Campus Safety and Security
How to Report Criminal Actions or Emergencies
Each student, seminarian, faculty or staff member must immediately notify either the Rector-President, Vice-Rector, Director of Facilities, or any other senior member of the faculty or staff should he or she perceive a situation which, in his or her best and prudent judgment, has the potential to negatively affect the safety or security of any person at the seminary. In case of uncertainty, question or doubt, inform immediately. No penalty, opprobrium, or criticism will ever be leveled upon any person who, exercising prudent concern or judgment, brings a questionable circumstance to the attention of the administration.
If a student, seminarian, faculty, or staff member becomes aware of a crime in progress or an emergency on or near campus, they must immediately call 911 and notify the Rector-President, Vice-Rector, Director of Facilities, or any other senior member of the faculty or staff as soon as possible.
Crime Statistics Collection and Compilation
Crime Statistics
NDS collects crime statistics on all reported crimes occurring on its campus. The collection of these statistics is the responsibility of the Director of Facilities who also serves as the Security Officer and the Fire Safety Officer.
Monitoring, Collecting, and Reporting Criminal Activity
The Director of Facilities keeps a record of all reported crimes occurring on the NDS campus. This record is composed of all crimes that have been reported to each Campus Security Authority on campus. This record is in the form of an electronic log and these statistics are reported annually in the annual security report and the annual Web-based collection system. The Director of Facilities, working with the Office of the Academic Dean, is responsible for submitting these annual reports.
Security and Local Law Enforcement
The Director of Facilities also monitors the New Orleans Crime Map on the first of each month to determine if crimes have occurred near the campus. The New Orleans Crime Map displays information obtained or developed from received reports of criminal activity in Orleans Parish including: the apparent violation, the time period, and the general location. This Web-based crime map can be accessed at http://www.nola.gov/nopd/crime-data/crime-maps/. The Director of Facilities will discuss the crime map statistics with the Administrative Board that meets monthly. Registered sex offenders can be found on this web-based map: http://www.icrimewatch.net/index.php?AgencyID=54320&disc=. These findings will also be used to issue timely warnings when needed.
Campus Security Authorities (CSAs)
NDS has identified five members of its administration to serve as Campus Security Authorities (CSAs). The CSAs are the Rector/President, the Vice-Rector, the Academic Dean, the Director of Facilities, and the Assistant Academic Dean, Director of Philosophy Programs. These administrators cover a cross section of the NDS community as two are members of the clergy, two are lay men, and one is a lay woman. These Campus Security Authorities meet at the beginning of each semester to discuss and collect the information and materials needed to document reported crimes. The following administrators are currently serving as CSAs:
| Fr. Joshua Rodrigue | Rector/President | jrodrigue@nds.edu |
| Fr. Kurt Young | Vice Rector | kyoung@nds.edu |
| Dr. James Jacobs | Assistant Academic Dean | jjacobs@nds.edu |
| Mr. Travis Gehrkin | Director of Facilities | tgehrkin@nds.edu |
| Dr. Rebecca Maloney | Academic Dean | rmaloney@nds.edu |
If a crime is reported to any of the CSAs, they are to follow the procedures for handling and reporting crime data distributed at the beginning of the semester. Once a crime has been reported, the CSA involved will call a meeting of all CSAs to review the reporting process and make any changes needed to streamline the process. The CSA involved must report the crime data to the Director of Facilities so it can be added to the campus crime log.
Timely Warnings Policy
The NDS policy is that Timely Warning Notices will be issued to notify members of the NDS community about serious crimes that occur on campus where it is determined that the incident may pose an ongoing threat to members of the university community. The Director of Facilities, or designee, will develop and distribute timely warning notices after reviewing crime reports from Campus Security Authorities and the New Orleans Crime Map.
Timely warnings can be issued for threats to persons or to property and are not limited to violent crimes as determined necessary by the Director of Facilities or his or her designee. A Timely Warning may be issued for both on and off-campus crime reported to Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) and/or any other source and shall be decided on a case by case basis in light of all the facts surrounding a crime, including factors such as the nature of the crime, the continuing danger to the seminary community, and the possible risk of compromising law enforcements efforts.
In an effort to provide timely notice to the seminary community, and in the event of a serious incident which may pose an on-going threat to members of the community, a blast email Timely Warning is sent to all students and employees on campus. Every attempt is made to distribute this warning as soon as possible after the crime is reported, however, the release of the warning is subject to the availability of facts concerning the incident. The alerts are generally written and distributed by the Director of Facilities and the Office of the Academic Dean.
Emergency Response Procedures
The safety and security of every person is the overriding consideration for all activities involving seminarians, lay students, faculty, staff, and any other person who enters upon the grounds of NDS; or any seminarian, student, or member of the faculty or staff who engages in authorized activities away from the campus. This concern outweighs every other factor including cost, budget, convenience or any other consideration.
Emergency Alerts
An emergency alert will be issued when the NDS leadership determines there is a danger or threat to the campus community. That decision can be made by the Rector/President, Director of Facilities, or any of their designees. The process of alerting the seminary community of a danger or threat may be through the use of campus-wide emails, text messaging, and/or emergency postings on the NDS homepage and official NDS Facebook page. Based on the type of emergency and who it will affect, the Rector/President will determine the appropriate audience for notification, method of communication and he, or his designee, will issue the emergency alert. Among those to be considered for communication in an emergency situation are: students, faculty/staff, law enforcement agencies, Board of Trustees, alumni, donors, media, and/or the general public.
The Rector/President will determine the appropriate content for the emergency notification based on the specific situation, the confirmed information provided by key stakeholders, and will incorporate pre-approved messages if necessary. If the media needs to be contacted, the Rector/President, or his designee, will contact the Archdiocese of New Orleans Office of Communications. The Archdiocesan Communications Officer is the official spokesperson for the archdiocese, and as such, will be the one to interact with the media on behalf of the seminary.
Process for Notification
The process that NDS will follow in the event of an emerging situation is as follows.
The NDS Rector/President, the Director of Facilities, or their designee, will:
- Confirm there is a significant emergency,
- Determine the appropriate segment or segments of the NDS community to receive notification,
- Determine the method, or methods, of notification that are appropriate to the situation, and
- Determine the appropriate content of the emergency message.
Once the following steps have been followed, the Rector/President, or his designee, will initiate the notification system.
Designated Personnel
The following personnel are responsible for the emergency notification process:
- Rector/President
- Director of Facilities
- Vice-Rector
- Office of the Academic Dean
For an Immediate Threat on Campus
If a member of the NDS community becomes aware of an immediate threat on campus, like a hostile intruder in the building, the person should immediately dial 911 and then report to the Rector/President, Vice Rector, or Director of Facilities who will then assess the situation and initiate the notification system as needed.
If the campus has to be closed for any reason, the community will be notified by email or text, and updated information will be posted on the website.
Medical Emergencies
For life-threatening emergencies, (e.g. severe injury, heart attack, etc.), dial 911 to summon help from professional emergency medical personnel. Then, contact the Vice Rector or Rector- President. For less urgent cases, contact the Vice-Rector, the Director of Facilities or another faculty member for immediate assistance.
Campus Fire Safety Policies and Procedures
Fire Safety System
Fire alarm pull stations (red boxes) are located at each stairwell exit on each floor of both buildings.
Each residential room has a smoke alarm that is connected to a central monitoring system located on the second floor and in the main lobby. There are also back-up smoke alarms in main corridors of the residential areas that trigger strobes, horns, and the fire alarm system in both buildings. The fire alarm system is connected to a 24 hour monitoring service with the New Orleans Fire Department.
Fire extinguishers are visible in residential halls, main floors, and maintenance areas and are inspected annually.
Fire System Improvements
The fire suppression system in the kitchen has been replaced and the fire lane has been opened up and clearly marked access in front of building. The NDS campus has been cleared of trip hazards, the canopies on all trees have been lifted which improves visibility and enhances security lighting. Updated structural design (i.e. railings installed in outdated stairwells, handicapped elevator and ramps were added, and push button door installed) have been applied to new construction or the retrofitting of existing structures.
Smoke alarms were installed in all HVAC ducts and dampers for automatic shutdown.
In addition, stand pipe systems are located in each stairwell in Shaw Hall for access to water. At completion of the scheduled renovation, St. Joseph will have a sprinkler system in every door room and public space, including Schulte Auditorium.
Electrical Appliances
Any appliance that produces heat (e.g., hot plates, coffee makers with hot plates, toasters, toaster ovens, non-electric space heaters, etc.) is a fire hazard and is prohibited in a seminarian’s room.
Items such as exterior antennae or other external implements may not be installed. Permission for small refrigerators or other larger appliances may be sought from the Director of Facilities.
Every allowable appliance must be plugged directly into a power strip or into the wall itself. Absolutely prohibited are the use of extension cords and the practice of plugging one power strip into another. Surge protectors are supplied for students’ rooms as well as other offices and seminarian use areas. If additional surge protectors are needed, contact the Director of Facilities. “Daisy chaining” of surge protectors together is strictly prohibited.
Tobacco Use and Open Flames
Notre Dame Seminary recognizing the deleterious effects of tobacco use on fostering the good health necessary in undertaking the demands of priestly ministry, strongly discourages its use by seminarians.
Notre Dame Seminary is located within the City of New Orleans, Orleans Parish, State of Louisiana: therefore, all the city, parish, and state regulations regarding the matter of smoking must be observed. It is required that some reasonable, posted, and observed policy regarding smoking be provided.
Smoking [of any tobacco] is prohibited in any building on the campus. Smoking of tobacco is only permitted outside at the designated places. The Director of Facilities will review each year the location of designated places and will distribute this information at orientation each year.
Open flames, the use of candles, or other fire hazards are not permitted in individual seminarian rooms.
Reporting a Fire
In the event of a controllable fire, fire extinguishers are provided at various locations throughout the seminary buildings. A more serious fire should activate the installed fire detection system and it, in turn, should inform the fire department. Water should never be used on electrical fires.
If a fire is detected, and no alarm is sounding, immediately call 911 and alert others to the emergency.
Fire Evacuation Procedure
Should the fire alarm sound in any building, proceed immediately to the place designated for assembly outside that building. The Vice Rector will review at the beginning of each year the exact location seminarians are to report as well as the location and proper operation of fire equipment.
If the fire alarm sounds, evacuation of the buildings is required for all. As seminarians depart their room, all lights and electrical items are to be turned off and doors are to be closed to prevent drafts. Once outside of the building, seminarians are to stay out of the way of firefighters.
Fire Drills
Regular tests are conducted on the mechanical system by which fires are detected within the buildings. Periodic fire drills may also be conducted at the discretion of the Rector-President and the Director of Facilities. Fire drills are meant to protect the lives of all. The sound of the drill is the same as that of an actual alarm. During the drill, all are to proceed to areas designated for gathering.
Hurricane Preparedness Plan
NDS Policies on Sexual Misconduct
Campus Safety and Security Handbook
Drugs and Alcohol
Use and Sale of Alcoholic Beverages
Within our society as a whole, alcoholic beverages have become both commonplace and, unfortunately, a problem for many individuals. Learning to deal appropriately and discreetly with alcohol is an important part of the life of the seminarian. The proper and discreet use of alcoholic beverages is expected. The use of alcoholic beverages at community functions is at the discretion of the Rector/President. This usage will be limited to special occasions and normally within the context of the event itself. In all cases, the seminary will adhere to the laws of the State of Louisiana. In every instance when alcoholic beverages are available at community events, non-alcoholic refreshments will also be available. Beer will be served in the Biblicum on a limited basis and only during scheduled times, as the Vice Rector deems appropriate. Hard liquor will not be served in the pub.
One of the goals of a priestly formation program is to encourage mature, responsible attitudes toward the moderate use or non-use of alcoholic beverages. Any abuse of alcohol by a seminarian will be dealt with on an individual basis. Fraternal concern for a seminarian who abuses alcohol should prompt fellow seminarians to express this concern to the abuser and the Rector/President or other faculty member.
Possession Use and Sale of Illegal Drugs
If a student or seminarian learns that a fellow student or seminarian is currently using illegal drugs or has become addicted to prescription drugs, then he should inform formation personnel and seek appropriate medical assistance. If civil laws have been violated, law enforcement officials will be informed.
For more information on alcohol and drug policies at NDS please see the following document: Drug and Alcohol Information for Campus Safety and Security.
Missing Student Notification
The purpose of the NDS Missing Student Policy is to comply with the Higher Education Act Reauthorization with Higher Education Opportunity Act – 2008 Section 485(j). This act requires all institutions of Higher Education that participate in any Title IV program and provide on–campus housing to establish both a Missing Student Notification Policy and an Official Notification procedure for handling missing persons. The NDS policy and procedure applies to missing student reports of seminarians who reside on campus and students who are enrolled but are not residents. As NDS only offers programs to post-baccalaureate and graduate students, all enrolled students will be over 18 years of age.
NDS Missing Student Policy
For purposes of this policy, a seminarian or student will be considered missing, if a classmate, faculty member, or other campus person has not seen the student in a reasonable amount of time. A reasonable amount of time may vary with the time of day and information available regarding the missing person’s daily schedule, habits, punctuality, and reliability. Individuals will also be considered missing immediately if their absence has occurred under circumstances that are suspicious or cause concerns for their safety.
Upon enrollment at NDS each student (resident or non-resident) will have the option to identify an individual to be contacted by the Seminary in the event that the student is determined missing. The Rector/President’s Administrative Assistant will maintain a confidential record of the students’ submission of contact information. This information will be accessible only to authorized campus officials and will not be used or disclosed except in the furtherance of a missing person investigation.
NDS Official Notification Procedure
If a member of the Seminary Community has reason to believe that a student is missing, they should immediately notify the Rector/President, the Vice Rector, or the Director of Facilities whether or not the student resides on campus. All possible efforts will be made to locate the student to determine his or her state of health and well-being through the collaboration of the offices of the Rector/President, Vice Rector and Director of Facilities. If none of the listed parties is available to receive the missing student report, the report must be given to the local law enforcement agency.
If located, verification of the student’s state of health and intention of returning to the campus will try to be determined. When and where appropriate, a referral will be made to the proper mental and/or physical health authorities.
If not located, no later than 24 hours after the seminarian is determined missing, the Vice Rector will notify the person identified as the student’s contact person, the seminarian’s Vocation Director, and local law enforcement. In the event the student does not reside at the Seminary, the contact person and/or family of the student will be encouraged to notify the appropriate local police authorities.
The Seminary will initiate an investigation when notified that a student who resides at the seminary is missing, with no reasonable explanation for his absence. The investigation will include gathering of all information including: discussions with friends, mentors, advisors, and if possible, contacting them by phone or text.