2021 Annual Security Report
University of Mary Washington
Annual Security Report
Annual Fire Safety Report
Prepared by the University of Mary Washington Police Department
January 1, 2020
To
December 31, 2020
Published September 30, 2021
Introduction
University of Mary Washington is a State supported institution of higher learning located in the Commonwealth of Virginia with campuses in the City of Fredericksburg, Dahlgren- in King George County, and Stafford County.
University of Mary Washington is committed to providing the members of the University community and visitors with the safest and most secure environment possible. However, even the most extensive initiatives cannot succeed without the awareness and cooperation of the community members, who work, study and live on campus.
Policies and Regulations
The University has designed its policies and regulations to create a safe and harmonious environment for the members of its community. All campus community members and visitors of the University are required to obey by these regulations. These policies not only reflect the University’s high standards of conduct, but also local, state and federal laws. Observed and enforced, they create a high degree of safety for the University community.
Alcohol & Drug Use
UMW recognizes that the misuse and abuse of alcohol and drugs is a persistent social and health problem of major proportion in our society and that it interferes with the goals and objectives of any educational institution. Accordingly, UMW does not encourage the use of alcoholic beverages and strongly discourages illegal or otherwise irresponsible use of alcohol and drugs. Members of the University community are responsible for their decisions regarding their use of alcohol and drugs as well as their behavior which occurs as a result of their decisions.
Alcohol Policy
UMW fully complies with and enforces the criminal code of the Commonwealth of Virginia relating to alcohol offenses. All state laws apply to UMW students, faculty, staff and visitors. These laws prohibit possession, distribution and consumption of all alcoholic beverages by persons under 21 years of age. To maintain conditions conducive to a learning environment and to ensure that all community members are in a safe, productive environment, the University further restricts the use of alcohol to specified criteria. The University’s policy is not to have alcoholic beverages at any University-sponsored student functions. For more comprehensive details, please refer to the University’s alcohol policy printed in the Student Handbook which is published on an annual basis.
Drug & Controlled Substances – “Drug Free School Zone”
On April 11, 1992, the following resolution was unanimously adopted: “Resolved by the Rector and Visitors of University of Mary Washington that the campus of University of Mary Washington is hereby designated a drug free school zone in accordance with Virginia Code 18.2-255.2.
UMW strictly prohibits the illegal use or possession of any controlled substance. The illegal use of controlled substances is incompatible with the goals of an academic community. Students found guilty of possessing, using, distributing, or selling controlled substances will face serious disciplinary action, which may include suspension and/or dismissal from the University for a first offense. Violations of state law should be reported to the University Police who will take appropriate legal actions. For more comprehensive details, please refer to the University’s drug policy printed in the Student Handbook which is published on an annual basis.
On July 1, 2021, the Commonwealth of Virginia’s marijuana law changed, allowing possession of marijuana for those aged 21 years and older and possessing less than one ounce. The UMW drug policy regarding marijuana possession has not changed, however. More information can be found at: https://www.umw.edu/police/umw-marijuana-policy/
UMW is a drug free workplace, and employees are subject to criminal prosecution as well as termination from the University employment if found in violation of this policy.
A statement on UMW alcohol and drug policies can be found on pages 65 & 66 of the UMW Student Handbook http://publications.umw.edu/student-handbook/
UMW Threat Assessment Team
The University of Mary Washington operates a threat assessment team that evaluates whether an individual poses a threat of violence to self or others, or exhibits significantly disruptive behavior or need for assistance. The team is known as the UMW Threat Assessment Team. The team formulates an action plan that is consistent with the needs of the individual being assessed and also the needs of the university, faculty, staff and students.
The team is comprised of members from the University Police Department, mental health professionals from the UMW Counseling and Psychological Services (The Talley Center), representatives of the Office of Student Affairs, the Office of Human Resources, faculty and, when needed, counsel from the Virginia Office of Attorney General.
A referral to the UMW Threat Assessment Team may be made by any member of the university community.
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