Campus Safety and Security

Campus Safety

RVU Security has several ways to ensure that our campus community remains a safe and secure learning environment, including CCTV surveillance cameras, an access-controlled facility, advanced fire control system, RAVE Emergency Notification System, and officer patrols and escorts. We also work closely with local police and fire departments.

The Rocky Vista University Department of Campus Safety and Security is committed to providing safety and security services in a professional and consistent manner. RVU strives to provide these services with integrity, timely communication, and problem-solving.

Students, staff and faculty, if you would like to receive a text message notification of future RVU campus closures or emergencies, please contact the RVU Information Service Department and opt in, providing a cell phone number and service provider.

Please see the RVUCOM-UT Emergency Response and Communication Plan (PDF) for more detailed information.

Campus Safety & Security Information

Printed information and communication about sexual misconduct and assault awareness, prevention, and reporting is made available to students and staff outside of the Office of Campus Safety and Security, at the security front desk, and electronically on television monitors around the campus.

Services for Students and Employees

• ID Cards – Get your Student or employee ID card at the Security office. Bring Photo I.D (driver’s license) and the officer will replace an existing badge at no charge. ID Card’s are required to be visible at all times. You also need it for the Library printer and admittance to college activities.
• Parking Permits – Any motor vehicle parked on the RVU Campus parking lots must display a valid parking permit or pass. Parking Permit forms are available at the front security desk or on the iNet. A parking map of the RVU campus can be found here.
• Safety Escort Program – The Safety Escort Program is available to all students and staff at any time of the day or night. Contact any Campus Safety and Security Officer or call (435) 222-1300 for a safety escort on campus. Do not hesitate to ask for a safety escort if a situation makes you feel afraid or threatened. Any reason is a legitimate reason to request a safety escort.
• Motorist Assistance – The Campus Safety and Security Department offers jump-starts for vehicles with dead batteries, help with changing a flat tire, or assist you in calling “AAA” or a local tow service. The Department is not allowed to assist in unlocking your vehicle for any reason.
• Lost and Found – Collected or found items are maintained in the property room of the security office. Items turned in are kept for 180 days. Check with our office often if you have lost something. Proper identification on your valuables helps officers return your property to you faster. For assistance, call or stop by the security office

Bicycle Parking

• Please comply with the State bicycle laws
• Only use bike racks to park your bike
• Parked bicycles that create safety hazards may be impounded
• Bicycles are not permitted in campus buildings
• It is recommended that a U-style lock with a cut key be used to secure your bike to the racks

The basic Emergency Response Plan outlined is to protect lives and property through effective use of campus community resources. Whenever a situation or an emergency affecting the campus reaches proportions that cannot be handled by routine procedures, the Emergency Response Plan shall be implemented.

For more information, review the RVUCOM-UT Emergency Response and Communication Plan. 

Emergency Notification System to Enhance Emergency Preparedness

The safety of students, faculty, and staff is a constant priority at RVU. The ability to quickly provide notice, accurate information, and instructions with minimum delay during a situation is crucial. To accomplish this, RVU has selected RAVE Emergency Notification System, a multi-modal communication service that allows RVU campus leaders and campus safety and security personnel to deliver time-sensitive notifications to our students, faculty, and staff during unforeseen events or emergencies.

These systems complement our existing campus emergency response plans, which are continuously updated to be responsive to both man-made and natural disasters. University and campus leaders have integrated our computer systems with the RAVE system. This system is only used during emergencies and related tests or drills.

In the event that a crime occurs on campus, the Department of Campus Safety and Security will post a “Timely Notice” alert in compliance with the provisions of the Federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998.

RVUCOM-UT Mass Notification Policy (PDF)

RVU Active Shooter Training Exercise 2018:

RVU Exercise (YouTube Video)

Please Watch:  Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Active Shooter Video

Run, Hide, Fight Video (Ctrl – Click)

Please refer to the Office of Compliance and Quality Assurance page for information about RVU’s Title IX policy, as well as information about sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. There is also information on that page about how to report a crime.

Protect Yourself

• Avoid people who don’t allow you to make your own decisions and those who give you the feeling that you “owe them” something.
• Be very explicit with dates about how intimate you expect the relationship to be.
• Do not assume that a person will know that you are comfortable with “going so far” and no further.
• Don’t drink beverages that you did not open yourself.
• Don’t exchange or share drinks with anyone.
• Don’t drink from a container that is being passed around.
• If someone offers you a drink at a bar or club, accompany the person to the bar, watch the drink being poured, and carry the drink yourself.
• Don’t leave your drink unattended while using the restroom or making a phone call. If you realize you have left it unattended, throw the drink away.
• Don’t mix drugs and alcohol.

If you have been sexually assaulted, it’s never too late to get help.

• Go to a safe place.
• Call someone.
• Do not bathe, wash hands, or clean fingernails. It is important that victims preserve evidence that may be necessary to prove criminal sexual assault.
• Do not remove clothing worn during or following the assault as these frequently contain valuable fiber, hair, and fluid evidence.
• Do not apply or take any medication.
• Get medical attention as soon as possible.
• When you get to the hospital, tell the triage staff you have been sexually assaulted.

If the assault happened some time ago:

• Seek counseling.
• Seek medical attention for treatment of injuries or symptoms related to the assault.
• Consider reporting the incident to the police.
• Pursue the campus judicial process.
• Pursue academic or administrative assistance.
• Access other community support resources.

Coping with Sexual Assault
Victims of sexual assault may find it helpful to discuss their experience with a counselor. Victim advocates and counselors are available to meet with victims in an informal and private setting. Referrals for these services are available through the Student Affairs office. The Student Affairs Office and the Security Department may also be able to assist in changing a student’s academic situation, by serving as a source of referral to outside agencies, and by providing information about on- and off-campus reporting, prosecution procedures, and the college disciplinary process.

College Response to a Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is a criminal act which subjects the perpetrator to criminal and civil penalties in state and federal courts. In addition, Rocky Vista University will respond administratively if a sexual assault or other criminal offense involves a student or employee as the offender. Students and employees are subject to applicable laws, college policies, and disciplinary procedures, including policies prohibiting sexual harassment.

Possible Sanctions Against Offenders
Victims may begin a disciplinary action by reporting the incident to the Security Department or to the Student Affairs office. A written statement detailing the incident may be requested. The accuser and accused are entitled to have others present during a disciplinary hearing. In the case of sexual assault, both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the outcome. In addition to any criminal sanctions, a sexual assault perpetrator is subject to appropriate employee or student disciplinary sanctions.

• Faculty and staff: the range of employment penalties include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: counseling, reprimand, suspension, or termination of employment.
• Students: Students who violate federal, state, or local laws are subject to criminal charges. In addition, the perpetrator may be subject to disciplinary actions as set forth in the student code of conduct. The ranges of sanctions for violations of the code of conduct include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: suspension, expulsion, alteration of class schedule, probation, loss of privileges, or a warning.

Rights of the Victim
A person who reports having been sexually assaulted has the right to:

• Request a female or male officer to take the report.
• Have his/her identity protected, consistent with legal requirements.
• Be treated professionally and with sensitivity, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation of the victim or the perpetrator.
• Assistance with medical treatment, counseling, and other resources, including transportation to a hospital, if desired.
• Be informed of the outcome of a police investigation.
• Request an alternative academic or employment situation, if such an alternative is available.
• Have all questions answered fully.
• Upon request, the College will disclose to the alleged victim of a crime of violence or a non forcible sex offense, the results of any disciplinary hearing conducted by the College against the student who is the alleged perpetrator of the crime or offense. If the alleged victim is deceased as a result of the crime or offense, the College will provide the results of the disciplinary hearing to the victim’s next of kin, if so requested.

Reporting Sexual Misconduct

The University encourages all individuals to report possible sexual misconduct that they suffer or observe, and requires responsible employees of the University to do so, using one of the investigative resources described below.

The purpose of these investigation procedures is to provide prompt and equitable processes for addressing and investigating incidents of sexual misconduct allegedly committed against students and employees. A lengthy period of time between an alleged occurrence and an investigation may make fact-finding more difficult; therefore, individuals are encouraged to raise concerns and complaints as soon as possible.

The University provides three different procedures, described below, for investigating and adjudicating Requests for Investigation of sexual misconduct allegedly committed by students. The first two options address Requests for Investigation alleging misconduct other than sexual violence: An Informal Conciliation Process and a Formal Investigation Process, and a third process is available only for Sexual Violence Requests for Investigation: The Sexual Violence Response Process.

If you are unsure about the appropriate process for a Request for Investigation or unsure whether to file a Request for Investigation, please contact the University’s Title IX Coordinator at (720) 874-2481 or [email protected] for an initial meeting, wherein the Title IX Coordinator will discuss the options and answer any questions.

The University highly recommends that the Reporting Party of sexual violence seek immediate medical attention after the incident. The Title IX Coordinator will provide, if needed, referrals to a medical professional.

In addition, please notify the RVU Campus Safety and Security Department, as well as the police jurisdiction where the assault occurred or 911.

For those who are victims of sexual assault, it is important to get immediate medical attention, even if there are no obvious physical injuries. Go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital. A physical examination will help to assure that any injuries will be identified and treated and that victims receive important information about the risks for sexually transmitted disease.

An examination does not obligate a victim to any kind of investigation; however, it allows evidence to be obtained and preserved in the event a criminal investigation is authorized at a later time. Victims should not bathe, shower, douche, or change clothes before the examination. Individuals are also encouraged to seek counseling. Support by a trained counselor can help the individual understand and work through the trauma of the incident. Counselors can also help others who are close to the individual.

Explanation of Victim Rights (PDF)

RVU Notice of Complainants Rights (Word)

Crime victims can get help by contacting the Victim Services Unit in the jurisdiction where the incident occurred. They have trained personnel available to confidentially discuss incidents. They help victims decide on reporting options, make referrals to appropriate support services, and offer victim support services.

The RVU Campus is serviced by the St. George Police Department Victim Advocates. You may contact the Victim Advocate Unit at 435-627-4000 or sgcity.org, as well as the Utah Office for Victims of Crime at 800-621-7444 or https://justice.utah.gov/Crime/cvr_grants.html

Crisis Counselor

Rocky Vista University provides a list of referrals for crisis counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, and re-entry programs through the community. A list of referrals is available in the Student Affairs office. Pastoral and professional counselors, at their discretion, are encouraged to inform those they counsel of the procedure for reporting crimes voluntarily and confidentially to the Ivins Police Department or any “campus security authority” for inclusion in the annual crime statistics.

Sex Offender Policy

Information concerning persons who are required by Utah law to register as sex offenders may be obtained from the Ivins Police Department’s website. The Utah Convicted Sex Offender Website is Offender Watch Initiative.

Click here for the procedures the university will follow when incidents of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking are reported. (PDF)

Students or employees needing immediate and confidential medical assistance, treatment and other health services following an incidence of sexual assault, may contact one of the following resources:

On-Campus Resources – Utah Campus

• Department of  Campus Safety and Security
  (435) 222-1300
• Ashley Farmer-Hanson, Ed.D, Associate Dean for Student Affairs
  (720) 874-2483
• David McCoy, PhD, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Advising
  (435) 222-1252

Off-Campus Resources – Southern Utah Campus

• Santa Clara/Ivins Police Department
  2603 Santa Clara Dr., Santa Clara, UT 84765
  (435) 652-1122 (Non-Emergency)
• Santa Clara/Ivins Fire Department
  90 W Center St., Ivins, UT 84738
  (435) 674-5503 (Non-Emergency)
• St. George Police Department
  (435) 627-4300
• Utah Suicide Hotline
  (801) 625-3700
• Utah Rape Recovery Center
  (801) 467-7273
• Washington County Sheriff
  (435) 656-6500
• 24 Hour Rape Crisis Hotline
  (888) 421-1100
• Child and Family Services
  (435) 652-2960
• Dove Center 24 Hour Hotline
  (435) 628-0458
• Utah Domestic Violence Hotline
  (800) 897-5465
• Utah Office for Victims of Crime
  (800) 621-7444

Alcohol and Drug Treatment and Counseling Programs

Lions Gate Recovery
(866) 471-9476

24 Hour National Alcohol and Substance Abuse Information Center
(800) 784-6776

Alcoholics Anonymous
(435) 674-4791

Narcotics Anonymous
(435) 467-4403

Rocky Vista University shares many of the same interests and problems as other colleges and communities, including a concern about crime. The University has been fortunate not to have experienced a significant number of crimes, but one should not be misled into thinking the campus is crime-free. There is always the possibility of a criminal act occurring against a member of the RVU community despite the best efforts of the Safety and Security Department and the administrative staff. A truly safe campus can only be achieved through shared responsibility of all members of the RVU community.

The University is committed to maintaining a safe environment to support a healthy, learning-centered campus. This commitment includes making necessary physical improvements that promote safety and well-being; the revision and updating of policies, procedures, and rules; and an obligation to hold accountable those who choose to commit crimes or violate rules and regulations.

Every student, faculty, staff member, and visitor has an individual responsibility to be aware of their personal safety, to properly utilize college resources, to make positive choices, and to use common sense. Crimes, violations, hate crimes, suspicious persons or activity, and safety issues should be reported upon discovery through the appropriate channels as described in this Handbook. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with the emergency procedures and the important information on the website. Updates, timely warnings, and important information regarding safety on campus will be communicated by emails, fliers, TV monitors, and other presentations.

RVU Title IX, Sexual Misconduct, and Non-Discrimination Policies

Firearm Policy

Possessing unauthorized firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, and/or other dangerous weapons (or instruments resembling them), which may cause fear, alarm, and/or harass another person within or upon the grounds, buildings, or other facilities of the college or at any college-sponsored or supervised function or event is prohibited. Any person(s) in violation of this regulation shall be subject to college disciplinary action and/or criminal charges.

Firearm Policy (PDF)

Alcohol- and Drug-Free Policy

RVU is an alcohol and drug free campus, with the exception of special events that are approved by the President or Dean of RVU. As set forth in local, state, and Federal laws, and the rules and regulations of the college, the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on campus-controlled property is strictly prohibited. All drug and alcohol laws are vigorously enforced.

Rocky Vista University policy prohibits the sale, manufacture, distribution, use or possession of illegal drugs on the college campus. This policy applies to faculty, staff and students.

Drug & Alcohol Policy (PDF)

Disciplinary Sanctions

Through disciplinary procedures, the college will impose sanctions upon students and employees, who unlawfully use, possess, sell or distribute drugs or unlawfully use or abuse alcohol on college property, or as part of any college employment or activity. Depending on the circumstances, these sanctions may range from a warning, to a maximum of expulsion or termination of employment. Students and employees who violate the college’s regulations are also subject to referral by the Department of Campus Safety and Security to local law enforcement for criminal prosecution.

Remember: If You See Something, Say Something!

Here are the programs the Campus Safety and Security team implement in order to maintain a safe and secure campus:

• Bystander Intervention Program
• Mandatory Title IX Awareness Training for all Students and Employees
• Violence Education and Prevention (VEP)
• Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)
• Campus Safety Resources Guide
• Instructions for obtaining Protection Orders
• Explanation of Victims’ Rights and Resources (Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking)
• RVU Procedures to Reports of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking
• Rights for Crime Victims
• Annual Security Report
• Active Shooter Training
• Resources Available: Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Violence, Drug and Alcohol Abuse, ID Theft and Prevention
• Safety Escorts
• Evidence Preservation
• Evidence Preservation for Victims’ of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence
• Crime Prevention (safe walk, silent witness)

For more information or to obtain literature on any of these programs, please click here or contact the Campus Safety & Security Department.

If you want to know who is registered in your area:

The Utah Convicted Sex Offender Website is located here.

The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 and the Drug-Free Workplace of 1988 require all schools and institutions of higher education to adopt and implement a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees on University property or as part of any University activities.
The annual notification and the Biennial Review, which are part of Rocky Vista University’s program adopted to comply with these Acts, are required by law. In compliance with the law, the policy can be found in the University Catalog/Handbook, as well as the Employee Handbook.

• Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Annual Notification – UT: 2024 (PDF)
  
• Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Biennial Review: 2022

Utah Drug and Alcohol Assistance Resource Links
https://www.narcotics.com/na-meetings/utah/
https://alcoholicsanonymous.com/aa-meetings/utah/
https://www.rehab.com/utah

Campus Safety

The Department of Campus Safety has several ways to ensure that our campus community remains a safe and secure learning environment, including CCTV surveillance cameras, access-control, advanced fire control system, RAVE Emergency Notification System, as well as officer patrols and escorts. We also work closely with local police and fire departments.

The Department of Campus Safety is committed to providing safety and security services in a professional and consistent manner. RVU strives to provide these services with integrity, timely communication, and problem-solving.

Students, staff and faculty can click here to sign up for the RVU RAVE Mass Notification System to receive email and text message notification of future RVU campus closures and/or emergencies.

Please see the MCOM Emergency Response and Communication Plan for more detailed information.

Campus Safety & Security Information

Printed information and communication about sexual misconduct and assault awareness, prevention, and reporting is made available to students and staff outside of the Campus Safety Office, at the security front desk, and electronically on television monitors around the campus.

Services for Students and Employees

• ID Cards – Replacement ID cards can be requested at the front security desk in the main lobby. Bring Photo I.D (driver’s license) and an officer will be able to assist you. ID Cards are required to be visible at all times while on campus.
• Parking Permits – Any motor vehicle parked on the RVU Campus parking lots must display a valid parking permit or pass. The campus parking permit application form is available here.
• Safety Escort Program – The Safety Escort Program is available to all students and staff at any time of the day or night. Contact any Campus Safety Officer or call 406-901-2722 for a safety escort on campus. Please do not hesitate to ask for a safety escort if a situation makes you feel afraid or threatened. Any reason is a legitimate reason to request a safety escort!
• Motorist Assistance – The Department of Campus Safety offers jump-starts for vehicles with dead batteries, help with changing a flat tire, or assist you in calling “AAA” or a local tow service. The Department is not allowed to assist in unlocking your vehicle for any reason.
• Lost and Found – Collected or found items are stored in the department’s property room. Items turned in are kept for 90 days. Check with our office often if you have lost something. Proper identification on your valuables will help officers return your property to you faster. For assistance, call or stop by the campus safety office or front desk.

Bicycle Parking

• Please comply with the State bicycle laws
• Only use bike racks to park your bike
• Parked bicycles that create safety hazards may be impounded
• Bicycles are not permitted in campus buildings
• It is recommended that a U-style lock with a cut key be used to secure your bike to the racks

The basic Emergency Response Plan outlined is to protect lives and property through effective use of campus community resources. Whenever a situation or an emergency affecting the campus reaches proportions that cannot be handled by routine procedures, the Emergency Response Plan shall be implemented.

For more information, review the MCOM Emergency Response and Communication Plan.

Emergency Notification System to Enhance Emergency Preparedness

The safety of students, faculty, and staff is a constant priority at RVU. The ability to quickly provide notice, accurate information, and instructions with minimum delay during a situation is crucial. To accomplish this, RVU has selected RAVE Emergency Notification System, a multi-modal communication service that allows RVU campus leaders and public safety and security personnel to deliver time-sensitive notifications to our students, faculty, and staff during unforeseen events or emergencies.

These systems complement our existing campus emergency response plans, which are continuously updated to be responsive to both man-made and natural disasters. This system is only used during emergencies and related tests or drills.

In the event that a crime occurs on campus, the Department of Campus will post a “Timely Notice” alert in compliance with the provisions of the Federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998.

MCOM Mass Notification Policy (PDF)

RVU-Utah Active Shooter Training Exercise 2018

Please Watch:  Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Active Shooter Video – Run, Hide, Fight Video

Please refer to the Office of Compliance and Quality Assurance page for information about RVU’s Title IX policy, as well as information about sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. There is also information on that page about how to report a crime.

Protect Yourself

• Avoid people who don’t allow you to make your own decisions and those who give you the feeling that you “owe them” something.
• Be very explicit with dates about how intimate you expect the relationship to be.
• Do not assume that a person will know that you are comfortable with “going so far” and no further.
• Don’t drink beverages that you did not open yourself.
• Don’t exchange or share drinks with anyone.
• Don’t drink from a container that is being passed around.
• If someone offers you a drink at a bar or club, accompany the person to the bar, watch the drink being poured, and carry the drink yourself.
• Don’t leave your drink unattended while using the restroom or making a phone call. If you realize you have left it unattended, throw the drink away.
• Don’t mix drugs and alcohol.

If you have been sexually assaulted, it’s never too late to get help.

• Go to a safe place.
• Call someone.
• Do not bathe, wash hands, or clean fingernails. It is important that victims preserve evidence that may be necessary to prove criminal sexual assault.
• Do not remove clothing worn during or following the assault as these frequently contain valuable fiber, hair, and fluid evidence.
• Do not apply or take any medication.
• Get medical attention as soon as possible.
• When you get to the hospital, tell the triage staff you have been sexually assaulted.

If the assault happened some time ago:

• Seek counseling.
• Seek medical attention for treatment of injuries or symptoms related to the assault.
• Consider reporting the incident to the police.
• Pursue the campus judicial process.
• Pursue academic or administrative assistance.
• Access other community support resources.

Coping with Sexual Assault

Victims of sexual assault may find it helpful to discuss their experience with a counselor. Victim advocates and counselors are available to meet with victims in an informal and private setting. Referrals for these services are available through the Student Affairs office. The Student Affairs Office and the Department of Campus Safety may also be able to assist in changing a student’s academic situation, by serving as a source of referral to outside agencies, and by providing information about on- and off-campus reporting, prosecution procedures, and the college disciplinary process.

College Response to a Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is a criminal act which subjects the perpetrator to criminal and civil penalties in state and federal courts. In addition, Rocky Vista University will respond administratively if a sexual assault or other criminal offense involves a student or employee as the offender. Students and employees are subject to applicable laws, college policies, and disciplinary procedures, including policies prohibiting sexual harassment.

Possible Sanctions Against Offenders

Victims may begin a disciplinary action by reporting the incident to the Department of Campus Safety or to the Student Affairs office. A written statement detailing the incident may be requested. The accuser and accused are entitled to have others present during a disciplinary hearing. In the case of sexual assault, both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the outcome. In addition to any criminal sanctions, a sexual assault perpetrator is subject to appropriate employee or student disciplinary sanctions.

• Faculty and staff: the range of employment penalties include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: counseling, reprimand, suspension, or termination of employment.
• Students: Students who violate federal, state, or local laws are subject to criminal charges. In addition, the perpetrator may be subject to disciplinary actions as set forth in the student code of conduct. The ranges of sanctions for violations of the code of conduct include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: suspension, expulsion, alteration of class schedule, probation, loss of privileges, or a warning.

Rights of the Victim

A person who reports having been sexually assaulted has the right to:

• Request a female or male officer to take the report.
• Have his/her identity protected, consistent with legal requirements.
• Be treated professionally and with sensitivity, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation of the victim or the perpetrator.
• Assistance with medical treatment, counseling, and other resources, including transportation to a hospital, if desired.
• Be informed of the outcome of a police investigation.
• Request an alternative academic or employment situation, if such an alternative is available.
• Have all questions answered fully.
• Upon request, the College will disclose to the alleged victim of a crime of violence or a non forcible sex offense, the results of any disciplinary hearing conducted by the College against the student who is the alleged perpetrator of the crime or offense. If the alleged victim is deceased as a result of the crime or offense, the College will provide the results of the disciplinary hearing to the victim’s next of kin, if so requested.

Reporting Sexual Misconduct

The University encourages all individuals to report possible sexual misconduct that they suffer or observe and requires responsible employees of the University to do so, using one of the investigative resources described below.

The purpose of these investigation procedures is to provide prompt and equitable processes for addressing and investigating incidents of sexual misconduct allegedly committed against students and employees. A lengthy period of time between an alleged occurrence and an investigation may make fact-finding more difficult; therefore, individuals are encouraged to raise concerns and complaints as soon as possible.

The University provides three different procedures, described below, for investigating and adjudicating Requests for Investigation of sexual misconduct allegedly committed by students. The first two options address Requests for Investigation alleging misconduct other than sexual violence: An Informal Conciliation Process and a Formal Investigation Process, and a third process is available only for Sexual Violence Requests for Investigation: The Sexual Violence Response Process.

If you are unsure about the appropriate process for a Request for Investigation or unsure whether to file a Request for Investigation, please contact the University’s Title IX Coordinator at (720) 874-2481 or [email protected] for an initial meeting, wherein the Title IX Coordinator will discuss the options and answer any questions.

The University highly recommends that the Reporting Party of sexual violence seek immediate medical attention after the incident. The Title IX Coordinator will provide, if needed, referrals to a medical professional.

In addition, please notify the RVU Department of Campus Safety, as well as the police jurisdiction where the assault occurred or 911.

For those who are victims of sexual assault, it is important to get immediate medical attention, even if there are no obvious physical injuries. Go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital. A physical examination will help to assure that any injuries will be identified and treated and that victims receive important information about the risks for sexually transmitted disease.

An examination does not obligate a victim to any kind of investigation; however, it allows evidence to be obtained and preserved in the event a criminal investigation is authorized at a later time. Victims should not bathe, shower, douche, or change clothes before the examination. Individuals are also encouraged to seek counseling. Support by a trained counselor can help the individual understand and work through the trauma of the incident. Counselors can also help others who are close to the individual.

Explanation of Victim Rights (PDF)

RVU Notice of Complainants Rights (Word)

Crime victims can get help by contacting the Victim Services Unit in the jurisdiction where the incident occurred. They have trained personnel available to confidentially discuss incidents. They help victims decide on reporting options, make referrals to appropriate support services, and offer victim support services.

The MCOM Campus is serviced by the Billings City Attorney’s Office. You may contact the Victim Services & Information at 406-657-8205 or Billings MT Gov – Victim Services Information (click here), as well as the Yellowstone County Attorney’s Office Victim Witness Advocates at 406-256-2870 or Montana Department of Justice – Crime Victims Advocates (click here).

Crisis Counselor

Rocky Vista University provides a list of referrals for crisis counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, and re-entry programs through the community. A list of referrals is available in the Student Affairs office. Pastoral and professional counselors, at their discretion, are encouraged to inform those they counsel of the procedure for reporting crimes voluntarily and confidentially to the Billings Police Department or any “campus security authority” for inclusion in the annual crime statistics.

Sex Offender Policy

Information concerning persons who are required by Montana law to register as sex offenders may be obtained from the  Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office website or the Montana Department of Justice website.

Click here for the procedures the university will follow when incidents of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking are reported. (PDF)

Students or employees needing immediate and confidential medical assistance, treatment and other health services following an incidence of sexual assault, may contact one of the following resources:

• Department of Campus Safety and Security
  436-901-2722
• Terri Blevins, Ed.D., Associate Dean for Student Affairs
  406-901-2708

Off-Campus Resources – Montana Campus

National Sexual Assault Hotline – RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network)
800-656-HOPE (4673)

Billings Police Department
406-657-8460

Billings Fire Department
406-657-8423

Yellowstone County Sherriff’s Department
406-256-2929

Community Crisis Center
406-259-8800

Riverstone Health
406-247-3350

YWCA
406-245-4472

The National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788

Rocky Vista University shares many of the same interests and problems as other colleges and communities, including a concern about crime. The University has been fortunate not to have experienced a significant number of crimes, but one should not be misled into thinking the campus is crime-free. There is always the possibility of a criminal act occurring against a member of the RVU community despite the best efforts of the Department of Campus Safety and the administrative staff. A truly safe campus can only be achieved through shared responsibility of all members of the RVU community.

The University is committed to maintaining a safe environment to support a healthy, learning-centered campus. This commitment includes making necessary physical improvements that promote safety and well-being; the revision and updating of policies, procedures, and rules; and an obligation to hold accountable those who choose to commit crimes or violate rules and regulations.

Every student, faculty, staff member, and visitor has an individual responsibility to be aware of their personal safety, to properly utilize college resources, to make positive choices, and to use common sense. Crimes, violations, hate crimes, suspicious persons or activity, and safety issues should be reported upon discovery through the appropriate channels as described in this Handbook. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with the emergency procedures and the important information on the website. Updates, timely warnings, and important information regarding safety on campus will be communicated by emails, fliers, TV monitors, and other presentations.

RVU Title IX, Sexual Misconduct, and Non-Discrimination Policies

Firearm Policy

Possessing unauthorized firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, and/or other dangerous weapons (or instruments resembling them), which may cause fear, alarm, and/or harass another person within or upon the grounds, buildings, or other facilities of the university or at any university sponsored or supervised function or event is prohibited. Any person(s) in violation of this regulation shall be subject disciplinary action and/or criminal charges.

Firearm Policy (PDF)

Alcohol- and Drug-Free Policy

RVU is an alcohol and drug free campus, with the exception of special events that are approved by the President or Dean of RVU. As set forth in local, state, and Federal laws, and the rules and regulations of the college, the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on campus-controlled property is strictly prohibited. All drug and alcohol laws are vigorously enforced.

Rocky Vista University policy prohibits the sale, manufacture, distribution, use or possession of illegal drugs on the college campus. This policy applies to faculty, staff and students.

Drug & Alcohol Policy (PDF)

Disciplinary Sanctions

Through disciplinary procedures, the university will impose sanctions upon students and employees, who unlawfully use, possess, sell, or distribute drugs, or unlawfully use or abuse alcohol on college property, or as part of any university employment or activity. Depending on the circumstances, these sanctions may range from a warning to a maximum of expulsion or termination of employment. Students and employees who violate the university’s regulations are also subject to referral by the Department of Campus Safety to local law enforcement for criminal prosecution.

Remember: If You See Something, Say Something!

Here are the programs the Public Safety and Security team implement in order to maintain a safe and secure campus:

• Bystander Intervention Program
• Mandatory Title IX Awareness Training for all Students and Employees
• Violence Education and Prevention (VEP)
• Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)
• Campus Safety Resources Guide
• Instructions for obtaining Protection Orders
• Explanation of Victims’ Rights and Resources (Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking)
• RVU Procedures to Reports of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking
• Rights for Crime Victims
• Annual Security Report
• Active Shooter Training
• Resources Available: Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Violence, Drug and Alcohol Abuse, ID Theft and Prevention
• Safety Escorts
• Evidence Preservation
• Evidence Preservation for Victims’ of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence
• Crime Prevention (safe walk, silent witness)

For more information or to obtain literature on any of these programs, please click here or contact the Department of Campus Safety & Security.

Know who is registered in your area:

The Montana Sexual or Violent Offender Registry Website is located here.

The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 and the Drug-Free Workplace of 1988 require all schools and institutions of higher education to adopt and implement a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees on University property or as part of any University activities.
The annual notification and the Biennial Review, which are part of Rocky Vista University’s program adopted to comply with these Acts, are required by law. In compliance with the law, the policy can be found in the University Catalog/Handbook, as well as the Employee Handbook.

• Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Annual Notification – MT: 2024 (PDF)
• Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Biennial Review: 2022

Montana Drug and Alcohol Assistance Resource Links
https://www.narcotics.com/na-meetings/montana/
https://alcoholicsanonymous.com/aa-meetings/montana/
https://www.rehab.com/montana