Texas State University’s 2024 Annual Security and Safety Report: An Overview

Texas State University’s 2024 Annual Security and Safety Report: An In-Depth Overview

Each year, Texas State University publishes its Annual Security and Safety Report, providing the campus community with important information about safety policies, crime statistics, and resources available on campus. The 2024 report is now available and offers an in-depth overview of various aspects of campus safety.

Key Components of the Report

The report includes several key sections:

• Campus Security Policy: This section outlines the university’s policies related to campus security, including access control, emergency response plans, and reporting of crimes.
• Crime Statistics: The report provides statistics regarding reported crimes on campus for the previous three years. These statistics are broken down into various categories, such as violent crimes, property crimes, and hate crimes.
• Campus Safety Resources: This section details the various resources available to students, faculty, and staff for ensuring their safety on campus, such as emergency response services, mental health resources, and safety education programs.

Importance of the Report for Students, Faculty, and Staff

It is essential that students, faculty, and staff are familiar with the contents of the report, as it provides valuable information that can help keep them safe on campus. Additionally, the report is required by federal law to be made available publicly, so all members of the campus community have access to this important information.

Accessing the Report

The 2024 Annual Security and Safety Report can be accessed online through the Texas State University Police Department‘s website. Paper copies of the report are also available upon request from the police department.

Conclusion

The Annual Security and Safety Report is a vital resource for the Texas State University community, providing critical information about campus safety policies, crime statistics, and resources. By staying informed and familiar with the contents of this report, students, faculty, and staff can take steps to ensure their safety on campus.

Staying Informed

It is important to note that the report only covers statistics and information up to a certain point in time. To stay informed about current campus safety issues, students, faculty, and staff should sign up for emergency alerts and regularly check the university’s official communications channels. Additionally, attending safety education programs and engaging with campus safety resources can help promote a safer campus environment for all.

Texas State University, located in San Marcos, Texas, is dedicated to providing a safe and secure learning environment for its students. With an enrollment of over 38,000 students, the university understands the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in all aspects of campus life. One of the ways TSU accomplishes this is through the Annual Security and Safety Report. This report, required by federal law, is designed to provide current and prospective students and employees with detailed information about crime statistics on campus. By openly sharing this data, TSU demonstrates its commitment to student safety and fosters a culture of awareness and prevention.

Key Sections and Topics

In this report, you will find information on various topics that are crucial for your understanding of safety and security at TSU. Some of the key sections include:

Crime Statistics

This section outlines crime statistics for the previous three years, as reported to the campus police department and local law enforcement agencies. Information on both on-campus and off-campus crimes is provided.

Security Policy and Campus Facilities

This section discusses the various security measures in place on campus, including emergency response plans, campus facilities security, and access control systems.

Fire Safety and Evacuation Procedures

In this section, you will find information on fire safety statistics for TSU residences and campus buildings. Additionally, detailed evacuation procedures are outlined to ensure your safety in case of an emergency.

Campus Alerts and Timely Warnings

This section explains how the university communicates important safety information to its community, including emergency alerts and timely warnings.

Campus Safety Overview

Crime Statistics for the Previous Three Years (as reported to the U.S. Department of Education)

Number of Crimes Reported:

• On Campus: X number of crimes reported in year 1, Y number of crimes reported in year 2, and Z number of crimes reported in year 3.
• In Residential Areas: A number of crimes reported in each year.
• Off-Campus Properties: Another set of crimes reported in each year.

Types of Crimes:

Violent Crimes: X number of violent crimes reported in total for the three years (e.g., murder: X, rape: Y, robbery: Z, aggravated assault: W).

Property Crimes: X number of property crimes reported in total for the three years (e.g., theft: A, motor vehicle theft: B).

Other Crimes: X number of other crimes reported in total for the three years (e.g., arson: C, drug-related offenses: D).

Campus Safety Initiatives and Collaborations with Law Enforcement Agencies

Emergency Response Plans:

The university has implemented emergency response plans to deal with various scenarios, such as active shooter situations and severe weather events. Regular drills and trainings ensure all students, staff, and faculty members are well-prepared.

University Police Department:

The University Police Department is responsible for maintaining campus safety and provides various services, such as patrols, emergency response, and investigations.

Collaboration with Local Agencies:

The university works closely with the San Marcos Police Department, Hays County Sheriff’s Office, and other local agencies to ensure a safe campus environment. Regular communication and coordinated efforts help address any potential safety concerns.

Crime Prevention Resources and Educational Programs

Self-Defense Workshops and Seminars:

The university offers regular self-defense workshops and seminars to help students, staff, and faculty members learn essential skills for personal safety.

Safety Apps and Technology Tools:

Students, staff, and faculty can make use of various safety apps and technology tools to help them stay informed about campus safety and ensure their personal safety.

Campus Safety Awareness Campaigns:

Regular campus safety awareness campaigns help educate the community on various topics, such as personal safety, emergency response procedures, and reporting crimes.

I Security Policies and Procedures

Description of Campus Access Control Policies:

Our campus prides itself on maintaining a secure and safe environment for students, faculty, and staff. One crucial aspect of this commitment is the implementation of strict access control policies. All students are issued unique student IDs that serve as their official university identification. These IDs must be presented to gain access to various campus facilities such as libraries, laboratories, and residential halls. Visitors are required to obtain visitor passes from the university’s security office before entering campus premises. Access to certain areas may also be restricted based on an individual’s role or need-to-know basis.

Emergency Procedures and Protocols:

Evacuation Plans and Drills:

The university has carefully crafted evacuation plans for various emergencies, including natural disasters and other potential threats. Regular drills are conducted to ensure that everyone is familiar with the procedures and can respond effectively in case of an emergency. These drills serve not only to test the physical readiness of the campus community but also to fine-tune our communication and response systems.

Communication Systems:

A robust communication system is in place to keep the campus community informed about emergencies. This includes various channels such as email, text messaging, and the university’s emergency alert system. In case of a campus-wide emergency, critical information is disseminated through these channels to ensure that all students, faculty, and staff are aware of the situation and any necessary protective actions.

Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence, and Stalking Policies and Resources:

Reporting Procedures:

Our campus takes sexual misconduct, relationship violence, and stalking seriously. The university has established clear reporting procedures for incidents involving these issues. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to report any such incidents to the university’s Title IX coordinator or other designated campus officials. Reports can be made in person, by phone, or through an online reporting form. Confidential resources are also available for those who wish to report anonymously.

Title IX Compliance and Investigative Processes:

The university is fully committed to Title IX compliance. Once a report has been made, the university will promptly and equitably investigate all reports of sexual misconduct, relationship violence, or stalking. This includes conducting interviews with all parties involved and gathering evidence to determine the appropriate course of action. The university strives to provide a safe and supportive environment for victims while also ensuring due process for all parties involved.

Support Services:

Our campus offers a range of support services for victims and survivors of sexual misconduct, relationship violence, or stalking. These resources include counseling, academic accommodations, and assistance with reporting the incident to law enforcement agencies if desired.

Alcohol and Drug Policies:

Campus Enforcement:

The university has strict alcohol and drug policies in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. These policies prohibit the possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs and alcohol on campus property. Students who violate these policies may be subject to disciplinary action.

Educational Programs:

In addition to enforcement, the university also offers a range of educational programs aimed at promoting responsible alcohol and drug use. These programs include workshops, seminars, and training sessions designed to help students make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Technology Security

At our university, we prioritize the security of our technology infrastructure to ensure the protection of valuable data and maintain the privacy of our students, faculty, and staff. Below are some key components of our technology security efforts:

Technology Security Infrastructure

Firewalls

Our network employs robust firewalls that filter and block unauthorized access to our systems. These firewalls are regularly updated to protect against the latest threats.

Intrusion Detection Systems

We also utilize advanced intrusion detection systems to monitor network traffic for suspicious activity and alert our IT team of potential threats.

Data Encryption Practices

All data, both in transit and at rest, is encrypted using industry-standard protocols to ensure confidentiality. Our servers are located in secure facilities with restricted access.

Password Policies and Personal Device Security

Password Creation and Management

We enforce strict password policies requiring complex, unique passwords for all university accounts. Regular password changes are mandatory, and we offer tools to help users create strong passwords.

Guidelines for Securing Personal Devices

Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to follow these guidelines when connecting personal devices to our campus networks:

• Install and maintain antivirus software.
• Keep operating systems, applications, and firmware updated.
• Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts.
• Avoid storing sensitive information on personal devices.
• Limit the use of personal devices to university networks when necessary.

Reporting and Addressing Cyber Threats and Data Breaches

If you suspect a cyber threat or data breach, please report it to our IT department as soon as possible. Our team is available 24/7 at [email protected] or by calling the IT Help Desk at x123Do not share suspicious emails or links with others, and do not attempt to investigate or resolve the issue yourself.

Procedures for Reporting and Addressing Incidents

1. Contact the IT Help Desk immediately.
2. Provide as much detail as possible about the incident, including time, location, and any suspicious emails or links.
3. Follow instructions from IT staff regarding next steps, such as changing passwords or disconnecting devices.

By following these guidelines and working together with our IT team, we can maintain a secure technology environment that protects your data and privacy. Stay informed about the latest security threats and best practices by visiting our Security page regularly.

Student Health and Well-being

Description of Campus Health Services:

The Student Health Center at our campus is dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare services to students. The center offers a wide range of services including primary care, sick visits, immunizations, lab tests, and health education. Students can also access the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) which provides mental health resources to help students manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional concerns. The CAPS team includes licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers who offer individual and group therapy sessions, crisis intervention services, and emergency evaluations.

Campus Health Initiatives:

Our campus takes a proactive approach to students’ health and well-being through various initiatives. During flu season, the campus hosts flu clinics where students can get vaccinated to protect themselves and others from the flu. Additionally, our campus is tobacco-free, creating a healthier environment for all students. The campus health team also offers educational programs on topics such as nutrition, sexual health, and substance abuse prevention.

Resources for Students with Disabilities:

Our campus is committed to providing equal access to students with disabilities. The Office of Disability Services offers a range of accommodations and services to help students succeed academically and socially. These services include but are not limited to, academic accommodations such as extended time on exams, note-taking assistance, interpreters or captioning for lectures, and housing accommodations. The office also provides counseling services specifically designed to address the unique needs of students with disabilities.

VI. Conclusion

In conclusion, Texas Southern University (TSU) is deeply committed to the safety, security, and well-being of its students, staff, and faculty. Safety, security, and well-being are top priorities at TSU. It is crucial that every member of our campus community stays informed and vigilant.

Summary of TSU’s Commitment

TSU continuously works to maintain a safe learning environment through various measures such as emergency response plans, campus patrols, and community engagement programs. These efforts are detailed in the Annual Security and Safety Report. We encourage everyone to read this report carefully and familiarize themselves with the information it contains.

Encouragement for Engagement

We strongly encourage all students, staff, and faculty to familiarize themselves with the Annual Security and Safety Report and take advantage of the numerous resources available to them. By being knowledgeable about the safety measures in place and knowing how to respond in emergency situations, we can collectively enhance the overall security of our campus.

Contact Information and Updates

In case of an incident, please report it to the TSU Police Department at (713) 313-1234 or visit their office in person. To access campus resources and receive emergency updates, sign up for TSU Alerts through the myTSU student portal or download the TSU Mobile app. Staying informed and engaged is essential for maintaining a safe campus community.