Webster University strives to maintain a safe and secure environment in which all members of the community are aware of and committed to respecting the rights and the human dignity of every other member as they pursue their academic and personal goals.

There are, however, certain behaviors, which are inconsistent with the mission and goals of the University. It is Webster’s policy to investigate promptly and seek the equitable resolution of all alleged violations of this code. Unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:

• Theft,
• Vandalism,
• Harassment, (intimidation or threats based on race, gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity),
• Sexual Misconduct,
• Hazing,
• Illegal Alcohol/Drug Use,
• Possession of firearms on campus,
• Assault (verbal and/or physical),
• Rape (sexual intercourse without the consent of the other person achieved through threat, force or deception).

For complete information about University policies, please obtain a copy of our Student Handbook from the Office of Student Affairs.

Date Rape

Date rape drugs can be placed in any drink, not just alcohol. Effects may range from a feeling of well-being and short term memory loss to an apparent aphrodisiac and intoxication effect.

Serious adverse effects can occur such as seizures, insomnia, anxiety, nausea, dizziness, hallucinations, and coma, even death. Some common side effects of these drugs include a drunken appearance, drowsiness, light-headedness, staggering, confusion, muscle relaxation, and amnesia that can last up to 24 hours.

If one suspects they or someone they know has been drugged and/or assaulted, first, go to a safe place, call the Department of Public Safety and/or Office of Student Affairs or local police if off campus, go to Health Services or the local hospital’s emergency room for immediate treatment.

Dating Violence

Webster University is committed to providing on-campus security, education, training and victim services to combat violence against all persons. Dating Violence is defined as violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim, and where the existence of such a relationship shall be based on a consideration of the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and frequency of interaction between the person involved in the relationship.

The campus Advocate offers support and counseling for individuals who have experienced dating violence to include emotional support and education in making healthy choices.

A student victim of dating violence has the right, in addition to filing charges through the criminal justice system, to file a complaint with the university’s Campus Advocate.

Upon request, all victims of any sexual offense, students and staff alike will be provided options by counseling staff relative to changing academic or living situations after an alleged sexual assault incident, if reasonably available.

Missing Student

If a member of the University community has reason to believe that a student is missing, whether or not the student resides on campus, all possible efforts are made to locate the student to determine his/her state of health and well-being through the collaboration of the Department of Public Safety and Student Affairs.

If the student is an on-campus resident then the Department of Public Safety shall secure authorization from Student Affairs officials to make a welfare entry into the student’s room.

If the student is an off-campus student resident, the Department of Public Safety shall enlist the aid of Webster Groves Police Department.

At the same time, Webster University officials shall make every attempt to locate the whereabouts of the individual through contact with friends, associates, etc.

If located, the student’s health and well-being will be of the utmost priority. If appropriate, referral will be made to Student Affairs.

If not located, notification of the family within 24 hours of receiving the report is made to determine if they know of the whereabouts of the student. The Department of Public Safety will assist local law enforcement in all ways prescribed by law.

Disciplinary Proceedings

Because Webster University is an educational institution, judicial procedures and disciplinary response to student behavior are designed as much for guidance and correction of behavior as for invoking fair and appropriate sanction. Though every effort is made to address the seriousness of the offense and the record of conduct, of a given student, specific responses are not rigidly predetermined.

The University recognizes that inappropriate behavior may be a result of the student’s inability to solve a problem or manage a situation appropriately. Ultimately, the student must accept responsibility for his/her behavior and the consequences that result. The University, however, also recognizes that judicial responses may include providing students with educational alternatives that assist the student in learning how to handle certain situations.

The fundamental hope is that the student can learn and grow from the incident and sanctions imposed in response to that behavior, and that he or she can make necessary changes in his/her behavior to become a constructive member of the educational community.

The rights of a student and the specific procedures for reporting, and actions taken can be obtained in the student life policies and procedures guidebook provided by the Dean of Student Affairs.

Sanctions

In determining sanctions, administrators and the Hearing Board will consider the nature and seriousness of the offense. Sanctions are determined by the administrator or the hearing Board and implemented by the appropriate administrator or.

Sanctions include but are not limited to: written reprimand, mandatory educational and/or counseling programs, restriction of campus access, disciplinary probation, suspension, or termination (in the case of employees), or expulsion (in the case of students).

All Extended Campus Locations

General Information

The local law enforcement authority having jurisdiction should be called immediately to report all criminal acts affecting our respective extended site locations. There are no Webster University Public Safety officers at the off campus sites with the exception of the St. Louis Extended Campuses.

Students and employees are encouraged to report all crimes to the local police department in the jurisdiction where the program is located. The local police department is responsible for conducting any required investigation with regard to crimes reported at the off campus sites.

Also notify the appropriate personnel within the campus if you are a victim of crime. By notifying on site officials, the determination can be made as to whether a “Crime Alert” needs to be issued at that location for the safety of all students and employees of the site and to assist in maintaining accurate statistics.

Webster University does not condone violations of the law and administrative proceedings may be taken against students who are involved in criminal activity. This action may include revocation of certain privileges, suspension, or expulsion from the University.

The Department of Public Safety has developed a general reporting format and notification protocol to communicate all significant activity that may affect our global community. The department is available for providing assistance in preventive or investigative activity specifically in the area of asset protection, security, fire prevention, workplace safety and related compliance issues.

Personal Responsibilities of University Students and Staff

Students and staff at off-campus locations must assume responsibility for their own personal safety and the security of their personal belongings. The following precautions should be used as guidelines:

• Report all suspicious activity to proper authorities immediately.
• Never take personal safety for granted.
• If possible, avoid walking alone at night, especially in low-lighted areas.
• Do not leave valuables in your car in plain view.
• Never leave your personal belongings such as wallets, purses, cell phones, unattended.