RANGER COLLEGE

 

STUDENT’S RIGHT-TO-KNOW

AND

CAMPUS SECURITY ACT OF 1990

INFORMATION FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2005

 

Ranger College is dedicated to providing a safe and secure campus environment where meaningful education can take place. This information has been prepared to ensure that Ranger College is in compliance with the federal guidelines under the Student Right-To-Know and Campus Security of 1990.

 

REPORTING CRIMINAL ACTIONS OR EMERGENCIES

The College Police Department is responsible for law enforcement and security on campus. The department, located NE corner of the Hideout Building, operates eight-sixteen hours (8-16) a day, 365 days a year. Fully qualified and licensed police officers respond to calls for assistance.

 

The College Police Department has direct contact with Ranger City Police Department, Fire Department, and Emergency Medical Service. These agencies respond immediately upon request.

 

To report an emergency or crime, call the Eastland County Dispatch at 911. For non-emergencies requiring police assistance or information, call the college police by dialing (254) 631-5636 or Eastland County Dispatch at (254) 629-1728.

 

Emergencies or Crimes-in-Progress: Students, faculty, and staff should dial 911: the Eastland County dispatcher will assume the call is an emergency and respond accordingly with police and emergency medical support. The following information should be given when available:

 

Name of person making report, telephone number, and address.

 

Location of incident and description of Incident.

 

Victim Information: location, condition, and nature of injuries.

 

Suspect Information: name, race, age, weight, height, color of eyes, hair (color and length), clothing, marks, scars, tattoos, and jewelry.

 

Vehicle Information: color, year, make and model, body type, and license plate number.

 

Direction of travel of suspect and/or vehicle.

 

Non-Emergencies or Crimes which have already Occurred:

Students, faculty, and/or staff should dial 254-631-5645.  

False Reports will be dealt with criminally and/or administratively.

 

ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURES

It is the intent of Ranger College to provide a workplace and academic environment free from any form of harassment, intimidation, retaliation, or other behavior on the part of the employees or students at Ranger College which could negatively affect the conditions of the workplace or academic environment of the college community.

 

The formal complaint procedure for anyone experiencing harassment, intimidation, retaliation, or other unlawful conduct in section XII of the Ranger College Policy and Procedures manual or Ranger College Grievance Policy and Due Process Procedure starting on page 25 of the Ranger College Student Handbook. Confidentiality of person/s making a complaint and those accused of improper/ unlawful behavior as investigation made necessary under the provisions of Due Process.

 

The complete Ranger College rule and procedure can be located at  www.ranger.cc.tx.us  the Ranger College homepage, click on General Information, click on Administration and Policies, click on College Policies, click on System Policies Manual, scroll down and click on Section IV, scroll down to 19.00 ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURES Information can also be found in the Student Handbook and Calendar under Student Rights and Obligations.

 

Pursuant to the Clery Act, Ranger College will change the victim’s academic and living situations if changes are requested and reasonably available. Also, both the accuser and accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a disciplinary proceeding.

 

ACCESS TO CAMPUS FACILITIES

College buildings and facilities are accessible to members of the college community, guests and visitors during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, and for limited hours on Sunday. College buildings and facilities, except residence halls, the dining hall, the Student Development Center, and sites for special events, are usually closed on Sunday. The campus is always closed during Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring break (Monday through Friday) holidays. The campus may be closed during other posted designated times.

 

General academic building use hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a. m. to 9:45 p.m. Exceptions to these hours may be set by individual building managers or other authorized administrators for special events or purposes.

 

Unauthorized persons are not permitted the use of buildings anytime except those hours listed unless accompanied by an authorized faculty or staff member, or by prior written authorization.

 

Buildings are routinely patrolled by College police. Unauthorized personnel will be asked to leave and will be subject to referral to the appropriate administrator for disciplinary review or to the County Attorney for prosecution.

 

The Office of Director of Housing and Dean of Student Life has established policies which include the following elements:

 

1          Established hours of operation

 

2          Student security personnel

 

3          Operational procedures for interfacing with the College Police Department.

 

Matters such as lost keys, visitation, arrest, search and seizure, room entry, entrance/exit doors, fire alarms and explosives, escort services, thefts, and solicitations, which have security implications, are covered in the Student Handbook.

 

CAMPUS LAW ENFORMCEMENT OFFICERS

Ranger College employs commissioned peace officers who are licensed and certified by the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education, and are bonded according to the state law. At least one officer is on duty 8 hours per day, 365 days per year to patrol the campus. officers are required to maintain a high level of in-service training in a wide variety of law enforcement subjects. Officers are also encouraged to wok on college degrees.

 

College police officers are empowered by the Code of Criminal procedure to enforce all applicable federal, state, and local laws, plus rules and regulations promulgated by the Board of Regents of Ranger College. Their primary jurisdiction is within Eastland county, with certain powers within  the State of Texas. All persons on Ranger College property are required by the Texas Education Codes (51.209) to identify themselves to campus police officers when requested.

 

The campus, which is college-owned property, is surrounded by personal and city  property. The Ranger City Police Department officers assist College police officers as required on campus. College police officers aid Ranger City Police Department officers in city areas adjacent to the campus. College police officers serve city and county subpoenas and on occasion, warrants. If city or county officers must conduct investigations or serve warrants on campus, they are assisted by the College police.

 

Each month, all campus crime statistics are submitted to the Uniform Crime Reporting Bureau, Crime Record Division in Austin, Texas which uses the FBI’s “Uniform Crime Reporting Handbook” as its guide. All crimes and arrests described in the Campus Security Act are incorporated into this report.

 

The prompt reporting of campus crime is encouraged through the campus newspaper, the Student Handbooks, emergency telephone numbers in all campus buildings, officer briefings of residence hall supervisors, resident advisor and daily contact by the officers with the campus population. Not only is the reporting of crime encouraged, but also incidents which may affect security at some future date are recorded. Reports of crimes in other jurisdictions are furnished immediately to those authorities, and in turn local and county authorities immediately advise college police on problems on campus.

 

CRIME AND ARREST STATISTICS

The College Police Department contributes to the Department of Justice’s Uniform Crime Report, administered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and has made crime statistics available to interested parties.

 

In accordance with reporting requirements of the Campus Security Act, the following statistics are offered for the benefit of students, prospective student, faculty and staff. Criminal Offenses are reported in three separated categories of On Campus, in the Residence Halls, and Reports by Local Police occurrences.

 

Reported to the College Police Department Calendar Years 2003-2004

 

Criminal Offenses Total

 


On Campus

2002

2003

2004

Murder/Non negligent manslaughter

0

0

0

Forcible sex offenses (including forcible rape)

0

0

1

Non-forcible sex offenses

0

1

0

Robbery

0

0

0

Aggregated assault

0

4

3

Burglary

4

8

4

Motor vehicle theft

0

0

0

Arson

0

0

0

Negligent manslaughter

0

0

0

 

Residence Halls

2002

2003

2004

Murder/Non-negligent manslaughter

0

0

0

Forcible sex offenses (including forcible rape)

0

0

1

Non-forcible sex offenses

0

0

0

Robbery

0

0

0

Aggravated assault

0

0

2

Burglary

4

0

4

Motor vehicle theft

0

0

0

Arson

0

0

3

Negligent manslaughter

0

0

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: No criminal offenses were reported for Ranger College by local or state police.

 

DRUG and ALCOHOL VIOLATIONS

 

Residence Halls

2002

2003

2004

Liquor law violations

10

0

12

Drug law violations

3

0

7

Illegal weapons possession

4

0

1

 

 

 

 

On-Campus

 

 

 

Liquor law violations

0

0

1

Drug law violations

0

0

1

Illegal weapons possession

0

0

0

 

 

 

 

Local Police Reports

 

 

 

Liquor law violations

6

0

11

Drug law violations

0

0

1

Illegal weapons possession

0

0

0

 

 

 

 

 

HATE OFFENSES

Note: No Hate offenses were reported for Ranger College by local or state police.

Disciplinary Actions/Judicial Referrals

Note: No Disciplinary Actions/Judicial Referrals were reported for Ranger College by local or state police.

 

CRIME AWARENESS AND PREVENTION

Students, faculty and staff must assume responsibility for their personal and property safety. Though the College has few violent incidents, thefts dominate criminal activity.

 

The College Police Department Provides a Crime Prevention Program, staffed by officers who are not currently state-certified as crime prevention specialists. To help prevent crime on campus, members of this unit:

 

Conduct security surveys

Coordinate and assist with Operation ID

Coordinate an on Campus Crime-Stopper program

Present speeches, seminars and workshops’

Write articles for local media and other publications

Submit to interviews on specific matters

Provide ESCORT services for students at night

Present self-defense classes for women

Present programs to College recognized student organizations

Present crime prevention tips when addressing groups at new student orientation programs and residence hall meeting.

 

Most services are offered on an “as needed” or as requested basis. Certain training programs are offered at the beginning of the academic year to housing and residence life personnel. Crime stoppers bulletins are published by the College Police Department.

 

MONITORING OFF-CAMPUS ACTIVITIES

As stated in the Student Handbook, students are expected to comply with all federal and state laws. This expectation extends to conduct off-campus.

 

Any student criminal activity taking place off-campus is monitored by College Police through city and/ or county police. Campus-wide events that take place off-campus are provided security through the use of College Police and/or officers hired by Ranger College.

 

ALCOHOL AND ILLEGAL DRUGS/CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE POLICY

Ranger College has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on the campus or as a part of any of its activities. The following rules and procedures are currently in effect.

 

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE RULE–

This rule applies to all individuals, students, faculty, staff, and visitors present on property owned, leased, or otherwise under the control of Ranger College. The possession or use of an alcoholic beverage, as that term is defined in the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, on property and/or activities under the control of Ranger College is prohibited.

 

 Areas in which the possession, use of alcoholic beverages is prohibited include but are not limited to classrooms, laboratories, offices, lounges, stadiums, and other athletic facilities, dining areas, meeting and party facilities, and residence halls. Students, faculty, and staff who violate the provisions of these regulations are subject to disciplinary sanctions under applicable college procedures.

 

DRUG-FREE CAMPUS POLICY–

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, sale and/or possession of a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia on property owned, leased or controlled by Ranger College or property on which college activities are held is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Also, Ranger College may enforce this policy when violations occur that directly, seriously, or adversely interfere with or disrupts the educational mission, program or other functions of the College regardless of the location.

 

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Educational Programs include:

Through the Ranger College Counselor and local Ministerial Alliance provide a wellness model which encompasses physical and emotional health, vocational, and spiritual and social concerns. The Ranger College Wellness Program addresses various developmental issues which include, but are not limited to: acquaintance rape, alcohol, and other drug awareness, assertiveness, communication skills, eating disorders, HIV/AIDS, nutrition, and relationship enhancement.

 

Ranger College presents at least one drug and alcohol awareness program each semester.

 

A continuing, eight (8) hour drug and alcohol abuse education course is required of individuals who violate the alcohol and drug policy.  (See Ranger College Student Handbook)

 

SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTIONAND REPORTING PROCEDURES

Sexual assault (rape) is a non-consensual sexual act involving force, manipulation or coercion. It is an act of aggression, violence, and power and is a felony crime. The perpetrator can be either a stranger, acquaintance, or date. Although rape is usually a crime committed against women, it can also happen to men.

 

Ranger College is committed to providing comprehensive sexual education and prevention programs. These programs are sponsored by the Division of Student Life, with the support of the Student counseling center, the College Police Department, as well as off-campus referral centers.

Two programs are aimed at the prevention of  sexual offenses; an awareness program and a women’s self-defense course offered to any interest group. Emphasis is placed upon personal safety and awareness of one’s surroundings.

 

Reporting Procedures- 

Victims are encouraged to report an attempted or completed assault to the police. It is critical for the police agency to be informed as soon as possible after the incident so that appropriate steps, such as gathering of crucial evidence and information, can be taken.  If sexual assault occurred recently, call 911. If some time has elapsed and it is not an emergency, contact the law enforcement agency where the rape occurred. Ranger College at 254-631-5645; Ranger City Police 254-631-3234 or Eastland County 254-629-1728.

 

List of DO NOT

Do not shower, bathe, or douche:

Do not comb hair or wash hands;

Try not to urinate;

If oral contact took place, do not smoke, eat, brush teeth, or rinse mouth;

Do not change cloths, but carry a change of clothes in case what is worn needs to be kept for evidence.  If clothes must be changed, place them in a paper bag (plastic destroys evidence) the victim has the option of requesting a concealed identity or pseudonym during the investigation. 

 

It is always a victim’s choice as to whether to report a sexual assault, but reporting an assault (or attempted assault), is extremely important for the protection of both the victim and the community. Reporting an assault does not mean that the victim must prosecute. However, it does begin the legal process if the victim decides to prosecute at a later date.

Victims have the option to pursue the College disciplinary charges if the assailant is a

Ranger College student. Rape is a major violation of Ranger College’s rules and

may result in removal of the student perpetrator from the College. Whether or not the student wants to involve the Police Department or the Dean of Student Life’s Office, a medical examination is essential. A physical examination is necessary to take care of

obvious and/or hidden physical injuries and will provide the opportunity for the victim to

discuss with a physician potential pregnancy or communicable disease concerns. In addition, emergency room personnel will call the Rape Crisis Center so that a counselor can provide support and education about future options.

 

What happens when the Police are called?

Police units will respond immediately

The police will assure the proper gathering of all evidence.

 

An ambulance or a police officer will transport the victim to the emergency room of the local hospital

A specialty trained criminal investigator will interview the victim. In ALL cases the victim will be treated with compassion, consideration, understanding and patience during the interview. The officer will make every attempt to maintain the confidentially of the victim.

 

The officer will give the victim a Crime Victim’s Compensation packet or the officer will call the Crime Victim Liaison to assist with the Crime Victim’s Compensation information, support for the victim, and/or to aid in making referrals to other agencies.

The Crime Victim liaison will remain in contact with the victim throughout the criminal process and provide support.

 

Even if no criminal charges are filed, information and evidence obtained by the police can be used in college disciplinary action if the assailant is a student.

 

SEEKING COUNSELING AND SUPPORT

If an individual has been sexually assaulted, she/he may experience a wide range of emotions such as shock, denial, fear, depression, anger, guilt, and/or embarrassment. Any of these feelings can occur immediately or may not surface until months, or even years after the assault.  Recovery from rape is a long-term process. Immediate support and crisis intervention is always needed, even if only from a friend. Many times counseling can make a major difference in the rape survivor’s eventual psychological adjustment. Obtaining counseling does not obligate a student to report the sexual assault to the police.

 

FREE and CONFIDENTIAL counseling and other referrals are available through:

 

On Campus Resources

Student Counseling center   647-3234 ext. 219

 

Dean of Student Life             647-3234 ext. 210

 

Eastland County Crisis Center       

                                                254-629-3223

 

H.O.P.E.                                 254-965-2700

 

Central Texas MHMR                       254-629-8293

 

Star Council                           254- 965-5515         

 

Family Violence hotline        254-374-4673

 

In Texas, sexual assault (rape) is a second degree felony punishable by a sentence of two to twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.00. Contact the law enforcement agency handling the case or the Eastland County District Attorney’s office for more information.

 

Victims may reverse their decision later if they decide not to prosecute.

 

DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS

One or more of the following disciplinary sanctions may be imposed by Ranger College upon individuals, groups or organizations. Sanctions for violation of institutional rules and procedures may be regardless of whether the actions of the student are also civil or criminal violations. Whenever disciplinary action leads to the student leaving the college, grades will be assigned in accordance with the college grade policy and the academic calendar. Sanctions may be but not limited to:

 

Loss of privileges

Suspension imposition of certain tasks         

Expulsion

Probation

Conduct probation

Disciplinary probation

 

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

The Dean of Student Life office shall investigate and gather evidence about reported student or organizational misconduct and shall evaluate the accuracy, credibility, and sufficiency of this evidence. The Dean of Student Life office shall ensure that the requirements of due process are fulfilled.

 

The Dean of Student Life may take immediate disciplinary action when the presence of a student on campus poses a continuing danger to persons or property or presents a threat of disrupting the academic process. An administrative hearing will be scheduled as soon thereafter as practicable.

 

A         When a complaint is filed, the student or organization named in the complaint will be asked to appear before a designated student services officer, who will conduct an investigative meeting to discuss the alleged violation (s) and possible charge (s).

 

B         In any disciplinary proceeding, the student or organization has the right to:

 

1          Be apprised of the rules allegedly violated and the alleged act (s) committed;

 

2          Know the source of complaints;

 

3          Know the specific charges;

 

4          Know the penalties which may be imposed if a charge is proven;

 

5          A list of witnesses, testimonies, and any other documents relevant to the case upon request prior to the formal hearing;

 

6          Be accompanied by an advisor at any discipline hearing (for advisory purposes only not for representation);

 

7          Refrain from making any statement relevant to the charge (s);

 

8          Know that any statement (s) made by the accused student (s) or organization(s) can be used against the accused.

If, as a result of the investigation, the Dean of  Student Life determines that College disciplinary procedures are warranted, the student or organization will be notified, in writing, of the specific charge (s) being made against the student or organization and the disciplinary procedures available for conducting a hearing on the charge (s).

 

The Dean of Student Life may offer a remedy to dispose of the matter. If the remedy offered by the Dean of Student Life is acceptable to the student or organization then the matter can be disposed of with no further hearing or due process proceedings.

 

If the Dean of Student Life is unable to contact the student or organization (s) representative in person within five (5) college working days of the determination of the charge (s), the notice of disciplinary action and procedures will be mailed to the address of record maintained with the college.

 

C         After the student or organization has been advised of the charge (s), the student or organization may choose to have the case heard by the Dean of Student Life or may request permission to appear before the Ranger College Hearing Officer. The Hearing Officer, after hearing a case will make a recommendation for action to the President of Ranger College, who will make the final determination.

 

The Dean of Student Life, after fair and objective assessment, may impose any disciplinary sanction defined on page 25 of the Code of Student Conduct. It shall be the responsibility of the Dean of Student Life to inform the student or organization of the right to appeal any sanction in section III (D)(2) through (G) and the procedures for doing so. The student or organization will be provided a written statement of charges against them and the procedures for appealing. Also, they will acknowledge a receipt of such by signing a duplicate copy. Following disposition of the hearing, a written summary will be retained in the Dean of Students’ office.

 

In cases involving sexual assault, the accuser shall be informed in writing of the

outcome of the campus disciplinary hearing.

 

D         The College may conduct a disciplinary hearing at which the accused student or organization is not present, in cases in which the Dean of Student Life is satisfied that a reasonable effort was made to notify the accused student or organization of the charge(s) and of the time and place of the hearing. In the accused student’s or organization’s absence, the Dean of Student Life will hear the evidence, weigh the facts, and render an appropriate judgment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GRADUATION RATE

The graduation rate at Ranger College was 53/261 or 20.3% on Work Force Certificates, 2 year degrees 14 / 261 or 5.4 %, a total of 67 / 261 for 25.7 % overall graduation rate for 2002 - 2003.

 

In 2000, 298 freshmen enrolled as first-time-full-time students at Ranger College. By the spring semester of 2003, 74 or 24.8 % had graduated from Ranger College.

 

SOURCE: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2003 / THECB 2004.

 

ADMISSIONS WEB SITE: http://www.ranger.cc.tx.us