Safety Resources

1. UPDATE YOUR EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

Emergency Contact Registration and Missing Person Protocol

Students are encouraged to update their emergency contact information through STAR when registering for classes each semester. This information will be used in the event that a student is reported missing while at the institution.

If a WVU Tech student living in university-operated housing is suspected to be missing from campus, immediately report it to a residence hall staff member (i.e. residence hall director or resident assistant) or the University Police Department.

If the student resides off-campus, contact the University Police for assistance at 304.929.COPS (2677) or call 911.

All reports of missing students made to the residence hall staff and/or the University Police Department will be investigated. If the investigation determines that the student has been missing for over 24 hours, the University will do the following over the next 24 hours:

• Notify the individual identified as your emergency contact person;
• If under 18 years of age, the University will notify a parent or guardian; and
• If you are over 18 years of age and have not provided an emergency contact, the University will notify the appropriate law enforcement agency.

2. WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY

Active Shooter

3. SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION, INFORMATION, AND RESOURCES

Nothing – not even previous consensual sex – entitles anyone to force someone to perform sexual acts. Without consent, forcing sexual contact is a crime

Sexual assault is taken very seriously by our institution. We believe very strongly in educational programs to prevent such assault and training to properly handle assault, should it occur.

Sexual assault can happen to anyone, no matter how prepared or cautious they may be. Victims should not blame themselves or hesitate to report the incident. Whatever the circumstances, victims often fear being blamed, humiliated or not believed. These feelings of fear, guilt and helplessness can lead to depression, illness and trouble with academics and relationships.

Remember, no one deserves or asks to be sexually assaulted. You are encouraged to report any incident to one of the resources listed below, obtain a medical examination and take advantage of available support systems.

If you are sexually assaulted, you should take the following steps:

1. Get medical attention immediately.
2. Don’t bathe or douche.
3. Save your clothing.
4. Report the incident to the police even if you decide not to prosecute.
5. Take advantage of available support systems.

Sexual assaults are very serious incidents and as a member of our community, we need your active involvement in preventing or reducing the opportunities for sexual assaults. Report any suspicious activities to the University Police and be alert while on campus.

Additional Sexual Assault Resources

• Raleigh General Hospital (Beckley, WV) 304.256.4100 
  
• Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital (Beckley WV) 304.255.3000
  
• Women and Children’s Hospital – Charleston, WV   304.388.2724
• Women’s Resource Center – Fayetteville, WV   304.574.0500
• Women’s Resource Center (24 Hour Hotline)   1.888.825.7835
• ESCAPE (Shelter) – Fayetteville, WV   304.574.9019
• WV Foundation For Rape Information Services
• WVU Tech Counseling Services   304.929.1237
  

4. DEADLY WEAPONS/DESTRUCTIVE DEVICES POLICY

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to impose the prohibition of and penalty for the possession or storage of deadly weapons, destructive devices or fireworks in any form on the West Virginia University Institute of Technology campus or any University-leased facilities.

Scope

This policy applies to all University faculty, staff, students and visitors, including those on the divisional campuses. It shall also apply to private vehicles parked or operated on University-owned or leased property which openly displays firearms. WVU Tech’s Director of Public Safety (Chief of Police) may grant exceptions to this policy in writing for the convenience of the University in achieving its mission.

The provisions of this policy shall not apply to the following persons, while acting in their official capacity:

• Law enforcement officers or law enforcement officials;
• West Virginia Department of Corrections employees;
• Members of the armed forces of the United States or the militia of West Virginia;
• Any circuit judge, prosecuting attorney, assistant prosecuting attorney, or investigator duly appointed by a prosecuting attorney; and
• Individuals required to possess the items prohibited by this policy in order to participate in undertakings sanctioned by WVU Tech which include academic/research programs, historical items, the farm management programs which are approved by the Department of Natural Resources.

Policy

Possession or storage of a deadly weapon, destructive device or fireworks in any form (as defined by West Virginia State Code) is prohibited on the West Virginia University Institute of Technology campus in University-leased facilities and in University vehicles.

Any University faculty member, staff member or student who has been found in violation of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action for misconduct which may include termination or expulsion as well as criminal prosecution. Individuals not affiliated with the University shall be subject to criminal prosecution.

Procedure

Procedure development rests with the Department of Public Safety, as prescribed in applicable WV State Code.

Responsibility for Implementation

The responsibility for implementation of this policy rests with the Department of Public Safety. The WVU Tech Department of Public Safety, at  304.929.2677, is available to answer questions or provide additional information regarding this policy.