5:55 P.M. - Currently Partly Cloudy, 45°F with wind E 13.8 MPH G 23.0 (12 MPH G 20 KT)
Virtual Tour
A-Z Index

Links

National Campus Safety Awareness Month

Security on Campus

U.S Department of Education

 Shots Fired on Campus

To View the Video:
Step 1: Login to Blackboard
Step 2: Click on "Faculty/Staff" or "Student" tab
Step 3: Click on "Public Safety Video: Shots Fired"


Downloads

 Key Request Form

 Statement Form

 Property Identification Inventory Form

 Parking Map

Adobe Reader is needed to read PDF documents

 

Forward to a Friend

Campus Security

Annual Safety Report

Safety on Campus

The Lewis University community offers numerous advantages to students and residents. The community offers a safe and secure learning environment. However, it is not immune to the kinds of problems that occur in the rest of society. Unfortunately, the potential for criminal activity to occur at Lewis University or any Regional Campus is a reality that must be taken seriously.

The University strives to provide a safe and secure environment for students, staff and visitors. However, it is only possible to maintain safety and security when every student, faculty and staff member takes an active part in the effort.

The purpose of this publication is to:

  • Provide the Lewis University Community with an overview of the Campus Security Department’s services.
  • Share crime statistics as required by the Jeanne Cleary Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.
  • Share information with prospective students as well as current University students, faculty and staff.

No matter how effective the University’s programs may be, a crucial and fundamental obligation for safety and security lies with each of us. No security department or set of procedures can be effective unless individuals exercise reasonable care and prudence. Safety and Security is everyone’s responsibility.

To top

Campus Security

Lewis University’s Campus Security Department has the authority granted to them by the institution to uphold the policies as posted in the University Student Handbook. Campus Security also has the authority to ask persons for identification and to determine whether individuals have lawful business at Lewis University. Campus Security also has the authority to issue parking citations, which are billed to financial accounts of students, faculty, and staff.

Campus Security personnel do not possess law enforcement authority. Criminal incidents are referred to local law enforcement, who have jurisdiction on the campus. The Campus Security Office at Lewis University's main campus maintains a highly professional working relationship with the Romeoville Police Department. All crime victims and witnesses are strongly encouraged to immediately report the crime to the Campus Security Department and the Romeoville Police Department. If a crime occurs at a Regional Campus, the local police department where the campus is located should be notified. Prompt reporting will assure timely warning notices on-campus and timely disclosure of crime statistics.

To top

Security and Access

During business hours, the University (excluding certain housing facilities) will be open to students, parents, employees, contractors, guests, and invitees. During non-business hours, access to all University facilities is by key, if issued, or by admittance via the Campus Security Department or Residence Life staff. In the case of periods of extended closing, the University will admit only those with prior written approval to all facilities.

Residence halls are secured 24 hours a day. During extended breaks, such as Winter Break and Summer Break, all residence hall keys are collected from those students who are not remaining on campus over the break. Some facilities may have individual hours, which may vary at different times of the year. Examples are the Library, the Recreation and Fitness Center, and the Philip Lynch Theatre. In these cases, the facilities will be secured according to schedules developed by the department responsible for the facility.

To top

Security Awareness Programs

During orientation at various times throughout the year, students are informed of services offered by the Campus Security Department and the Romeoville Police Department. Video and power point presentations outline ways to maintain personal safety and residence hall security. Students are advised about crime on-campus. Similar information is presented to new employees. Crime Prevention Programs and Sexual Assault Prevention Programs are offered on a continual basis. Periodically during the academic year, the Romeoville Police Department, in cooperation with other university organizations and departments, present crime prevention awareness sessions on survival during an active shooting , personal safety ,and the dangers of drinking and driving. Campus Security also offers presentations on sexual assault defense through the S.A.F.E. program.

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. In addition to seminars, information is disseminated to students and employees through security alert posters, displays, videos, and articles and advertisements in university and student newspapers. When time is of the essence, information is released to the university community through security alerts posted prominently throughout campus, through computer memos sent over the university's electronic mail system, text messaging, and a voice mail broadcasting system. Audible emergency messages can also be sent through a public address system located in buildings through the campus.

To top

Crime Reporting Procedures

The Campus Security Department is the central reporting agency for all crimes occurring on campus. Investigations will be conducted by the Office of Campus Security in cooperation with University officials and local authorities. Any crime reported to the Campus Security Department that is in violation of Criminal Law and Procedures in the State of Illinois may also be reported to the Romeoville Police Department for further investigation.

The Campus Security Department employs at least two full-time supervisors for response purposes per shift, assisted by student officers who are available throughout the day and evening hours. These officers provide a 24-hour patrol to the campus, and screen persons entering the campus through the Information/Security Facility at the entrance to the University after midnight.

For emergency situations contact can be made through the University phone system at extension 5911 or (815) 836-5911 or 911(for local police and fire). For non-emergencies contact can be made through the University phone system at extension 5222 or (815) 836-5222. The dispatcher can immediately contact Campus Security Department personnel, Residence Life duty staff and /or local police and fire departments if necessary.

The Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Student Services or his/her designee will provide timely notification to the Lewis community (students, faculty and staff) regarding possibly dangerous conditions or crimes that are reported to Campus Security Department. Possible methods of notification include “The Flyer” our student newspaper, Lewis community mailboxes, University bulletin boards, the University’s radio and television stations, text messaging, voice or email, and/or memo delivery to the residence hall rooms.

When violent crimes are reported to the Campus Security Department, the following campus victim support services will be contacted in order to assist the victim(s):

  • Vice President for Student Services - ext. 5275
  • Dean of Student Services - ext. 5275
  • Director of Residence Life - ext 5275
  • Director of Health and Counseling Services - ext 5455
  • University Ministry personnel - ext. 5840

After 5:00 p.m. this notification is made through the Campus Security Dispatch Center.

As stated above the following, local and/or state authorities will be notified of the crime as appropriate:

  • Romeoville Police Department - (815) 886-7219
  • Romeoville Fire Department - (815) 886-7227
  • Lockport Fire Protection District – (815) 838-3287
  • Will County Sheriff’s Department - (815) 727-8570
  • Illinois State Police (District 5) - (815) 726-6291

The Campus Security Act of 1990, Section 203 (and as amended in 1998) amends Section 438 (b) of the General Education Provisions Act (commonly referred to as the “Buckley Amendment”). The Campus Security Act of 1990, Section 203 (and as amended in 1998) permits disclosure to the alleged victim(s) of violent crimes* the results of the University’s disciplinary proceedings. The Vice President for Student Services or his designee will disclose the results of the University’s disciplinary proceedings to the victim(s) only. This disclosure may take place only after a written request to the Vice President for Student Services is completed by the victim.

*Violent crimes as stated above are defined as those crimes that are reported according to the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 and as amended in 1998, namely:

  • Murder
  • Manslaughter
  • Rape
  • Sex Offenses (forcible or non-forcible)
  • Robbery
  • Aggravated Assault
  • Burglary
  • Theft
  • Motor Vehicle Theft
  • Arson
  • Hate Crimes (see below for explanation)

Hate Crimes are defined by federal law to include:

Any crime of murder, sex offense (forcible or non-forcible), robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, manslaughter, arson, and any other crimes involving bodily injury to any person in which the victim is intentionally selected because of the actual or perceived race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or disability of the victim which is reported to campus security authorities or local police agencies. Data shall be collected and reported according to category of prejudice.

To top

MAIN CAMPUS

RH= Residence Halls, OC = Total On campus, PP = Public Property

CRIMINAL OFFENSES
Offenses
2006
2007
2008
RH OC PP RH OC PP RH OC PP
Murder
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Sex offense – Forcible
1 1 0 1 1 0 2 2 0
Sex Offense – non Force
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Robbery
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Aggravated Assault
0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0
Burglary
5 5 0 3 3 0 2 4 0
Motor Vehicle Theft
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Arson
1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0
Theft Under 300.00
10 23 0 9 18 0 7 13 0
Theft Over 300.00
2 4 0 4 8 0 4 5 0
Total Theft
12 27 0 13 26 0 11 17 0


HATE CRIMES
Offenses
2006
2007
2008
RH OC PP RH OC PP RH OC PP
Murder
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Sex offense – Forcible
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Sex Offense – non Force
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Robbery
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Aggravated Assault
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Burglary
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Arson
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


ARRESTS
Offenses
2006
2007
2008
RH OC PP RH OC PP RH OC PP
Liquor Law Violations
0 0 0 4 4 0 1 1 0
Drug Law Violations
2 2 0 3 4 0 6 6 0
Illegal weapons
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


DISCIPLINARY ACTION
Offenses
2006
2007
2008
RH OC PP RH OC PP RH OC PP
Liquor Law Violations
156 156 0 95 95 0 166 166 0
Drug Law Violations
2 2 0 3 4 0 5 5 0
Illegal weapons
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


HICKORY HILLS CAMPUS

OC = Total On campus, PP = Public Property

CRIMINAL OFFENSES
Offenses
2006
2007
2008
   
     OC PP      OC PP      OC PP
Murder
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Sex offense – Forcible
  0 0   1 0   0 0
Sex Offense – non Force
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Robbery
  0 0   0 0   0 2
Aggravated Assault
  0 0   0 1   0 0
Burglary
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Arson
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Theft Under 300.00
  0 0   0 1   0 0
Theft Over 300.00
  0 0   0 1   0 2
Total Theft
  0 0   0 2   0 2


ARRESTS
Offenses
2006
2007
2008
     OC PP      OC PP      OC PP
Liquor Law Violations
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Drug Law Violations
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Illegal weapons
  0 0   0 0   0 0


TINLEY PARK CAMPUS

OC = Total On campus, PP = Public Property

CRIMINAL OFFENSES
Offenses
2006
2007
2008
   
     OC PP      OC PP      OC PP
Murder
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Sex offense – Forcible
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Sex Offense – non Force
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Robbery
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Aggravated Assault
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Burglary
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Arson
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Theft Under 300.00
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Theft Over 300.00
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Total Theft
  0 0   0 0   0 0


ARRESTS
Offenses
2006
2007
2008
     OC PP      OC PP      OC PP
Liquor Law Violations
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Drug Law Violations
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Illegal weapons
  0 0   0 0   0 0


SHOREWOOD CAMPUS

OC = Total On campus, PP = Public Property

CRIMINAL OFFENSES
Offenses
2006
2007
2008
   
     OC PP      OC PP      OC PP
Murder
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Sex offense – Forcible
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Sex Offense – non Force
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Robbery
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Aggravated Assault
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Burglary
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Arson
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Theft Under 300.00
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Theft Over 300.00
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Total Theft
  0 0   0 0   0 0


ARRESTS
Offenses
2006
2007
2008
     OC PP      OC PP      OC PP
Liquor Law Violations
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Drug Law Violations
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Illegal weapons
  0 0   0 0   0 0


OAKBROOK CAMPUS

OC = Total On campus, PP = Public Property

CRIMINAL OFFENSES
Offenses
2006
2007
2008
   
     OC PP      OC PP      OC PP
Murder
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Sex offense – Forcible
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Sex Offense – non Force
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Robbery
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Aggravated Assault
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Burglary
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Arson
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Theft Under 300.00
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Theft Over 300.00
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Total Theft
  0 0   0 0   0 0


ARRESTS
Offenses
2006
2007
2008
     OC PP      OC PP      OC PP
Liquor Law Violations
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Drug Law Violations
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Illegal weapons
  0 0   0 0   0 0


CHICAGO CAMPUS

OC = Total On campus, PP = Public Property

CRIMINAL OFFENSES
Offenses
2007**
2008**
   
                    OC PP      OC PP
Murder
        0 0   0 0
Sex offense – Forcible
        0 0   0 0
Sex Offense – non Force
        0 0   0 0
Robbery
        0 0   0 0
Aggravated Assault
        0 0   0 0
Burglary
        0 0   0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft
        0 0   0 0
Arson
        0 0   0 0
Theft Under 300.00
        0 0   0 0
Theft Over 300.00
        0 0   0 0
Total Theft
        0 0   0 0


ARRESTS
Offenses
2006
2007
2008
     OC PP      OC PP      OC PP
Liquor Law Violations
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Drug Law Violations
  0 0   0 0   0 0
Illegal weapons
  0 0   0 0   0 0


** The local Police Department was unable to provide a statistical breakdown of crimes that were appropriate for Cleary Reporting.

Crime statistics may also be viewed on the U.S. Department of Education website at: http://www.ope.ed.gov/security/search.asp

Drug and Alcohol Policy

State of Illinois and the Village of Romeoville laws prohibit the possession, use or purchase of liquor, beer, or wine by persons under 21 years of age. Lewis University complies with Federal, State and Local laws including those which regulate the possession, use and sale of alcohol and illegal drugs or controlled substances. The following represents a general summary of the Alcohol and Drug Policies of Lewis University. On the University’s premises or at University sponsored activities, the following are prohibited:

  1. Providing alcoholic beverages to individuals under 21 years of age, or possession of alcoholic beverages by individuals under 21 years of age.
  2. Possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage, public intoxication, driving while intoxicated and drinking alcoholic beverages in an unauthorized public place.
  3. Distribution, possession or use of any illegal drug(s) or controlled substance. (Explained more specifically in the Student Handbook)

The Student Handbook outlines more policies and procedures and disciplinary actions. Possible sanctions for violations range from fines to dismissal from the University.

Alcohol may be consumed in moderation by students who are at least 21 years of age in their own room with the door closed. Guests of students must also be at least 21 years of age.

Further, at sanctioned student organization event(s), where alcohol is present, a State of Illinois Driver’s License or other identification with the individual’s date of birth must be produced upon request of a Lewis University official or local law enforcement officer(s).

All students are prohibited from possessing or consuming alcoholic beverages on campus, including the grounds and non-residential campus facilities, except as authorized by University personnel.

The Center for Health and Counseling Services will provide student counseling and refer students to related campus and off-campus alcohol and drug education.

Educational programs addressing alcohol and other drugs are co-sponsored by the Office of Student Services, the Office of Residence Life, Student Development &Leadership, University Ministry, the Student Recreation and Fitness Center, Health and Counseling Services, and Campus Security.

To top

Procedures Regarding Sex Offenses

Should a sexual offense occur on campus, the offense should be reported to the Campus Security Department. The victim will need to decide whether or not to pursue the matter with the law enforcement officials. In either case, the Campus Security Department will report the offense to the Romeoville Police Department. The victim will then notify the law enforcement officials of the decision as to whether or not to pursue criminal action. The victim will also have access to a medical advocate from Sexual Assault Service Center. Advocates can provide crisis intervention services both here on campus and in a medical setting if the victim so chooses. Advocates provide survivors with the information and emotional support they need to make informed choices and regain a sense of control over their lives.

It is very important that evidence be preserved at the scene of the alleged offense, for the integrity of the criminal investigation. Any pieces of clothing, weapons, etc. should not be touched until the Romeoville Police Department officials arrive. It will be the responsibility of Campus Security Department personnel to secure the scene of the alleged offense to ensure that no one disturbs the scene pending arrival of the Romeoville Police Department.

The following Campus Victim Support Services may be notified so that they can be available to assist the victim depending on the circumstances:

  1. Director of Campus Security
  2. Director of Residence Life
  3. Director of University Ministry
  4. Director of Counseling Services
  5. Dean of Student Services
  6. Vice President for Student Services

The following off-campus victim support services are available to assist the victim:

  1. Sexual Assault Services Center
    (815)730-8984

  2. Provena St. Joseph Medical Center
    Emergency Room Sexual Assault Team
    333 N. Madison St.
    Joliet, IL.
    (815) 725-7133

  3. Silver Cross Hospital
    1200 Maple Road
    Joliet, IL.
    (815) 740-7050 (Emergency Room)

  4. Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital
    500 Remington Boulevard
    Bolingbrook, IL
    (630) 312-5000

  5. Linden Oaks Hospital
    852 West Street
    Naperville, Il.
    (800) 955-OAKS (6257)

  6. Crisis Line of Will County
    (815) 722-3344

Lewis University takes immediate steps to investigate all reported allegations of sexual misconduct and ensure the safety of the victims. The University may change academic and living arrangements after an alleged sex offense if appropriate. The University advises victims of the option for a change in academic and living arrangements. Victims are advised to address the request for the change to the Director of Residence Life.

The Office of Residence Life conducts Judicial Board hearings with the purpose of examining relevant information and evidence in order to determine whether the accused student is in violation or not in violation. The hearing is conducted according to the dictates of fairness and due process. Only persons directly involved with the case are allowed at the hearing. Both the accused and the accuser are entitled to the same opportunity to have an advisor present during a disciplinary hearing. Both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the final determination of the judicial proceedings concerning an alleged sexual offense. The University may impose sanctions up to and including expulsion following a final determination by the Board.

For further information concerning the Judicial Process, please refer to the Student Handbook.

To top

Registered Sex Offenders

As a provision of the Campus Security Act as amended, Lewis University is required to provide information to members of the community on the presence of registered sex offenders living in the area. The Illinois State Police provides an online listing of sex offenders required to register in the State of Illinois. The database is updated daily and allows searching by city, county, and zip code.

This information may be obtained from the Illinois State Police on the internet at: http://www.isp.state.il.us/sor/

To top

Weapons Possessions

The possession, use or sale of firearms, ammunition, fireworks, major or minor explosives, or any lethal weapon (including paint ball guns, pellet or B.B. guns, hunting bows, arrows, and knives) is forbidden on campus. Violators are subject to University disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the University; as well as to Federal, State of Illinois, and local criminal actions.

Only the Vice President for Student Services can approve the use of firearms on the Lewis University campus. The Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program has been granted permission by the Office of Student Services to carry firearms on campus for training purposes only.

To top

Residence Life Policies and Procedures

The Residence Life staff maintains a strong commitment to campus safety and security. The Residence Life department monitors safety and security in the residence halls. On call duty responsibilities play a major role in this commitment. Residence Life staff members are on duty in the residence halls whenever the Office of Student Services is closed. The duty staff is available by telephone or radio contact. They are responsible for completing rounds regularly throughout all of the residence halls.

Residents may call ext. 3889 (D-U-T-Y) in order to access duty staff. This is the D-U-T-Y hotline. Should residents be unable to reach a staff member by phone, they may contact Campus Security so that the duty staff member can be contacted by radio.

All residence hall exterior doors other than designated entrance/exit doors are alarmed and secured at all times. These doors are to be used to exit the building only in an emergency situation. Any tampering with these doors will result in up to a $1,000 fine to the responsible parties or to the entire building when the violators are unknown. Residents must use their room key to gain entry into the building.

The Office of Residence Life, located in the Office of Student Services, hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. each weekday. Students are encouraged to call the office at ext. 5275 during the day should they need to contact a staff member in an emergency. The hall staff contacts Campus Security for emergency support on a 24-hour basis.

The Dean of Student Services, the Director of Residence Life, and the Associate Director of Campus Security reside on campus and are available to staff for referral and emergency response purposes. Residence Life staff report any damages/hazards in the residence halls. Violations of University policy are documented by the Residence Life staff and referred to a Director of Residence Life for appropriate judicial action.

To top