Campus Safety

Each reported incident is investigated by a member of the Department of Security and/or a police officer, with the exception of confidential reports. Every effort is made to identify and prosecute criminals, recover stolen property and encourage restitution, when possible. In addition, crime that occurs on campus is also a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and will be addressed using the University's internal investigation (in collaboration with the Department of Security) and disciplinary processes and policies as well.

Stritch has a crisis communication plan that allows for expeditious communication. In most crisis/emergency situations, both the police and the Department of Security are called to aid in assessing the situation and to provide guidance on appropriate action.

Timely warnings and emergency notifications occur at Stritch through a multimedia approach that uses a notification system (Omnilert) that can send text messages, emails and computer monitor messaging; social media messaging and monitoring; University email and LMS systems; physical alarms (sound and light on campus); and posters/flyers as needed. The specific delivery of the warning is based on the perceived threat to the community and/or level of the emergency.

Emergency notification system

Stritch subscribes to Omnilert, a notification system that alerts registered users via text messaging and email. All students, faculty and staff are registered with this service. Users can adjust their registration by logging onto the Emergency Notifications Portlet on My Stritch and providing the pertinent information. In the event of an emergency requiring rapid communication, this system will be engaged to provide users with important information related to evacuations, closings, sheltering in place or other instructions. While these notifications will be sent with the most immediate knowledge of the situation available, they should not replace personal judgment if the situation changes rapidly.

Timely warnings are used when there is understood to be an ongoing threat of which the community needs to be aware.

In case of fire or other emergency conditions, alarms will sound throughout the University alerting students, faculty and staff to exit the buildings. This should be a quick and orderly process. Unless given specific instructions otherwise, no student should remain in the buildings.

Students with temporary or permanent mobility impairments are asked to work with the Accessibility Services coordinator regarding an evacuation plan in case of an emergency. Individuals needing such assistance are asked to visit with the Accessibility Services coordinator at the beginning of each semester to plan for any changes in schedule and/or health conditions.

Annual fire and emergency evacuation drills

The University conducts a fire drill annually in either September or October, in both residence halls. The test is typically unannounced, however residents are informed about evacuation processes prior to the drill. The test is conducted in conjunction with local authorities (police and firefighters). Alarms are sounded and the residence halls are evacuated. University personnel meet with local authorities immediately upon completion of the drill to assess all aspects of the drill (evacuation times, special needs of occupants, effectiveness of audible and visual alarms, evacuation procedures, etc.). The feedback received from these drills is used to modify and enhance campus-wide emergency preparedness plans in collaboration with University leadership. Documentation on each drill, including a description of the drill, the date of the test, the time the test started and ended and its announcement status, as well as collected feedback and suggested modifications is retained by the Department of Facilities.

In addition to the residence halls, information on the crisis response plan and evacuation procedures are disseminated in the fall of each year via email to all Stritch students, faculty and staff. 

Federal law requires colleges and universities to collect information concerning campus crime statistics, campus security policies, University disciplinary action taken for specified violations and crime prevention programs. Institutions are required to distribute information to current and prospective students and employees through a published Annual Security Report (ASR) each year. In addition, up-to-date information on campus crime statistics (Campus Crime Log) as well as the University's Fire Log are available upon request between periods of publishing. 

Campus Crime Log

A daily log of campus reports is maintained by the Department of Security. Interested parties may view reports by contacting the Department of Security at (414) 410-4220. Recent reports may be read during regular business hours. Archival information will be made available within five business days. Entries may be delayed or withheld if there is clear and convincing evidence that a particular log entry would jeopardize the confidentiality or safety of a victim, jeopardize an ongoing criminal investigation, cause a suspect to flee or evade detection, or result in the destruction of evidence.

Annual Security Report

The crime statistics included in the Annual Security Report (ASR) are Clery Act defined crimes, occurring within the campus geography as defined by Clery and are reported to Campus Security Authorities who in turn report them to the Department of Security for recording. Clery crime statistics from the last three calendar years, as well as information on current security policies and practices, are then published in the ASR.  

View the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report for 2022
View the Annual Crime Statistics for Calendar Years 2019 to 2021