Campus Safety
Services & General Information
In the event that a situation arises, either on or off campus, that in the judgement of the Vice President of Student Development or his/her designee constitutes an ongoing continuing threat, a campus-wide “timely warning” will be issued.
The warning will be issued through the college email system to students, faculty, staff, and through postings in prominent locations throughout campus buildings. Anyone with information warranting a timely warning should report the circumstances to the Office of Student Life at (541) 684-7345 or Campus Security at (541) 517-5197.
During business hours, the college (excluding certain residence halls) will be open to students, parents, employees, contractors, guests, and invitees. During non-business hours access to all college facilities is requested through Campus Security at 541-517-5197.
Residence halls are secured 24 hours a day. Campus Security and Residence Life staff patrol and respond to security, safety, and livability issues. The Facilities Department maintains buildings and grounds with a concern for safety. Overnight guests must register with the Director of Residence Life and are asked to abide by Bushnell University policies outlined in the Student Handbook.
Over extended breaks, the doors of all halls will be secured 24/7. Some facilities may have individual hours, which may vary at different times of the year. Examples are the library and Morse Center. In these cases, facilities will be secured according to schedules developed by the department responsible for the facility. Emergencies may necessitate changes or alterations to any posted schedules.
Emergency Resources
Emergency Services: 911
Campus Security: 541-517-5197
SAAS 24-Hour Crisis Line: 541-343-7277
RAINN Chat Hotline: rainn.org
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
Campus Resources
Counseling Clinic: 541-349-7471
Campus Ministry: 541-684-7345
Title IX Coordinator: 541-684-7291
Office of Student Life: 541-684-7345
Resident Assistant on Call: 541-517-1379
This summary of policies has been provided in an effort to comply with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (1990; last amended 1998) and the Drug-Free School and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (PL 101-226). Information is reviewed and updated annually.
If you have information you want to be included or have questions, comments or remarks, please contact the Vice President of Student Development (or his/her designee) at (541) 684-7345.
The Eugene Police Department has law enforcement jurisdiction over all parts of the Bushnell University campus. Students and staff must cooperate with officers investigating an accident or crime.
Bushnell University Campus Safety officers have the authority to ask persons for identification and to determine whether individuals have lawful business at Bushnell University. Officers do not possess arrest power. Criminal incidents are referred to the local police who have jurisdiction on the campus. Officers maintain a professional working relationship with the Eugene Police Department.
Students and staff are urged to promptly contact Campus Security at (541) 517-5197 and the Office of Student Life at (541) 684-7345 regarding a crime on campus. Failure to do so may compromise the security and safety of the campus community and perhaps the community at large.
In accordance to the “Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act” of 2000, which amends the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act, the Jeanne Clery Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, Bushnell University provides the following link to the Oregon State Police Sex Offender Information Website.
This act requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where law enforcement information provided by a state concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained. It also requires sex offenders already required to register in a State to provide notice of each institution of higher education in the State at which the person is employed, carries a vocation, or is a student.
Registry information provided under this section shall be used for the purposes of the administration of criminal justice, screening of current or prospective employees, volunteers or otherwise for the protection of the public in general and children in particular. Unlawful use of the information for purposes of intimidating or harassing another is prohibited and willful violation shall be punishable by law. The Oregon State Police is responsible for maintaining this registry
Both residential and commuter students are given information about Campus Security each year at the beginning of each semester. Additionally, campus security is outlined in the Student Handbook which is available online. Campus Security is discussed in staff meetings and faculty meetings as needs arise.
Crime prevention programs and sexual assault prevention programs are offered through the Residence Life department. A common theme of all awareness and crime prevention programs is to encourage students and employees to be aware of their responsibility for their own security and the security of others. When time is of the essence, information is released to the college community through security alerts posted prominently throughout campus and through emails.
ESCORT PROGRAM: Campus Security will provide escorts to students, faculty, and staff to and from their vehicles or campus buildings.
Inclement Weather
On rare occasions, classes may need to be canceled and offices closed due to inclement weather conditions or other emergency reasons.
Subscribe to Bushnell University Text Alerts by texting #Bushnellalert to 541-214-2281.
Hazing Prevention
Bushnell University is committed to a safe, respectful, and inclusive community where hazing is never tolerated. Learn how our Anti-Hazing Policy protects students, complies with federal law, and offers resources for prevention, education, and support.
Emergency Response
Bushnell University seeks to foster a safe and secure living-learning environment for its students, faculty, and staff. In times of crisis, the college activates its Critical Incident Response Team to ensure the well-being of the campus community.
Bushnell University is committed to the safety and security of the campus community. Plans are in place to respond to crises which may impact the campus community. The following are highlights of that plan:
Should a natural disaster, terrorist attack, or other emergency arise, the campus’ Critical Incident Response Team is activated. At that time, leaders of each critical operational department meet to execute decisions. Each member of this team is on-call around the clock.
Residential students receive instruction regarding safe evacuation as part of their initial orientation in the fall. Annual fire drills in the residence halls test plan effectiveness.
In the case of an emergency, always CALL 911(9911 from on-campus phones) First, and then call Campus Security at 541-517-5197.
It is always a good practice to notify Residence Life about any urgent situation after hours, even if it is not an emergency. Resident Assistants can be reached at 541-517-1379.
When calling 911, be prepared with the location of the emergency. Below is a list of physical addresses for Bushnell University buildings:
Burke-Griffeth Hall: 875 East 12th Avenue
Facilities & Maintenance Building: 1125 Alder Street
Works Village: 973 Hilyard Street
Kellenberger Library: 1188 Kincaid Street
Lottie Price Music Building: 894 East 11th Avenue
Goodrich Hall: 828 East 11th Avenue
Mom Richart Apartments: 968 Alder Street
Morse Center: 1075 Alder Street
Pomajevich Building: 1090 Alder Street
Ross Evans Chapel: 894 East 11th Avenue
Siefke Hall: 755 East 11th Avenue
Richardson Hall: 763 East 11th Avenue
Townhouses: 940 Hilyard Street
Stay on the phone with the dispatcher until they indicate that it is okay to hang up. While you are on the phone, direct someone nearby to call Campus Security at 541-517-5197 so that they can help direct emergency personnel to your exact location.
Remember that your first duty is to ensure the safety of yourself and others. Notification to evacuate will be made by:
Cabinet member or other college administrators.
Division/departmental phone tree, campus-wide email, or voicemail.
Fire alarm system or other “automated alarm.”
In addition, evacuation drills will be announced.
NOTE: If you have a disability or have special needs that may prevent you from evacuating a building safely, please work with your supervisor to coordinate an appropriate plan of action.
Look for lighted EXIT signs and/or use posted evacuation maps.
Do not use elevators in case of fire or earthquake, use nearest stairway.
Walk, do not run, to the nearest exit.
Leave the building and move a safe distance away. Do not obstruct emergency personnel or vehicles.
Take purses and backpacks when evacuating. Close doors but do not lock them.
You may return to a building when you are told it is safe by a university official.
For additional information on the Bushnell University Emergency Response Plan or contact the Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life at 541-684-7345.
Safety Standards
Bushnell upholds the belief that fostering a successful learning environment begins by maintaining strong standards for health and safety. The following information should address any concerns you may have about the environment at Bushnell. Taking the time to read it carefully will help you in your time here.
Everyday Living
Keep emergency phone numbers near your phone and program the Campus Security number (541-517-5197) into your cell phone.
Lock all doors and windows every time you leave your room, even if it is just to go to the bathroom.
Keep house and car keys on separate rings.
Do not lend your keys to anyone.
Always ask service people to identify themselves before allowing them to enter your home or residence hall room.
Get to know your neighbors so you can help each other.
Do not keep large sums of money, jewelry, or valuable items in plain view in your home, room or vehicle.
Set radios, lights, and televisions on timers when out of town.
If off campus, leave spare keys with trusted neighbors, not under a doormat or in a flower planter.
When Walking
Avoid dark, vacant, or deserted areas; use well-lit and traveled areas.
Avoid walking alone with a music player and earphones-you can’t hear people approaching from behind.
Avoid walking or jogging alone, especially at night. Ask a friend to jog with you. Call Campus Security for evening safety escorts on campus.
Dress in clothes and shoes that will not hamper movement.
Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.
Report suspicious activity or noises to Campus Security IMMEDIATELY.
If you suspect you are in danger, then move to a lighted area or building and raise a commotion. Call 911 in the event of an emergency.
If you sense you are in trouble
Move away from the potential threat if possible.
Join any group of people nearby; cross the street and increase your pace.
If a threatening situation is imminent, and people are close by, help, yell, scream, or make a commotion in any way you can to get their attention.
If you are facing an armed criminal, you may minimize the risk of injury if you comply with his/her demands. However, if your life is in immediate danger, use any defense you can to get away.
Dial 911 immediately and give a description of the suspect.
When Driving
Make sure no one is hiding in your vehicle.
Drive on well-traveled streets and keep your car in gear while stopped.
Keep doors locked, windows shut, and keep valuables out of sight; either covered or in the trunk.
Open the hood and stay inside if your car breaks down. If someone stops to help, do not open your window or door, but have them call for assistance.
Ask someone for specific directions before you leave if you do not know the location of your destination.
Do not pull over until you find a well-lit public area where you can stop and ask directions if you get lost.
Drive to a well-lit public area and call the police if you suspect you are being followed.
Building Evacuation
Familiarize yourself with evacuation procedures for the building; locate the nearest exits and fire extinguishers
Locate Emergency Response plans that are hung in the classrooms BEFORE an emergency.
Find the Emergency Assembly Point (EAP) for your building.
If you live off campus, set up a meeting place with housemates or fellow tenants.
Participate in all drills when you hear the alarms ring in a university building.
Exit the building quickly and safely.
Wear shoes, if possible.
Never use elevators — always use the stairs.
Help others evacuate — knock on doors, check bathrooms as you leave the building. Help those with a physical disability evacuate the building.
Be alert for suspicious activity — an alarm may be part of a crime in progress.
Call Campus Security immediately and explain the situation if the alarm in a building has been set off by accident.
Report immediately any vandalism or tampering with alarms, smoke detectors, or other safety equipment.
Home Security
When leaving your residence hall room, home, or office, lock doors and windows even if you will be gone for “just a minute.”
Never leave purses, wallets, or valuables exposed; store them out of sight. Be especially careful with your credit cards, a very popular item among thieves because they are easy to steal and use.
Laptops and tablets are primary targets of theft.
Treat your laptops and tablets as though they are cash.
Keep a list of all items and serial numbers in a safe place.
Never prop doors open.
Car Protection
When you leave your car, always remove the ignition key, close the windows and LOCK ALL DOORS. Do not leave anything in plain sight. Take your belongings with you.
When parking at night, park in well-lit, well-travelled areas.
Using a steering wheel club-type lock is the best and only way to really prevent car theft.
Holiday Security
If you leave campus during the school holidays:
If you must leave your car on campus, remove all valuables.
Place all valuables in your residence hall room, out of sight, and unplug all appliances before you leave
If you stay on campus during the holiday or summer:
Be alert to any suspicious persons around residence halls, bike racks, or parking lots.
Do not walk, jog, or bike alone at night — consider asking a friend to go with you.
Call Campus Security at 541- 517-5197 to report any unusual activity.
Bicycle Safety Tips
Below is a list of safety items that will assist any rider:
A bike light when riding at night.
Working brakes — get new pads and adjustments at any bike shop.
Helmets are highly recommended for any age.
Reflective-type vest in a neon green or orange will aid visibility.
There are six rules to keep in mind when riding:
- Always ride on the right side and with the flow of traffic; ride on the road and not on the sidewalks when possible.
- Ride predictably, whether on a roadway or in a public area. Maintain a steady course and speed.
- Obey all traffic laws. Pedestrians have the right-of-way.
- Pay attention to your surroundings; warn pedestrians or fellow riders when you are passing them with, “On your right!”
- Likewise, pedestrians should warn bicyclists when they place them in danger. You should also warn drivers if they are placing you in danger with their driving. A quick yell to get their attention should suffice.
- Take extra care when passing parking lot exits.
Identifying Your Bicycle
Always keep a record of your bicycle description including make, model, frame/serial number, size, color, and the number of speeds to be reported in case your bike is stolen. Take a picture of your bike and of the serial number.
We recommend registering your bicycle with the City of Eugene.
Locking Your Bike
Use a U-lock to secure your bike. When possible, lock at least your front wheel and frame. Try not to leave your bike locked “free standing.” A thief can easily remove the lock and walk away with the bike.
Don’t park your bike in a doorway or traffic thoroughfare. People in wheelchairs must have a three-foot pathway, and bikes left in handicapped zones are illegal.
Suspicious Activity / Bike Theft in Process
Dial Campus Security at 541-517-5197.
Give the officer the time and location of the incident and description of the suspect.
If your bike is stolen, report it IMMEDIATELY to Campus Security 541-517-5197. Give them the serial number, make model, size, and color of the bike.
You should also report your stolen bicycle to the Eugene Police Department.
Bicycle Accidents
In all injury accidents, call 911.
In non-injury accidents, survey and assess property damage and call Campus Security at 541-517-5197 with your report.
Pedestrian Safety Zones
Regarding mopeds, scooters, and motorcycles: No motorcycle, motor scooter or moped shall be driven, operated, stopped, left standing or parked anywhere except for marked parking lots and streets. These vehicles may not be operated within an area closed to other motor vehicles, and should not be parked close to a building, or underneath a building overhang.
Policy on Controlled Substances & Alcohol
Bushnell University is committed to providing an environment that maximizes student health and learning. Possession, consumption, or furnishing alcoholic beverages are prohibited on campus. Community members also are expected not to abuse legal substances. The use, possession, sale, giving, or exchange of illegal drugs or controlled substances is prohibited by state and federal law and university policy. People who violate the policy are subject to the conduct process. See handbook for full policy.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is a general term used to describe any unwanted sexual activity. It includes but is not limited to, rape. Anyone can be the target of sexual assault, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, sexual history, or social class. There is no stereotypical rapist. Acquaintances (people who know each other in some way) are involved in 85 percent of campus rapes in the United States. It is important that you decide what you want to happen in intimate situations.
While you can never completely protect yourself from sexual assault, there are some things you can do to help reduce your risk of being assaulted.
Be aware of your surroundings. Knowing where you are and who is around you may help you to find a way to get out of a bad situation.
Try to avoid isolated areas. It is more difficult to get help if no one is around.
Walk with purpose. Even if you don’t know where you are going, act like you do.
Trust your instincts. If a situation or location feels unsafe or uncomfortable, it probably isn’t the best place to be.
Try not to load yourself down with packages or bags as this can make you appear more vulnerable.
Make sure your cell phone is with you and charged and that you have cab money.
Don’t allow yourself to be isolated with someone you don’t trust or someone you don’t know.
Avoid putting music headphones in both ears so that you can be more aware of your surroundings, especially if you are walking alone.
If you need to get out of an uncomfortable or scary situation, here are some things that you can try:
Remember that being in this situation is not your fault. You did not do anything wrong, it is the person who is making you uncomfortable that is to blame.
Be true to yourself. Don’t feel obligated to do anything you don’t want to do. “I don’t want to” is always a good enough reason. Do what feels right to you and what you are comfortable with.
Have a code word with your friends or family so that if you don’t feel comfortable you can call them and communicate your discomfort without the person you are with knowing. Your friends or family can then come to get you or make up an excuse for you to leave.
Lie. If you don’t want to hurt the person’s feelings it is better to lie and make up a reason to leave than to stay and be uncomfortable, scared, or worse. Some excuses you could use are: needing to take care of a friend or family member, not feeling well, having somewhere else that you need to be, etc.
Try to think of an escape route. How would you try to get out of the room? Where are the doors? Windows? Are there people around who might be able to help you? Is there an emergency phone nearby?
If you and/or the other person have been drinking, you can say that you would rather wait until you both have your full judgment before doing anything you may regret later.
If you are sexually assaulted
Remember that you are not to blame — no one deserves to be raped.
You should contact the Eugene Police by dialing 911.
Contact Campus Security at 541-517-5197 and Student Life at 541-684-7345.
Peeping Toms
It is usually best not to yell or try to detain an offender. He or she may panic and react in an unpredictable manner. If an offender runs away, note the direction in which she/he traveled. If there is a place from which you can observe safely, watch to see if she/he gets into a car or goes to another residence hall, etc. Try to get a good description of the person and report the incident by calling Campus Security at 541-517-5197 immediately.
Obsence Phone CallsObscene
Report all obscene or threatening phone calls immediately to Campus Security at 541-517-5197. Try to write down the exact wording, if it is a threat. If you have Caller ID, note the phone number or try dialing *69. Ask yourself:
Do I recognize the voice?
Does the caller know me?
Do not enter into any dialogue with the caller.
Next Steps
Interested in becoming a part of the Beacon community? We’re here to answer questions and help you see if Bushnell is right for you.
