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Safety Policies

The following includes several of our safety related policies. There are safety related policies for Residence Halls as well. More university policies can be found on the General Policies page or the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. Other important policies and information include Title IX, harassment, bullying, discrimination, and the Polices and Code for Student Life Pages.

Animals on Campus

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant animals are allowed on campus to provide service. Emotional Support Animals must be approved through Residence Life and are allowed in the Residence Hall that the student lives in. Non-ADA animals are not allowed inside buildings or fenced in areas and must remain on a leash with the owner.

Disability Services

Banned from Campus

Safety & Security may ban an individual from campus as part of a conduct action or due to potential threat to the university community. When an individual is banned, they may only come onto university property if they have made prior arrangement with the office they are seeing and are escorted while on the property. Bans expire only if a specific date has been provided or Safety & Security clears the restriction. Failure to abide by a campus ban will result in a trespass by local authorities.

Campus Alcohol Policy

Students and employees are expected to be acquainted with and abide by state laws, as well as university policies and guidelines, for the possession, use, sale, manufacture, or distribution of any controlled substance, including alcohol.  Possession and consumption of alcohol by persons under the legal age of 21 is prohibited on campus and at campus functions. Empty containers (including boxes, bags, etc.) are prohibited to be in the possession of persons under the age of 21. Alcohol is prohibited from being served on campus except during university sponsored events where alcohol is served by an individual licensed to sell or serve alcohol in the State of Indiana. If alcohol is served at an event by an approved, licensed server, it must be consumed within the venue. General consumption of alcohol on university property, by community members or visitors, is prohibited.

Residents and their guests, 21 and over, may consume alcohol inside their dorm room in compliance with the Residence Hall Alcohol Policy.

Campus Drug Policy

Indiana Tech does not condone the possession, use, manufacture, or distribution of illegal substances (including synthetic versions). Drug paraphernalia or empty containers is also prohibited on university property or at university functions. Being present and condoning the use or possession of drugs, through failure to report violations, may also be considered a violation. Students in violation of this policy may be suspended or expelled from the university. This includes marijuana, which is restricted by Indiana state law.

Federal Student Financial Aid Penalties for Drug Law Violations

  •  Conviction for any offense under any federal or state law involving the possession or sale of illegal drugs, may result in the loss of eligibility for any Title IV, HEA grant, loan, or work-study assistance.
  •  The Financial Aid Office will notify a student, who is convicted of any drug-related offenses, that they have lost Title IV eligibility. The notice will also advise the student of the ways in which the student can regain eligibility.

For more detailed information, please go to our drug policies page.

Campus Grill Policy

The university asks that the following safety guidelines be adhered to when using any grills anywhere on campus grounds:

  • Grills should only be used on a firm, flat and stable surface at least six feet from any building or vehicles.
  • No lighter fluid or propane tanks are allowed inside any building.
  • Gasoline should not be used as a combustible for grilling purposes; use only recommended barbecue lighter fluid.
  • Never spray lighter fluid on burning coals.
  • If it is windy, light the grill with the wind blowing away from you.
  • Make sure you have a container of water close by in case of an emergency.
  • Never move a barbecue once it has been lit.
  • Be mindful of the safety for any children or pets in the area.
  • Grills should not be left unattended.

Maximus’ Patio and the courtyard located near the Warrior Row townhouses are grilling areas with tables for students to enjoy. To keep this area clean and safe for people to use, we ask that the following guidelines be followed:

  • Clean up all food and trash after using the grills.
  • Loose clothing should not be worn while grilling.
  • Use only charcoal as the cooking method.
  • Extinguish charcoal fires thoroughly with water before leaving them unattended.
  • Be mindful of proper cooking times and temperatures when cooking food on the grill.
  • Lighter fluid may not be taken inside any campus facility for storage.

These grilling areas are monitored by closed circuit video surveillance so please be responsible when using the equipment. Also please be respectful of the people who will be using the grills next; don’t leave a mess for someone else to clean up. This includes safe removal of extinguished charcoal.

Campus Sex Crime Prevention Act

The federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where information concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained. In Indiana, this information is accessible on the Indiana Sex and Violent Offender Registry. You may also visit your local police or sheriff’s office for information regarding registered sex offenders in your area.

Campus Visitors

Visitors to campus are welcome on the grounds and inside public accessible areas while a building is open. Visitors will not be able to access buildings after-hours or ID card controlled areas without prior permission from a hosting department and Safety & Security. Reasons that visitors may be asked to leave include, but are not limited to; not having current business with the university, displaying violent or threatening behavior, or are otherwise disruptive to university functions.

Visitors are expected to have a government issued photo ID card and to make it available to university staff upon request. Failure to comply with a request to see ID will result in the visitor being asked to leave campus.

Visitors will need a temporary parking permit while on campus. The Safety & Security central office, AND 144, and main desks at each building can issue a temporary permit.

Residence halls also have a visitor policy.

Civil Demonstrations / Protests

The institution supports the right for members of the university community to gather and express their viewpoints, provided such demonstrations are peaceful/ non-violent and non-disruptive. Students wishing to participate in a demonstration must adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Do not interfere with the normal operations of the University.
  • Do not infringe on other student’s ability to use University premises.
  • Do not threaten or inflict physical harm to persons and/or damage University property.

Non-students or external organizations participating must remain off University premises.er

Dangerous Items/ Weapons on Campus

Possession of firearms or other dangerous weapons on university property is prohibited, including concealed carry, for all visitors, students, and employees. The following are the only exceptions:

  1. Students who are commissioned active duty police officers with an agency that requires them to be armed while off-duty. These students must inform the Director of Safety & Security and the enrollment manager of the campus at which they will attend classes. The student will need to provide evidence of their firearm requirement for this policy to be waived. The students will also need to inform the instructor of each class they attend and will be expected to conceal the weapon while on campus.
  2. Employees who are commissioned active duty police officers. They must receive permission from their Director/ Dean, Vice-President, and the Director of Safety & Security prior to carry on campus. These employees will need to display their badge if they open carry.
  3. Contractors of the university who are commissioned active duty police officers. They must be in uniform, authorized to carry as part of their assignment, and acting within the scope of their contracted duties.
  4. On-duty commissioned police officers, either in uniform or plain-clothes, acting within their official duties.

Pellet guns, paintball guns and BB rifles (including plastic versions such as air soft brands) are considered dangerous weapons due to the projectiles potential to cause injury and the possibility for being mistaken as a real firearm.

Possession or use of any dangerous substance or article as a potential weapon or possession of any article or substance calculated to injure or discomfort any person, is prohibited. Pepper spray and pocket knives are allowed on campus as long as they are not used to harm or threaten. Use of pepper spray on campus for self-defense should be immediately reported to Safety & Security to assist the investigation and avoid allegation of misuse.

Use or possession of pyrotechnics (fireworks), explosives, or the materials to create explosives on university property is prohibited.

Drone/Unmanned Aircraft (UA) Use on Campus

It is not permissible for individual students, staff, or outside entities to operate unmanned aircraft/drones on or over any Indiana Tech property, either interiorly or exteriorly. This is based on both Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements and risk management/liability issues.

Exceptions may be made of official institutional use, which may include student organizations or academic/teaching use in conjunction with an advisor or faculty member. Requests for exceptions should be directed to the Indiana Tech Risk Management Committee at RiskManagement@IndianaTech.edu.

Hoverboard, Self-Balancing Scooters, Battery-Operated Scooters, Hands-Free Segway Policy

Based on recent fire safety and fall injury concerns raised by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Fire Protection Association, all hoverboards (also known as self-balancing scooters, battery-operated scooters, or hands-free Segways) are not permitted to be operated, charged, stored, or brought into university facilities, including residence halls, at any time. Devises identified by these names designed to assist individuals with disabilities are exempted.

ID Cards

Students, employees, and applicable contractors must keep their university ID on them while on Indiana Tech property. ID cards are not allowed to be loaned or otherwise shared. Cards that are used by a person other than the pictured user, will be considered lost and deactivated. To reactivate cards, the issued user must speak with Safety & Security. Students who share ID cards may have a $20 dollar reactivation fee levied to their account.

ID card photographs are the property of the university and the pictured user. Unauthorized use of university ID photos is prohibited.

Hazing and Harrassment

Indiana Tech has zero tolerance for the use of hazing in any form by its students, organizations, or athletic programs. “Hazing” refers to any activity expected of someone’s affiliation with a group (joining or to maintain full status in a group) that humiliates, degrades or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate. Any occurrences of hazing may result in a student’s dismissal from the sport program and/or the institution.

Indiana Tech defines hazing as follows:

Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off university premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include but are not limited to the following: use of alcohol; paddling in any form; excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities carried on outside or inside of the confines of university property; wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities and other activities which are not consistent with the regulations and policies of Indiana Tech.

There are three components that define hazing:

  • It occurs in a group context
  • It involves humiliating, degrading, or endangering behavior
  • It happens regardless of an individual’s willingness to participate.

Hazing activities may be organized in three categories: subtle, harassment, and violent. It is impossible to list all possible hazing behaviors as many are context-specific. Many types of hazing fit into more than one of these defined categories.

Subtle hazing is characterized by behaviors that emphasize a power imbalance between new members/rookies/lower ranking members and other members of the group. Such types of hazing are often taken for granted or accepted as “harmless” or meaningless. Subtle hazing typically involves activities or attitudes that breach reasonable standards of mutual respect and place members on the receiving end of ridicule, embarrassment, and/or humiliation tactics. Members often feel the need to endure subtle hazing to feel like part of the group or team.

Subtle hazing may include, but is not limited to:

  • Deception
  • Assigning demerits
  • Silence periods with implied threats for violation
  • Deprivation of privileges granted to other members
  • Requiring lower ranking or new members/rookies to perform duties not assigned to other members
  • Socially isolating new members/rookies
  • Line-ups and drills/tests on meaningless information
  • Name calling and use of demeaning terms
  • Requiring lower ranking or new members/rookies to refer to other members with titles (e.g. “Mr.,” “Miss”) while they are identified with
  • Expecting certain items to always be in one’s possession

Harassment hazing involves behaviors that create emotional anguish or physical discomfort for an individual seeking to feel like part of a group or to maintain affiliation with a group.

Below are common examples of harassment hazing:

  • Verbal abuse
  • Threats or implied threats
  • Asking members to wear embarrassing or humiliating attire
  • Stunt or skit nights with degrading, crude, or humiliating acts
  • Expecting lower ranking or new members/rookies to perform personal service to other members such as carrying books, errands, cooking, cleaning etc.
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Sexual simulations
  • Expecting lower ranking or new members/rookies to be deprived of maintaining a normal schedule of bodily cleanliness.
  • Be expected to harass others

Violent hazing includes behaviors that have the potential to cause physical and/or emotional or psychological harm to any individual seeking to feel like part of a group or to maintain affiliation with a group.

Common types of violent hazing include:

  • Forced or coerced alcohol or other drug consumption
  • Beating, paddling, or other forms of assault
  • Branding
  • Forced or coerced ingestion of vile substances or concoctions
  • Burning
  • Water intoxication
  • Expecting the abuse or mistreatment of animals
  • Public nudity
  • Expecting the execution of illegal activity
  • Bondage
  • Abductions/kidnappings
  • Exposure to extreme cold or heat without appropriate protection

Missing Student Policy

Reports of missing students should be submitted to the Indiana Tech security office. The security officer on duty will collect the information and submit a report which will be provided to the associate vice president-student services and the director of safety and security. Any data collected by university staff during the investigation process will be provided to security to amend the submitted report.

When a student moves into the residence hall, the student will be asked to identify contact(s) whom the associate vice president- student services or designated university staff member shall notify if the student is determined missing by the university. This designated person’s contact information will be kept confidential, accessible only to authorized campus officials and law enforcement, and may not be disclosed outside of a missing person investigation. Students are advised on the document that if they are under 18 years of age and not emancipated, the institution must notify a custodial parent or guardian when the student is missing, in addition to any additional contact person designated by the student. Investigations concerning reports of a missing student will be handled in accordance with the university crisis management policy.

Motor Vehicles and Bicycles In Buildings

At no time will motor vehicles be allowed inside of a building, such as motorized scooters and motorcycles. Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, etc. should not be ridden inside. Bicycles should be stored in bicycle racks outside with a U-Lock type of device. Bicycle chains are easy to break by experience individuals.

Safety & Security Jurisdiction

Indiana Tech Safety & Security is primarily contracted security officers who do not have the power to arrest. Contracted off-duty police officers may also be found on campus throughout the week. These officers are sworn through the State of Indiana and have full police powers, including the power to arrest when necessary. Safety & Security Officers have jurisdiction on property owned by Indiana Tech and some property occupied by Indiana Tech or IIT organizations. Officers have the power to assist university officials in the enforcement of university policies and regulations.

Due to Indiana Tech being private property, Safety & Security Officers may request photo identification or university issued ID cards at anytime on university property. Officers may also escort individuals from the property or contact police to resolve situations when a person is non-compliant with leaving campus. Criminal incidents are also referred to local police as necessary.

The university may employ Safety & Security to conduct building or room searches. Searches conducted in Residence Halls are primarily for suspicion of policy violations due to the possession or use of; drugs, alcohol, firearms, explosives, or recovery of stolen property. Under certain circumstances, searches may be done in cooperation with FWPD, including K9 units. During searches, locks may be removed so that the location can be inspected.

Regional campuses may use local contracted security officers. Contracted security personnel will report violations and crimes to their institution contact and call the police as necessary. They may request IDs and are also able to escort people from the location, with the approval of the institution contact.

Unattended Children/Minors on Campus

Children (minors) must be accompanied by an adult at all times but are not allowed to attend classes with their parent/guardian/caregiver. Indiana Tech does not provide supervision of children (minors) on our campus. Campus security will be alerted to unattended children on campus and will take appropriate action.

Warriors on Watch

In an effort to increase the safety and well-being of people on the Indiana Tech campus, everyone is encouraged to contact security or the police in any matter where the health or safety of someone is in question. If a student implicates themself in a university violation as a result of making such a report, the student shall be exempt from disciplinary sanctions provided the following stipulations are met:

  • The full name and contact information of the person reporting must be provided.
  • The person reporting must provide the full name of the victim and perpetrators if known.
  • The person reporting must remain with the victim until security or emergency personnel respond unless it jeopardizes their own safety.
  • The person reporting must cooperate with the instructions of security, staff, or emergency personnel both on the scene and during any forthcoming investigation.
  • The person reporting is not directly responsible for causing physical harm to the victim except in cases of self-defense.

In addition, the victim will be exempt from punitive sanctions under university conduct policy such as monetary fines, probationary status, dismissal, or similar. However, the victim may be required to comply with an educational component or counseling if found to have violated university policy.