Parking & Vehicle Registration

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  Saint Francis University Parking Services provides parking for faculty and staff members, interested resident students and their guests, commuter students and visitors. The University is not responsible for fire, theft, damage to, or loss of, such vehicles parked or operated on property of the University, or any articles left therein. No bailment is created by the granting of any parking or operating privilege regarding a vehicle on any property owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by Saint Francis University. All vehicles shall be operated or parked on campus at the owner's risk.

   

  Please note that all visitors are required to stop at the police department and obtain a visitor permit prior to parking on campus. 

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  Vehicle Registration:

   

  ALL students, faculty, and staff members, and visitors to the University are required to register the vehicle in their possession for use to the University Police Department.
   

  To register your car on campus log into https://my.francis.edu/ics and navigate to vehicle registration under the Current Student area.

  
  All parking rules and regulations must be followed. If a violation occurs, an electronic parking citation will be issued. If you are a student or employee of the university, you will receive an electronic email notification sent directly to your university email address notifying you of the citation and also the steps to file an appeal if needed.  

Student Travel

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  Students traveling domestically or internationally on University sponsored trips is of top priority. To that end the University has established a Student Travel and Notification Procedure to improve communication and to increase student safety.
  
  All students, faculty, and staff traveling on University sponsored trips are expected to follow these guidelines. University sponsored travel is any trip organized and chaperoned by faculty or staff of the University that fulfills a curricular, co-curricular, or extra-curricular function.
  
  A trip roster shall be sent via email to: University Police, Student Life, Residence Life, and the Associate Dean of Students. The trip roster should be confirmed and communicated 48 hours prior to travel or immediately preceding the trip to ensure accuracy in the event there are additions or deletions. A copy of the trip roster should be kept by the trip chaperone. 
  
  For domestic travel, the trip roster must include emergency contact information for all travelers. The department or program sponsoring the trip will retain the liability waiver forms on file until the trip ends.

Harassment & Assault

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  Annoying or harassing phone calls, emails, texts or comments on social network websites are a common problem on college campuses. They are many times viewed as mere pranks. State Law considers such activity as Harassment by Communications or Address, a Third Degree Misdemeanor offense.
  
  The Pennsylvania Crimes Code defines the following to be Harassment by Communications :

  • Making phone calls without a legitimate purpose. 

  • Repeatedly making anonymous phone calls. 

  • Repeatedly phoning at extremely inconvenient hours. 

  • Repeatedly phoning using offensive, course, or obscene language. 

  Harassment by Communications is punishable by imprisonment of up to one (1) year and a fine up to $2500.
  
  If you are receiving annoying or harassing phone calls, contact the University Police Department. An officer will meet with you to discuss the situation and to determine the best course of action to be taken. You will be asked to keep a log of your calls, description of the caller's voice, background noises, etc. Depending on the situation, the University Police, with the assistance of Telecommunications may be able to determine the origin of the calls.
  
  The following suggestions are given for dealing with harassing call:

  • Never engage the caller in conversation. The key to handling the calls is not to react to them. Reacting could encourage the caller. Never answer personal questions or give out information to an unknown caller. 

  • Hang up when you realize the call is intended to harass you.

  • Keep track of the date and time of the calls to determine the pattern. This can help you narrow the possible suspects. 

  • Unplug your phone if necessary. 

  • Contact the University Police at 814-472-3360. 

  If you receive threatening or obscene calls, contact the University Police Department immediately, even if you have already spoken to an officer. Most harassing calls do not present a physical threat to the victim's safety. The caller often knows the victim. Occasionally, the caller simply contacts the victim randomly.
  
  For more information, read out Nondiscrimination & No Harassment Policy.

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  Assault/Rape:

   

  Unfortunately, many individuals in our society are the victims of personal violence. You are not alone in the feelings you may be experiencing as a result of being sexually assaulted. Many times, individuals will be in the state of shock or disbelief. They may be angry and resentful, ashamed, or blame themselves for what has occurred. Frequently, especially during the early period following an incident of sexual violence, the victim will feel numb or confused. These reactions are common and can occur whether you've been assaulted by a stranger, acquaintance, friend, or romantic partner. There is help available to you. We want to provide you with support and information that will help clarify the issues confronting you and facilitate your recovery. The following information will assist you in considering your options.

   

  Important Numbers:

  On Campus Emergency: 814-472-3360

  Off Campus Emergency: 9-1-1

  Emotional Support:

  Victim Services, Johnstown: 814-535-2551

  Victim Services, Altoona: 814-944-3583

  Victim Services Toll Free Hotline (24hrs): 800-755-1983

  Family & Children Services (24hrs): 814-944-3583

  Saint Francis University Counseling Center (M-F, 9-4): 814-472-3211

  Medical Services:

  Saint Francis University Health Center: 814-472-3008

  Conemaugh Hospital: 814-533-9000

  Altoona Hospital: 814-946-2011

  Police Information:

  University Police Department: 814-472-3360

  Loretto Borough Police: 814-472-8995

  Pennsylvania State Police: 814-471-6500

  Victim Services: 800-755-1983

  Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (24hr Hotline): 800-692-7445

   

  Legal Definitions:

  Rape
  Rape, according to the Pennsylvania Crimes Code Title 18 (PA C.S.) Section § 3121 is:
  (a) Offense define. – A person commits a felony of the first degree when he or she engages in sexual intercourse with a complainant:
   (1) By forcible compulsion.
   (2) By threat of forcible compulsion that would prevent resistance by a person of reasonable resolution.
   (3) Who is unconscious or where the person knows that the complainant is unaware that the sexual intercourse is occurring.
   (4) Where the person has substantially impaired the complainant’s power to appraise or control his or her conduct by administering or employing, without the knowledge of the complainant, drugs, intoxicants or other means for the purpose of preventing resistance.
   (5) Who suffers from a mental disability which renders the complainant incapable of consent.
   (6) Who is less than 13 years of age.
   (b) Additional penalties.-- In addition to the penalty provided for by subsection (a) a person may be sentenced to an additional term not to exceed ten years’ confinement and an additional amount not to exceed $100,000 where the person engages in sexual intercourse with a complainant and has substantially impaired the complainant’s power to appraise or control his or her conduct by administering or employing, without the knowledge of the complainant, any substance for the purpose of preventing resistance through the inducement of euphoria, memory loss and any other effect of this substance.
  
  INDECENT ASSAULT
  Indecent Assault, according to the Pennsylvania Crime Code Title 18 (PA C.S.) Section §3126 is:
  (a) Offense defined.–A person who has indecent contact with the complainant or causes the complainant to have indecent contact with the person is guilty of indecent assault if:
   (1) the person does so without the complainant’s consent;
   (2) the person does so by forcible compulsion;
   (3) the person does so by threat of forcible compulsion that would prevent resistance by a person of reasonable resolution;
   (4) the complainant is unconscious or the person knows that the complainant is unaware that the indecent contact is occurring;
   (5) the person has substantially impaired the complainant’s power to appraise or control his or her conduct by administering or employing, without the knowledge of the complainant, drugs, intoxicants or other means for the purpose of preventing resistance;
   (6) the complainant suffer from a mental disability which renders him or her incapable of consent;
   (7) the complainant is less than 13 years of age; or
   (8) the complainant is less than 16 years of age and the person is four or more years older than the complainant and the complainant and the person are not married to each other.
   (b) Grading.–Indecent assault under subsection (a)(7) is a misdemeanor of the first degree. Otherwise, indecent assault is a misdemeanor of the second degree.
   The Saint Francis University Assault Policy has been developed to ensure that consistent procedures are followed when a report of a sexual assault has been received. This procedure has been adopted to meet the medical, legal, safety and psychological needs of the victim. This procedure applies to any member of the Saint Francis University community.

   

  Instructions for Victims:

  (A) Get to a safe place as soon as you can.
  (B) Contact someone you trust, a close friend or a resident assistant, to be with you.
  (C) Try to preserve all physical evidence. Do not wash, bathe, use the toilet, or change clothing, if you can avoid it. If you do change clothes put all clothing you were wearing at the time of the attack in a paper, not plastic, bag.
  (D) Get medical attention as soon as possible to ensure your physical well being and to collect important evidence.
  (E) Contact University Police by calling ext. 3360 on any campus phone or the local police by calling 911.

  
  Medical Treatment:
  (A) It is important to seek immediate and follow-up medical treatment for several reasons: first, to assess and treat any physical injuries you may have sustained; second, to determine the risk of sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy, and take preventative measures; and third, to gather evidence which would aid criminal prosecution, should you desire to pursue charges.
  Physical evidence should be collected immediately, ideally within the first 24 hours. It may be collected later than this, but the quality and quantity of evidence will be diminished.
  (B) There is a special medical examination which should be conducted as soon as possible after an assault. This exam is to ensure your physical well-being. Even if you have not been physically injured, this exam is recommended to maintain all your legal options. After the evidence is collected, it will be maintained in the event you wish to pursue criminal charges. This examination will be performed by an emergency department physician or gynecologist. A nurse is present throughout the procedure and a support person of your choice can also be present. This exam can be conducted at any local hospital of your choice. All local hospitals’ emergency departments follow national standards for victim care, rape exams, and evidence collection procedures.

  
  NOTE: The victim must be advised that the hospital will, as a matter of procedure, notify the police department in the jurisdiction in which the assault occurred and the local rape/sexual assault center if the victim has not already done so. The police and a sexual assault advocate will proceed to the hospital. However, the victim is not required to furnish information to the police or to the advocate.
  (C) Counseling and Emotional Support on Campus. You may talk with a counselor by dialing the Counseling Center at ext. 3211. All discussions will be strictly CONFIDENTIAL. The Counseling Center is open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, during the evening and night, counselors are available on an on-call basis.
  (D) Reporting to University Police. You can report an incident immediately by calling ext. 3360. A University Police Officer is available to assist you at any hour. This report may be made anonymously.

  
  The information which you give will be handled in strictest confidence.
  The University Police Department can:

  • Protect you and others from future victimization

  • Assist you in contacting the support person of your choice

  • Assist in the apprehension of the assailant

  • Assist you in seeking justice for the wrong which has been committed

  If you choose to report the incident, a trained Police Officer will take a statement from you regarding what has happened. The officer will ask for a description of your assailant, or ask you to identify the assailant if you are acquainted. You may be asked about where the crime occurred, if anyone else was present, or any other pertinent information about the incident. You may have a support person with you during this interview.
  (5)Criminal Investigation and Charges. If you wish to press charges regarding the incident, you must contact the University Police Department immediately.
  For more information please check out these links...
  
  rad-systems.com
  4woman.gov
  pcar.org
  womens-selfdefense.com
  4girls.gov
  911rape.org

   

  How to help a friend:

  Often, individuals other than trained counselors are the first to learn of a sexual assault/rape. In the event that someone shares this information with you, the following procedures must be followed. However, the victim may choose not to proceed further at any point.

  • As the initial contact person, if someone shares with you information about a sexual assault, share with them the following information and resources available to them.

  • Make sure the victim is in a safe place and secure environment.

  • Be patient with the victim.

  • Encourage the victim to try to preserve all physical evidence. This includes refraining from bathing/washing, using the toilet, or changing clothing. If the victim has changed clothing, place the clothing worn at the time of the assault in a paper, not plastic, bag. The victim may or may not choose to press charges in the future, but preserving physical evidence will give her/him the option to choose later.

  • Encourage the victim to seek medical treatment. This step is important so that the victim receives proper assessment and treatment of any physical injuries he/she may have sustained. Furthermore, it is important to determine the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, or pregnancy, and take preventative measures. Additionally, this step is necessary to gather evidence in the event the victim chooses to prosecute.

  • Physical evidence should be collected immediately, ideally within the first 24 hours. It may be collected later than this, but the quality and quantity of evidence may be diminished.

  • Encourage the victim to contact, or allow you to contact, University Police by calling 472-3360. NOTE: Reporting an incident is a separate step from choosing to prosecute. When a report is filed, the victim is not obligated to continue with legal proceedings or University disciplinary action. The name of the victim may be reported if the victim consents to be identified or is incapacitated and unable to make a decision on his/her own behalf. In addition, any other information that can be used to infer a victim's identity may be reported if the victim consents to being identified or is incapacitated and unable to make a decision on his/her own behalf. This applies to such information as the victim's address, the victim's place of employment, year in school, etc. The caller must indicate, minimally, that a sexual assault has occurred. Anonymity can be maintained at this point.

  • Encourage the victim to talk with a trained counselor and/or sexual assault advocate who can maintain confidentiality, help explain the victim's options, give information, and provide emotional support.

  • Ask the victim if there is someone he/she would like to contact or would like you to contact for them.

Drug & Alcohol Prevention Program

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  In accordance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 and subsequent amendments, students and employees of University are informed that strictly enforced policies are in place which prohibits the unlawful possession, use or distribution of any illicit drugs, including alcohol, on University property or as part of any University sponsored activity. Free, confidential counseling for alcohol and other drug abuse issues is available to students through Counseling Services and the Student Health Center. Free, educational information on alcohol and other drug misuse is available for the university community through the Alcohol and Drug Education Center in 116 Padua Hall.  
  
  The University Police department has also been certified in the administration of Naloxone. 
  
  Contact University Police at 814-472-3360 with questions or concerns about the use of alcohol or drugs on campus or at University sponsored activities.

Emergencies - Quick Reference Emergency Response Guide

Contact University Police to obtain a hard copy to keep it in an area where it can be easily accessed in case of an emergency.

• Rave Alert

  RAVE Alert is the University’s emergency messaging system that allows university officials to quickly communicate health and safety-related emergency information through a combination of various methods including text messages and emails.

   

  • To sign up for RAVE Alert or to update your contact information, visit www.getrave.com/login/francis
  • All students and employees are encouraged to sign up for RAVE Guardian which is free via your smartphone’s App Store
• Power/Utilities Failure

  In the event of a major utility failure occurring during regular working hours IMMEDIATELY notify the Physical Plant at 814-472-3017. If there is a potential danger to occupants, or if the utility failure occurs after hours, weekends or holidays, notify Campus Police at 814-472-3360.

   

  • If needed, move to areas of the building with emergency lighting
  • It may be necessary to evacuate the building by stairwell
  • If smoke/fire alarm sounds, immediately exit the building
• Medical/First Aid

  If serious injury or illness occurs on campus, dial 911 IMMEDIATELY. Give your name; describe the nature and severity of the medical problem and the campus location of the victim.
  
  After calling 911, provide first aid care (only trained personnel should provide first aid care such as first aid and CPR).

   

  1. Keep the victim still and comfortable. DO NOT MOVE THE VICTIM.
  2. Ask the victim, “Are you okay?” and “What is wrong?”
  3. Check breathing and give artificial respiration, if necessary.
  4. Control serious bleeding by direct pressure on the wound.
  5. Continue to assist the victim until help arrives.
  6. Look for emergency medical I.D.; question witness (es); and give all information to the paramedics.

  Every office should have a person trained in the first aid and CPR. Training is available through the Student Health Center.

• Crime in Progress

  DO NOT get involved with trying to prevent any crime unless it is self defense. Everyone is asked to assist in making the campus a safe place by being alert to suspicious situations and reporting them promptly.
  
  Call Campus Police at 814-472-3360 as soon as possible and report the incident , including the following information:

   

  • Nature of the incident
  • Location of the incident
  • Description of person (s) involved
  • Description of property involved
  • Description of vehicle involved

  If you observe a criminal act or suspicious person, immediately notify Campus Police and report the incident. Assist the officers when they arrive by supplying them with all additional information and ask others to cooperate.

   

  • You can also send a tip or contact authorities through the RAVE Guardian App

   

• Explosive Device or Bomb Threat

  If you observe a suspicious object or potential bomb on campus DO NOT HANDLE THE OBJECT!!!!  

   

  Clear the area immediately and call Campus Police at ext. 3360.

  If receiving a bomb threat over the phone ask the caller the following questions:

   

  • When is the bomb going to explode?
  • Where is the bomb located?
  • What kind of bomb is it?
  • What does it look like?
  • Why did you place the bomb?

  Talk to the caller as long as possible and record the following information:

   

  • Time of call
  • Age and sex of the caller
  • Speech pattern: accent, nationality, etc.
  • Emotional state of caller
  • Background noises

  IMMEDIATELY notify Campus Police at 814-472-3360 or 9-1-1 of the incident.

   

  Campus Police officers will conduct a detailed bomb search. Employees are requested to make an inspection of their area for a suspicious objects and to report the location to Campus Police. DO NOT TOUCH THE OBJECT. Do not open drawers, cabinets or turn lights on or off.

• Fire and/or Smoke

  In any fire emergency contact Campus Police at 814-472-3360 or ext. 3360 from University phones.

   

  1. Know the location of fire extinguishers, fire exits and alarm locations in your area and know how to use them.
  2. If a minor fire appears controllable, IMMEDIATELY contact Campus Police. Use a fire extinguisher on the fire by pointing the nozzle at the base of the fire and use the PASS method.
  3. If an emergency exists, activate the building fire alarm. The alarm will also automatically notify the Police Officer on duty and 911.
  4. If a fire is larger and does not appear controllable, IMMEDIATELY notify the campus police department and 911.  Evacuate the building. DO NOT LOCK DOORS.
  5. Assist the disabled in exiting the building.
  6. Do not use elevators in cases of fires.
  7. Once outside of the building move at least 500 feet from the building in the predesignated meeting point.
  8. If requested, assist emergency crews.
  9. DO NOT RETURN TO AN EVACUATED BUILDING UNLESS TOLD TO DO SO BY UNIVERSITY POLICE.

  
  If you become trapped in a building during a fire and a window is available place an article of clothing outside the window as a marker for rescue workers. If there is a telephone in the room, attempt to call 911 and alert them of your emergency situation. If there is not a window stay near the floor where the air is less toxic.

• Natural Disaster Emergency

  Today we have the capability to predict with more accuracy than ever dangerous tornadoes, hurricanes, winter storms and floods. We also know areas that are prone to earthquakes and wildfires. The likelihood of some of these things happening in our area are slim, but below are tips that could prevent serious injury.

   

  Tornado:

  • Take shelter in steel framed or reinforced building. If outside, travel at right angles to the path of the funnel or lie flat in a ditch
  • If inside, lie under heavy furniture, stay against inside walls in center hallways or go to corner of basement
  • If there is potential danger to building occupants notify Campus Police at 814-472-3360
  • Tornado or high wind emergency warnings will normally force people inside, not out. RAVE Alert will be used Advising to take cover

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  Heavy Snow:

  • Severe winter storms can occur during autumn, winter and early spring taking the form of ice, snow and freezing rain
  • Avoid overexertion which can cause overheating followed by chilling and frostbite
  • Travel only in an emergency, have a full tank of gas, use main roads and tell others of travel plans

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  Flood:

  • If flash flooding occurs, avoid wading in new bodies of water due to quick wash out erosion they may be deeper than you realize
  • Unnoticed water currents can carry you off after footing has been lost causing drowning or battering injuries
• Building Evacuation

  Building Evacuation:

   

  • All building evacuations will occur when the fire alarm sounds or upon notification by Campus Police.
  • When the building evacuation alarm is activated during an emergency, leave by the nearest marked exit and alert others to do the same.
  • Assist the disabled in exiting the building. Do not use elevators during the exit of the buildings.
  • Once outside, proceed to the predetermined location listed on the evacuation notice posted in each building. If no evacuation route is posted, clear the area and stay at least 500 feet from the building.

  Do NOT return to an evacuated building unless told to do so by a member of University Police.

  
  Campus Evacuation:

   

  • Evacuation of all or part of the campus grounds will be announced via the RAVE Alert system.
  • All persons (Students and Staff) are to IMMEDIATELY follow the instructions provided by the University Police and vacate the campus as directed
  • Do NOT return to campus unless otherwise directed.
• Suspicious Mail/Package

  If you discover a suspicious item or powder substance:

   

  • Avoid breathing any dust
  • Contact Campus Police immediately
  • Use standard universal precautions—gloves, respiratory and eye protection, etc.
  • Immediately put the letter/package in an available container and tie off
  • Leave the package sealed at your worksite
  • Leave the immediate area and immediately wash your hands with hot soap and water
  • Isolate others from the immediate area

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  1. The University Police Department will contact the Cambria County Department of Emergency Services and report the finding.
  2. The Police Department will work with the Cambria County Department of Emergency Services, the PA Department of Health and Saint Francis University Student Health Center to address issues involving employee exposure to biological contamination.
  3. Alternate mail delivery responsibilities, including a temporary post office and mail sorting area will be created if the potentially contaminated mailroom remains off-line for an indeterminate period of time.
  4. Campus Police will assist and cooperate with other outside agencies to facilitate the inspection and decontamination of the Saint Francis University mail services area.

  Mail handlers must be alert for:

  • Odd shaped or wrapped packages
  • Discolored or bulky envelopes
  • Sloshy sound within a package
  • Envelopes/packages with no return address
  • Return address from an expected shipper/sender
  • Return address to match postmark
  • Your name & address spelled wrong
  • Obvious misspellings
  • No postage or non-canceled postage
  • Over-paid postage on packages
• Chemical Spill/Release

  Chemical or Radiation Spill:

   

  1. Any spillage of a hazardous chemical or radioactive material is to be reported IMMEDIATELY to Campus Police at ext. 3360 AND the Physical Plant Department at ext. 3017.
  2. When reporting the incident, please be specific about the nature of the involved material and the exact location.
  3. The key person on-site should evacuate the affected area AT ONCE and seal it off to prevent any further contamination of other areas until the arrival of Campus Police and/or official personnel.
  4. Anyone who may be contaminated by the spill is to avoid contact with others as much as possible. Required first aid clean up by specialized authorities should be started at once.
  5. If an emergency exists, ACTIVATE the building alarm and alert Campus Police.
  6. When the building evacuation alarm is sounded or an emergency exists: walk quickly to the nearest marked exit and ask others to do the same.
  7. ASSIST THE HANDICAPPED IN EXITING THE BUILDING! DO NOT USE ELEVTORS IN CASE OF FIRE.
  8. Once outside, move to a clear area that is at least 500 feet away from the building.
  9. If requested, assist emergency crews as necessary.
  10. A Campus Emergency Command Post may be set up near the disaster site. Keep clear of the Command Post unless you have official business.
  11. DO NOT RETURN TO AN EVACUATED BUILDING unless told to do so by a University Official.
• Active Threat

  During an active threat on campus, all individuals are solely responsible for their own safety. In response to an active threat on the Saint Francis University campus, the University Police will implement any and all means necessary to stop the threat.

   

  1. Description: An active threat is defined as any incident that by its deliberate nature creates an immediate threat or presents and imminent danger to the campus community.
  2. Types of active threats:
     • Active Shooter
     • Hostage/barricaded subject
     • Sniper
     • Suicide bomber
     • Known or suspected terrorist threat
  3. Always be aware of your environment and any possible dangers
  4. Make note of the two nearest exits in any facility you work in or visit
  5. If possible get out of the building “RUN”
     • Get out regardless of what others are doing
     • Leave personal belongings behind
     • Help others out, if possible
     • While exiting the building instruct others who may be entering of what is going on
     • Call 911 once you are at a safe location
  6. If in an office, stay there and lock the door “HIDE”
  7. If you are in a hallway, get into the closet room and lock the door
  8. Barricade the door if possible
  9. Silence your cell phone
  10. Hide behind or under large items (desks, cabinets..)
  11. Call 911, if you are unable to talk leave the line open for the dispatcher to listen
  12. Always remain quiet, in order not to draw attention to your location
  13. As a last resort, attempt to the active threat down. “FIGHT”