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The Clery Act
The Clery Act requires colleges and universities that participate in US federal student financial aid programs to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. Certain categories of crime, arrests and referrals occurring in Clery Act reportable locations (see below) are required to be reported by Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) and included in an Annual Security Report (published by October 1st each year).

Another key requirement of the Clery Act is the issuance of crime alerts to the campus community on crimes considered to be a serious or continuing threat to University community members that are reported to Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) or local law enforcement agencies and that are reported to University Police.

Campus Security Authority (CSA) Responsibilities
The Clery Act identifies certain categories of students, University employees and contractors as CSAs who have federally mandated responsibilities to report alleged Clery Act crimes that they witness or are reported to them. A Clery Act crime is considered “reported” when it is brought to the attention of a CSA, University Police or local law enforcement personnel by a victim, witness, other third party or even the offender. The crime reporting party need not be University affiliated.

Clery Act Crimes and Reportable Locations

To review information on reportable Clery Act crimes, reportable disciplinary referrals and/or the Clery Act incident occurrence locations that are reportable, please reference Clery Act Crime Definitions and Geography. CSAs have an important role in complying with the Clery Act, which was enacted to help create a safer University community. Timely reporting of crimes by CSAs allows the University the opportunity to review whether or not a community crime alert should be issued and assists in maintaining accurate crime data. 

How Are CSAs Identified?
The law defines the following four categories of CSAs:

  1. People or offices responsible for campus security—community service officers, campus contract security personnel, parking enforcement staff, personnel providing access control and/or security at campus facilities, athletic events or other special events, safety escort staff, residential community assistants and other similar positions.
  2. Officials with significant responsibility for student and campus activities—an Official is defined as any person who has the authority and the duty to take action or respond to particular issues on behalf of the University. To determine which individuals of organizations are CSAs, consider job functions that involve relationships with students. Look for Officials (i.e., not support staff) whose functions involve relationships with students. If someone has significant responsibility for student and campus activities, then they would be considered a CSA. Some examples of CSAs in this category include, but are not limited to: academic deans; student affairs / residential life officials; coordinator of Greek affairs (or related positions); athletic administrators, including directors, assistant directors and coaches; student activities coordinators and staff; student judicial officials; faculty and staff advisors to student organizations; student center building staff; student peer education advisors; and administrators at branch campuses.
  3. Any individual or organization specified in an institution's statement of campus security policy as an individual or organization to which students and employees should report criminal offenses.

Additional Information and Assistance
Questions about the Clery Act, the role and responsibilities of a CSA and/or CSA online training should be directed to the Student Life Office (641.784.5104).