Clery Report

Residence Life Security Procedures

Building Access and Security

Only current students, their invited guests, necessary employees, and persons specifically authorized by the University are permitted access to the University’s residential buildings and rooms. All residence halls are kept locked continuously 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Keys are issued only to students who reside in those areas and then only to their assigned room or apartment. Residents may not engage in any activity that poses a safety risk or which compromises the security of the premises. Specific examples of such restricted activities include (but are not limited to) propping open of exterior doors or removal of window screens or locks.

If anyone, other than a resident, invited guest, or authorized University employee, is in a residence hall, that person should be reported immediately to Housing and Residence Education or University Police. Safety is everyone’s concern.

Generally, residence halls are open during the fall and spring academic terms, during fall and spring breaks, and during Thanksgiving break; but closed during winter break. Student athletes who participate in winter sports may receive permission from the Director of Housing and Residence Life to be in the residence halls for a short period of time in December and January.

Controlled access to buildings is a significant component of the campus safety and security program. For most locations, non-residential buildings, such as those used for administrative or classroom purposes, are open during normal business hours to members of the Gardner-Webb University community, invited guests, and persons conducting lawful business with the University. Access to these buildings during non-business hours may be limited to specific personnel, based on authorization by an area Vice President, Dean, or Department Head. Keys and operation of the electronic access control system are the responsibility of University Police. If an ID/access card is lost, there is a nominal fee to replace it. The lost card is then  cancelled so that it cannot be used by unauthorized persons to gain access.

Entry into Residence Halls

Persons entering into a residential area or seeking a specific room in a residential area must enter through the main door of that building. No exterior doors may be propped open at any time for any reason. Propping doors open creates a safety and security hazard by enabling unrestricted entry by anyone, including unauthorized and potentially dangerous persons, into the building. It puts everyone in the building at risk. Entry into a residential area in any other way is strictly prohibited and a fine or disciplinary action may be assessed.

Prohibited Activities

Any activity which may cause damage to property or to persons is prohibited on campus, including residential areas. Examples of prohibited activities include athletic and recreational activities appropriate to a gymnasium or athletic facility conducted in areas not specifically designed for such activities. These activities include, among others, ball throwing and bouncing, baseball, basketball, Frisbee throwing, boxing, hockey, golf, mattress slides, racquetball, skateboarding, skating, soccer, throwing water balloons, using water guns, and bicycle riding. Bicycles may be brought onto University property but can be kept in student rooms only if the roommate grants permission. Bicycles may not be stored in hallways or stairwells since doing so poses a safety risk and is a violation of the fire code. Violations may result in fines or other disciplinary action.

Students are also responsible for maintaining their rooms or apartments in a clean and safe condition. This responsibility includes (but is not limited to) limiting noise, not having fire/candles, no possession of alcohol, alcohol paraphernalia, drugs or drug paraphernalia; not misappropriating items; not inflicting damage; and so forth. If a potentially unsafe condition is discovered in a residential area, students are to notify their area Resident Advisor, a member of the residence life staff, or the maintenance department promptly upon discovery.

Windows and Balconies

For safety reasons, nothing is to be hung or thrown out of the windows. No one is permitted to sit on windowsills, remove window screens, or endanger themselves or others by hanging out of windows or from balcony railings. Entry or exit through windows or balconies is prohibited. Violation of any of these safety rules will be referred to the Gardner-Webb University Conduct System for disciplinary action. Items placed on balconies are subject to removal by Housing and Residence Education if the items are deemed unsafe. Balcony lights are not to be tampered with or obstructed in any way and should remain on when dark outside.

Because of the significant risk of injury, students are not permitted on any residence hall roof for any reason. Violations of this rule should be reported to University Police immediately.

Guests

In order to maintain a reasonable and safe living and learning environment in campus housing, visitation rules apply to students, non-residential students, and guests who do not reside in a particular room, suite, floor, apartment, or building. The Housing and Residence Education Office may restrict guest privileges if it is determined that the presence of one or more guests may be contributing to a negative or unsafe living and learning environment.

Visitation hours are:
Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m. – Midnight
Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.

Students must not allow their guests to stay on campus for more than two consecutive nights. Students are held responsible for the conduct of their guests and for escorting their guests at all times during their visit on campus. Misconduct by a guest may result in disciplinary action taken against the student host.