Annual Reports

At the University at Buffalo, our highest priority is the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors. A safe and secure environment can be achieved only through the cooperation of all campus community members. This publication is part of our effort to ensure everyone's safety through successful collaboration and preventive measures. We hope you read it carefully and use the information to help foster a safe environment for yourself and others.

The University at Buffalo Annual Security Report provides current and prospective students, faculty, and staff members with campus safety information, including crime statistics and procedures to report a crime. The report contains information and statistics for the three previous calendar years regarding crimes on campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by University at Buffalo; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible to, the University at Buffalo campuses. The report also contains information regarding campus security and personal safety measures such as crime prevention, fire safety, reporting policies, disciplinary procedures, and education and awareness campaigns.

The University at Buffalo University Police have prepared this report in cooperation with local law enforcement, local fire services, the Environment, Health and Safety Office of the University at Buffalo, and other campus security authorities. The report was created to meet and comply with the requirements of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act of 1998, the Higher Education Act of 1965/Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, and the Violence Against Women Act of 1994. Any questions regarding this report should be directed to the Chief of the University Police.

The full text of this report is electronically available on the University Police website. The report is distributed to new and returning students via an annual e-mail notification containing a statement of its availability, a description of its contents, and a link to the report. A link to the report is also included in the online Student Handbook. New students and their parents or guardians are informed of the report through the My UB student portal and at first-year, transfer, graduate student, and parent orientation sessions. Prospective students and their parents or guardians are informed of the report via the Admissions Office website and during annual programs for accepted students.

Faculty and staff members receive the report through an annual e-mail and postcard notification, as well as via the campus newsletter: UBNow. New and prospective employees are informed of the report through the Administrative Services Gateway website and at new employee orientations. Copies of this report are available to prospective employees and students and their parents or guardians upon request.

Printed copies of the report are also available upon request from the University Police Department, Bissell Hall, Buffalo, NY 14260, 716-645-2227.

University Police works with local law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes and promote safety-awareness programs aimed at reducing crime in the larger community. The University at Buffalo has three campuses located within the City of Buffalo and the Town of Amherst. The City of Buffalo Police Department (BPD) maintains its own crime statistics, as does the Town of Amherst Police Department (APD). For safety and crime information for the City of Buffalo or Town of Amherst, please visit the BPD and APD websites.

Please visit the University Emergency Information website to sign up for emergency notifications by text, voice, or email or for additional information on emergency communication resources at the University at Buffalo.

Definitions of report locations:

Residence halls--Includes all residence halls and apartments owned and/or operated by the University at Buffalo

On Public Property - Streets, sidewalks, and parking lots adjacent to campus.

Amherst Campus (North Campus)

The following Town of Amherst roadways border the campus: Millersport Highway to Maple Road to Sweet Home Road to Ellicott Creek bike path back to Millersport Highway.

The "On Campus" category includes all on-campus incidents, including those listed under "In residence halls." These categories represent a duplication and are not cumulative.

Non-campus building/property: Flickinger Apartments, Baird Research Park, Libraries Annex and Student Health.

Main Street Campus (South Campus)

The following Buffalo streets border the campus: Main Street to Bailey Avenue to Winspear Avenue back to Main Street.

Non-campus building/property: Anderson Gallery, The President’s residence.

Downtown - BNMC: 555 Ellicott – Buffalo Educational Opportunity Center, 701 Ellicott - NYS Center of Excellence Bioinformatics and Life Science, 875 Ellicott - Clinical Translational Research Center, 77 Goodell - Gateway Building, 672 Delaware - Jacobs Executive Development Center, 1021 Main - The Clinical Research Institute on Addiction, 134 High - Michigan Goodrich Garage, 955 Main - Jacob School of Medicine and Biomedical Science.

Campus maps: Campus Maps - University at Buffalo, https://www.buffalo.edu/home/visiting-ub/map.html

Hate crimes, also called bias crimes or bias-related crimes, are criminal activity motivated by the perpetrator’s bias or attitude against an individual or group based on personal characteristics such as race, national origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability .

University Police are mandated to protect all members of the campus community by preventing and prosecuting bias or hate crimes that occur within their jurisdiction. As of 2009, the Higher Education Opportunity Act expanded hate crime statistics reported under the Clery Act to include related acts of larceny-theft; simple assault; intimidation; and destruction, damage, or vandalism of property.

Penalties for bias-related crimes are serious and range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the nature of the underlying criminal offense, the use of violence, or previous convictions of the offender. Perpetrators who are students are also subject to campus disciplinary procedures, including possible dismissal.

University Police also assists in addressing bias-related activities that do not rise to the level of a crime. These activities are referred to as bias incidents and are defined by the college as acts of bigotry, harassment, or intimidation directed at a member or group within the University at Buffalo community based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, gender, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, familial status, veteran status, military status, domestic violence victim status or criminal conviction status.  University at Buffalo is committed to maintaining an environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors that is free from all forms of harassment, exploitation, and intimidation. University at Buffalo will act as needed to discourage, prevent, correct, and if necessary discipline behavior that violates any portion of this standard of conduct.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

The University at Buffalo is committed to ensuring equal employment, educational opportunity, and equal access to services, programs, and activities without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, gender, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, familial status, veteran status, military status, domestic violence victim status, or criminal conviction status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the University community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely based upon a protected characteristic.  Campus Living now reviews requests for housing for people with criminal convictions.

The university’s policy is in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination and harassment.  These laws include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as Amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972, the New York State Human Rights Law, and Articles 129a and 129b of the New York State Education Law. These laws prohibit discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment and sexual violence.

Inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and other laws, regulations and policies prohibiting discrimination may be directed to Sharon Nolan-Weiss, Director of the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Title IX/ ADA Coordinator, 406 Capen Hall, Buffalo, New York 14260; Tel. (716) 645-2266; email diversity@buffalo.edu.  Inquiries may also be directed to the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, 32 Old Slip 26th Floor, New York, NY 10005-2500; Tel. (646) 428-3900; Email OCR.NewYork@ed.gov.

• In 2021 there were no reported hate crimes.
• In 2022 there were no reported hate crimes.
• In 2023 there were 2 reported hate crimes:
  1. Graffiti drawn in the dust of a parked vehicle on the North Campus
  2. Poster and flyers created attributing false quotes to an individual on the North Campus
     

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (20 USC § 1092(f)) is the landmark federal law that requires colleges and universities across the United States to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. The law applies to most institutions of higher education, both public and private, and is tied to participation in federal student financial aid programs. It is enforced by the U.S. Department of Education.

Originally known as the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act, the law was amended in 1992 to require that schools afford victims of campus sexual assault certain basic rights, and was amended again in 1998 to expand the reporting requirements. The 1998 amendments also formally renamed the law in memory of Jeanne Ann Clery, a 19-year-old Lehigh University freshman who was raped and murdered in her residence hall room in 1986. Subsequent amendments in 2000 and 2008 added provisions dealing with registered sex offender notification and campus emergency response, respectively. The 2008 amendments also added a provision to expand hate or bias crime categories and to protect crime victims, bystanders, and others from retaliation.

For more information on the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, please visit the Jeanne Clery Act Information website.

Established in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a premier, research-intensive public university dedicated to academic excellence. Our research, creative activity and people positively impact the world. Like the city we call home, UB is distinguished by a culture of resilient optimism, resourceful thinking and pragmatic dreaming that enable us to reach others every day.

A flagship institution in the State University of New York system, UB is the largest and most comprehensive campus in the 64-campus SUNY system. It is a member of the Association of American Universities.

Enforcement Authority

The New York State University Police is the law enforcement agency for the University at Buffalo campuses. With certain exceptions, the law enforcement jurisdiction for University at Buffalo University Police is the campus, its grounds, its buildings, and all adjacent and adjoining roadways, as well as any University at Buffalo owned or leased property. The department consists of 42 sworn police officers, 8 sworn police Lieutenants, 1 sworn police Captain, 4 sworn police Investigators, 5 sworn police administrators, 9 civilian dispatchers and 7 technical and clerical staff members. University Police officers are vested with full police powers and hold responsibilities identical to local police officers in the community. Officers receive specialized training in first aid, defensive tactics, legal updates, and other law enforcement topics from the Erie County Central Police Services Training Academy.

The University Police Department forwards crime incident information to Central Police Services (CPS) and the Division for Criminal Justice Services for statewide and national distribution. University at Buffalo has a close working relationship with all area law enforcement agencies and routinely shares crime information. Crime reports and related statistical information are also entered into the Erie County CPS Computerized History and Record Management System (CHARMS) database for statistical purposes through the Erie County Crime Analysis Center.

University at Buffalo has active, endorsed Memorandums of Understanding detailing the cooperation between University Police and the Buffalo Police Department, between University Police and the Amherst Police Department and between University Police and the New York State Police.

Accreditation and Awards

We are a double-accredited agency. Accreditation provides formal external validation that an organization meets or exceeds general expectations of quality in the field and acknowledges the implementation of policies that are conceptually sound and operationally effective. It also allows police agencies to continually evaluate and improve their overall performance.

University at Buffalo’s University Police Department has been accredited by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Accreditation Council since 2007. The department completes a reaccreditation process through DCJS every 5 years.

In 2015 the University at Buffalo’s University Police Department obtained our second accreditation through the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA). We successfully completed IACLEA re-accreditation in 2024. We are currently the only SUNY school to hold IACLEA accreditation.

University Police Student Aides

The University Police Department employs more than 22 student assistants each semester. University Police student aides (UPSAs) make rounds in residence halls and on campus grounds, immediately reporting any sign of suspicious behavior or unusual circumstances to the University Police. UPSAs maintain constant contact with University Police using cell phones, and other means. UPSAs are trained in fire safety, fire evacuation, crime prevention, and department policies.

Community Policing Model

The University at Buffalo adheres to an active community-policing philosophy that involves the entire campus in promoting crime prevention and safety awareness and promotes cooperation between the campus and its surrounding community. The University President has established a Police Advisory Committee. The purpose of the committee is to work collectively with UB leadership, the campus community and University Police to identify issues that involve the safety and well-being of our entire UB community with the goal of fostering a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for our students, faculty, staff and visitors. Bicycle, foot, and vehicle patrols enable officers to monitor and maintain security on campus around the clock. Firmly established guidelines and procedures allow officers to respond quickly to emergencies and events that may compromise the safety of the campuses. University Police works with other area law enforcement agencies on mutual concerns and investigations.

Crime Prevention and Safety Awareness Education

.University Police offer crime prevention and safety awareness programs during new student and faculty orientations and throughout the year. Programs inform students and employees about campus security procedures and practices and encourage them to be responsible for their own safety and the security of others. Officers discuss crime prevention and safety topics, present safety videos, distribute printed materials, and publish safety tips and alerts. University Parking and Transportation Services provides transportation and safety shuttle services for students and staff.  University community members concerned for their safety can always contact the University Police for an escort.

Crime prevention and safety awareness presentations are delivered each spring to prospective students and parents of accepted students. Similar programs are presented during new faculty-staff orientation sessions throughout the year; at the start of each semester during first-year, transfer, graduate, and parent orientations; during special student orientation sessions; throughout the semester at faculty meetings. Sessions for other groups are also presented by request.

Programs for students, faculty, and staff include self-defense and rape aggression defense (R.A.D.), crime prevention, bias crime, alcohol awareness, active shooter training, drug abuse prevention, DWI/drunk driving goggles, the Police Ride-Along program, “What to Do When Stopped by the Police,” responding to school violence, and cyber crimes.

A free comprehensive self-defense course (R.A.D.) on awareness, prevention, and risk reduction is offered for employees and students. Instructors are University at Buffalo University Police officers with years of law enforcement and self-defense experience who are nationally certified R.A.D. System instructors.

University Police supports and participates in events facilitated by the University Violence Prevention Team, such as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The Counseling Center at Richmond Quad

The Counseling Center is a resource for critical incident support and provides various post-trauma services, such as dealing with grief and loss, general peer support, and coping skills. Richmond Counselling facilitates connections to resources such as the Trauma Response Program of Crisis Services of Erie County for debriefing and other services.

Student Health Services

Student Health Services provides high-quality medical services and patient education for all UB students. Our team of healthcare providers — including board-certified physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and medical support staff — offers primary care, preventative treatment, and specialty services designed to meet the needs of our students.

Health Promotion

Health Promotion promotes student well-being — a key factor in academic success and long-term happiness. Students can get involved with Health Promotion through experiential learning opportunities and help us promote inclusion and social justice throughout the UB community. Our four main areas of focus include alcohol and other drug harm reduction, healthy eating, sexual violence prevention and response, and stress reduction. The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response programs hosts a Confidential campus-based Advocate from Erie County Crisis Services. 

Students of Concern Committee

The Students of Concern Committee seeks to proactively identify, assess and offer a coordinated institutional response to situations with the potential to negatively impact the health, safety and success of the University at Buffalo members.  This group serves as a central body to which concerning student behaviors may be referred for action or remediation.  The committee meets regularly to discuss referral cases and coordinate individualized responses to support students who are identified as struggling.  Committee members assess referred students for their potential risk to the campus and community, make decisions based on the best interests of both the student and the university, and then put individuals in touch with appropriate support services.  The Students of Concern Committee is comprised of administrators from University Police, Student Life, and other University at Buffalo departments. It is chaired by the Director for Student Support and Resources.

Security of and Access to Campus Facilities

Most campus facilities are open to the public under existing campus policies, with the exception of residence areas, which are limited to residents and guests. University police officers conduct foot patrols of campus buildings and residence halls. All residential entry doors are controlled through a card access system, and rooms are provided with locks and door viewers. Non-residential facilities are generally locked at night and several buildings are equipped with card access systems. University Police provides 24-hour-a-day vehicle and foot patrol protection on all University at Buffalo properties owned by the State University of New York. Most campus facilities, with the exception of residential areas, are open to the public during day and evening hours when classes are in session. The general public can attend cultural and recreational events on campus but have limited access to campus buildings. Many Campus buildings are locked at night and when classes are not in session. Locked campus buildings are accessible only to faculty, staff, and students with proper identification and access cards or keys. University at Buffalo’s Facility Access Controls Policy governs the use of nonresidential campus buildings, including the opening and closing of facilities and after-hours use by students, faculty, and staff.

University Police, Facilities Planning, and Environmental Health and Safety staff members routinely review and modify the physical surroundings—campus lighting, building security, blue-light phones, escort vans, signage—to enhance security and safety. Campus community members with security concerns should contact University Police directly.

Residence Halls

All student residence hall ground floor entry and exit doors are locked and are monitored by security cameras.

Resident students are provided access to the main entrance of their residence halls via special electronic device readers and to their rooms via keys.  All visitors must be escorted. A campus telephone for visitors is located at the main entrance of each hall.

University Police student aides (UPSAs) are stationed at the front entry doors of all residence halls seven days a week from midnight to 2:00 a.m. to check students’ IDs, register visitors, and report unusual activity, circumstances, or situations to University Police.

A complex director or residence hall director supervises each apartment complex or residence hall. A resident assistant (RA) or community assistant (CA) is also assigned to most floors. RAs and CAs are students who have received extensive training in all aspects of apartment and residence hall living. All residence hall staff members undergo comprehensive training in residence hall safety and security policies as well as potential safety hazards and concerns. University at Buffalo’s University Police Department, working with the Residential Life Office, University at Buffalo Department of Environment, Health and Safety and the local Fire Departments, conduct annual fire safety training exercises for Residential Life staff and UPSAs. Exercises simulate dormitory fires to rehearse prescribed evacuation and safety procedures.

While many safeguards are in place for residence hall students, each student must do his or her part to ensure a safe and secure environment by adhering to the safety-related policies and procedures.

Programs encourage students to share responsibility for their own security and the security of others. Resident students are frequently reminded not to be lulled into a false sense of security. Students are made aware of safety concerns and prevention tips through brochures, pamphlets, websites, social media, e-mail, floor meetings, and hall presentations.

Student Code of Conduct

The Student Code of Conduct outlines what is expected from UB students and contains information about their rights and responsibilities, standards of behavior and an overview of student-related university policies. Each student is required to acknowledge receipt of and affirm the Student Code of Conduct.  Future registration is prohibited for students who do not affirm the Student Code of Conduct. 

"Student Conduct Rules, University Standards and Administrative Regulations" are also more commonly known as "UB Rules & Regulations." In addition, rules of the SUNY Board of Trustees and all laws of the City of Buffalo, Town of Amherst, New York State and the U.S. apply on the University’s campuses and are considered part of the Student Code of Conduct.

At new student and parent orientations, Student Conduct and University Police provide incoming students with programming about proper student conduct and acceptable behavior on and off campus.  Students are also informed about sexual harassment, sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, and how to report these and other crimes.  Appropriate on and off-campus behavior is also addressed throughout the year during discussions in residence halls and with student leaders.

University disciplinary processes take appropriate action when student conduct directly or significantly interferes with the University's primary educational responsibility: ensuring that all members of the University community have the opportunity to attain their educational objectives in accordance with the SUNY mandate.

University disciplinary proceedings may be instituted against a student charged with a violation of a law, which is also a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Proceedings under the Student Code of Conduct may be carried out simultaneously with civil or criminal proceedings off-campus.

When a student is charged by federal, state or local authorities with a violation of law, the University will not request or agree to special consideration for that individual because of his or her status as a student. The university will cooperate fully with law enforcement and other agencies in the enforcement of criminal law on campus and in the conditions imposed by criminal courts for the rehabilitation of student violators.

In any university disciplinary procedure one of the highest priorities is to safeguard the student's right to due process, which requires the rudimentary elements of "fair play" in an administrative proceeding. The university's disciplinary procedures will afford the accused student a clear statement of the charges and the nature of the information upon which the charges are based. The accused student is then given the chance to have a fair hearing and present his or her own position, information and explanation. No final disciplinary sanctions will be given unless the charges are substantiated by the preponderance of evidence.

Students are told in no uncertain terms that they put their academic careers at risk by breaking the law or violating the Student Code of Conduct. When student behavior violates the law, it is our expectation that students will face the consequences of their behavior through enforcement of applicable laws and the university’s disciplinary process.

Should a student’s action be ruled as violating the Student Code of Conduct, disciplinary action can range from mandated drug and alcohol classes and community service hours, to long-term suspension and expulsion. Additional information regarding Student Conduct can be found on online at https://www.buffalo.edu/studentlife/life-on-campus/community/rules.html

Policy on Monitoring University at Buffalo Students Off Campus

Local community law enforcement agencies are encouraged to monitor and respond to criminal activities engaged in by off-campus students and student organizations. The campus participates in neighborhood advisory boards to monitor student activity in the surrounding area. Law enforcement personnel and community leaders are invited to meet annually with student organization leadership, particularly the campus fraternities and sororities.

Students are advised if they are apprehended for a violation of a law, it is the university's position not to request or agree to special consideration based on student status. Students who violate a local ordinance or any law risk the legal penalties prescribed by civil authorities.

The campus complies with state and federal laws regarding the possession, sale, and consumption of alcohol and illegal drugs, including Compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations (DFSCR). All students are provided with an annual Drug Free Schools and Community Act notice, which details campus policies, treatment and counseling programs, and education efforts. Faculty and staff members receive this statement and the campus Drug Free Workplace Policy. For additional copies of these policies, contact Student Affairs (542 Capen Hall) or Human Resources (Townsend Hall, 205 Hayes Road). Additional information can be found online at Drug Free Schools and Community Act - Student Life Guide - University at Buffalo 

https://www.buffalo.edu/studentlife/who-we-are/departments/conduct/drug-free-schools-and-community-act.html

The University at Buffalo uses the AlcoholEdu online health and safety training to help students make well-informed decisions about alcohol use and the drinking behavior of peers. AlcoholEdu informs students about campus programs, resources, and prevention efforts. All new students are required to complete the AlcoholEdu training. Students who do not complete the training are prohibited from registering for classes.

The unlawful use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of controlled substances on college property or at a college-sponsored activity is strictly prohibited. University Police is responsible for the enforcement of New York State and federal drug laws at University at Buffalo. University Police works in cooperation with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in the investigation and enforcement of these laws.

Information about this policy, the health risks of using alcohol and other drugs, and where to get help are contained in the university’s Controlled Substance Policy. The full policy is available online as part of the Student Guide at https://www.buffalo.edu/studentlife/life-on-campus/community/rules.html

University at Buffalo provides counseling and referral services for students and employees regarding the use of alcohol and other drugs. Counseling Services offers assistance and referrals for students who are dealing with drug- or alcohol-related problems. Educational programs on the health and safety risks of alcohol and other drugs are offered at orientation and regularly throughout the semester in the residence halls and on campus through University Police, the Dean of Students Office, the Residential Life Office, and Counseling Services.  Health Promotion sponsors a number of related events and interactive educational workshops, including alcohol risk reduction. The online Student Guide contains policies and procedures regarding the illicit use of alcohol and other drugs.

University at Buffalo’s policy on alcohol and drug use in the workplace prohibits the unlawful use, possession, manufacture, dispensation, or distribution of controlled substances or alcohol in all University at Buffalo work locations. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available on campus for employees who need assistance in dealing with drug- or alcohol-related problems as well as a variety of other concerns.

Good Samaritan Policy

The university takes a comprehensive approach to reducing the harmful consequences caused by the use of alcohol and other drugs.  The Good Samaritan Policy eliminates the campus disciplinary consequences for students who call for help when drinking or using drugs. The policy is designed to encourage students to help others when they are in trouble, even when they’re drinking or using drugs. https://www.buffalo.edu/studentlife/life-on-campus/community/safety/good-samaritan-policy.html

New York State Penal Law 265.01(3) prohibits the possession of firearms in or upon University buildings or grounds, regardless of whether the individual has a license or permit to carry one.

In accordance with SUNY policies and regulations, the Student Code of Conduct, and UB’s Workplace Violence Prevention Policy, University at Buffalo prohibits the possession or keeping of any deadly weapons or dangerous instruments—including firearms, explosives, explosive devices, knives, blackjacks, chukka-sticks, sling shots, and martial arts weapons—on campus, including in any vehicle on campus. The use of any object with intent to harm another is prohibited. Possession or use of these items is also prohibited: fireworks, firecrackers or similar explosives, CO-2-type firearms, spring-powered firearms, chemical aerosol sprays, and pepper aerosol sprays. Violators of this policy will be subject to criminal prosecution, if applicable, and appropriate disciplinary action by the college.

The University Police policy is to thoroughly investigate all calls of missing persons and complete required reports. Additionally,, this agency holds that every person reported as missing will be considered at risk until significant information to the contrary is confirmed.

When a person is reported missing, jurisdictional conflicts are to be avoided. If a missing person either resides in or was last seen in this jurisdiction, this agency will immediately initiate the required reporting process. If a missing person legally resides in this jurisdiction and was last seen in another jurisdiction, but the law-enforcement agency covering that jurisdiction chooses not to take a missing-person report, this agency will assume reporting and investigative responsibility.

When parental custody is an issue, the investigation will still commence when it can be shown that the child is missing, without explanation, since the safety of the missing child is paramount.

Notification of Missing Students

If a university community member has reason to believe that a student who resides in an on-campus residence is missing, they should immediately notify University Police at 716-645-2222.

In addition to registering an emergency contact, students residing in an on-campus residence have the option to confidentially identify an individual to be contacted by University Police in the event the student is determined to be missing for more than 24 hours. If a student has identified such an individual, UPD will notify that individual no later than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing. A student who wishes to identify a confidential contact can do so through Campus Living at 716-645-2171 or toll-free at 866-285-8806.

A student’s confidential contact information will be accessible only by authorized campus officials and law enforcement as appropriate. If the missing student is under the age of 18 and not an emancipated individual, University Police will notify the student’s parent or legal guardian immediately after UPD has determined that the student has been missing for more than 24 hours.

The NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services Missing Person Data Collection Guide gathers information when handling missing person cases.

Emergency Response Procedures

When a serious incident occurs that causes an immediate threat to the campus, the first responders to the scene are usually University Police and the Buffalo or Amherst Fire Departments. Depending on the nature of the incident, other University at Buffalo departments and local or federal agencies could also be involved.

University at Buffalo’s Emergency Management website, http://emergency.buffalo.edu is the official site for emergency notifications and provides information to keep the community safe and up-to-date in an emergency.  In accordance with UB’s Emergency Management Program Policy, the website includes information about the university’s emergency response plan and procedures, campus and fire safety, evacuation policies and procedures, and pandemic planning.

The college conducts numerous emergency response exercises each year, including regularly scheduled drills, tabletop exercises, appropriate follow-through activities, and tests of the emergency notification systems on campus to assess and evaluate the emergency plans and capabilities of the college.

University Police officers have been trained and certified in advanced police work that includes fire safety, firearms and firearms instruction, first aid and personal safety, hazardous materials, crisis intervention, accident investigation, and rapid deployment. University Police are aided by a number of campus programs and service organizations, including the Environmental Health and Safety Office, Campus Life, and Counseling Services, which help maintain and promote a safe and healthy work environment for the campus community.

Information about the emergency response and evacuation procedures for University at Buffalo is publicized each year on the University Police website as part of the institution’s Clery Act compliance efforts. Students are reminded to review the plan at orientation, through the online Student Guide, and on the My UB student portal.

Emergency Notification Systems UB Alert

Every University at Buffalo community member plays a role in an emergency situation. Perhaps the most critical aspect of any emergency response is communication.

Students, faculty, and staff with University email addresses receive emergency notifications by email, and are strongly encouraged to sign up to receive text messages from UB Alert, the University’s free emergency notification service. UB Alert can send text, recorded voice, and e-mail messages to multiple addresses and phone numbers. In addition, the system can immediately post messages to the University at Buffalo home page, social media sites, the campus cable system, and select video message boards. UB Alert immediately connects subscribers with the most up-to-date information concerning emergencies or situations involving a threat to their health or safety, including weather-related emergencies, problems with facilities or infrastructure, and other crucial information.

Students, faculty, and staff members may enroll to receive text messages from the UB Alert system by visiting the website and entering their University at Buffalo username and password. Personal data provided to UB Alert is not used for any other purpose.

Outdoor Emergency Response System

The University of Buffalo uses public address speakers housed in the Blue Light Emergency Phones to communicate to those who may be outdoors during an emergency. The public address system is primarily intended to be audible at outdoor locations on campus—not inside buildings. In conjunction with the public address test, the university issues a campus-wide test of UB Alert.

Emergency Notification Procedures

When a significant emergency or dangerous situation poses an immediate threat to the health or safety of some or all members of the University at Buffalo community, University Police and members of the campus administration take the safety of the campus community into account, determine what information to release about the situation, and begin the notification process. Whether the emergency threatens the safety or operation of the campus as a whole or is limited to a particular building or segment of the population, University Police immediately contacts college administrators and the University Communications Office to distribute the warning without delay to the appropriate members of the campus community in one or more of the following ways:

• Emergency alerts via UB Alert
• Emergency alerts on the college website home page and student page
• Notification of local media outlets
• Campus-wide email
• Outdoor Emergency Response System
• Emergency alert notifications via the cable television system in the residence halls.

The only reason the college would not immediately issue a notification for a confirmed emergency or dangerous situation would be if doing so would compromise efforts to assist a victim, contain the emergency, respond to the emergency, or otherwise mitigate the emergency.

General Evacuation Procedures

In a major emergency, implementing evacuation procedures generally rests with the university president and University Police. Public safety responders can also order an evacuation in situations requiring immediate action. When evaluating a possible evacuation, the university considers the type of threat (bomb, fire, storm, explosion, hazardous materials incident, etc.), its context (time of day, likelihood, etc.), and the recommendations of first responders.

Building occupants are required by law to evacuate the building when the fire alarm sounds.

When evacuating their buildings or work areas, occupants are instructed as follows:

• Safely stop your work.
• Stay calm; do not rush and do not panic.
• Gather your personal belongings if it is safe to do so. (Take prescription medications out with you if at all possible; it may be hours before you are allowed back in the building.)
• If time permits, close your office door and window but do not lock them.
• Do not use elevators. Use the nearest safe stairway and proceed to the nearest exit.
• Exit the building and stand at least 50 feet away.
• Wait for any instructions from emergency responders.
• Do not re-enter the building or work area unless you have been instructed to do so by emergency responders.

Role of Students

All students are encouraged to become familiar with the emergency procedures and evacuation routes in buildings they live in or use frequently. Students learn about emergency response and evacuation procedures at orientation, during the semester through presentations and workshops in the residence halls and on campus, and through periodic notices on the My UB student portal. Students must be prepared to assess situations quickly but thoroughly and use common sense in determining a course of action. They should follow emergency plan procedures and evacuate areas in an orderly manner. Students are strongly encouraged to sign up for UB Alert.

Role of Faculty and Staff

All faculty and staff members are urged to review the Emergency Response Plan and to evaluate their role in the event of an emergency on campus. Employees must be prepared to assess situations quickly but thoroughly and use common sense in determining a course of action. They should follow emergency plan procedures and evacuate the building to pre-designated areas in an orderly manner. Faculty members are seen as leaders by students and should be prepared to direct their students to assembly areas in the event of an emergency. Faculty and staff members are strongly encouraged to register with UB Alert.

In the event of an emergency, the University at Buffalo will communicate via several channels announcements, updates, and information about resources available to the university community. UB is committed to providing a safe, secure environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the University’s three campuses. As such, the university is fully committed to compliance with the Clery Act.

Timely warnings are issued as soon as possible containing pertinent information such as the type, date, time, and location of a crime, as well as any available information about the suspect(s) and personal safety information; however, timely warnings always withhold the names of victims and treat any identifying information about the victim as strictly confidential.

Timely Warning Procedure

When a determination to issue a timely warning has been made, University Police immediately contacts University Communications to start the process. The university will deliver emergency notifications and timely warnings using some or all of the following channels:

Email

• Messages to all students, faculty and staff through their official university email address (i.e. buffalo.edu email account).
• Messages to students, faculty and staff who have registered an alternative email address in the UB Alert service.

Phone and Text

Text messages to students, faculty and staff who have registered cell phones in the UB Alert service

• 716-645-NEWS (6397), UB's recorded 24-hour information line
• 716-645-2345, UB's campus road conditions line
• 716-645-2000, University Operator

Websites

• This website: http://emergency.buffalo.edu
• UB's home page: http://www.buffalo.edu
• MyUB portal: http://myub.buffalo.edu
• UB Reporter: http://www.buffalo.edu/ubreporter
• News Center: http://www.buffalo.edu/news

Social Media

• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/universityatbuffalo

Television and Radio

• Campus Radio 1620AM
• Local television and radio broadcasts

Other

• Building coordinators
• Residence Hall and Apartments directors and resident advisors

University at Buffalo Policy

University at Buffalo encourages every member of the campus community to promptly and accurately report all crimes to University Police or other appropriate police agencies when the victim of a crime elects to or is unable to make such a report. Prompt and accurate reporting of any criminal or suspicious activity allows University Police officers to respond immediately. Anyone with information about or knowledge of a crime or other health-and-safety-related matter on campus should immediately report the circumstances to University Police or other campus security authority (see list below) and to local law enforcement agencies if appropriate. The college investigates and addresses all complaints in a timely and impartial manner.

Emergency calls to report a crime or serious incident can be made directly to the University Police Department in Bissell Hall (North Campus), 716-645-2222, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Emergency blue-light telephones, located throughout the campus and in most campus parking lots, link directly to the University Police Department dispatcher to ensure immediate response. Forty-four blue-light phones are located throughout campus.

Crimes involving sexual assault may also be anonymously reported online or by calling the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office anonymously at 716-645-2266.

Crimes that occur off campus should be reported directly to 911.

Campus Security Authorities

Under the Clery Act, a campus security authority (CSA) has significant responsibility for student and campus activities.

In addition to University Police, crimes can also be reported to campus security authorities, who will in turn report these crimes to University Police. CSA crime reports are used by the university to fulfill its responsibility to annually disclose Clery crime statistics and to issue timely warnings for Clery crimes that pose a serious or continuing threat to the campus community. The following list contains some of the campus security authorities at The University at Buffalo:

• Office of Student Life, 716-645-2055
• Campus Living, 716-645-2171 or 866-285-8806
• Health Promotion, 716-645-2837
• Counseling Services,  716-645-2720
• Student Life, 716-645-2982
• Health Services, 716-829-3316
• Student Conduct, 716-645-6154
• Director of Athletics, 716-645-3454
• Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Title IX Coordinator,  716-645-2266

Pastoral and Professional Counselors

As a result of the negotiated rulemaking process, which followed the signing into law, the 1998 amendments to 20 U.S.C. Section 1092 (f), clarification was given to those considered to be campus security authorities. Campus “Pastoral Counselors” and Campus “Professional Counselors”, when acting as such, are not considered to be a campus security authority and are not required to report crimes for inclusion into the annual disclosure of crime statistics. As a matter of policy, they are encouraged; if and when they deem it appropriate, to inform persons being counseled of the procedures to report crimes on a voluntary basis for inclusion into the annual crime statistics. These counselors are defined as follows:

A. Pastoral Counselor: An employee of the State University at Buffalo, who is associated with a religious order or denomination, recognized by that religious order or denomination as someone who provides confidential counseling and who is functioning within the scope of that recognition as a pastoral counselor.

B. Professional Counselor: An individual whose responsibilities include providing psychological counseling to members of the institution’s community and who is functioning within the scope of their license or certification.

Confidential Reporting

Crime victims who do not wish to pursue action within the college judicial system or the criminal justice system may want to consider making a confidential report. A University at Buffalo University Police officer can file a report on the details of an incident without revealing the victim’s identity. Victims and witnesses may report crimes to the University Police or another campus security authority on a voluntary and confidential basis at any time.

Without compromising the victim’s identity, a confidential report can alert the campus to the fact that an incident has occurred and can assist University Police in detecting patterns and preventing future crimes from occurring. This information can help determine if there is a pattern with regard to a particular location, method, or assailant; alert the campus community to potential dangers; and help the college keep an accurate record of the number of criminal incidents. Reports filed in this manner are counted and disclosed in the annual crime statistics for the institution, and when they involve allegations of sexual harassment or sexual or interpersonal violence, are made available to the college’s Title IX Coordinator. Personally identifiable information about victims will not be included in any publicly available record-keeping, including the reporting and disclosure of crime statistics.

The University at Buffalo strives to create and maintain a safe environment for all members of our community. Vital to this aim is UB’s efforts to prevent and address reports of sexual violence, including sexual assault, stalking, and relationship violence.  The university employs prevention strategies of early and ongoing education focusing on UB’s policies prohibiting sexual misconduct, the definition of affirmative consent, the impact of alcohol and other drugs, and bystander intervention strategies. UB also offers both private and confidential options for reporting sexual misconduct and for obtaining support, even if the victim does not wish to move forward with a report. 

The guiding principle in the procedure for reporting sexual assault is to avoid forcing the victim into any plan of action. Victims may choose to give or withhold their names when filing a complaint.

A student who has been subjected to sexual misconduct can pursue one or more of the following options:

• Discuss the incident or situation with a friend, mentor, or counselor.
• Pursue medical treatment.
• Pursue counseling services with appropriate on-campus services or off-campus providers.
• Pursue criminal charges.
• Initiate a Title IX/Article 129B complaint to pursue campus disciplinary charges.
• Initiate a civil suit or external agency complaint with the New York State Division of Human Rights or U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.
• File an anonymous report online or by calling Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at 716-645-2266 to file a report anonymously.
• UB’s Options for Confidentially Disclosing Sexual Violence policy provides victims of sexual misconduct with private and confidential options for reporting the incident and also for receiving assistance and support, regardless of whether they wish to pursue criminal charges, campus conduct charges, both, or neither.  
  

University Policies

A full description of University at Buffalo’s policy on response to sexual violence, including reporting procedures, rights and accommodations for victims, and student conduct proceedings, is available at https://www.buffalo.edu/equity/support/obtaining-assistance/sex-discrimination-and-sexual-harassment/sexual-assault--domestic-violence--dating-violence-and-stalking/if-you-have-experienced-sexual-assault.html

Students’ Bill of Rights — describes the rights of students who have experienced sexual misconduct to report misconduct and to receive support services, whether the crime or violation occurs on campus, off campus, or while students are studying abroad.

Sexual Violence Response Policy — describes reporting rights and options, resources for support, protection and accommodations, and the rights of the parties to the student conduct process.

Options for Confidentially Disclosing Sexual Violence — Provides reporting and support options that are private and confidential, as well as information about when the University must proceed with an investigation.

University at Buffalo Policy on Alcohol or Drug Use Amnesty in Sexual and Interpersonal Violence Cases

The health and safety of every student is of utmost importance. University at Buffalo recognizes that students who have been drinking or using drugs (whether such use is voluntary or involuntary) at the time that violence, including but not limited to sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault, occurs may be hesitant to report such incidents because of fear of potential consequences for their own conduct. University at Buffalo strongly encourages students to report incidents of sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault to institution officials. A bystander or a reporting individual acting in good faith who discloses any incident of sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault to University at Buffalo officials or law enforcement will not be subject to University at Buffalo’s code of conduct action for violations of alcohol or drug use policies occurring at or near the time of the commission of the domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault. NYS’s 911 Good Samaritan Law allows people to call 911 without fear of arrest if they are having a drug or alcohol overdose that requires emergency medical care or if they witness someone overdosing.

Confidentiality

Victims are assured that when sexual violence information is shared with medical, police, or university officials, confidentiality exists within the framework of each agency’s governing body (e .g ., state law, FERPA) and follows a need-to-know concept. University at Buffalo will maintain as confidential any accommodations or protective measures provided to victims to the maximum extent possible. The college will share information only as necessary to provide such accommodations. Personally identifiable information about victims will not be included in any publicly available record-keeping, including the reporting and disclosure of crime statistics.

Emergency Contraception

New York State Public Health Law requires hospitals that treat rape victims to provide these individuals with information on emergency contraception. If requested by the victim, the hospital must provide emergency contraception. Emergency contraception is also accessible through UB’s Pharmacy and Health Promotion.

Office of Victim Services Reimbursement

In New York State, the Office of Victim Services (OVS) provides compensation to innocent victims of crime for their out-of-pocket expenses. OVS also provides funding to agencies serving crime victims and advocates crime victims’ rights and benefits. More information about OVS is available on the Office of Victim Services website.

When notified by New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services of the presence of a sex offender on campus, the University Police may use the methods currently employed to make a ”timely warning” of criminal activity to alert the campus community, in general or in a limited manner, as appropriate. This may include web notices, doorway signs, campus media, and email messages.

Warnings will indicate that a level 2 or 3 sex offender is now enrolled or employed at the University and will indicate that further information can be obtained at the DCJS website http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/SomsSUBDirectory/search_index.jsp by zip code (14260, 14261, 14214).

Information on the website may include name, address, physical description, crime of conviction, modus operandi, type of victim targeted, and special conditions imposed on parole.

Your Right To Report (NY EDUC. L. 129-B Statement)

UB students and employees have the right to make a report to University Police, local law enforcement, and or the State Police or choose not to report; to report to the university; to be protected by the university from retaliation for reporting an incident; and to receive assistance and resources from the university.

University reporting options include:

Reporting a Crime

Victims have the right to notify law enforcement, and the campus can assist in notifying law enforcement if victims choose. New York State University Police is the law enforcement agency responsible for investigating crimes that occur on campus, and may assist victims with reporting off-campus crimes to the appropriate agency.  All victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking are encouraged to report sexual misconduct to the University Police immediately, even if they do not wish to press criminal charges.  Individuals who have experienced sexual misconduct are provided with the option of having a confidential sexual violence advocate advise them about their criminal and campus reporting options and accompany them to meetings to pursue these reporting options.

Victims can report crimes to the University Police 24 hours a day at 716-645-2222, or anonymously online at: buffalo.edu/police/reporting/make-a-report/sexual-assault.html

Victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking will be provided written information about evidence preservation, how and to whom to report these crimes, options about involvement of law enforcement and campus authorities, and assistance with notifying law enforcement if the victim chooses, as well as the option to decline to notify authorities. Victims will also be provided information in writing about rights and institutional responsibilities regarding no contact orders, orders of protection, or other available applicable options.

Evidence preservation —to best preserve evidence, victims should avoid showering, washing, changing clothes, combing hair, drinking, eating, or doing anything to alter their physical appearance until after a physical exam has been completed.

Reporting a Conduct Violation

Sexual misconduct violates the university’s Student Code of Conduct and Discrimination and Harassment Policy.  Victims of sexual misconduct have the right to pursue conduct charges against students and employees.

For reports of conduct violations against students, victims may contact the Office of Student Conduct and Advocacy by calling 716-645-6154.

For reports of conduct violations against employees, victims may contact the Office of Employee Relations by calling 716-645-7777.

University disciplinary procedures involving cases of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking will provide a fair, prompt, and impartial process from investigation to final result. The investigation and any hearing will be conducted by those who receive annual training on issues related to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, how to conduct an investigation, and a hearing process that protects victim safety and promotes accountability. If the accused individual is a student, the standard of evidence used in a University disciplinary hearing will be preponderance of the evidence.

Claims of sexual harassment and sexual violence that are under Title IX jurisdiction will be considered in accordance with the university’s Title IX Grievance Policy. The policy includes specific time frames, notification requirements, and other rules for investigations and hearings. Claims that fall outside of the jurisdiction are handled in accordance with university disciplinary procedures. 

Parties are entitled to the same opportunities to have an advisor of their choice present at any hearing and related meetings.  Parties will be informed simultaneously in writing of the outcome of the process, the availability of any appeal procedures, and when the results become final after any appeals. A timeline letter will be provided of the major steps of an investigation to both parties so they know what to expect and when to expect it. If extraordinary circumstances prevent any step from occurring within the stated time frame, all parties will be promptly notified and will be given an estimated time for the step to occur. Participants may also request an extension from the university, which should be granted if it will not unduly prejudice the rights of the other party. All deadlines and time requirements may be extended for good cause. The major stages that should be outlined are:

• Investigation - full investigation including any necessary interviews to be conducted with all involved parties and gathering of evidence and any necessary interim measures to be put in place.  The investigation will usually be completed within 20 business days of receipt of the complaint but may be extended for good reason, including affording due process to the parties.
• Hearing - to usually be completed within 15 business days of the end of investigation, and parties will receive notice of the outcome in writing.
• Appeal letters - must be submitted in writing by the date indicated in the outcome letter.
• Appeal decisions - typically issued within 10 business days of submission of the appeal.

Both parties will be informed simultaneously in writing of the outcome of any institutional disciplinary proceedings that arise from an allegation of sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking; the college’s procedures for the accused and the accuser to appeal the results; changes that occur along the way; and the final results of any appeals . Compliance does not constitute a violation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). These protections apply regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, veteran status, military status, domestic violence victim status, or criminal conviction status.

Following a final determination, sanctions or protective measures may be imposed, such as: no-contact order, probation, community service, education programs, suspension or expulsion from the University, and transcription notation.  For cases where responsibility for sexual assault is determined, a long-term suspension or expulsion are the only two sanctions available, and the responsible party’s transcript will be notated.  

Reporting to the University’s Title IX Coordinator

Victims may also report the incident to the Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Sharon Nolan-Weiss, UB's Title IX Coordinator. EDI investigates reports of discrimination and harassment, and can also assist with filing a criminal or conduct report, or coordinating academic, housing or other accommodations.  Inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and other laws, regulations and policies prohibiting discrimination may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator, 406 Capen Hall, Buffalo, New York 14260; 716-645-2266 (telephone); or diversity@buffalo.edu (email).  More information is available on EDI’s website at buffalo.edu/equity. 

Support and Assistance

Upon notification of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, the university may offer available protective measures such as a no-contact order, and alteration of living, academic, and working situations.  The University will maintain as confidential any accommodations or protective measures provided to the victim so long as it does not impair the ability to provide such measures.

For students and employees – The university will provide notification to students and employees about existing and available counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal assistance, visa and immigration assistance, and other services available in community and on campus to victims of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The university will also provide information about these services in writing to the victims of these crimes. In addition, victims will be provided with written information about available and applicable institutional disciplinary procedures, and an explanation of those procedures; confidentiality in protective measures and Clery reporting and disclosure; and reasonable and available options and assistance with changing academic, living, transportation, and working situations, regardless of whether the victim chooses to report the crime to law enforcement.

The following is a list of resources at The University at Buffalo and within the Buffalo community, as well as national organizations that can provide information, services, and help in cases of sexual violence, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking.

Privileged and Confidential Assistance:

Privileged and confidential resources can assist students and employees by hearing their accounts in a supportive manner, and providing emotional support and a referral to other avenues of assistance.

• UB's Counseling Services (for students), 120 Richmond Quad, Buffalo, NY 14261, Tel. 716-645-2720
• UB's Employee Assistance Program (for employees), Townsend Hall, Buffalo, NY 14214, Tel. 716-645-4461
• Crisis Services On-Campus Advocate (for students, faculty, staff, and their families), 105 Michael Hall, Buffalo, NY 14214, Tel. 716-796-4339 (call or text), or general Crisis Services hotline at 716-834-3131 (24/7)
• Individuals serving in a pastoral role under Campus Ministries
• Licensed medical professionals from UBMD or UB Student Health Services

Campus Reporting and Assistance

These campus offices will receive reports of sexual misconduct, provide information about additional support, and will take action to investigate sexual misconduct reports upon the reporting party’s request.  It should be noted that while these offices keep information private, they may be obligated to conduct an investigation in cases where not taking action could endanger the health or safety of the reporting party or others.

• University Police Department (UPD), Bissell Hall, 716-645-2222- Available 24/7
• Dean of Students Office, 315 Student Union, 716-645-2982
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, 406 Capen Hall, 716-645-2266
• Student Conduct and Advocacy, 9 Norton Hall, 716-645-6154

Community Resources

• Domestic Violence Hotline 716-862-HELP (4657), 716-884-6000, TTY 711—Available 24/7
• Crisis Services, 716-834-3131—Available 24/7, Crisis counseling, support/advocacy, assistance with medical and legal options
• Haven House, 716-884-6000—Available 24/7 For victims of relationship violence who need information, support, and/or shelter
• Family Justice Center, 716-558-7233, One-stop center providing advocacy, support, and referrals for victims of relationship violence
• NY Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline, 800-942-6906; TTY 800-818-0656; Spanish (Español) 800-942-6908; Spanish (Español) TTY 800-780-7660
• National Domestic Violence Hotline, 800-799-SAFE (7233); TTY 800-787-3224
• National Sexual Assault Hotline,  800- 656-HOPE (4673)
  
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline, 988 or 800-273-TALK (8255)

The university conducts a number of training and educational programs to promote awareness and familiarize faculty, staff, and students with the procedures to follow in response to rape, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Programs are conducted by University Police (risk reduction), peer educators and professional staff at Health Promotion (prevention), and Campus Living (awareness). Resident Advisors and professional staff attend mandatory training on this topic, which is also addressed in the University's onboarding requirements for incoming students.

These education programs include primary prevention and awareness programs for all incoming students and new employees. These education programs include: a statement that these crimes are prohibited at the university; definitions of consent, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in the University’s jurisdiction; safe and positive bystander intervention when there’s a risk of one of those incidents; information on risk reduction to recognize warning signs of abusive behavior and avoiding potential harm; and information about accessing institutional redress. 

Primary prevention and awareness programs for incoming students and employees include

• a clear statement of the prohibition of sexual violence, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking at University at Buffalo;
• definitions of sexual assault, rape, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking;
• a definition of affirmative consent for sexual activity;
• information on safe and positive bystander intervention that an individual may take to prevent harm or intervene when there is a risk of sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking against a person other than such individual;
• information on risk reduction, how to recognize warning signs of abusive behavior, and how to avoid potential attacks;
• information on institutional disciplinary procedures, sanctions, and protective measures in cases of VAWA crimes;
• procedures that victims of VAWA crimes should follow, including
•  the importance of preserving evidence of such crimes;
• how and to whom the alleged offenses should be reported;
• rights and options regarding law enforcement and campus authorities, including the victim’s options to notify proper law enforcement authorities, assistance from campus authorities with such notification, and the victim’s right to decline to notify;
• victims’ rights and the college’s responsibilities for orders of protection as well as options for and available assistance with changing academic, living, transportation, and working situations, regardless of whether the victim reports the crime to campus police or law enforcement;
  • available services, including counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, and legal assistance.
  • ongoing prevention and awareness campaigns for current students, faculty, and staff on all of the above.

Student leaders and officers of recognized student organizations and those seeking recognition complete training in the prevention of sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking prevention as part of the approval process. Student-athletes complete training in the prevention of sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking prior to participating in intercollegiate athletics.

Educational programs include:

Sexual Assault Prevention

This online, evidence-based course, formerly known as Haven, combines cutting-edge instructional design and rich media to educate students about healthy relationships, the importance of consent, and the role of bystander intervention. Interactive exercises take students through real-world scenarios and encourage students to challenge sexist language and attitudes, provide guidance for supporting someone who has experienced harm, and promote healthy relationships based on positive communication and respect—empowering students to create safe, healthy campus environments.

This Course Covers:

• Importance of values
• Aspects of healthy and (un)healthy relationships
• Gender socialization
• Sexual assault
• Consent
• Bystander intervention
• On-going activism

The university requires all incoming undergraduate students, including transfer and second semester start students, to complete Sexual Assault Prevention for Undergraduates, except for those over age 25, who complete Sexual Assault Prevention for Adult Learners instead. All incoming graduate and professional students are required to complete Sexual Assault Prevention for Graduates. These courses were designed to help comply with the educational requirements relating to sexual misconduct in Title IX and the Clery Act. 

Sexual Assault Prevention for Athletics

In addition to general student requirements, we alternately offer online and in person training programs to our student athletes based on their needs, which include Sexual Assault Prevention topics.

Bystander Intervention

Offered at least monthly during the academic year and additionally by request, this pro-social behavior and bystander intervention training program raises awareness of helping behaviors, increases motivation to help, and assists students in developing skills and confidence when responding to problematic situations to ensure the safety and well-being of themselves and others.

How to Help a Sexual Assault Survivor

Offered at least monthly during the academic year and additionally by request. This workshop is based on The Men’s Program by researcher Dr. John Foubert and provides the dual benefit of educating peers on how to help someone recover from sexual assault (including medical, reporting and counseling options), as well as decreasing rape myth acceptance and self-reported likelihood of committing sexual violence.

You + Me = ?

What defines a “relationship”? This workshop is an opportunity to discuss with others the different types of relationships we may find ourselves taking part in and how to navigate these relationships in healthy ways.

Relationship Jeopardy

Offered by-request, this workshop utilizes a fun, competitive game to educate and test students’ knowledge about healthy relationships, safer sex, sexual violence, relationship issues and more, while increasing their awareness of campus resources such as health, wellness, counseling and police services.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM)

This October campaign is designed to educate students about intimate partner violence and motivate them to strengthen healthy relationship. It includes various events, interactive trainings and social media elements, with a focus on ‘sorting’ relationship behaviors along the continuum of healthy/unhealthy and supporting people on the UB campuses who may be experiencing an abusive relationship. Push to ‘go purple’ (the color of DVAM) is a media campaign included in the month. The campaign included a full calendar of events featuring campus and community partnerships.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)

This April campaign is designed to educate and motivate students around issues of sexual assault, and includes various events, trainings, and social media elements, with a focus on supporting survivors, and a related media push. The campaign collects comfort kit items for Crisis Services’ Advocates to take to hospitals. The campaign included a full calendar of events featuring campus and community partnerships.

UB Men’s Group

The Men’s Group is a nationally recognized, award-winning peer-led group of men who educate about and train the campus community on sexual violence. This group focuses on education and advocacy for the prevention of sexual violence.

The idea behind the Men’s Group is that we can no longer view sexual violence as solely a women’s issue. Sexual violence affects everyone, including men. With this program we hope to gather men that want to make a difference and will stand as a majority against the few that are committing these horrible crimes.

Student Survivor Advocacy Alliance

The Student Survivor Advocacy Alliance is a peer-run, university-facilitated group that seeks to unite survivors of sexual assault with allies here at UB and to take a stand against rape, sexual assault and intimate partner violence.

UBE 110 – Intro to Peer Education course

Offered each semester, this 2-credit course can be taken as an elective, or as part of the Health & Wellness minor. This course provides Nationally Certified Peer Education training through the lens of sexual violence prevention. This course is also a prerequisite for Men’s Group Leadership positions or internships.

Student Associations

UB offers live training to student leaders, including the leadership of all of the campus clubs and student organizations under the Student Association and Graduate Student Associations, so that they understand the issue of sexual assault on college campuses and UB’s reporting and support resources.

UB Athletics

The Division of Athletics mandated sexual assault awareness for all student athletes, administrators and coaches to ensure that they understand the issue of sexual assault on college campuses and UB’s reporting and support resources.

In-Service Trainings

Organized by the UB Violence Prevention Team to bring in experts on timely topics to train faculty and staff members. Past topics include Stalking and Technology, Sexual Assault Response Off-Campus and Reporting Responsibilities.

Faculty Guide

This toolkit for faculty members provides resources to help them integrate violence prevention into their lesson plans. It is designed to promote the curricular infusion of violence prevention efforts.

Workplace Violence Prevention Training

University at Buffalo offers online training sessions in workplace violence prevention and safety and mandates annual compliance by all employees. Training sessions include information on crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. The college’s full policy on workplace violence can be found on the Administrative Policy Library website.

Mandatory Sexual Harassment Prevention Training

All UB employees are required to complete sexual harassment prevention training on an annual basis.  The training includes the definition of sexual harassment, avenues to report harassing behavior, the obligation of managers and supervisors to address harassing behavior and to report it, and protections against retaliation for reporting. Faculty and professional staff are also advised of their obligation to report sexual harassment and sexual violence against students to the university’s Title IX Coordinator.

The university provides help and support services to survivors when someone has been affected by a crime or crisis. UB Counseling Services offers same-day crisis appointments as well as access to a counselor after business hours. UB Counseling Services website has information regarding a national Crisis Text line that provides 24-hour support for people experiencing a mental health or situational crisis.  Users are connected to a trained Crisis Counselor, who will help them develop a plan to stay safe. Messages are confidential, anonymous and secure. Data usage while texting the Crisis Text Line is free and the number will not appear on a phone bill.  Text “GOT5 to 741-741.

Online Tools

Self-care is especially critical after trauma. UB Counseling Services offers online screenings, a peer-to-peer platform, and even a self-guided program to assist you.

Coping Skills Groups

Led by staff from on-campus Counseling Services, these structured groups teach skills to live in the present, deal with stress, manage difficult emotions, and handle interpersonal conflict.

Counseling Services

Free, private and confidential mental health counseling is available on campus to all students, provided by trained and experienced counselors.

The university hosted a part-time On-Campus Advocate in collaboration with our local rape crisis center, Crisis Services. The Advocate provides advocacy and case management services to students, faculty, and staff who have experienced sexual violence issues (sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating/domestic/family violence, rape, stalking). They serve primary and secondary (spouse/partners/friends/families) survivors, and are fully versed in our campus and surrounding community systems, and can answer questions and provide advocacy across medical, emotional, and reporting issues.

Monthly fire and crime logs are posted on the University Police website. 

Crime Definitions

Unless otherwise noted:

• The definitions for murder, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, weapon law violations, drug abuse violations, and liquor law violations are excerpted from the Federal Bureau of Investigations Uniform Crime Reporting Handbook (UCR)
• The definitions for forcible and non-forcible sex offenses are excerpted from the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) (PDF, 983 KB) edition of the Uniform Crime Reporting Program. The law defines both the behavior and physical nature of a sex offense and the lack of consent involved. In New York State, the age of consent is 17. These definitions include instances in which the victim is incapable of giving consent because of temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity (including from the influence of drugs or alcohol) or because of age. Physical resistance is not required on the part of the victim to demonstrate lack of consent.
• The definitions for hate crime data collection are taken from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Hate Crime Data Collection Guidelines and Training Guide for Hate Crime Data Collection (PDF, 581 KB). Offenses include any incidents of larceny-theft, simple assault, intimidation, or destruction/damage/vandalism of property that were motivated by bias.
• The definitions for dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking are taken from Section 485(f) of the Higher Education Amendment, as amended by Section 304 of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013.
• Aggravated Assault: An unlawful attack by one person upon another for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury. This type of assault usually is accompanied by the use of a weapon or by means likely to produce death or great bodily harm.
• Arson: Any willful or malicious burning or attempt to burn, with or without intent to defraud, a dwelling house, public building, motor vehicle or aircraft, personal property of another, etc.
• Bias: A preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a group of persons based on their race, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or gender identity.
• Bias Crime: A committed criminal offense that is motivated, in whole or in part, by the offender’s bias(es) against a race, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or gender identity; also known as Hate Crime .
• Burglary: The unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or a theft. For reporting purposes, this definition includes unlawful entry with intent to commit a larceny or felony, breaking and entering with intent to commit a larceny, housebreaking, safecracking, and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned.
• Consent: Affirmative consent is a knowing, voluntary, and mutual decision among all participants to engage in sexual activity. Consent can be given by words or actions, as long as those words or actions create clear permission regarding willingness to engage in the sexual activity. Silence or lack of resistance, in and of itself, does not demonstrate consent. The definition of consent does not vary based upon a participant’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. (SUNY Policies on Sexual Violence Prevention and Response)
• Criminal Homicide, Murder, and Non-Negligent Manslaughter: The willful (non-negligent) killing of one human being by another.
• Criminal Homicide, Negligent Manslaughter: The killing of another person through gross negligence. Gross negligence is the intentional failure to perform a manifest duty in reckless disregard of the consequences as affecting the life or property of another.
• Dating Violence: Violence committed by a person (A) who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and (B) where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors: (i) The length of the relationship . (ii) The type of relationship. (iii) The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
• Disability Bias: A preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a group of persons based on their physical or mental impairments, whether such disability is temporary or permanent, congenital or acquired by heredity, accident, injury, advanced age, or illness.
• Domestic Violence: The term includes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the applicable jurisdiction, or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction .
• Drug Abuse Violations: The violation of laws prohibiting the production, distribution, and/or use of certain controlled substances and the equipment or devices utilized in their preparation and/or use. The unlawful cultivation, manufacture, distribution, sale, purchase, use, possession, transportation, or importation of any controlled drug or narcotic substance. Arrests for violations of state and local laws, specifically those relating to the unlawful possession, sale, use, growing, manufacturing, and making of narcotic drugs.
• Fondling (forcible): The touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her age or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
• Hate Crime: Bias Crime.
• Hate Group: An organization whose primary purpose is to promote animosity, hostility, and malice against persons of or with a race, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or gender identity that differs from that of the members or the organization, e .g ., the Ku Klux Klan, American Nazi Party.
• Incest: Non-forcible sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.
• Liquor Law Violations: Violating state or local laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession, or use of alcoholic beverages, not including driving under the influence and drunkenness. This includes the manufacture, sale, transporting, furnishing, possessing, etc., of intoxicating liquor; maintaining unlawful drinking places; bootlegging; operating a still; furnishing liquor to a minor or intemperate person; underage possession; using a vehicle for illegal transportation of liquor; drinking on a train or public conveyance; attempts to commit any of the above.
• Motor Vehicle Theft: The theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle.
• Rape, Except Statutory Rape (forcible): Penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.
• Robbery: The taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or control of a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear.
• Sex Offense: Any sexual act directed against another person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent.
• Sexual Assault with an Object (forcible): To use an object or instrument to unlawfully penetrate, however slightly, the genital or anal opening of the body of another person, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her age or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
• Sodomy (forcible): Oral or anal sexual intercourse with another person, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her age or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
• Stalking: Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to (A) fear for his or her safety or the safety of others; or (B) suffer substantial emotional distress.
• Statutory Rape: Non-forcible sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.
• Weapon Law Violations: The violation of laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession, concealment, or use of firearms, cutting instruments, explosives, incendiary devices, or other deadly weapons. This classification encompasses weapons offenses that are regulatory in nature. This includes the manufacture, sale, or possession of deadly weapons; carrying deadly weapons, concealed or openly; using, manufacturing, etc., of silencers; furnishing deadly weapons to minors; aliens possessing deadly weapons; attempts to commit any of the above.

The number of fire drills held the previous calendar year (2023): 558 Total (310 being Residential)

The institution’s policies or rules on portable electrical appliances, smoking and open flames in student housing facilities:

• Prohibited: window air conditioners, halogen lamps, microwave ovens, hot plates, open flames, candles/incense, smoking in residence halls and apartments.

 Procedures for student housing evacuation Residents:

• On activation of Fire Alarm: Everyone is to exit the building if safe and assemble outside where staff will take attendance. If it unsafe to enter the corridor, residents are instructed to close their door, place something at the bottom of the door to keep smoke out and call University Police, then go to the window and call/signal for help.
• Staff will immediately exit the building if safe, take master keys, coat and floor roster (if in hall office take the hall roster).
• Knock on doors and attempt to clear your floor as you leave. Do not put yourself in danger.
• Report to the fire panel room of the building where specific instructions will be given by the professional staff. They may be asked to secure doorways, take attendance at assembly areas and return to your floor to key into rooms.  Staff will not be asked to put themselves in danger.

Policies for fire safety education and training programs for students, facility and staff:

• Students: Are given fire safety information during mandatory floor meetings within the first week of classes at the beginning of each academic year. Fire safety training for the students complies with the criteria established in the NYS Campus Fire Safety Training Guidelines as established by the Office of Fire Prevention and Control.
• Staff: Are required to participate in a week-long training program wherein specific information on their responsibilities and methods for dealing with emergencies is provided. Training in fire safety includes a day long program that contains practical instruction in the use of portable fire extinguishers, negotiating a smoke-filled corridor, fire safety awareness, and an emergency situation table top exercise.