Safety & Security

2022 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

INTRODUCTION

Western Iowa Tech Community College is providing this information in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Safety Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). The Clery Act and its updates, direct institutions of higher education to provide specific information on College policies, crime statistics, fire statistics, emergency phone numbers and an overview of some of the safety programs offered by the College. The campus Safety Department under the direction of the Safety Supervisor is responsible for compiling the information in this report. The annual statistics are prepared by collecting crime data from Safety Department records, designated Campus Security Authorities and requests from local law enforcement agencies regarding crime statistics for defined locations at all of the WITCC campuses. Once the crime statistics are compiled, they are included in this Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. These crime statistics are also submitted to the federal Department of Education on an annual basis.

CAMPUSES

The main campus of Western Iowa Tech Community College is located at 4647 Stone Avenue, Sioux City IA. The phone number is 712-274-6400. In addition to the main campus WITCC has branch campuses in the following locations:

Beltway Center, 3415 Hwy. 75 North, Sioux City, IA. 712-274-6449.

Cherokee Campus, 200 Victory Drive, Cherokee IA. 712-2550238.

Denison Campus, 11 N. 35^th Street, Denison, IA. 712-263-3419.

In addition to the branch campuses, WITCC also has learning centers in the following locations:

Mapleton Learning Center, 38491 Hwy. 175 North, Mapleton, IA. 712-882-2401.

LeMars Learning Center, 25 5^th Ave. NW, LeMars, IA. 712-274-8733, ext. 6473.

For the purposes of this Annual Security Report, the branch campuses will be included under the College safety procedures and site-specific information, such as crime charts, will be noted for each location.

WITCC has student housing facilities located only at the main campus in Sioux City. 

Authority of Campus Safety

Western Iowa Tech Community College has a non-sworn Safety department based at the main campus in Sioux City. Safety officers do not have the power to make arrests. Campus Safety officers are on-duty on a 24-hour basis and provide a variety of assistance and support functions to students and employees on all WITCC campuses. The department’s objectives are life safety, property protection, crime prevention and enforcement of College policies. Campus Safety’s jurisdiction consists of the main campus, branch campuses, LeMars and Mapleton learning center at the above addresses.

To assist with these objectives, WITCC Safety has the authority to issue campus citations for traffic and parking offenses. They have the authority to initiate vehicle and pedestrian stops on campus property for observed violations and investigatory purposes. They are responsible for the preliminary investigation of criminal actions which occur on campus and may contact local law enforcement at their discretion. Evidence of underage drinking may be reported to law enforcement. They have the authority to direct the actions of others on campus and the right to detain subjects for further investigation. They have the authority to conduct searches of student housing apartments, vehicles, book bags, or containers of any type and computers on campus property when there is reasonable suspicion of criminal activity or violations of WITCC rules and regulations. They will report student code of conduct and behavioral violations, including refusal to cooperate with lawful requests, to the Dean of Students or designee for disciplinary actions.

The WITCC Safety Department adopts the definitions of traffic violations as found in the Iowa motor vehicle law handbook (Chapter 321 and 321A-L) and the ordinances of Sioux City as they apply to the violations listed on the WITCC traffic/parking citation.

Campus Security Authorities

Campus security authorities are individuals or offices whose functions involve building relationships with students and or has significant responsibility for student and campus activities or access monitor any institution owned or controlled facility or event. Example: faculty or staff advisors to student organizations, victim advocates, campus Safety etc.

Procedures for Reporting Crimes

If you observe criminal activity or are the victim of a crime on campus, you are strongly urged to contact WITCC Safety officers located in the Robert H. Kiser Building, room A231 or by calling 712-274-6414 or a preferred Campus Security Authority such the Dean of students located in the Robert H. Kiser Building room A517 or by calling 712-274-6400 ext. 1399 or Title IX Coordinator located in the Robert H. Kiser Building room A242 or by calling 712-274-6400 ext. 1406 soon as possible. You may also call 911 for emergency law enforcement assistance at any of our campus locations. Witnesses to criminal activity on college property are encouraged to accurately and promptly report such activity to the Campus Safety when the victim of a crime elects to, or is unable to, make such a report.  

On campus phones may be used to contact Safety by dialing 6414 or 1316, which is for campus emergency use. These numbers are posted on the black courtesy phones around the Sioux City campus and in each housing unit.

Blue phones located in Student Housing may also be used to summon Safety assistance. These phones are in Lot 1 of Sun Ridge Court and are also located by the front door and on the ground floor patio of Bur Oak Suites and Prairie Place. The Robert H. Kiser Building in Sioux City also has a blue phone located near Entrance 11.

The alleged victim of a crime of violence or sex offense may make a written request for the results of any College disciplinary proceeding against a student who is the alleged perpetrator of such crime or offense. If the alleged victim is deceased as a result of such crime or offense, the next of kin shall be treated as the alleged victim for this purpose and may make the written request.

 Confidential and Anonymous Reporting

Persons wishing to report an on-campus crime confidentially may file a statement with the Safety Department. An internal report will then be generated for statistical purposes. These reports will assist with providing timely documentation of incidents and information. They will also allow the College to address future or on-going safety concerns. Currently there is no policy that encourages pastoral counselors or professional counselors to inform clients of crime reporting procedures on a voluntary, confidential basis for inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics.

Pastoral Counselor

An employee of an institution, who is associated with a religious order or denomination, recognized by that religious order or denomination as someone who provides confidential counseling and who is functioning within the scope of that recognition as a pastoral counselor.

Professional Counselor

An employee of an institution whose official responsibilities include providing psychological counseling to members of the institution’s community, and who is functioning within the scope of his or her license or certification.

In certain circumstances, such as incidents of sexual abuse, individuals may wish to file an anonymous report with the College. These statements will be taken by the Safety department or any other person designated as a campus security authority, who will then forward the information to the Safety department. A report will be generated for statistical purposes. Depending on the wishes of the person involved, College services and support can be offered Should the victim of a crime wish to file an anonymous report and decline Safety or law enforcement intervention, their decision will be respected and no investigation will be conducted.

Reporting to Meet Disclosure Requirements

Members of the community are helpful when they immediately report crimes or emergencies to the Campus Safety Department by calling 712-274-6414 and/or Campus Security Authority such as the Dean of students located in the Robert H. Kiser Building room A517 or by calling 712-274-6400 ext. 1399 or Title IX Coordinator located in the Robert H. Kiser Building room A242 or by calling 712-274-6400 ext. 1406 soon as possible for purposes of including them in the annual statistical disclosure and assessing them for issuing a Timely Warning Notices, when deemed necessary.   

Response to a Report

Campus Safety Officers are available at 712-274-6414 or Zoom extension 6414, 24 hours a day to answer your calls. In response to a call, Campus Safety will take the required action, either dispatching an officer or asking the victim to report to Campus Safety to file an incident report. All reported crimes will be investigated by the College and may become a matter of public record.  All Campus Safety incident reports are forwarded to the Campus Safety Supervisor for review and referred to the Student Code of Conduct Official for potential action, as appropriate. Campus Safety Investigators will investigate a report when it is deemed appropriate. Additional information obtained via the investigation will also be forwarded to the Student Code of Conduct Official. If assistance is required from the Local Police Department or the Local Fire Department, Campus Safety will contact the appropriate unit. If a sexual assault or rape should occur, staff on the scene, including Campus Safety, will offer the victim a wide variety of services.  

Relationship with Local Law Enforcement

While there are no formal written agreements with local law enforcement agencies in Sioux City, Le Mars, Cherokee, Mapleton and Denison, Western Iowa Tech Community College will support and cooperate with those agencies regarding the investigation of criminal offenses committed on all campus property. Students, staff and faculty are encouraged to report emergencies, suspicious behavior or criminal activity immediately to either the Campus Safety Department at 712-274-6414 or Zoom extension 6414 or the local law enforcement agency by dialing 911. The Campus Safety Department maintains a strong working relationship with state and local police agencies, including the Sioux City Police Dept., Woodbury County Sheriff Dept., Iowa State Patrol and the local jurisdictional departments of the Western Iowa Tech Community College satellite campuses.

Student Criminal Activity-NonCampus

Western Iowa Tech Community College does not have any officially recognized student organizations that own or control housing facilities outside of the WITCC core campus. Therefore, local law enforcement is not used to monitor and record criminal activity since there are no noncampus locations of student organizations.  Any off campus criminal activity involving WITCC students would be addressed by law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction for that area. Notification to the College by law enforcement is not required. In addition to law enforcement, these crimes should also be reported to Campus Safety for statistical purposes and so proper notifications and disciplinary action, if applicable, can be made.

Safety Escorts

The Safety Department will provide escort services to those who request them on the Sioux City campus. This can be especially important during the evening hours or if there is a concern of harm. Anyone may request an escort from any building or housing facility on campus Please contact Safety at 712-274-6414 or extension 6414 to meet a Safety officer for an escort.

Crime Prevention

To enhance safety on all campuses, lighting, both inside and outside is regularly maintained and upgraded as needed to ensure visibility. Landscaping is designed to prevent concealment. Video surveillance is used to monitor buildings and property on the Sioux City, Beltway Center, LeMars, Mapleton, Cherokee and Denison locations. Although not continuously observed, the camera system does allow for recorded video to be used for investigatory purposes. In addition, campus Safety officers conduct regular patrols of the Sioux City campus and housing buildings, grounds and nature trail.

SAFETY PROCEDURES

Security and Access to Campus Facilities

WITCC students, staff, and visitors have access to most campus buildings beginning at 7 a.m. until 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Fridays. On Saturdays, Admissions, the front lobby area and the Library on the Sioux City campus are open from 8 a.m. until noon. On Sundays and holidays the College is open for scheduled events only. The Safety department is responsible for locking and unlocking designated buildings either by electronic access devices or physical locks. Safety officers conduct regular patrols of the campus grounds, buildings, and housing complexes. Students are responsible for securing their vehicles. Housing residents are responsible for security for their individual units at WITCC Student Housing. Afterhours access to Bur Oaks Suites and Prairie Place Suites is by electronic access only. Access to Sun Ridge Court is by electronic access only. Non-resident guests must be accompanied by a resident when in campus housing facilities. Safety officers should be contacted at 274-6414 or 1-800-352-4649, extension 6414, to provide safety services or assistance to students, staff, and campus visitors.

Maintenance of Campus Facilities

The Physical Plant is responsible for maintenance and upkeep of all College buildings and property. Facilities and landscaping are maintained in a manner that minimizes hazardous conditions. While on patrol, Safety officers are tasked with reporting any repair issues such as malfunctioning lights, road conditions and other unsafe physical conditions to Facilities Management for correction. In addition, a form titled “Report a Building or Grounds Concern” is available on the MyWIT website under the Safety tab which can be used by any student or employee to report anything that they feel may require repair. All persons on campus are encouraged to report any deficiencies to the Physical Plant using either this form or a phone call to extension 1427.

Residence Facilities

Safety and security are paramount and is the responsibility of not only College staff, but Housing residents as well. Residents are responsible for locking their individual rooms and suite or apartment doors and assisting with maintaining a secure building.

The exterior doors of Bur Oak Suites are locked at all times except during normal college business hours. Prairie Place Suites exterior doors are locked at all times. Apartment doors in Sun Ridge Court are locked at all times. Exterior doors in all three housing facilities are accessed through electronic locks. During locked hours, a phone is available in the Bur Oak vestibule for guest use. Non-residents must be accompanied by the resident they are visiting.

Residents are not to give their identification cards and room keys to non-residents at any time. Should a resident be approached by a guest of another resident requesting admittance to housing facilities, that request must be denied for the safety and security of everyone in the building.

Residents who jeopardize the security of housing facilities, such as propping doors open, may face disciplinary action. Residents are responsible for any access cards and room keys issued to them and may be assessed a fee for replacement.

Children on Campus

Western Iowa Tech Community College is an institution of higher education. 

Minor children are not allowed to:  attend classes with their parents, be in College work areas with their parents or be on campus unattended.  These are safety and insurance issues for the College.

Children may accompany their parents or guardians who are on WITCC campuses to register for classes, to pick up and drop off class materials, and/or to seek College information and services.

If any student has a concern in this area, please contact the Dean of Students in the Administrative offices or at extension 1488.  If any employee has a concern in this area, please contact the Dean of Quality and Human Resources at extension 1406.

SAFETY PROGRAMMING

Safety procedures and an introduction to the College safety videos occur during College Experience classes for new students. Members of the campus Safety department are available for safety related presentations to student and employee groups. Please contact the Safety Supervisor at extension 3210 for scheduling a presentation.

Safety Education

ALICE-The College has introduced the ALICE method of response to violent events on campus, such as a school shooting incident. The Safety department provides ALICE training to all new students during their College Experience class each semester. Employees have received training during staff meetings and refresher training occurs as needed or requested. This response method helps those involved increase their chances of survival through better information flow, which enhances their ability to make sound decisions. It also includes techniques that can be used should a person be confronted and have to actively engage the shooter.

Self Defense-The Student Activities Coordinator provides a women’s self-defense course that is taught by a Self-Defense instructor, who is a 6th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, he teaches simple techniques designed to allow women to be able to break contact and create distance so they can escape from an aggressor.

Campus Safety Videos-WITCC has produced several videos that are accessible to all students and employees regarding safety on campus. There are six self-produced safety videos:

1. Introduction-This video introduces the College Emergency Action Guide, emergency phone call process and the emergency posters located in each classroom and workspace.
2. Fire Safety-This video provides instruction on the fire alarm system and the proper method of evacuating a building should the alarm be activated.
3. Tornado-This video familiarizes the college community with the procedures for sheltering in place during severe weather incidents.
4. Secure Your Area- This video describes the College lockdown procedure, A.L.I.C.E.- Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate for classroom and workspace locations during a violent event on campus. The video also gives students and employees’ suggestions regarding shelter and evacuation should they be located in an open area of a building during a violent incident, such as a school shooter, on campus.
5. Notification-This video is a compilation of the various alarms that are used at the College to notify students and employees of unusual situations.

Crime Prevention, Safety Awareness and Safety Education January 1^st 2021-December 31^st 2021

During the 2021 calendar year, WITCC offered approximately 28 crime prevention and security awareness programs.  Topics such as personal safety, residence hall security, drug and alcohol abuse awareness and sexual assault prevention are some examples of programs offered during the prior academic year.

The WITCC Safety staff performed multiple presentations of the ALICE active shooter training program during College Experience classes and for Staff Development breakout sessions. ALICE is the program that WITCC has chosen to educate all of the WIT community in ways of how to stay safe with the acronym Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Evacuate. This includes being aware of your surroundings, knowing warning signs to look for, using your surroundings as protection.

In addition, the College has purchased additional safety videos from 360StaySafe. These videos address topics that can affect college students such as recognizing controlling behavior in a relationship, stalking, preventing sexual assault, identity theft and protecting your possessions, safety tips and basic self-defense techniques. All safety related videos are located on the MyWIT homepage under the “Safety” tab and are available for viewing at any time. In addition to the videos, the College also provides the following safety related programming through the Counseling Department:

WITCC offered programming of Dating and Relationship Series in the Spring of 2021; discussing issues related to dating, sexual safety and domestic violence. CAASA and Safe Place came to all College Experience classes and Staff Development day session to educate employees on domestic violence and sexual safety required for Title IX.

Jackson Recovery presented to the majority of College Experience classes on alcohol and drug awareness/use and abuse. Multiple workshops were hosted in the Comet Learning Center and in all College Experience classes on anxiety and depression and how it impacts learning, also a workshop on learning styles and time management.

Each of these programs are presented at least once a semester on the Sioux City Campus and by appointment at the Cherokee and Denison campuses and the Mapleton and LeMars learning centers. They are open to all WITCC students, staff and faculty. The Counseling and Safety departments are always willing to address any group on campus regarding safety related topics. To schedule an appointment please contact the Safety Supervisor at ext. 3210 or the College Counselor at ext. 3290.

All crime prevention and security awareness programs encourage students and employees at WITCC to be responsible for their own personal safety as well as the safety and security of others on campus.

Weapons on Campus

WITCC does not permit firearms on campus. The exceptions to this are:

1.  Certified law enforcement officers in their jurisdiction.
2.  Non-certified officers attending the ILEA satellite training academy on the Sioux City campus may bring firearms only for related classes.
3. Firearms owned by the College for use in the Police Science program.
4. Firearm training courses hosted by the College for members of the public.
5. Campus Safety staff who have been authorized by the college to be armed.

Individuals who violate this policy will be referred to law enforcement for arrest and prosecution.

Policy for Drug and Alcohol-Free College Community

Drug Free Schools and Communities Act

In compliance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, Western Iowa Tech Community College  publishes information regarding the College’s prevention programs related to drug and alcohol abuse prevention which include standards of conduct that prohibit the unlawful possession, use, and distribution of alcohol and illegal drugs on campus and at institution-associated activities; sanctions for violations of federal, state, and local laws and College policy; a description of health risks associated with alcohol and other drug use and abuse; and a description of available counseling, treatment, rehabilitation and/or re-entry programs for WITCC  students and employees.  A complete description of these topics, as provided in the College’s annual notification to students and employees, is available online at: https://www2.witcc.edu/about/board/board-policies/506-6-drug-free-college-community/

The College shall endeavor to provide a healthy, safe, and secure educational environment.  It is the policy of the Board that, within the powers of the College, reasonable measures shall be taken to establish and maintain a drug-free community as required by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Drug-Free Schools & Communities Act/Amendment of 1988 (PL101-226), and applicable Iowa statutes. (WITCC Board Policy 506.6)

1. Policies Applicable to All
   1. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a mood-altering substance on College premises, or while conducting College business or attending any College function by employees or students is absolutely prohibited. Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment or expulsion from the College.
   2. All students and employees are expected to report for their assignments unimpaired by the use of a mood-altering substance.
   3. The use of any prescription drug or medication with intent to induce mood alteration in a manner or amount not prescribed by an attending physician is prohibited while on College premises or while attending College functions.
   4. The ingestion of any nonprescription chemical on College premises with intent to induce mood alteration is prohibited.
   5. Any promotional material used for or in conjunction with College activities shall not include advertisement of alcoholic beverages.
   6. Mood-altering substances as used in this Policy include, but are not limited to, controlled substances as defined in federal and Iowa criminal statutes, and alcoholic liquor and beer.
2. Sanctions
   1. Legal - Applicable to All

Federal  For the possession, manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of a controlled substance, the maximum penalty is life imprisonment, a $20 million fine, or both and forfeiture of conveyances including vehicles.  21USCS 841, 844, and 881.

Iowa  For the manufacture, delivery, or possession of a controlled substance or conspiring to do so, the maximum penalty is 50 years imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, or both. 204.401 Iowa Code, 1989. 

Iowa  On College premises, for the use or possession of a controlled substance and for the use and possession of any alcoholic liquor or beer, except as permitted by College.  See College rules for penalty (may include suspension or expulsion). 279.9 and 280A.23(3) Iowa Code, 1989.

Sioux City  For the use or consumption of alcoholic liquor, wine, or beer upon public streets and alcoholic liquor anyplace except premises covered by a liquor control license, the maximum penalty is 30 days imprisonment, a $500 fine. 8.16.010 Municipal Code Sioux City

2. College - Applicable to Students

1. Violation of this policy may result in imposition of one or more of the following sanctions.
2. Recommendation that the student seeks an assessment at an accredited substance abuse agency and follows all subsequent recommendations.
3. Mandatory participation in a substance abuse program at an accredited treatment agency.
4. Required chemical dependency assessment within ten (10) days of imposition of sanctions at an accredited substance abuse agency and adherence to subsequent recommendations.
5. Suspension from school pending completion of an assessment at an accredited substance abuse treatment agency and adherence to all subsequent recommendations.
6. Dismissal, with a verbal recommendation that the student seeks an assessment at an accredited substance abuse treatment agency and follows all subsequent recommendations.

              In addition to or in lieu of any of the penalties for an act of misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct section in the Student Handbook, when alcohol or drug abuse appears to be a factor, sanctions listed herein may be applied.

3. Miscellaneous

1. When employees or students suspect another individual is having alcohol or other drug related difficulties, including difficulties with family or friends, they are encouraged to intervene by sharing their concerns with the individual, or they may contact the Dean of Students for confidential assistance on how best to help the person.
2. When a student witnesses’ possession of alcohol or other drugs by another student or staff member, it is strongly suggested that he/she report the incidence to WITCC Safety.
3. When a staff member is a witness to the possession of alcohol or illicit drugs by a student, the following must be applied: 
   1. The Safety Department must be notified immediately.
   2. All persons believed to be in possession of illicit drugs must be reported to the local law enforcement agency.
   3. All persons of minority age believed to be in possession of alcohol must be reported to the local law enforcement agency.
   4. Following due process procedures, the Dean of Students or designee, the Residence Life Manager or designee, after Consultation, the Safety Department may apply one of the sanctions listed herein.

Drug and Alcohol Services at WITCC

Counseling services are available on the Sioux City campus on weekdays. While the college counselors are not involved in long term therapy, they will work with students and can make a referral to a community resource agency for longer term care. This would include Siouxland Mental Health Center and Jackson Recovery. The counselor is also a resource for the other college campuses and learning centers and is available for consultation by phone at 712-274-8733, ext. 1293; and can make referrals to agencies in those local communities.

While there is no formal employee assistance plan for employees of the College, the insurance program does provide benefits for mental health counseling and addiction services. Questions on these benefits can be directed to the Human Resources Department.  

Timely Warning Procedure

WITCC is concerned about the safety of students and employees. Should an incident occur, on any of the WITCC campuses Clery Geography (On Campus, Public Property and Noncampus property), or learning center, that in the judgment of the Safety Supervisor or designee presents a serious or continuing threat, a campus wide timely warning notification will be issued. The Safety Supervisor will develop a timely warning notice which will notify members of the college community about serious or continuing crimes against people that occur within the WITCC Clery Geography, should it be determined that an on-going threat may exist. The trigger for a timely warning notice is whether a serious or continuing threat to the safety of the campus community exists based on the facts of the case and information known by the Safety department. Timely Warnings are typically issued for the following Uniform Crime Reporting Program (UCR)/National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) crime classifications:

Major crimes such as murder, manslaughter, major incidents of arson, robbery, a string of Burglaries or Motor Vehicle Thefts that occur in reasonably close proximity to one another; will generally be the subject of a timely warning notice. Other Clery crimes as determined necessary by the Safety Supervisor, or his or her designee in his or her absence.

Crimes such as aggravated and sexual assault are considered on a case by case basis, with factors such as when and where the incident occurred, when it was reported and whether an arrest has been made being considered.

In addition, from time to time, safety related information and articles may be sent out in general e-mail form.

Should an incident occur in which timely warning notification is to be sent, an all student/all employee e-mail will be used as the primary notification method. Because this message will reach every student and every employee on all campuses, should the incident be campus specific, that information will be noted in the timely warning notice. The notice will generally be written by the Safety Supervisor or designee, and will be distributed by the Safety Supervisor or designee following approval of the Vice President of Finance and Administrative Service and/or the Dean of Students. Depending on the incident, the College’s mass notification system, which will send text messages to cellular telephones, distributed by the Dean of Information Technologies, and e-mails to campus accounts, distributed by the Safety Supervisor, may also be used. In some cases, posted notices, or a public address system may be used to make the notification, distributed by the Campus Safety Department. Timely warnings shall be provided in a manner that is timely, and that withholds the names of victims as confidential, and that will aid in the prevention of similar occurrences.

Students and staff are highly encouraged to sign up for the texting service, which can be found at witcc.edu/alerts. This is an opt-in system. Simply follow the prompts and select the type of text alerts you would like to receive. To report an emergency situation, call the Campus Safety Department at 712-274-6414 or Zoom extension 6414. Emergency calls are immediately forwarded to Campus Safety for resolution.

The institution is not required to issue a Timely Warning with respect to crimes reported to a pastoral or professional counselor. 

Emergency Notification Response and Evacuation

The Safety Department located in the Robert H. Kiser Building room A231 contact at 712-274-6414 and/or Campus Security Authority such as the Dean of Students located in the Robert H. Kiser Building room A517 or contact at 712-274-6400 ext. 1399 or the employee Title IX Coordinator located in the Robert H. Kiser Building room A242 or contact at 712-274-6400 ext. 1406 or the student Title IX Coordinator located in the Robert H. Kiser Building room A325 or contact at 712-274-6400 ext. 3284 are the designated college officials to whom students and employees should report Clery Act crimes as soon as possible, for the purposes of making Timely Warnings and reports, Emergency Notifications and compiling the annual statistical disclosure.

Should an incident be reported on campus which involves an immediate threat to the health or safety of students, staff and faculty, WITCC Campus Safety and physical plant staff will attempt to immediately confirm the incident and its location if the incident is on the Sioux City campus, sometimes in conjunction with campus administrators, local first responders and/or the national weather center.  For the campuses in Cherokee and Denison and the learning centers in LeMars and Mapleton, staff at those locations will attempt to confirm the incident. This may be done by physically responding or telephonically. At the Sioux City, Beltway Center, LeMars, Denison, Mapleton and Cherokee locations video cameras may also be viewed to confirm the emergency. Upon confirmation, the College, through the incident coordinator in charge will without delay, and taking into account the safety of the college community determines the content of the notification and initiate the notification system, unless the notification will in the professional judgment of the responsible authorities, compromise efforts to assist victims or contain, respond to or otherwise mitigate the emergency. The incident coordinator in charge will generally determine the extent of the notification and evacuation. On the Sioux City campus this can consist of Student Housing only, or the entire campus. Bur Oak Suites, Prairie Place Suites and Sun Ridge Court Apartments are equipped with internal public address systems, all connected to the campus public address system. Incidents on all other campuses will result in a full campus notification. Should an incident occur which is obviously an immediate threat which requires securing the building in lockdown, administrative support staff in Sioux City, Cherokee and Denison have the authority to immediately notify the college community through pre-recorded messages. Notification of a full building evacuation, shelter in place or lockdown will be made over the public address system. This announcement will advise building occupants of actions that should be taken. Pre-recorded announcements that cover weather related emergencies and physical violence will be utilized. Other situations will involve customized messages over the public address system which will be approved by an incident coordinator or designee and will include information directly related to the emergency. Due to the size of the Beltway Center, LeMars and Mapleton learning centers, notification will come through staff at the building.

In the event of an emergency, Western Iowa Tech Community College will initiate and provide, without delay, immediate notifications to the appropriate segment(s) of the College community upon the confirmation of a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students, employee and visitors.  

In addition, the mass notification system and social media will be used to advise others in the community of the emergency, either through pre-planned or customized messages. The content of customized messages will again be determined by the incident coordinator in charge and will be directly related to the emergency. The primary incident coordinators for WITCC are the Safety Supervisor, Director of Physical Plant and College Safety, Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services and the Dean of Information Technologies.

The primary incident coordinators will collaborate to determine the content of the message and will use some or all of the systems described below to communicate the threat to the WITCC Community or to the appropriate segment of the community, if the threat is limited to a particular building or segment of the population. 

Dissemination of follow up information will utilize the some or all of the systems described below as appropriate.

Notification will be made by using some or all of the following methods depending on the type of emergency: College Alert System (which contains email, cell phone text, voice message alert); fire alarm (where available), public address systems (where available), social media, digital signage (where available), local media, webpage and/or in person communication. If any these systems fail or the College deems it appropriate, in person communication may be used to communicate an emergency. 

The local news media may be utilized to disseminate emergency information to members of the larger community, including neighbors, parents and other interested parties. The larger community can also access emergency information via the Western Iowa Tech Community College homepage and/or social media. 

If there is an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or employees occurring on campus, an institution must follow its emergency notification procedures. An institution that follows its emergency notification procedures is not required to issue a timely warning based on the same circumstances; however, the institution must provide adequate follow-up information to the community as needed. 

Emergency Evacuation Procedures

Activation of the fire alarm system in any building will result in a full evacuation. Upon activation of the alarm building occupants are expected to leave the building in an orderly fashion through the nearest exit. Occupants must move to at least 150 feet from the building. Reentry to the building will be permitted only after approval of the incident coordinator in charge.

The emergency evacuation procedures are tested at least twice each year. Students and employees learn the locations of the emergency exits in the buildings and are provided guidance about the direction they should travel when exiting each facility for a short-term building evacuation. Campus Safety does not tell building occupants in advance about the designated locations for long-term evacuations because those decisions are affected by time of day, location of the building being evacuated, the availability of the various designated emergency gathering locations on campus, and other factors such as the location and nature of the threat. In both cases, Campus Safety staff on the scene will communicate information to students regarding the developing situation or any evacuation status changes.

The purpose of evacuation drills is to prepare building occupants for an organized evacuation in case of a fire or other emergency. At WITCC, evacuation drills are used as a way to educate and train occupants on fire safety issues specific to their building. During the drill, occupants ‘practice’ drill procedures and familiarize themselves with the location of exits and the sound of the fire alarm.

General Evacuation Procedures

At the sound of a fire alarm or if you are instructed to evacuate, leave your work area immediately and proceed to the nearest exit, and leave the building. If you are the first to recognize a fire situation, activate the alarm, evacuate to a safe location using the nearest exit, and notify Campus Safety at 712-274-6414 or Emergency dial 911.

Remain Calm

Do NOT use Elevators, Use the Stairs.

Assist the physically impaired. If he/she unable to exit without using an elevator, secure a safe location near a stairwell, and immediately inform Campus Safety or the responding Fire Dept. of the individual’s location.

Proceed to a clear area at least 150 feet from the building. Keep all walkways clear for emergency vehicles.

Make sure all personnel are out of the building.

Do not re-enter the building.

Shelter-in-Place Procedures -What it Means to “Shelter-in-Place”

If an incident occurs and the buildings or areas around you become unstable, or if the air outdoors becomes dangerous due to toxic or irritating substances, it is usually safer to stay indoors, because leaving the area may expose you to that danger. Thus, to “shelter-in-place” means to make a shelter of the building that you are in, and with a few adjustments this location can be made even safer and more comfortable until it is safe to go outside.

Basic “Shelter-in-Place” Guidance

If an incident occurs and the building you are in is not damaged, stay inside in an interior room until you are told it is safe to come out. If your building is damaged, take your personal belonging (purse, wallet, access card, etc.) and follow the evacuation procedures for your building (close your door, proceed to the nearest exit, and use the stairs instead of the elevators). Once you have evacuated, seek shelter at the nearest College building quickly. If police or fire department personnel are on the scene, follow their directions.

How You Will Know to “Shelter-in-Place”

A shelter-in-place notification may come from several sources, Campus Safety, Housing Staff members, other College employees, local law enforcement, or other authorities utilizing the College’s emergency communications tools.

How to “Shelter-in-Place”

No matter where you are, the basic steps of shelter-in-place will generally remain the same. Should the need ever arise, follow these steps, unless instructed otherwise by local emergency personnel:

If you are inside, stay where you are. Collect any emergency shelter-in-place supplies and a telephone to be used in case of emergency. If you are outdoors, proceed into the closest building quickly or follow instructions from emergency personnel on the scene.

Locate a room to shelter inside. It should be:

An interior room;

Above ground level; and

Without windows or with the least number of windows. If there is a large group of people inside a particular building, several rooms maybe necessary.

Shut and lock all windows (tighter seal) and close exterior doors.

Turn off air conditioners, heaters, and fans.

Close vents to ventilation systems as you are able. (College staff will turn off the ventilation as quickly as possible.)

Make a list of the people with you and ask someone (faculty, or other staff) to call the list in to Campus Safety so they know where you are sheltering. If only students are present, one of the students should call in the list.

Turn on a radio or TV and listen for further instructions.

Make yourself comfortable. 

WITCC maintains an Emergency Response Plan that outlines responsibilities of campus units during emergencies. This plan outlines incident priorities, campus organization and specific responsibilities of particular units or positions.

College units are responsible for developing emergency response and continuity of operations plans for their areas and staff. Campus emergency management provides resources and guidance for the development of these plans.  Emergencies occurring on campus should be reported to Campus Safety at 712-274-6414 or Emergency dial 911.

WITCC has produced videos regarding actions that can be taken by students, staff and faculty in these situations. These videos have been posted on MyWIT homepage under the “Safety” tab and may be viewed at any time by students and employees. An Emergency Response Guide along with Tornado, Fire and Secure Your Area posters have been placed in each classroom and work space area which list specific precautions that should be taken. These procedures are also available to employees and students in the campus Emergency Action Plan, which is available under the “Safety” tab on MyWIT. Publicizing emergency response and evacuation procedures takes place in College Experience classes which are required for all incoming freshmen each semester. In addition, an e-mail notification regarding the content and location of the instructional videos and Emergency Action Plan will be sent to all students, staff and faculty. The campus publicizes a summary of the emergency response and evacuation procedures via email at least once each year in conjunction with a test (exercise and drill) that meets all of the requirements of the Higher Education Opportunity Act.

Emergency response and evacuation procedures are tested on at least an annual basis on all WITCC campuses. Tests consist of activating the fire alarm system for full building evacuations as well as activating messages over the public address systems to test severe weather and campus secure your area procedures. After each drill there is a debriefing with involved parties who oversee the drill to address procedural issues which are documented. In addition, an e-mail is sent to staff and faculty with a request to contact the Information Technologies department concerning any problems with the emergency notification systems. Because emergencies can happen at any time, these tests are conducted at different times of the day and are unannounced. Each test is documented and includes a description of the exercise, the date and time of the exercise, and whether it was announced or unannounced.    

Starting in 2020 the College has been involved in a long-term ongoing multi-stage Fire System update, centralization and consolidation project.

Chart of the Emergency drills performed.

Student Housing Missing Person Protocol

As part of the Higher Education Act of 2008, Western Iowa Tech Community College is required to advise students living on-campus of its missing person policy and protocol. All students living on-campus will be given the opportunity annually to identify an individual to be contacted in the event that the student is determined to be missing. This information is optional for students who have attained the age of majority. Juvenile students who are not emancipated and are living on-campus will be required to provide the contact information for their parent or legal guardian in addition any contact person designated by the student. Student Housing will ask for this information upon initial check-in. Students who decide not to provide third party contact information will be asked to sign a form noting such. This form will be placed in the student’s housing file. If the student does provide contact information, it will be the student’s responsibility to ensure that the information remains current.  When students are informed of their option to provide a confidential contact, they are advised that their contact information will be considered confidential, accessible only to authorized campus officials and law enforcement and it will not be disclosed outside of a missing person investigation. Students are advised that, in the event a student is under 18 years of age and not emancipated, WITCC must notify a custodial parent or guardian within 24 hours of the determination that the student is missing, in addition to notifying any additional contact person designated by the student.   Students are advised that, for all missing students, WITCC will notify the local law enforcement agency within 24 hours of the determination that the student is missing, unless the local law enforcement agency was the entity that made the determination that the student is missing.

Any missing person report will be immediately forwarded to Campus Safety and Student Housing for investigation. If members of the WITCC community believe that a student has been missing for 24 hours, it is critical that they report that information to Campus Safety by calling 712-274-6414.  Upon determining that the student is missing for 24 hours, Campus Safety will be responsible for notifying the individual identified as the student’s contact. If the student is a juvenile and not emancipated the institution will also notify the custodial parent or guardian and any other designated contact person within 24 hours. In addition, regardless of the student’s age or emancipation status or whether the student has identified a contact person, Campus Safety will notify the Sioux City Police Department unless the Sioux City Police Department was the entity that made the determination that the student is missing and the Dean of Students of the missing student. These notifications will take place no later than 24 hours after the time that the student has been determined to be missing and has not returned to campus.

Student Housing Fire Safety Protocol and Fire Incident Log

As part of the Higher Education Act of 2008, Western Iowa Tech Community College is required to advise the college community of annual fire safety reports for student housing. At Western Iowa Tech Community College, there are three housing complexes, Bur Oak Suites, Prairie Place Suites and Sun Ridge Court. Bur Oak Suites and Prairie Place Suites are dormitory style living. They are equipped with a sprinkler system, internal fire alarm system including CO2 monitor and smoke detectors in the common areas. In addition, there is a stand-alone smoke detector in suite. Fire extinguishers are placed throughout the common areas of the building. The alarm system is also connected to the main college alarm system. Fire drills are conducted four times a year on the main campus. These drills would also include both Bur Oak Suites and Prairie Place Suites.

Sun Ridge Court consists of 10 apartment buildings. Each apartment has stand-alone smoke detectors and fire extinguishers located in the kitchen pantries. Due to the apartment style living and separate buildings in Sun Ridge Court, there are no fire alarm systems in the complex and fire drills are not conducted.

Fire Safety Systems

1. Partial Sprinkler System is defined as having sprinklers in the common areas only.
2. Full Sprinkler System is defined as having sprinklers in both the common areas and individual rooms.

No plans are in place for future improvements for the three residential housing areas on campus and are within the requirements of compliance HEA 2008 as well as local and state codes.

Certain appliances are not permitted in the Student Housing units, they are as follows, but not limited to:

Mini-Dishwashers · Space heaters · Halogen lights · Hot plates · Deep fryers· Mini-Deep Freezers Gas or Charcoal Grills · Mini-Laundry Machines, smoking and open flames. There are several appliances that are permitted in the Student Housing units in either Bur Oak Suites, Prairie Place Suites or Sun Ridge Court, they are as follows, but not limited to:

Electric Grills/Griddles · Toasters · Microwave Ovens  Coffee Pots · Air fryers · Rice cookers.

Incense is prohibited. Candles when burned, are a fire hazard and are not allowed in Student Housing units. However, they are allowed as decoration and can be used with a candle warmer. Sources of open flame are prohibited. Information about the suggested and prohibited items for housing units can be found in the Student Housing Handbook page 24 or this url: https://www2.witcc.edu/pdf/residence-life-handbook/

Western Iowa Tech Community College is a smoke free/tobacco free campus. Smoking is not permitted on the college grounds or in vehicles on the campus.

Student Housing Evacuation Procedures in Case of a Fire

At the beginning of each semester, Housing staff at each complex covers the procedures for evacuation with their residents. In addition, posters with directions for fire evacuation are posted on the inside of each apartment or suite door.

•           If you hear the fire alarm immediately evacuate the building using the nearest available exit. Do not attempt to fight a fire unless you have been trained to do so.

•           Awaken any sleeping roommate or suitemates. Prepare to evacuate by putting on shoes and coat if necessary. Feel the doorknob and the door. If they are hot, do not open the door. If they are cool, open slowly, if heat or heavy smoke rushes in, close the door immediately and remain inside.

•           When leaving your room, be sure to take your key in case it is necessary to return to the room should conditions in the corridor deteriorate. Make sure to close the door tightly when evacuating.

•           Resident life staff members who are present on their floors should facilitate the evacuation of their floor/section if possible.  When the alarm sounds shout (Example: there is an emergency in the building leave by the nearest exit) and knock on doors as they make their way to the nearest exit and out the building.

•           When exiting in smoky conditions keep your hand on the wall and crawl to the nearest exit. Always know more than one path out of your location and the number of doors between your room and the exit.

•           DO NOT USE ELEVATORS. Elevator shafts may fill with smoke or the power may fail, leaving you trapped. Elevators have features that recall and deactivate the elevator during an alarm. Standing and waiting for an elevator wastes valuable time.

•           Each resident should report to their assigned assembly area.  Resident life staff should report to their assigned assembly area and make sure that students have cleared the building. Conduct a head count and do not allow re-entry into the building until directed to do so by emergency personnel. 

Per federal law, Western Iowa Tech Community College is required to annually disclose statistical data on all fires that occur in on-campus student housing facilities. Therefore, all incidents of a fire occurring or having occurred should be reported to WITCC campus Safety officers by calling 712-274-6414 or occurring fires to the jurisdictional fire departments through 911.

Fire Safety Education and Training Programs

Western Iowa Tech Community College has created a training video, which is college specific, on procedures to follow in the event of a fire alarm. This video is posted on the MyWIT homepage under the “Safety” tab and is accessible to all students, staff and faculty. Fire extinguisher training is provided to employees of the College periodically. In addition, fire alarm procedures are listed in the College Emergency Action Plan which is available to staff and faculty through the MyWIT website.

Procedures Students and Employees Should Follow in Case of a Fire

Upon activation of the alarm building occupants are expected to leave the building in an orderly fashion through the nearest exit. Occupants must move to at least 150 feet from the building. Reentry to the building will be permitted only after approval of the incident coordinator in charge.

Statistical information listing the number of fires, causes, number of injuries and deaths and property damage amounts are shown in the chart below:

Note - The following value ranges are used for estimated property damage due to fire:

$0-99

$100-999

$1,000-9,999

$10,000-24.999

$50,000-99,999

$100,000-249,999

$250,000-499,999

$500,000-999,999

>$1,000,000

Fire Safety Report

Statistics and Related Information Regarding Fires in Residential Facilities for 2021

Statistics and Related Information Regarding Fires in Residential Facilities for 2020

Statistics and Related Information Regarding Fires in Residential Facilities for 2019

Fire Log

A fire log is available for review at the Campus Safety Office located in the Robert H. Kiser Building room A231, from 8a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. The information in the fire log includes information about fires that occur in residential facilities, including the nature, date, time, and general location.  

Procedures and Penalties for Alcohol and Illegal Drug Use

Alcohol Prohibited

Western Iowa Tech Community College prohibits the unlawful possession, use, and sale of alcoholic beverages on campus. Campus Safety is responsible for the enforcement of state underage drinking laws. 

The possession of alcohol is prohibited in all areas of the College, including all areas of the residence halls.  This prohibition includes complex grounds, common areas, and parking lots.  Possession of empty alcoholic containers is not permitted for any purpose.  Violations of the policy will result in disciplinary action through the College and possible referral to law enforcement.

An alcohol violation is defined as follows: Direct observation of alcohol consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages or the inability of a student to function in a safe manner due to consumption of alcohol (public intoxication) on College property.  Residents will be held accountable for their guests, including their possession of alcohol on College property.  Anyone present in a suite or apartment where alcohol is found will be deemed in violation of the alcohol policy. 

Sanctions:

1st violation

A student in violation of the College alcohol policy will be issued a citation to appear before the Student Justice Hearing Officer within 3 business days.  A fine of $100 will be charged to the student’s College account.  The student will also be required to complete an online alcohol education course.  Guests of students will be issued a “no trespass” order from College property for a period of no less than 15 days. 

2nd violation

A student in violation of the College alcohol policy will be issued a citation to appear before the Student Justice Hearing Officer within 3 business days.  A fine of $200 will be charged to the student’s College account. The student will be required to complete five hours of community service.  The student will also be required to meet with the College counselor and follow the counselor’s recommendations, including an alcohol assessment at Jackson Recovery performed at the student’s expense, if ordered. The student must complete the follow up recommendations and sign a release of information for the Dean of Students and the College counselor to receive results and completion confirmation. Guests of students will be issued a “no trespass” order from College property for a period of no less than 30 days.

3rd violation

The student will be required to meet with Student Justice Hearing Officer. Under most circumstances, a student will be required to move out of campus housing within one week of a determination of responsibility.  The housing deposit will be retained, and any housing refund will be issued according to the occupancy fee refund schedule.

 Students who have been removed from campus housing because of repeated alcohol violations will be permitted to reapply for campus housing after a full semester has passed.  Decisions to grant or deny reapplication will be at the discretion of Dean of Students.  Decisions will be based on the likelihood that the student will incur future code of conduct violations and the level of cooperation on the part of the student during past code of conduct violations.  All students readmitted into campus housing will be placed on written probation.

Drug and Alcohol Search by Law Enforcement

Periodically local police departments may be invited to conduct an unannounced drug search with a canine unit.  Should the dog indicate that an illegal substance is present in a unit, Campus Safety or a professional housing staff member will search the area.  Disciplinary action will be taken and the police may initiate, at their discretion, criminal charges against the residents of the unit.

Illegal Drugs Prohibited

The unlawful possession, distribution, manufacture, sale and use of illegal drugs are not allowed in campus housing, including common areas, the grounds, or parking areas.  The trafficking of drugs or use of prescription drugs in a manner inconsistent with its labeling is prohibited.  Any controlled substance or agent having the potential for abuse and/or possession of paraphernalia for drug use is also prohibited.  Students present at the discovery of illegal drugs will be held in violation of this policy.  The Campus Safety Supervisor has primary responsibility for the enforcement of State underage drinking laws as well as the enforcement of Federal and State drug laws.  

Sanctions:

1st Violation Marijuana / Prescription Drug Abuse

A student found to be in possession of Marijuana, to possess related paraphernalia, or a student found to be abusing prescription drugs will be required to meet with the Student Justice Hearing Officer for a code of student conduct meeting.   The student will also be required to meet with the College counselor.  Upon recommendation of the counselor, the student will be required to have a drug assessment from Jackson Recovery performed at the student’s expense within one week of the receiving the recommendation.  The student must complete the follow up recommendations and sign a release of information for the Dean of Students and the College counselor to receive results and completion confirmation.

In addition, the student will be responsible for completing ten hours of community service and will pay a $100 fine. The student will have two weeks to complete the community service requirement and must follow the decided upon schedule for completing the hours. The fine will be posted to the student’s college account and must be paid within 30 days of the posting date.   Failure to follow any of these measures will result in dismissal from campus housing.  

The Dean of Students may decide, depending on the severity of the infraction or lack of cooperation on the part of the student, to impose a sanction of immediate dismissal from campus housing and to impose other disciplinary actions on the student. 

2nd violation of Marijuana / prescription drug abuse

A student found in violation of the College drug guidelines for a second time will be dismissed from campus housing and may be subject to other disciplinary actions.  

Other Illicit Drugs / Controlled Substances / Illegal Enterprises

A student who possesses or uses other types of illegal drugs will be subject to dismissal from campus housing on the 1st violation or occurrence.  Any student involved in drug dealing, trafficking, or distribution of any type of drug will be subject to dismissal from campus housing on the 1st violation or occurrence.

Crime Statistics

WITCC Safety department maintains records of all incidents they investigate or that are reported anonymously. Annual crime statistics are compiled, published and distributed in compliance with the Higher Education Amendments Act of 1998. These statistics include the following: murder, negligent or non-negligent manslaughter, rape, fondling, incest, statutory rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft and arson. Certain crimes that show evidence of bias must also be reported. These include the crimes listed above, along with theft, simple assault, intimidation and damage to property if the crime was committed due to a person’s race, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity or national origin. Additionally, arrests and campus disciplinary referrals for liquor law violations, drug law violations and weapons law violations are reported. Pursuant to the Pursuant to the Violence against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, the College will also be reporting incidents of dating violence, domestic violence and stalking in the annual crime chart.  Copies of these reports are maintained in the WITCC Safety Office. Crime charts will be provided for each separate campus within the College. Statistics for the Mapleton Learning Center will be included with the Denison Campus.

On occasion, law enforcement will investigate a report of crime that occurs on a campus which meets the requirements for inclusion in the annual crime statistics. In the event their investigation shows the report to be false or baseless, the College may list the crime as unfounded and not include it in the campus crime chart. Only sworn law enforcement officers may declare a reported crime to be unfounded. Because the campus Safety department is non-sworn and does not have law enforcement authority, they cannot list a reported crime as unfounded. Unfounded crimes, if any, will be shown on the crime statistics chart for the affected campus.   

The WITCC Safety Department also maintains a crime log listing information on all crimes reported to the department. This log is kept current and is available for viewing in the Safety office.

Cherokee

Denison

Sioux City

Cherokee

Denison

Sioux City

JEANNE CLERY DISCLOSURE OF CAMPUS SECURITY POLICY AND CAMPUS CRIME STATISTICS ACT, AS AMENDED BY THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2013

Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Stalking

Western Iowa Tech Community College prohibits the crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

Western Iowa Tech Community College does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and sexual harassment and sexual violence are types of sex discrimination. Other acts can also be forms of sex-based discrimination and are also prohibited whether sexually based or not and include dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. As a result, Western Iowa Tech Community College issues this statement of policy to inform the community of our comprehensive plan addressing sexual misconduct, educational programs, and procedures that address sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, whether the incident occurs on or off campus and when it is reported to a College official. In this context, the College prohibits the offenses of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking and reaffirms its commitment to maintain a campus environment emphasizing the dignity and worth of all members of the college community.

The following are Western Iowa Tech Community College’s policies governing sexual misconduct:

B O A R D  P O L I C Y WESTERN IOWA TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE

 Series Number 506.7

Title Health and Safety Regulations and Procedures

Sexual Abuse

Western Iowa Tech Community College is pledged to maintain an environment conducive to work and study for all persons. Accurate and prompt reporting of incidents of sexual abuse will be facilitated through the dissemination and discussion of materials covering the rights and responsibilities of students and employees and of policies governing appropriate conduct. Such dissemination and discussion will take place during student orientation and registration and at other times as deemed necessary.

Information will be provided to all students about counseling services and campus safety. Educational programs related to the means of preventing sexual abuse, of protection from sexual abuse, and of the rights and duties of students and employees will be provided on a periodic basis.

Sexual abuse shall be as defined in Iowa Code Section 709.1.

B O A R D  P O L I C Y WESTERN IOWA TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Series Number 400.10

Title All Personnel

Harassment

Harassment of employees and students will not be tolerated. This includes incidents within college facilities, college premises, and on other property if the employee or student is at any college sponsored or related activity or function, such as field trips where students are involved in a college-supervised activity or where the employee is engaged in college business.

Harassment includes, but is not limited to, race, creed, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity actual or potential parental, family or marital status in its programs, activities or employment practices as required by State and Federal Civil Rights Regulation. Harassment by Board members, administrators, employees, parents, vendors, and others doing business with the College is prohibited. Employees whose behavior is alleged to be in violation of this policy will be subject to the investigation procedure which may result in discipline up to and including discharge or other appropriate action. Other individuals whose behavior is alleged to be in violation of this policy will be subject to appropriate sanctions as determined and imposed by the President or Board.

Sexual harassment shall include, but not be limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment;

submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual; or

such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.

Other types of harassment may include, but not be limited to, jokes, stories, pictures or objects that are offensive,  tend to alarm, annoy, abuse, or demean certain protected individuals and groups.

Employees and students who believe they have suffered harassment shall report such matters to one of the designated harassment conciliators.

Upon receiving a complaint, the conciliator shall confer with the complainant to obtain an understanding and a statement of the facts. It shall be the responsibility of the conciliator to promptly and reasonably investigate claims of harassment and to pass the findings on to the President who shall complete such further investigation as deemed necessary and take such final action as deemed appropriate. Information regarding an investigation of harassment shall be confidential to the extent possible, and those individuals who are involved in the investigation shall not discuss information regarding the complaint outside the investigation process.

No one shall retaliate against an employee or student because the student or employee has filed a harassment complaint; assisted or participated in a harassment investigation, proceeding, or hearing regarding a harassment charge; or because they have opposed language or conduct that violates this policy.

It shall be the responsibility of the Board members, administrators, employees, students, and others having business or other contact with the College to act appropriately under this policy. It shall be the responsibility of the President to inform and educate employees or students and others involved with the College about harassment and the College’s policy prohibiting harassment.

This policy and accompanying regulations shall only apply when an employee is the victim of an alleged harasser, or an employee is the alleged harasser. It shall be the responsibility of the President, in conjunction with the conciliators, to develop administrative procedures regarding this policy.

The College has designated a group of employees to participate in Civil Rights Investigator training..  This team consists of members from Campus Safety, Judicial Affairs, Human Resources, the Title IX Coordinator, Dean of Students office and Campus Housing.  The investigators meet periodically throughout the year to review, develop and revise protocols, policies and procedures for addressing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking on campus.

1. Definitions

Consent: Knowing, voluntary, and active permission to engage in sexual activity.  It must be given by clear words or actions prior to each and every sexual encounter.  Silence or inaction can NEVER constitute consent.

Sexual Assault: Means an offense classified as rape, fondling, incest or statutory rape under the uniform crime reporting system of the Federal Bureau of Investigation - Appendix A of 334CFR Part 668.

Iowa Chapter 709.1: Sexual Abuse Defined.

Any sex act between persons is sexual abuse by either of the participants when the act is performed with the other participant in any of the following circumstances:

1. The act is done by force or against the will of the other. If the consent or acquiescence of the other is procured by threats or violence toward any person, or if the act is done while the other is under the influence of a drug-inducing sleep or is otherwise in a state of unconsciousness, the act is done against the will of the other.
2. Such other participant is suffering from a mental defect or incapacity which precludes giving consent, or lacks the mental capacity to know the right and wrong of conduct in sexual abuse.

Such other participant is a child. A child is a person aged fourteen or younger. NOTE: The term sex act or sexual activity means any sexual contact between two or more persons, by penetration of the penis into the vagina or anus, by contact between the mouth and genitalia or anus of another person, or by the use of artificial sexual organs, or substitutes therefore in contact with the genitalia or anus.

• Rape is defined as the penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.

• Fondling is defined as the touching of the private parts of another person for the purposes of sexual gratification, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her age or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental incapacity.

• Incest is defined as sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.

• Statutory Rape is defined as sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.

Domestic Violence: Includes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred, or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred.

Iowa Chapter 236:  Domestic Abuse Defined

“Domestic abuse” means committing assault as defined in section 708.1 under any of the following circumstances:

1. The assault is between family or household members who reside together at the time of the assault.
2. The assault is between separated spouses or persons divorced from each other and not residing together at the time of the assault.
3. The assault is between persons who are parents of the same minor child, regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time.
4. The assault is between persons who have been family or household members residing together within the past year and are not residing together at the time of the assault.
5. (1) The assault is between persons who are in an intimate relationship or have been in an intimate relationship and have had contact within the past year of the assault.  In determining whether the person are or have been in intimate relationship, the court may consider:
   • The duration of the relationship
   • The frequency of interaction
   • Whether the relationship has been terminated
   • The nature of the relationship, characterized by either party’s expectation of sexual romantic involvement.

(2)  A person may be involved in intimate relationship with more than one person at a time. 

Dating Violence: Means violence committed by a person-who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim. The existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on the reporting party’s statement and with consideration of the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. For the purposes of this definition dating violence includes, but is not limited to, sexual or physical abuse or the threat of such abuse. Dating violence does not include acts covered under the definition of domestic violence.

Stalking: Means engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to a) fear for his or her safety or the safety of others; or b) suffer substantial emotional distress

1. For the purposes of this definition-

1. Course of conduct means two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts which the stalker directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about, a person, or interferes with a person’s property.
2. Reasonable person means a reasonable person under similar circumstances and with similar identities to the victim.
3. Substantial emotional distress means significant mental suffering or anguish that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling.

1. For the purposes of complying with the requirements of this section and section 668.41, any incident meeting this definition is considered a crime for the purposes of Clery Act reporting.

Iowa Chapter 708.11: Stalking Defined  

Purposefully engages in course of conduct that would cause reasonable person to fear bodily injury or death to himself or immediate family; perpetrator knows or should have known that person would be fearful and course of conduct actually induces fear.

SCHEDULE OF WELLNESS WORKSHOPS CALENDAR 2021

STUDENT EDUCATION:

• Present at all College Experience classes: offering education on the basics of anxiety/depression issues and how it impacts students/learning; also advertise my services, Kurzweil, Disabilities Services and any upcoming workshops/events I am hosting.  20 plus presentations between Sioux City and Denison Campus ONGOING EACH SEMESTER.
• Housing Orientation:  provided mandatory education to all students in housing; all three dormitories after move in weekend.
  • Substance Abuse
  • Inclusion
  • Title IX services

• August 18- August 20 - RA Training
  • Tito Parker- Title 9
  • Safety - Safety Awareness, Policies, Scenarios, Drug and Alcohol
  • Revathi- Diversity and Inclusion
  • Josh- Counselor
  • Michelle Fiechtner- Disability information,
  • Housing
    • Guest Policy and Guest Registration
    • Alcohol Policy
    • Drug Policy
    • Housing Agreement Summary
    • Car Parking Permits
    • COVID/19 Policy
• August 22- Housing Mandatory Meeting
  • Title IX, Drug & Alcohol Prevention and College/Housing Policy presentation by Housing Supervisors, RA’s, and Title IX Coordinator.
  • Zoom Meeting
    • Housing Manager watched the recording to show the ADA Compliant words
  • Alcohol Policy
  • Drugs Policy
  • Guest Policy and Guest Registration
  • Housing Agreement Summary
  • Car Parking Permits
  • COVID/19 Policy
  • Tito Parker spoke about all aspects of Title 9
• September 16- Root Beer Pong
  • A short discussion about Alcohol use and violation of housing contract, followed by a Root Beer Pong Tournament. Root Beer cans and water bottles were provided to replace Beer Pong’s “traditional” beer. 
• September 17- Spectrum Meeting from 3pm-5pm-BOS
  • Had the Spectrum Club host a meeting in the Bur Oak house and talked about the struggles and hope of the club in regards to the LGBTQ+ community.
• September 23- Counselor came to Bur Oak Suites at 10:30AM-BOS
  • This workshop is about giving support, tips, and more about Anxiety

Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator

• -Emotional Support Animals in Housing defined and process

required. Train on the responsibilities of the student with an

ESA under WITCC’s ESA Agreement

• -Disability Services process and accommodations

Director of Activities and Counseling Services Programming: 

• Testing and Anxiety Workshops

1-25-21: Nursing II

1-26-21: Nursing II

2-18-21: Nursing III

• The Social Dilemma Viewing and Support Group (Impact of Social Media on Health and Wellbeing)

1-27-21: Offered to All Students

• College Experience Presentations (Mental Health and Wellbeing)
•  
• 2-10-21-2 Different Sections
•  
• Addictions Presentation for PSY295
•  
• Live with Mike (Topics on Mental Health and Disabilities for All Students to View)

2-17, 2-24, 3-17, 3-31, 4-7, 4-14, 4-21, 4-28, 5-12, 5-19

• Stress and Anxiety Presentation to PTA Students
•  
• Mental Health Presentation to Comet Project
•  
• Project Success Presentation on Mental Health and Wellbeing
•  

Letter to the Campus Community from our Student Title IX Coordinator:

Dear Western Iowa Tech Community:

Western Iowa Tech is committed to ensuring that all members of our community are afforded a working and learning environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.    

On Wednesday, May 6, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education announced significant changes to Title IX regulations that govern how concerns of sexual harassment, sexual violence, dating and domestic violence, and stalking are handled on college campuses. These regulations took effect on Friday, August 14, 2020. In compliance with these regulations, Western Iowa Tech has created a new Title IX Sexual Harassment policy and also amended several existing policies and procedures that address sexual misconduct.

Though much of the Title IX complaint and resolution process will remain the same, there are some notable changes including: 

• Narrowing the definition of what is prohibited conduct under Title IX based on both the nature of the conduct and where it occurs; 
• Requiring live hearings to adjudicate formal complaints covered under Title IX; and  
• Mandating that each party has an advisor at the live hearing to conduct cross-examination. 

Western Iowa Tech will continue to provide an inclusive and welcoming educational and working environment for everyone where sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender discrimination, gender-based violence, domestic violence/dating violence and stalking within the Western Iowa Tech community is not tolerated and is promptly addressed.  

The enclosed attachment is the Title IX training videos for our campus. If you have not done so already follow those steps to create your account and interact with the videos.

The newly created Title IX Policy, “Title IX Sexual Harassment,” can be found here https://www2.witcc.edu/portal/hr/hr-policies/sexual-harassment-and-abuse-title-ix/  Western Iowa Tech encourages all members of the campus community to review this new policy.  

Western Iowa Tech will continue to address misconduct that is not covered by Title IX under other applicable policies : http://catalog.witcc.edu/content.php?catoid=9&navoid=708#student-code-of-conduct

Iowa state law requiring mandatory reporting of incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking is not impacted by the new Title IX regulations. Accordingly, all Western Iowa Tech employees are legally required to promptly report to observations witnessed or information received regarding sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic/dating violence, and stalking committed by or against a student or employee.

Any non-confidential employee of the College who has the authority to institute corrective measures on behalf of the College must immediately report any known instances of sexual harassment to the Title IX Coordinator. Otherwise, the College strongly encourages all students, employees, or anyone with knowledge to report incidents of sexual harassment.

Law Enforcement:

While the College strongly encourages victims to report instances of sexual harassment which constitute a crime to law enforcement, it is the victim’s choice whether or not to make such a report and victims have the right to decline involvement with the police. The Campus Safety (available at 712.274.8733 ext. 6414) will assist any victim with notifying local police if they so desire.

To learn more about Western Iowa Tech’s new Title IX process, please click www.witcc.edu/pdf/title-ix/title-ix-procedures-08-14-2020.pdf  where you can view more information. 

Below you will find links to Western Iowa Tech’s Title IX information, please take some time to review this information.

Resources for our community on the Title IX website:

Western Iowa Tech Title IX Investigators:           www.witcc.edu/security/title_ix.cfm

Western Iowa Tech On Campus & Off Campus: www.witcc.edu/security/title_ix_resources.cfm

Western Iowa Tech Rights & Responsibilities:   www.witcc.edu/security/title_ix_rights.cfm

Western Iowa Tech Title IX Documents/Trainings: www.witcc.edu/security/title_ix_documents.cfm

Western Iowa Tech Title IX Procedures:            www.witcc.edu/pdf/title-ix/title-ix-procedures-08-14-2020.pdf

Western Iowa Tech Investigators:                       www.witcc.edu/security/title_ix_investigators.cfm

Western Iowa Tech Brochure:                             www.witcc.edu/pdf/title-ix/Title%20IX%20Brochure.pdf

Western Iowa Tech Disability Services:             www.witcc.edu/student_services/disabilities.cfm

Western Iowa Tech Counseling Services:          www.witcc.edu/student_services/counseling.cfm

Additional Resources:

SafePlace Brochure:                                              https://www.witcc.edu/pdf/title-ix/SafePlace-Brochure.pdf

Texas A & M Title IX video:                                  https://vimeo.com/105143665

Information on how to report possible Title IX violations:

Reporting Violations

A complainant may report or file an institutional complaint of sexual harassment by contacting one of the following individuals:

Title IX Coordinator, Employees

Human Resources, Rm A242

Jackie Plendl 712.274.8733 ext. 1406 jackie.plendl@witcc.edu

Title IX Coordinator, Students

Tito Parker

Rm D224

712-274-8733 ext. 3284

tito.parker@witcc.edu

1. Procedures for Reporting a Complaint

The College has procedures in place that serve to be sensitive to those who report sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, including written notification informing individuals about their right to file criminal charges as well as the availability of medical, counseling and support services, and additional remedies to prevent contact between a complainant and an accused party, such as housing, academic, transportation and working accommodations, if reasonably available.

If you have been the victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, you should report the incident promptly to the:

Title IX Coordinator, Employees

Human Resources, Rm A242

Jackie Plendl
712.274.8733 ext. 1406
jackie.plendl@witcc.edu

Title IX Coordinator, Students

Tito Parker

Rm D224

712-274-8733 ext. 3284

tito.parker@witcc.edu

The College will provide resources to persons who have been victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, and will apply appropriate disciplinary procedures to those who violate this policy. The procedures set forth below are intended to afford a prompt response to charges of sexual assault, domestic or dating violence, and stalking, to maintain confidentiality and fairness consistent with applicable legal requirements, and to impose appropriate sanctions on violators of this policy.

WITCC upon written request will disclose to the alleged victim of a crime of violence (as that term is defined in Section 16 of Title 18, United States Code), or a non-forcible sex offense, the report on the results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by the institution against a student who is the alleged perpetrator of such crime or offense. If the alleged victim is deceased as a result of such crime or offense, the next of kin of such victim shall be treated as the alleged victim for purposes of this paragraph.

Resources for victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault & Stalking

Sioux City Campus and Beltway Center

WITCC Campus Safety, 712-274-6414. RHK room A235. To report sexual abuse

that occurred on campus.

Sioux City Police Department, 712-279-6960 or 911. To report sexual abuse that occurred on campus or in Sioux City.

Woodbury County Attorney’s Office, 712-279-6516. Criminal prosecution of sexual assault cases. Also, assistance is provided to crime victims regarding the

legal process.

South Sioux City Police Department, 402-494-7555 or 911. To report sexual abuse that occurred on campus or in South Sioux City.

Dakota County Attorney’s Office, 402-987-2151. Criminal prosecution of sexual assault cases.

Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, 712-258-7233. Shelter and counseling referrals in Sioux City.

Haven House, 402-494-7592. Shelter and counseling referrals in South Sioux City.

Western Iowa Tech Community College Counseling Service, 712-274-6400, ext. 1293. On-campus counseling and referrals.

St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center, 712-279-3500. 24-hour emergency medical services and examinations for sexual assault evidence.

Mercy Medical Center, 712-279-2010. 24-hour emergency medical services and examinations for sexual assault evidence.

Mary Treglia Community House, 712-258-5137.  www.marytreglia.org. For visa and immigration assistance in Sioux City.

Cherokee Campus

WITCC Campus Safety, 712-274-6414. To report sexual abuse on campus.

Cherokee Police Department, 712-225-6464 or 225-6728 or 911. To report sexual abuse that occurred on campus or in Cherokee.

Cherokee Regional Medical Center, 712-225-5101. 24-hour emergency medical services and examinations for sexual assault evidence.

Cherokee County Public Health, 712-225-6718. Public health services including information regarding sexually transmitted diseases and testing, information

on pregnancy testing and referrals.

Iowa Justice for Our Neighbors, 712-515-255-9809. For visa and immigration assistance in Storm Lake.

Denison Campus

WITCC Campus Safety, 712-274-6414. To report sexual abuse that occurred on campus.

Denison Police Department, 712-263-3195 or 911. To report sexual abuse that occurred on campus or in Denison.

Crawford County Hospital, 712-263-5021. 24-hour emergency medical services and examinations for sexual assault evidence.

Crawford County Public Health, 712-263-3303. Public health services including information regarding sexually transmitted diseases and testing, information

on pregnancy testing and referrals.

Hispanic Information Center, 712-263-8022 Denison. For visa and immigration assistance in Denison.

Mapleton Learning Center

WITCC Safety, 712-274-6414. To report sexual abuse at the center.

Mapleton Police Department, 712-881-1306 or 911. To report sexual abuse that occurred at the center or in Mapleton.

Burgess Memorial Hospital, 712-423-2311. 24-hour emergency medical services and examinations for sexual assault evidence.

Monona County Public Health, 712-433-1773.

Public health services including information regarding sexually transmitted diseases and testing, information on pregnancy testing and referrals.

Hispanic Information Center, 712-263-8022 Denison. For visa and immigration assistance in Denison.

LeMars Learning Center

WITCC Safety, 712-274-6414. To report sexual abuse on campus.

Le Mars Police Department, 712-546-4113 or 911. To report sexual abuse that occurred on campus or in Le Mars.

Floyd Valley Hospital, 712-546-7871. 24-hour emergency medical services and examinations for sexual assault evidence.

Plymouth County Public Health, 712-546-3335.

Public health services including information regarding sexually transmitted diseases and testing, information on pregnancy testing and referrals.

Mary Treglia Community House, 712-258-5137.  www.marytreglia.org. For visa and immigration assistance in Sioux City.

Title IX Sexual Harassment Procedures

The following procedures shall be followed in cases of Title IX sexual harassment, as defined under Board Policy 506.7 (the “Policy”). The definitions in the Policy are incorporated herein by reference.

For reports and complainants of discriminatory harassment, including sexual harassment which falls outside the scope and definitions of the Policy, see Section I(1)(n) of these procedures, as well as the Student Conduct Code, and/or Board Policy 400.10 as applicable.

A.Additional Definitions

In addition to the defined terms in the Policy, the following definitions apply in these procedures: