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Campus Safety

 

Safety is an important issue for the campus and the College is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment.

All members of the campus community – students, faculty, and staff – should take an active role in preventing and reporting incidents that jeopardize safety on and around campus.

The information contained on these pages is intended to provide students and employees with a better understanding of measures that can be taken to encourage a safer campus environment. You will also find basic guidelines to follow when faced with various emergencies. Please review this information carefully.

To review our annual security report, please click here.

In Event of Emergency/Emergency Contacts

If you have an emergency, Call 911

Then Dial “0” for College Operator

The information contained here is intended to provide students and employees with a better understanding of measures you should take in the event of an emergency on the campus. The link below to the Emergency Response Manual includes basic guidelines to follow when faced with various emergencies. Become familiar with this document so you are prepared.

Switchboard (Staffed 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday)
LIbrary (Staffed 4:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Monday – Thursday, during semesters)

If the Switchboard or Library is closed call the Maintenance/Security Radio at 843-9608 or the Security Cell Phone at 510-7930.

Title IX Office Contact Information

To submit a complaint or speak to someone about your options, office hours are generally M-F, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Debbie Campbell, Title IX Coordinator/Director of Human Resources Administrative and Conference Building, P.O. Box 277, Scottville, MI 49454 231-843-5819 or djcampbell@westshore.edu Chad Inabinet, Title IX Deputy Coordinator/Dean of Student Services Schoenherr Campus Center, P.O. Box 277, Scottville, MI 49454 231-843-5965 or ceinabinet@westshore.edu

Unlawful Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct

If you believe you are the victim of discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct (including domestic violence), please contact the Title IX Coordinator or Dean of Student Services to submit a complaint.  We will help lead you through your options.
This web page is a resource tool to support all members of our College community.  It is important for those who have experienced sexual misconduct or another type of discrimination or harassment based on a protected class, and those who have been accused of the same, to understand how the College addresses these issues.  This includes each party’s options and resources as well as the College’s responsibilities.  For the complete Title IX procedure, click here.
To submit a complaint or speak to someone about your options contact:
Debbie Campbell, Title IX Coordinator/Director of Human Resources, P.O. Box 277, Scottville, MI 49454, 231-843-5819 or djcampbell@westshore.edu .
Chad Inabinet, Dean of Student Services, P.O. Box 277, Scottville, MI 49454, 231-843-5965 or ceinabinet@westshore.edu .

An individual who wishes for the details of the incident to remain completely confidential may choose to speak with College resources who, by law, may maintain confidentiality:

Confidential resources:

Director of Student Access & Resources – Julie Dill, 843-5942 or jdill@westshore.edu – Schoenherr Campus Center

P/T WSCC Contracted Counselor – Ann Genson, 843-5561 or agenson@westshore.edu – Schoenherr Campus Center
Complaints also can be filed with the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) in the U.S. Department of Education 1-800-421-3481, or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) 1-800-669-4000.
What is Title IX?
Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. “Education programs and activities” include all of a school’s operations, including employment and school-sponsored activities (on or off campus).

What does Title IX prohibit?
It prohibits sex discrimination in educational institutions, programs and activities. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Sexual assault
  • Domestic, intimate partner and dating violence
  • Gender-based stalking
  • Sexual harassment (quid pro quo and hostile environment)
  • Failing to provide appropriate accommodations for a pregnant or parenting student
  • Treating a person differently based on marital status
Unlawful Discrimination and Harassment
The College strictly prohibits discrimination against any person on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, creed, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, genetic information, marital status, mental or physical disability, height, weight, national origin, race, religious affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status in its activities, admissions, educational programs, and employment.
What is Sexual Misconduct?
Sexual discrimination includes sexual misconduct such as sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. Sexual misconduct is behavior of a sexual nature that is committed without consent. Sexual misconduct can occur between persons of the same or different sex.
Safety & Security Services

In the event that an individual does not feel safe walking alone at night, the College invites individuals to request college employees to accompany them. This includes maintenance staff who are generally on campus M-F until 11:00 p.m. Maintenance may be contacted at 231-843-9608.

West Shore Community College also has various security cameras on campus grounds and in buildings.

Minors on Campus

Board Policy 6055

A. Employees will not bring any child with them when scheduled to work. Employees are not to ask others to take responsibility for their child while on campus. The employee’s supervisor, in order to meet an emergency situation can approve a temporary exception to this policy. Exceptions are also made for WSCC, YMCA or Mason-Lake ISD sponsored events or classes that specifically suggest bringing a child. However, under no circumstances are children on campus to be left unattended at any time. Employees are not to take responsibility for another employee’s child in the workplace.

B. During non-work hours, a parent or guardian must accompany children under the age of 16 while on campus and then only if the employee’s supervisor has approved it in advance.

C. The learning environment of classrooms and labs should be free of distractions for students. Children must remain out of these areas. The employee’s supervisor in order to meet an emergency situation can approve a temporary exception to this policy.

Resource Handbook for Campus Sexual Assault Survivors, Friends, and Family

Campus Sexual Assault Resources can be viewed here.

Sexual Assault and Sexual Abuse Resources

Sexual Assault and Sexual Abuse Resources can be viewed here.

Crime Statistics
2019 (S = Scottville Campus; M = Manistee Center) 2020 (S = Scottville Campus; M = Manistee Center) 2021 (S = Scottville Campus; M = Manistee Center) Category of Prejudice* (if applicable)
Murder/Non-negligent manslaughter 0 0 0 NA
Negligent Manslaughter 0 0 0 NA
Sex Offenses – Forcible 0 0 0 NA
Sex Offenses – Non Forcible (includes only incest and statutory rape) 0 0 0 NA
Robbery 0 0 0 NA
Aggravated Assault 0 0 0 NA
Burglary 0 0 0 NA
Motor Vehicle Theft 0 0 0 NA
Arson 0 0 0 NA
Larceny – Theft 0 0 0 NA
Simple Assault 0 0 0 NA
Intimidation 0 0 0 NA
Destruction, Damage, or Vandalism of Property 0 0 0 NA
Any Other Crime Involving Bodily Injury 0 0 0 NA

During the years of 2019-2021 the following number of arrests were made regarding on-campus violations:

2019 (S = Scottville Campus; M = Manistee Center) 2020 (S = Scottville Campus; M = Manistee Center) 2021 (S = Scottville Campus; M = Manistee Center) Category of Prejudice* (if applicable)
Illegal Weapons Possession 0 0 0 NA
Drug Law Violations 0 0 0 NA
Liquor Law Violations 0 0 0 NA

 

Campus Security Policies

West Shore Community College is committed to providing safe and secure environment for its students, employees and community members who use the facilities. West Shore Community College is responsible for reporting the number of criminal offenses committed on campus on a yearly basis.

Procedure

In the event that an employee of West Shore Community College becomes aware of a criminal action or other emergency occurring on campus, it is the employee’s responsibility to notify the proper authorities. During NORMAL SWITCHBOARD HOURS, the operator should be the first one notified (dial “O”). The operator will take the necessary information and make any necessary notification. When there is not an operator on duty, individuals should dial 911 for ambulance, fire, or Mason County Sheriff. In addition to notifying the appropriate agency, the WSCC Physical Plant Department should be notified at 843-5717.

Reports of criminal actions or other emergencies should also be reported, within 24 hours, to the Business Office using an incident report form.

All reports will be thoroughly investigated by the College. Local law enforcement agencies will be involved when necessary. Violations of West Shore Community College regulations, campus standards, and/or policies by students or employees will be handled in accordance with the appropriate disciplinary procedures.  Violations of city/local ordinances and regulations by students, employees and others will be referred to the appropriate enforcement authority for action. The Business Office will maintain all records of reports of alleged offenses, investigations and action taken.

Policy Distribution

The Security Policy and Annual Report will be posted on the campus information bulletin boards in the Campus Center and on the college website.

College Policies Regarding Drugs and Alcohol

West Shore Community College has developed a Drug Prevention Program in accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, and has developed a Drug-Free Workplace policy (WSCC Policy #2021).

Cooperation with Local Law Enforcement Agencies

The Vice President of Administrative Services will maintain a working relationship with the Mason County Sheriff Department and other appropriate enforcement agencies to monitor, record, and act on criminal activity on campus.

Crisis Response Plan

West Shore has established a crisis response plan to deal with crisis situations and traumatic events.

Emergency Evacuation Maps

There are evacuation route and shelter area maps posted in the hallways of all WSCC buildings. Take time to review the map for your area, so you will know the best route to exit the building or to seek shelter inside during an emergency.
During an emergency – walk and remain calm. Help persons with disabilities or notify emergency rescue personnel to assist a person with disabilities.

Remember:
– Be aware of pre-designated primary and alternate evacuations routes.
– Leave buildings in an orderly manner.
– Each employee is responsible to insure that their work area is secure as he/she evacuates. – This includes closing windows, verifying that all persons are out of an area and closing the door as he/she leaves. Do Not re-enter an area that has been evacuated. The closed door signals to all that space is secure.
– Evacuate and proceed to assigned building (the links below detail the evacuation route for each building).

Safety Data Sheets

Michigan Right-to-Know laws are designed to provide information to all employees about chemicals used in their workplace. Every College employee is required to complete the College’s Right-to-Know on-line training as part of their employment orientation. Students and community members who have the potential for a chemical exposure on a WSCC property can also use the Safety Data Sheet information.

Information regarding chemicals used by WSCC is maintained by Dr. Sonja Siewert, Chemical Safety Hygiene Office and Professor of Chemistry and Geology. Dr. Siewert can be reached at sssiewert@westshore.edu or 231-843-5945. Call 911 for any emergency chemical exposures. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) can be obtained at the link below.

In case of exposure to a chemical substance:

  • Remain calm. Get the chemical product flushed off immediately. Unless directed to do otherwise by the label directions, use large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes to flush the affected area.
  • Call 911
  • Inform the dispatcher of your location, the chemical to which you were exposed, and whether you are having any physical reaction, such as burns or difficulty breathing.
  • Complete and return an incident report: Non-employee Employee
  • MSDS Safety Center link
  • To search for a specific chemical, type the product into the “search your eBinder” search box at top of the page and press ENTER. Click on the chemical for more information. Select VIEW PDF for the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) document. GHS Provides all Safety information.
WSCC Alerts

How to sign up for WSCC Alerts

Signing up for WSCC Alerts is easy. Just text WSCCAlert to 99411 to enroll. You will receive a confirmation text letting you know you are enrolled and ready to receive alerts.

What is WSCC Alerts?

  • West Shore Community College has partnered with CodeRED Mobile Safety, the leader in mobile safety, to offer an emergency notification system capable of sending users text messages.

What type of messages will I receive?

  • WSCC will only send you messages related to emergencies or college closings. This system allows us to notify you via texting to your cell phone.In the event of an emergency on campus and or other conditions exist that may impact health or safety, we will notify you by your preferred notification method.  These notifications will include, but are not limited to:
    • Weather Cancellations / Warnings/ Closings
    • Fire
    • Natural disasters
    • Security threats
    • Power outage

Who can subscribe/use the service?

  • Any student, staff, or faculty member of WSCC can subscribe to the service.

What mobile phone carriers are supported?

  • All U.S. mobile carriers are supported.

Will I receive advertisements or text messaging SPAM?

  • No, never. We respect your privacy and you will never receive anything besides official WSCC communications. We pledge to only use the system in the event of health, safety threats, or closings.  Of course, the system may be periodically tested.

Who do I contact for assistance?

  • If you need assistance, contact Craig Peterson, WSCC Media Services, 231-843-5920

How will I identify incoming messages from WSCC Alerts?

  • You will be sent messages from what are known as short codes. The messages will come from 99411. We encourage you to save these numbers into your phone so you will recognize them when messages are sent.

How do I stop getting messages?

  • To stop receiving messages, text the words, “WSCCALERT STOP” to 99411.
Coronavirus Information

Academic Year 23-24

CDC is shifting from an emergency response to incorporating COVID-19 activities into sustainable public health practice. Current guidance and related protocols are now very dependent on personal responsibility for isolation, appropriate quarantine, exposure notifications, and mask use.

  • If you are sick, stay home
  • As always, absences should be reported to your supervisor or instructor
  • All individuals should continue to practice healthy hygiene habits to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses.
  • Facial coverings are welcomed but not required.

If experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or if you were exposed to COVID-19, refer to the MDHHS site to determine any isolation and quarantine needs.  Visit CDC’s guidance for detailed information on symptoms, testing, quarantine/isolation, or other steps to prevent spreading COVID-19.