This information is based on best practices provided by Homeland Security and other Universities, following actual events.

An “Active Shooter” is an individual(s) actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and/or populated area. 

Active Shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly, there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.

Because active shooter situations are often over within minutes before law enforcement arrives, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with this type of event.

As explained, this is an event of unpredictable movements and circumstances. While this is a best practice guide, based on past events of this type, YOU MUST STILL BE PREPARED TO MAKE THE BEST DECISION FOR YOU GIVEN YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES. THIS IS NOT AN ALL-INCLUSIVE GUIDE AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REFLECT THAT PURPOSE.

ANY COMMUNICATION THAT YOU RECEIVE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OR CAMPUS SECURITY THAT AN ACTIVE SHOOTER EVENT IS TAKING PLACE MUST BE TAKED SERIOUSLY. NEVER IGNORE ANY SUCH COMMUNICATION AND FOLLOW ANY INSTRUCTION PROVIDED THROUGH CU ALERT SYSTEM.

RUN, HIDE, FIGHT – Remember that these three actions may save your life and the life of others.

If an active shooter is outside or inside of your building you should:

Try to remain calm and take cover.

Call 911 or Campus Security at 615-476-3061.

Warn others as discreetly as possible.

If you safely can, move to a room and lock or barricade the doors and windows.

Turn off the lights and close the blinds.

Silence cell phones or devices that emit sounds.

Keep yourself out of sight, away from windows and take adequate cover, i.e. behind concrete walls, under desks, etc.

Voices unfamiliar to you may be an active shooter attempting to lure you out in the open. Do not respond to such communications.

Wait until a Law Enforcement Officer, Campus Security or other Campus Official “known to you” tells you that all is clear and will use the CU alert system as well for this.

If evacuation is NOT possible and an active shooter enters your room, you should:

Try to remain calm and keep others calm as well.

Try not to do ANYTHING that might provoke an active shooter.

ONLY as a last resort, when there is NO possibility of hiding safely or escaping the area AND if you fear that your life is in imminent danger, should YOU MAKE A PERSONAL CHOICE to attempt to negotiate with or overpower the individual(s). 

There have been particular circumstances where this behavior has proven successful, BUT REMEMBER, this is a personal choice depending on your circumstances.

IF you choose to attempt this, Homeland Security recommends the following:

Act as aggressively as possible with against individual.

Throw items and improvise weapons.

Yelling and fully committing to your actions.

RUN, HIDE, FIGHT – Remember that these three actions may save your life and the life of others.

Following the event, once the area is secure and the threat of danger is resolved, Law Enforcement, Campus Security and Campus Officials will move as rapidly as possible to move you to a safe area. There may also be text alerts or a campus broadcast to notify you that the event is ended. 

Remember, events of this type happen quickly and many times without notice or warning. Be aware of your surroundings. Be aware of buildings close to you to provide shelter or a safe haven if escape from the area is not possible. Think, try not to panic. Make the best possible decisions based on YOUR particular circumstances. 

If you are ever aware of a student or anything behaving in a manner that reflects possible violent behavior or posting things of this nature on social media, PLEASE make Campus Security or the Dean of Students aware.

Campus Security– 615-476-3061           Dean of Students – 615-547-1387

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Security for the campus is provided by University employees and contracted agencies. Students, employees, and guests are subject to all city, county, state, and national laws. All students, visitors, faculty, and staff are required to cooperate fully with security officers in their performance of official duties at the University. Any person who does not cooperate fully may be subject to disciplinary action and/or arrest. Security may be reached by telephone at Extension 2222 from an on-campus phone or at 615-476-3061 off-campus.

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Unauthorized possession, use, consumption, transportation, or distribution of drugs and alcohol BY ANY STUDENT on University property or at off-campus, University-sanctioned functions is strictly prohibited. No student shall be in an intoxicated condition at any time on campus, as made evident by boisterousness, rowdiness, obscene or indecent conduct or appearance, or by vulgar, profane, lewd, or unbecoming language. Violation of this policy will result in student misconduct sanctions and/or may result in arrest by an appropriate law enforcement agency.

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Security staff employed by the University provides the overall security supervision and enforcement. They are empowered to enforce the policies and regulations of Cumberland University and to contact the local police at their discretion. Failure to offer proper identification (student ID, etc.) when requested by a member of the Security staff is a serious offense and may result in severe disciplinary action. Similarly, the Security Staff, and other authorized representatives of the University have the authority to request the arrest of or to otherwise initiate a criminal or civil complaint or action against any individual or individuals found in violation of University and/or local, state, or federal laws; and/or to refer individuals for adjudication through the University disciplinary system. Additionally, Security Staff, and other authorized representatives of the University have the authority to intervene and action situations involving a violation of University policy and/or local, state or federal law. Residents, guests, students, and all other persons found in violation of University policies or guidelines by Security staff, employees and/or students of the University, and/or other members of the Cumberland community are subject to disciplinary procedures and/or arrest by civil authorities. The University reserves the right to utilize any and all legal measures necessary to ensure a safe and secure campus environment. This may include, but is not limited to: video and other electronic surveillance, lawful inspection, search and seizure, and other actions or measures deemed appropriate.

The safety and security of all individuals is of paramount importance to the University. Therefore, each person has a duty to contact the Lebanon Police Department by dialing 911, if he or she believes that police intervention is necessary to secure any person or property or to report a crime, fire, or medical emergency. Anytime the local authorities are called, an Incident Report must be filed with the Office of Security and the Office of the Executive Director of Facilities and Safety as soon as possible.

As per the College and University Security Information Act of Tennessee and Title 11 of the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990, the University reports the crimes on campus listed below. Security policy information is available for review in the Office of the Executive Director of Facilities and Safety and the Dean of Students Office during regular office hours. The University shall provide a copy of this information to any applicant for admission or employment, or to any current student or employee upon request. Crimes reported on campus will be reported to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for compilation, publication, and/or investigation.

Below are some precautions which all persons are advised to follow regarding security of facilities use:

Report to university officials any tampering with security and fire equipment. Students and/or individuals tampering with security or fire equipment are subject to arrest and disciplinary sanctions.

Emergency Services

Contact Security at 615-476-3061 (non-emergencies), dial 9-1-1– (emergencies only), or use the Code Blue telephones located in the Residential Halls, Parking Lots or by some buildings. Any suspicious activity or person seen in the parking lots or loitering around vehicles, inside buildings or around the Residential Halls should be reported to Security. In addition you may report a crime to the following areas:

1. Vice President for Athletics and Vice President for Facilities and Infrastructure: Ron Pavan, 615-547-1348, Memorial Hall
2. Dean of Students: Stephanie Davis, 615-547-1387, Labry Hall
3. Director of Counseling/Disability Services, Eddie Christian, 615-547-1397, Labry Hall
4. Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Bill McKee, 615-547-1311, Memorial Hall
5. Director of Residence Life, Steve Giordano 615-547-1285, Labry Hall
6. Director of Athletics, Ron Pavan, 615-547-1348, Dallas Floyd Phoenix Area

Federal law requires convicted sex offenders to register for the purpose of community notification. In addition, these laws provide for the tracking of convicted sex offenders enrolled at or employed by institutions of higher education. The law requires sex offenders, already required to register in a specific state, to provide notice of each institution of higher education at which that person is employed or enrolled as a student. This registration is to be made available to law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction where the institution of higher education is located. Institutions of higher education are required to issue a statement advising the campus community where law enforcement agency information concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained. Information on registered sex offenders can be found at the link below:

Missing Student Notification Procedure and Protocol

Red Flags are patterns, practices, or specific activities involving covered accounts that indicate the possible risk of identity theft.

Cumberland University does not tolerate sexual assault, coercion, exploitation, or other forms of sexual misconduct that offends the dignity of any member of the college community. Sexual assault, whether occurring on campus or at college-sponsored activities, is both a violation of the standards of the college and a criminal act within federal and state laws. Individuals who believe they have been the victims of a sexual assault may pursue resolution on campus and/or criminal action against an alleged perpetrator.

The University encourages any member of the University community who has experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, or knows of another member of the community who has experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking to report the incident to University authorities.

The Student Right to Know Act requires an institution that participates in any student financial assistance program under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (as amended) to disclose information about graduation rates to current and prospective students. Institutions that award athletically-related student aid are also required under the Student Right to Know Act data related to the institution’s student population and student-athlete graduation rates to potential student athletes, their parents, coaches, and counselors. 

The information below can be accessed on the University website: https://www.cumberland.edu/policies-and-consumer-information/

To ensure students, faculty and staff may be informed members of the campus community and in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Cumberland University publishes statistics regarding crimes reported as occurring on campus and on adjacent public property. Campus Security, the Vice President for Facilities and Services and the Dean of Students compile data regarding crimes reported on campus and by the Lebanon and Wilson County law enforcement agencies, maintaining statistics in accordance with definitions used in the FBI’s uniform crime reporting system. 

A detailed safety and security report is distributed to all current students and employees by October 1 each year. All current employees and all currently enrolled students receive the security report via email. The data is also made available on the Cumberland University website. Details of the report can be provided by Campus Security, the Vice President for Facilities and Services, or the Dean of Students.

The safety and security report reflects incidents that were reported as occurring on CU property, in CU facilities, on property controlled by recognized student organizations and on public property within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area of the institution (e.g., a sidewalk or street adjacent to campus). 

In compliance with the Clery Act, college professional counselors are not required to inform Campus Security, the Vice President for Facilities and Services, or the Dean of Students about crimes brought to their attention by clients but, on a case-by-case basis, may voluntarily elect to provide information. Such reporting is encouraged, and if made, is included in published crime data.

Occasionally, a student engages in criminal activity off campus. If such behavior is reported to Campus Security, the Vice President for Facilities and Services, and the Dean of Students by the Lebanon or Wilson County police departments or another source, the matter is reviewed and responded to in accordance with judicial procedures described in the student Policies and Procedures (located on the University website). Similarly, violations of laws committed by faculty or staff are also subject to disciplinary action, as described in the University’s Policy Manual. 

The Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where persons may obtain law enforcement agency information provided by a state concerning registered sex offenders. The Act also requires sex offenders already required to register in a state to provide notice of each institution of higher education in that state at which the person is employed, carries on a vocation or is a student. In Tennessee, convicted sex offenders must register with the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry maintained by the Tennessee Department of State Police. In accordance with the law, information concerning offenders registered may be disclosed to any person requesting information on specific individuals. For more information and to submit requests, please see the Tennessee State Police website.

Compliance Methods 

CU must distribute annually to all enrolled students a notice of the availability of the information required to be disclosed. The notice must list and briefly describe the information and tell the student how to obtain the information. An institution may satisfy any requirement to disclose information by posting to an Internet Web site. The following rules apply when reporting required information on the web:

Information disclosed to students by posting on an Internet Web site must be preceded by the notice described above. The notice must also include:

1. The exact electronic address at which the information is posted. 

1. A statement that the institution will provide a paper copy of the information upon request.

Annual Security Report 

Enrolled Students must receive notice of the availability of the security report, the exact electronic address and a statement that the institution will provide a paper copy of the information upon request.

Current employees must receive a notice that includes a statement of the report’s availability, the exact electronic address at which the report is posted, a brief description of the report’s contents and a statement that the institution will provide a paper copy of the report upon request.

Prospective students and prospective employees must receive a notice that includes a statement of the security report’s availability, the exact electronic address at which the report is posted, a brief description of the report’s contents and a statement that the institution will provide a paper copy of the report upon request. 

CU must make available to enrolled students, prospective students and the public, athletic program participation rates and financial support data. Enrolled students are to receive a notice of the reports availability, including the exact electronic address at which the report is posted, a brief description of the report’s contents and a statement that the institution will provide a paper copy of the report upon request. 

Required Institutional Information

Institutional information that the institution must make readily available upon request to enrolled and perspective students includes, but is not limited to:

The cost of attending the institution including:

1. Tuition and fees charged to full-time and part-time students 
2. Estimates of costs for necessary books and supplies
3. Estimates of typical charges for room and board 
4. Estimates of transportation costs
5. Any additional cost of a program in which a student is enrolled or expresses a specific interest 

Any refund policy with which the institution is required to comply for the return of unearned tuition and fees or other refundable portions of costs paid to the institution procedures for officially withdrawing from the institution:

• A summary of requirements for return of Title IV grant or loan assistance
• The academic program of the institution including:
  • Current degree programs and training programs
  • Physical facilities which relate to the academic program 
  • Faculty and other instructional personnel 
  • Names of associations, agencies or governmental bodies that accredit, approve, or license the institution and its programs, and the procedures by which documents describing that activity may be reviewed.

The institutions must make available for review to any enrolled or prospective student, upon request: 

∙ A description of any special facilities available to disabled students

∙ A statement that the student’s enrollment in a program of study abroad approved for credit by the home institution may be considered enrollment at the home institution for the purpose of applying for assistance under the title IV, HEA programs 

∙ Completion and Graduation Rates 

∙ Institutional Security Policies and Crime Statistics 

∙ Athletic Program Participation Rates and Financial Support Information 

In the event that a situation arises, either on or off campus, that, in the judgment of Campus Security and/or the Vice President for Facilities and Services, Campus Services, and Security, constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat, a campus wide “timely warning” will be issued. The warning will be issued through the college e-mail system to students, faculty, staff and the University website (www.cumberland.edu).

Campus Crime Alerts typically include the following information:

1. A succinct statement of the incident.
2. Any connection to previous incidents.
3. Physical description and/or composite drawing of the suspect, if appropriate.
4. Date and time the bulletin was released.
5. Other relevant and important information.
6. Appropriate safety tips.

Depending on the particular circumstances of the crime, especially in all situations that could pose an immediate threat to the community and individuals, the Campus Security and/or the Vice President for Facilities and Services, Campus Services, and Security may also post a notice on the CUAlerts system providing the university community with more immediate notification. In such instances, a copy of the notice is posted in each residence hall, at the front door of each classroom building, and in each public University building.

Aggravated Assault: An unlawful attack by one person upon another where in the offender uses a weapon or displays it in a threatening manner, or the victim suffers obvious severe or aggravated bodily injury involving apparent broken bones, loss of teeth, possible laceration, or loss of consciousness.

Arson: To unlawfully and intentionally damage, or attempt to damage, any real or personal property by fire or incendiary device.

Burglary: The unlawful entry into a building or other structure with the intent to commit a felony or a theft.

Forcible Entry: A forced entry is where force of any degree, or a mechanical contrivance of any kind (e.g. a pass key or skeleton key) is used to unlawfully enter a building or other structure.

Unlawful Entry (No force): An unforced entry is one where the unlawful entry is achieved without force through an unlocked door or window.

Attempted Forcible Entry: The attempt to commit a forcible entry, without succeeding. Criminal Homicide: The killing of one human being by another.

Murder/Non negligent Manslaughter: The willful (non negligent) killing of one human being by another.

Negligent Manslaughter: The killing of another person through negligence.

Motor Vehicle Theft: The theft of a motor vehicle.

Robbery: The taking, or attempting to take, anything of value under confrontational circumstances from the control, custody, or care of another person by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear of immediate harm.

Theft: The unlawful taking, carrying, leading, or riding away of property from the possession, or constructive possession, of another person.

Hate Crime: Crime of aggravated assault, arson, burglary, criminal homicide, motor vehicle theft, robbery, sex offenses, and/or crime involving bodily injury in which the victim was intentionally selected because of the victims’ actual or perceived race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or disability.

Vandalism: The Uniform Crime Report definition for vandalism is: “Vandalism consists of the willful or malicious destruction, injury, disfigurement, or defacement of any public or private property, real or personal, without consent of the owner or person having custody or control by cutting, tearing, breaking, marking, painting, drawing, covering with filth, or any other such means as may be specified by local law. This offense covers a wide range of malicious behavior directed at property, such as: cutting auto tires, drawing obscene pictures on public restroom walls, smashing windows, destroying school records, tipping over gravestones, defacing library books, etc. Count all arrests for the above, including attempts.”

Sexual assault can be any form of forced sexual contact. Force can be physical or emotional (threat, intimidation, pressure, coercion). Sexual assault is intentional and is committed either by:

• physical force, violence, threat, or intimidation;
• ignoring the objections of another person;
• causing another’s intoxication or impairment through the use of drugs or alcohol; or
• taking advantage of another person’s incapacitation, state of intimidation, helplessness, or other inability to consent.

Relationship violence, also known as “dating violence,” “domestic violence,” or “intimate partner violence,” is a chronic pattern of one partner in an intimate relationship using abuse to gain power and control over the other person. Relationships violence can include:

• physical violence
• sexual violence
• psychological violence • emotional violence
• economic abuse.

Sexual misconduct is sexual contact without intent to harm but also without the presence of effective consent. Sexual Misconduct occurs when:

• the act is committed without intent to harm another
• the perpetrator fails to ask for or correctly assess whether effective consent has been given
• unreasonably believes unreasonably that effective consent was given without having met his/her responsibility to gain effective consent.

Sexual harassment includes threatening, inappropriate, unrelenting or abusive sexually explicit language or behaviors towards. Sexual harassment can include saying or doing things:

• directly to someone
• during a phone conversation
• during an online conversation
• in print or on clothing
• and can be directed towards individuals or groups

Stalking is conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. Stalking is serious, often violent, and can escalate over time. Stalking behaviors include:

• Someone repeatedly calling, including hang ups
• Following someone
• Send unwanted gifts, letters, card or emails
• Damage to a residence, car or other property
• Monitoring phone calls or computer use
• Threatening to hurt someone, tor heir family, friends or pets

Effective Consent: Clear Communication Words or actions must be used to establish consent. Only a comprehensible, unambiguous, positive and enthusiastic communication of consent for each sexual act qualifies as consent. The absence of no does not equal yes. Only YES means YES.

• Freely and Willingly: Effective consent must be established without any coercion, including emotional, psychological or relational pressure or influence.
• Unimpaired Decision Making: Effective consent must be established without impairment by either person. Impairment can include the effects of alcohol or other drugs. In addition, if someone is asleep, passed out, has consumed alcohol or drugs, or is in any other way impaired, she or he cannot give legal consent.
• Step-by-Step: You must establish effective consent for every sex act and each time you hook up. Consenting to one sex act does not mean consenting to any other sex act. Prior sexual activity or an ongoing relationship cannot substitute for effective consent.
• Subject to Change: At any point during a sexual encounter both partners should be free to change their mind. If one partner changes his or her mind, then the other partner must respect the decision to limit or end sexual contact.

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