patrols and enforcement in the area, including additional implementation of the Safe Streets Initiative in the coming days.
SCSU Public Safety Officers and campus leaders are in frequent contact with the St. Cloud Police Department (SCPD). Our partnership with local law enforcement helps us to protect the pack. Campus patrols conducted by the SCSU Public Safety Department and the St. Cloud Police Department will continue around the clock.
A reminder of other safety practices available to students:
To report suspicious activity on campus, request assistance or an SCSU Public Safety escort while walking at night, call: 320-308-3333
For emergency situations, call 911
Public Safety Center
Office: 320-308-3453
pubsafe@stcloudstate.edu
https://www.stcloudstate.edu/publicsafety
With classes underway, we hope your year is off to a great start!
Safety is a top priority at St. Cloud State. We hope you willkeepyourself and your stuff safe this semester by following these precautions to minimize risk to people and property:
Visit the Public Safety website for more basic safety tips.
Students are encouraged to call or text 911 to report any suspicious activity or information about crimes.
You can help make campus safer by reporting any suspicious or concerning behavior in a timely matter to Public Safety or the St. Cloud Police. You can also download the "Safe @ St. Cloud" mobile app, a free app that users can use to initiate contact with emergency responders around the St. Cloud State campus.
In the event of a campus emergency, closing or cancellation, alerts are sent via text message and email through the Star Alert emergency notification system. Students are automatically opted into the system and will receive a text message when their account is activated. To change or update your cellphone information or to add additional phone numbers or emails to your account, visit our Star Alert page.
Stay safe and have a great year!
Public Safety Center
St. Cloud State University
Public Safety Center
Office: 320-308-3453
pubsafe@stcloudstate.edu
https://www.stcloudstate.edu/publicsafety
It’s important to look out for your safety when connecting online. Here are some technology safety reminders to protect your identity and private information to help keep you safe.
Technology Safety Reminders
For more tips on protecting your identity and private information, visit our Information Technology Services website.
Information Technology Services
Miller Center 112
Office: 320-308-7000
informationtechnology@stcloudstate.edu
https://www.stcloudstate.edu/its/huskytech
Public Safety Center
St. Cloud State University
Public Safety Center
Office: 320-308-3453
pubsafe@stcloudstate.edu
https://www.stcloudstate.edu/publicsafety
St. Cloud State University is aware of an incident that took place several blocks west of campus this afternoon. While no one was injured in that incident, and there was no danger to the campus community, we wanted to take this opportunity to remind Huskies to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings as we enter the holiday weekend.
Please know that SCSU Public Safety Officers and University leaders are in frequent contact with the St. Cloud Police Department (SCPD). Our partnership with local law enforcement helps us to protect the pack. Campus patrols conducted by the SCSU Public Safety Department and the St. Cloud Police Department will continue around the clock and through the weekend.
Some safety tips for the weekend:
To report suspicious activity on campus, request assistance or an SCSU Public Safety escort while walking at night, call: 320-308-3333
For emergency situations, call 911
Safe @ St Cloud is a free, downloadable app that can be used to make an emergency call to SCSU Public Safety. It will share user location in real-time so that our Dispatch Center will know exactly where to send officers. The app also allows users to share locations with friends or family members if walking alone and/or during evening or late night hours.
Enjoy your weekend and Go Huskies!
Public Safety Center
Office: 320-308-3453
pubsafe@stcloudstate.edu
https://www.stcloudstate.edu/publicsafety
We know that life happens and that sometimes you need a helping hand to work through challenges that would otherwise interfere with your ability to be successful at college. We recognize that your basic needs, including things like food, housing and transportation, can have a direct impact on your well-being and success.
St. Cloud State and the St. Cloud community have a number of services available to help you make sure your basic needs are met. You can find them on our Basic Needs Resources page on the St. Cloud State website.
Providing an environment where students can learn, grow and explore is vital to the mission of St. Cloud State University. Search through our Basic Needs Resources website to get you started with the resources you need.
Drinking while partying in college can feel like a rite of passage, an opportunity to hang out with friends, a way to meet new people or de-stress. At St. Cloud State, 40% of students choose not to drink. If students do drink, they have about three drinks per week. If you choose to drink and party, keep these things in mind.
Have a plan
Set a limit and stick to it
Bring your own non-alcoholic beverages or consider alternating alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to control the amount you drink and aid in hydration. Avoid mixing prescription drugs with alcohol. This is the most common cause of overdose. If you ever feel pressured to do things you’re uncomfortable with, trust your gut and say “no.”
Take care of your friends
Consent & Drinking
Interested in personalized feedback on your use of alcohol? The eCheckup To Go Online Alcohol Assessment can give you accurate and customized insight into your individual drinking.
All students who complete the eCheckup To Go Assessment and email their completion certificate to uchoose@stcloudstate.edu will get a prize. You can pick up your prize at the Healthy Huskies Office (Eastman 111) Monday-Friday between 11 a.m.-4 p.m. UChoose helps students understand the impact of high-risk alcohol and drug behaviors and how to make informed choices about their use.
If you or someone you know is a student in recovery, our Recovery Resource Center offers support, weekly meetings, instant connection and sober social events.
Visit UChoose for more alcohol safety tips.
Jen Waletzko Johnson
Director for Prevention & Health Promotion
UChoose | St. Cloud State University
Office: 320-308-4179
uchoose@stcloudstate.edu
https://www.stcloudstate.edu/uchoose
To the campus community:
St. Cloud State University (SCSU) believes in fostering a welcoming, supportive, and equitable environment. As such, SCSU does not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment, including acts of sexual harassment and violence.
Acts of sexual harassment and violence, like sexual assault, can happen to people of all gender identities, sexual orientations, race, religion, abilities, socioeconomic status, etc. Sexual assault is an actual, attempted, or threatened sexual act with another person without affirmative consent (informed, freely given, and expressed clearly).
As students, it is important that you know your rights if you or someone you know experiences such behavior. You have the right to report to the University; such incidents can be reported directly to University’s Title IX Coordinator. In addition, if you share incidents of this nature with faculty, staff, or student staff, they too are required to report the incident to the Title IX Coordinator.
Chocoletta Simpson, MPA
Director, Office of Institutional Equity and Access/CDO
Administrative Services 121
St Cloud, MN 56301
Phone: 320-308-5123
E-mail: oea@stcloudstate.edu
The Title IX Coordinator is the designated employee charged with coordinating the University’s efforts to comply with Title IX and other federal and state requirements. The Office of Institutional Equity & Access is here to assist you with knowing your options for reporting through the institutional policies and procedures, supportive measures, and available resources. You can file a report online, by email, or in person. Reporting to Public Safety and the St. Cloud Police Department (911), is an option as well, as incidents of this nature are crimes.
If you wish to report confidentially, you have options to report to the following:
There are many resources available to you, to ensure you are supported. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about your rights and options, please contact the Office for Institutional Equity and Access at (320) 308-5123, via email oea@stcloudstate.edu, or in person.
Sincerely,
Chocoletta Simpson, MPA
Director, Office of Institutional Equity and Access/CDO
Administrative Services 121
Phone: 320-308-5123
oea@stcloudstate.edu
www.stcloudstate.edu/oea
To the campus community:
In order to successfully create the safest, most welcoming, and diverse global workforce, it is vital that the university community understand and utilize the Minnesota State 1B.1 Policy and 1B.1.1 Complaint Procedures to resolve issues of harassment (including sexual harassment), discrimination, and retaliation on the basis of race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, physical/mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, reliance on public assistance, or membership/activity in a local commission.
Additionally, Minnesota State 1B.3 Sexual Violence Policy and 1B.3.1 Sexual Violence Procedure are used for sexual harassment and discrimination including sexual assault, sexual violence, and stalking allegations.
Chocoletta Simpson is the individual who serves as the Title IX Coordinator for the campus. Contact information for the Title IX Coordinator is as follows:
Chocoletta Simpson, MPA
Director, Office of Institutional Equity and Access/CDO
Administrative Services 121
Phone: 320-308-5123
oea@stcloudstate.edu
www.stcloudstate.edu/oea
All reports of gender-related discrimination, harassment, and student concerns surrounding access to educational opportunities based on sex (gender) reported to faculty, staff, and student staff must be reported to the Title IX Coordinator.
For students, this includes all reports involving sexual assault, sexual violence, rape, stalking, relationship or domestic abuse/violence, cyber harassment, sexual harassment, and other violations described in the Student Code of Conduct related to gender discrimination. Please note, the examples listed above are not intended to be an exhaustive list.
Confidential Reporters, are those who are not required by law to report incidents of actions listed above, are limited to:
Students are also covered by 1B.1 and 1B.3 policies when they are employees or when they have a complaint about an employee and should feel free to contact our office. We are able to provide supportive measures, individualized services offered as appropriate, as reasonably available and without fee or charge to the complainant (victim-survivor) or respondent (aggressor-accused) before or after the filing of a formal Title IX complaint or where no formal complaint has been filed.
In order to accomplish our goals and to live up to a reputation of accountability, credibility, and fairness, we encourage individuals to submit reports online using the following web-based forms or in-person:
The Office for Institutional Equity & Access takes every concern and potential complaint of employees and students seriously. We welcome the opportunity to talk with students and employees about any issues or workplace concerns. Faculty, staff, and students should feel free to call us at 320-308-5123 or email oea@stcloudstate.edu if you have any questions. We are here to help.
For more information about or office and the services that we provide; please contact us directly or visit our website at Office for Institutional Equity & Access.
Sincerely,
Chocoletta Simpson, MPA
Director, Office of Institutional Equity and Access/CDO
Administrative Services 121
Phone: 320-308-5123
oea@stcloudstate.edu
www.stcloudstate.edu/oea
Here are some tips to make your interactions safer and more respectful for yourself and others:
Safer Sex
St. Cloud State University has an affirmative sexual consent policy. This policy highlights that it is the responsibility of the person who initiates sexual activity to ensure that the other person also consents--free of coercion, intimidation, threats, and/or physical force.
Sexual consent is:
The Women’s Center offers free safer sex and menstrual supplies for students of all genders. Stop by Atwood 218 for internal and external condoms, lubricant, pregnancy tests, emergency contraception, menstrual pads, and tampons.
Safe(r) Dating
For more information, resources and tips on online dating, visit the Women’s Center website and Healthy Huskies website.
Women’s Center
Atwood Memorial Center 218
Office: 320-308-4958
womenscenter@stcloudstate.edu
https://www.stcloudstate.edu/womenscenter
Healthy Huskies
Center for Health and Wellness Innovation
Office: 320-308-3191
healthservices@stcloudstate.edu
https://www.stcloudstate.edu/healthwellness
We’re here to help! St. Cloud State University wants to help you succeed in school and has a wealth of resources to help you stay safe and healthy.
For more personal safety tips, visit https://scsu.mn/3fMK8hX.
For additional tips on other safety concerns, visit http://scsu.mn/1VdJwn1.
As we begin what will be an AMAZING semester ahead, Blizzard would like to share some important safety tips.
The city of St. Cloud has a Social Host Ordinance. This means that if underage people are caught drinking at a private residence (including residence halls), all individuals on the lease can be charged with a misdemeanor offense for hosting the gathering.
Underage individuals may also be charged with underage consumption or other alcohol-related offenses. In addition, students may also be held responsible for off-campus violations through the University Student Code of Conduct.
These tips will help you have a safe weekend and a safe year. Watch your email for more safety messages in the coming weeks.
Stay safe!
Public Safety Center
Office: 320-308-3453
pubsafe@stcloudstate.edu
https://www.stcloudstate.edu/publicsafety
SCSU Public Safety & Escorted Walks
320-308-3333
Emergencies
911
Women's Center
320-308-3995
Office of Institutional Equity and Access
320-308-5123
Medical Clinic
320-308-3191
Counseling and Psych Services
320-308-3171
