Combined 2023 Annual Security Report and Fire Safety Report

October 1, 2023

Introduction

This report is provided in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, as amended (“Clery Act”). It provides students and employees of Research College of Nursing (“RCoN” or “College”) with information on: the College’s security arrangements, policies, and procedures; programs that provide education on such things as drug and alcohol abuse, awareness of various kinds of sex offenses, and the prevention of crime generally; and procedures the College will take to notify the campus community in the event of an emergency. Its purpose is to provide students and employees with information that will help them make informed decisions relating to their own safety and the safety of others.

Skip to Statistical Summary

Policy for preparing the annual report

This report is prepared by Rebecca Saxton, PhD, RN, CNE, Provost and Nikki Flagler Title IX Coordinator, in cooperation with Research Medical Center’s Safety and Security Department, campus security authorities, and various other elements of the College. Each year, an email notification is made to all enrolled students that provides the website to access this report. Faculty and staff receive similar notifications. Hard copies of the report may also be obtained by contacting Nikki Flagler at (816) 276-3147.

The College is committed to taking actions necessary to provide a safe and secure working/learning environment for all students and staff. As a member of the campus community, you can feel safe and comfortable knowing that security measures are in place that represent best practices in the field and are constantly tested and re-evaluated for their effectiveness.

Policies concerning the law enforcement authority of Campus Security personnel

Research Medical Center’s Safety and Security Department (“Security Department”) is responsible for campus safety at the College. Its jurisdiction covers all campus property. The Security Department patrols the campus with routine building and parking lot checks. Security Department staff are commissioned law enforcement officers, carry weapons, and have arrest authority. The Security Department has a longstanding working relationship with local law enforcement agencies, including the Kansas City Police Department, which assists the Security Department staff. While there is no written memorandum of agreement, the Security Department staff contacts Kansas City Police to investigate any alleged criminal activity that occurs on campus. In addition, senior Security Department staff meet quarterly with the Kansas City Police Department to address any issues or concerns and to share information. The Security Department can be contacted at (816) 276-4411.

Other officials to whom crimes may be reported

The College has also designated other officials to serve as additional campus security authorities. Reports of criminal activity can also be made to these officials. They, in turn, will ensure that they are reported to the Campus Security staff for collection as part of the College’s annual report of crime statistics. These additional campus security officers are:

• Rebecca Saxton, Provost, (816) 995-2847
• Nikki Flagler, Student Services Specialist, (816) 276-3147
• Richard Bowers, Director of Security, (816) 276-4403

Policies on reporting a crime or emergency

The College encourages accurate and prompt reporting of all criminal actions, accidents, injuries, or other emergencies occurring on campus to the Security Department and appropriate police agencies even when the victim of a crime elects not to do so or is unable to make such a report. Such reports should be made as follows:

• Situations that pose an imminent danger or while a crime is in progress should be reported to local law enforcement by calling 911. Keep in mind that the individual making the call from a cell phone will need to provide the address where the emergency has occurred. After making the 911 call, also make a report to one of the campus security officers or the Security Department (816) 276-4411 identified above.
• Students, staff, and visitors should report criminal actions, accidents, injuries, or other emergency incidents to one of the campus security authorities identified above. Once reported, the individual making the report will be encouraged to also report it to appropriate police agencies. If requested, a member of the College staff will assist a student in making the police report.
• Anonymous incident reports can also sometimes be made.

The College has no officially recognized student organizations with off-campus locations. However, if criminal activity occurs while students are attending school-sponsored events or training off campus, the reporting procedures are the same of those stated above.

Additionally, upon written request, the College will disclose to the alleged victim of a crime of violence (as that term is defined in Section 16 of Title 18, United States Code), or a non-forcible sex offense, the report on the result of an disciplinary proceeding conducted by the College against a student who is the alleged perpetrator of such a crime or offense. If the alleged victim is deceased as a result of such a crime or offense, the next of kin of such victim shall be treated as the alleged victim for purposes of this paragraph.

Confidential reporting

The College will protect the confidentiality of victims. Only those with a need-to-know the identity for purposes of investigating the crime, assisting the victim, or disciplining the perpetrator will know the victim’s identity. Moreover, when requested, the College will withhold the identity of victims in public available records, to the extent permitted by law.

Any victim of a crime who does not want to pursue action within the College disciplinary system or the criminal justice system is nevertheless encouraged to make a confidential report to a campus security authority. With the victim’s permission, a report of the details of the incident can be filed without revealing the victim’s identity. Such a confidential report complies with the victim’s wishes, but still helps the College take appropriate steps to ensure the future safety of the victim and others. With such information, the College can keep an accurate record of the number of incidents involving students, determine where a pattern of crime may be developing and alert the community as to any potential danger. These confidential reports are counted and disclosed in the annual crime statistics for the College.

The College encourages pastoral counselors and other professional counselors, if and when they deem it appropriate, to inform the persons they are counseling to report crimes on a voluntary, confidential basis for inclusion in the annual report of crime statistics.

The College encourages pastoral counselors and other professional counselors, if and when they deem it appropriate, to inform the persons they are counseling to report crimes on a voluntary, confidential basis for inclusion in the annual report of crime statistics.

Educational programs related to security awareness and prevention of criminal activity

RCoN seeks to enhance the security of its campus and the members of the campus community by periodically presenting educational programs to inform students and employees about campus security procedures and practices, to encourage students and employees to be responsible for their own security and the security of others, and to inform them about the prevention of crimes. A description of these programs and their frequency of presentation follows:

• New faculty and staff participate in a mandatory orientation which includes a 30-minute presentation from the Research Medical Center Security staff. The Research Medical Center Security staff serves as the campus security for the College. Significant changes to security procedures and policies may either be communicated by email or presentation at faculty/staff meetings.
• The Campus Security staff will provide an educational presentation to students who are new to the College campus at the beginning of their first semester (August, January or May). Educational presentations are provided to all students to update them on changes to the procedures and practices, when necessary.
• As noted above, security and safety procedures are shared with new and continuing students at the beginning of each academic year. The Catalog/Student Handbook is reviewed with attention to the section “Safety and Security.” This includes encouraging students to be alert to security situations and to assist the school in preventing crimes from occurring through awareness and communication. Student organizations are highly encouraged to develop and present their own crime prevention programs for other students and staff.
• Employees and students are informed about the prevention of crimes through written communication from the College administration via campus postings, email distributions, internet postings, and bulletin boards. During annual security updates, emphasis is placed on faculty, staff, and students’ roles in prevention of crimes.
• The Resident Assistants discuss importance of crime prevention in the Kelce Student Village and share with their residents.
• The Resident Assistants compete Health and Safety Checks three times a year. They walk through student units to check for issues related to housing including security of buildings (doors and windows locking appropriately, interior and exterior lighting is working, landscaping safe) and report as necessary to the maintenance team and College administration.

Building security

The College is a private institution and reserves the right to restrict access and movement on its grounds to staff, students, patients, visitors, and others who are conducting business on site. Campus buildings are generally open at 6:30AM Monday through Friday. Closing times vary according to after-hours activities, but doors are locked approximately 15 minutes after scheduled activities have ceased. Personnel requiring entrance door keys are placed on an authorized access list. Entrance door keys are of the registered type and cannot by duplicated at hardware stores or unauthorized lock shops.

All buildings have security coverage seven days a week during the entire time the building is open. In all campus buildings, maintenance staff and Campus Security are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Students and employees are asked to be alert and to not circumvent practices and procedures that are meant to preserve their safety and that of others:

• Do not prop doors open or allow strangers into campus buildings that have been secured.
• Do not lend keys or access cards to non-students and do not leave them unattended.
• Do not give access codes to anyone that does not belong to the campus community.

Keys to faculty and staff offices, conference rooms, classrooms, and units at the Kelce Student Village will be issued to employees only as needed and after receiving the proper authorization. Each faculty, staff, and student is responsible for assuring these areas are secured and locked.

The campus community must adhere to policies regarding unauthorized access to school facilities, theft of, or damage to, school property, or criminal activity. In particular, rendering inoperable or abusing any fire prevention or detection equipment is prohibited violation of these policies may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination, removal from school, and the filing of charges with law enforcement authorities.

Employee and student identification cards may be used to verify the identity of persons suspected to be in campus facilities without permission. Each employee and RCoN student is expected to have their identification card with them at all times while on the property. When an individual no longer needs to access RCoN’s facilities, their building access card and identification card are collected. If the individual was distributed keys, those are also collected by the College.

Security considerations in the maintenance of facilities

Security is also a consideration in maintaining campus facilities. For example, maintenance personnel regularly check to ensure pathways are well lighted and that egress lighting is working in hallways and stairwells. They also check to ensure door locks are functional and that landscaping does not affect pathways or otherwise create risks for those passing by to be suddenly attacked. If College administration is made aware of a security issue in campus facilities, they ensure maintenance is quickly contacted and the situation is addressed.

Timely warnings

In the event of criminal activity occurring either on campus or off campus that in the judgment of the Director of Student Affairs and/or the Emergency Response Team constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat, a campus-wide “timely warning” will be issued. Examples would include a rash of motor vehicle thefts or sexual assaults in the area that would merit a warning because they present a continuing threat to the campus community. This warning will be communicated to students and employees by the Provost and/or Campus Security Director. The method of communication is College email and for those who have opted in, text messaging. Updates to warning will be provided as appropriate.

Anyone with information warranting a timely warning should immediately report the circumstances to the Provost and/or Campus Security Director.

Emergency response and evacuation procedures

The College is part of the larger Research Medical Center (“RMC”) emergency management plan designed to ensure there is a timely and effective response in the event of a significant emergency or dangerous situation occurring on campus involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of members of the campus community. Such situations include, but are not limited to, tornadoes, bomb threats, chemical spills, disease outbreaks, or armed intruders. Emergency procedures for such situations as tornadoes and fires are located in the Catalog/Student Handbook.

RCoN and the RMC Campus Security staff have communicated with the Kansas City Police Department requesting their cooperation in informing the College about situations reported to them that may warrant emergency response. Students, staff, and visitors are encouraged to notify the Campus Security (816-276-4411) and Provost (816-995-2847), and or the Student Services Specialist (816-276-3147) of any situation that poses such a threat. The Provost will access available sources of information from campus administrative staff and local authorities to confirm the existence of the danger and will be responsible for initiating the College’s response and for marshaling the appropriate local emergency response authorities for assistance. Depending on the nature of the emergency, other College offices may be involved in the confirmation process.

Once the emergency is confirmed, the College community, or appropriate segments of it, will be notified. The Provost, in collaboration with other appropriate personnel, will determine who should be notified and will be, without delay, and taking into account the safety of the community, determine the content of the notification and initiate the notification system, unless issuing a notification will, in the professional judgment of responsible authorities, compromise efforts to assist a victim or to contain, respond to, or otherwise mitigate the emergency.

Depending on the segments of the campus the notification will target, the content of the notification may differ. When appropriate, the content of the notification will be determined in consultation with RMC Security and the Kansas City Police Department. Also as appropriate, the notification will give guidance as to whether its recipients should shelter in place or evacuate their location.

The Provost will direct the issuance of emergency notifications, which will be accomplished using email blasts to College email accounts and text messaging (for those who have opted in) depending on the nature of the threat and the segment of the campus community being threatened.

There are four segments of the campus:

• The main building at 2525 East Meyer Boulevard which houses faculty and staff offices, classrooms, and the Simulation Center. Students, faculty, and staff are generally in the building during normal business hours. Emergency notification for this segment is through blast email, text messaging (for those who have opted in), and direct personal communication if appropriate.
• The second segment is the Kelce Student Village which provides housing for approximately 40 students. Direct communication from the Assistant Director of Student Affairs and/or Resident Assistants will occur when appropriate; blast email and specific, text messaging group is also used.
• The third segment of campus is the RCoN spaces located within Research Medical Center on the B-Level of the building. This area houses labs, classrooms, the Student Center, the Student Commons, and the library. Students, faculty, and staff are generally in the building during normal business hours. Emergency notification for this segment is through blast email to College accounts, text messaging (for those who have opted in), and direct personal communication, if appropriate.
• The final segment of campus is the Euclid Building. This building is primarily utilized for group testing and exams. It is open only on testing days at specific times and is monitored by College faculty. Emergency notification for this segment is through blast email to College accounts, text messaging (for those who have opted in), and direct personal communication, if appropriate.

Since RCoN is part of the RMC Campus, information to the general public will be disseminated by the RMC Marketing and Public Relations Department. Depending on the situation, information will be provided to the local news media by RMC Public Relations staff. In addition, information may be provided by the RMC Vice President for Community Affairs to the local neighborhood associations and public schools.

The College tests its emergency response and evacuation procedures at least once per year. Also, at various times, the Emergency Response Team will meet to train, test, and evaluate the College’s response plan within the context of the larger RMC emergency plan. RMC Security maintains a record of these tests and training exercises, including a description of them, the dates and times they were held and an indication of whether they were announced or unannounced.

Missing person procedures

If a member of the College community has reason to believe that a student who resides in on-campus housing is missing, that information should be reported immediately to the Provost. Anyone receiving a missing person report will immediately notify the RMC Security Department and an investigation will be initiated.

In addition to registering a general emergency contact, students residing in on-campus housing have the option to identify confidentially an individual to be contacted by the College only in the event the student is determined to be missing for more than 24 hours. If a student has identified an individual, the College will notify that person no later than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing. A student who wishes to designate a confidential contact may do so during the registration process which occurs at the time of move in. A student’s confidential contact information will be accessible only by authorized campus officials and law enforcement in furtherance of the investigation. This information can be found in the student’s personal housing file located in the Office of the Provost.

After investigating a missing person report, if it is determined that the student has been missing for 24 hours, the College will notify local police authorities unless it was local law enforcement that made the determination that the student is missing. If the missing student is under the age of 18 and not emancipated, the College will also notify the student’s parent or legal guardian immediately after the College has determined that the student has been missing for 24 hours.

Policy, procedures, and programs related to various sex-related offenses, including dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking

Consistent with the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Clery Act, and the Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA”), the College prohibits discrimination based on sex in its educational programs and activities, including sexual harassment and sexual violence, and acts of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The College also prohibits any retaliation, intimidation, threats, coercion, or any other discrimination against any individuals exercising their rights or responsibilities related to sexual misconduct. View a full statement of the College’s policy and procedures for filing, investigating, and resolving complaints of this nature.

The following discusses the College’s educational programs to promote the awareness of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking; provides information concerning procedures students and employees should follow and of services available in the event they do become a victim, and advises students and employees of the disciplinary procedures that will be followed after an allegation that one of these offenses has occurred.

Primary prevention and awareness program

RCoN conducts a Primary Prevention and Awareness Program (PPAP) for all incoming and new employees and students. In it they are specifically advised that the College prohibits the offenses of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. In that regard, they are informed of the following definitions apply within the state of Missouri:

• Consent or lack of consent may be expressed or implied. Assent does not constitute consent if:
  • (a) It is given by a person who lacks the mental capacity to authorize the conduct charged to constitute the offense and such mental incapacity is manifest or known to the actor; or
  • (b) It is given by a person who by reason of youth, mental disease or defect, or intoxication, is manifestly unable or known by the actor to be unable to make a reasonable judgement as to the nature of the harmfulness of the conduct charged to constitute the offense; or
  • (c) It is induced by force, duress, or deception. See Missouri Revised Statutes § 556.061(5)

• Dating Violence – the College has determined, based on good-faith research, that this term is not specifically defined in the Missouri Revised Statutes. However, it is generally covered by the definitions of Domestic Violence and Domestic Assault discussed below. Also, in accordance with Federal law the College does collect statistics for these offenses using the definition contained in the Violence Against Women Act. That definition is listed earlier in this report in the discussion of definitions related to crime statistics.
• Domestic Violence is abuse or stalking committed by a family or household member.
  • “Family or household member” means spouses, former spouses, any person related by blood or marriage, persons who are presently residing together or have resided together in the past, any person who is or has been in a continuing social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim, and anyone who has a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or have resided together at any time - See Missouri Revised Statutes § 455.010(1), (5), (7)
• “Domestic Assault” is also defined under the Missouri Law and includes conduct that is considered to be Domestic Violence.
  • A person commits the crime of domestic assault in the first degree if he or she attempts to kill or knowingly causes or attempts to cause serious physical injury to a family or household member, including any child who is a member of the family or household. See Missouri Revised Statutes § 565.072

• A person commits the crime of domestic assault in the second degree if the act involves a family or household member, including any child who is a member of the family or household and he or she:
  • Attempts to cause or knowingly causes physical injury to such family or household member by any means, including but not limited to, by use of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, or by choking or strangulation; or
  • Recklessly causes serious physical injury to such family or household member; or
  • Recklessly causes physical injury to such family or household member by means of any deadly weapon. See Missouri Revised Statues § 565.073

• A person commits the crime of domestic assault in the third degree if the act involves a family or household member, including any child who is a member of the family or household, as defined in section 455.010 and:
  • (1) The person attempts to cause or recklessly causes physical injury to such family or household member; or
  • (2) With criminal negligence the person causes physical injury to such family or household member by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument; or
  • (3) The person purposely places such family or household member in apprehension of immediate physical injury by any means; or
  • (4) The person recklessly engages in conduct which creates a grave risk of death or serious injury to such family or household member; or
  • (5) The person knowingly causes physical contact with such family or household member knowing the other person will regard the contact as offensive; or
  • (6) The person knowingly attempts to cause or causes the isolation of such family or household member by unreasonably and substantially restricting or limiting such family or household member’s access to other persons, telecommunication devices, or transportation for the purpose of isolation. See Missouri Revised Statutes § 565.074
• Sexual Assault is causing or attempting to cause another to engage involuntarily in any sexual act by force, threat of force, or duress. See Missouri Revised Statutes § 455.010(1)(e)
• Stalking is when any person purposely and repeatedly engages in an unwanted course of conduct that causes alarm to another person when it is reasonable in that person’s situation to have been alarmed by the conduct. As used in this subdivision:
  • (a) “Alarm” means to cause fear of danger of physical harm;
  • (b) “Course of conduct” means a pattern of conduct composed of repeated acts over a period of time, however short, that serves no legitimate purpose. Such conduct may include, but is not limited to, following the other person or unwanted communication or unwanted contact; and
  • (c) “Repeated” means two or more incidents evidencing a continuity of purpose. See Missouri Revised Statutes § 455.010(13)

The PPAP includes instruction on how to avoid becoming a victim and the warning signs of abusive behavior, the recognition of which will help mitigate the likelihood of perpetration, victimization, or bystander inaction. Specifically, they are advised:

Information on risk reduction

• If you find yourself in an uncomfortable sexual situation, these suggestions may help you reduce your risk:
  • Make your limits known before going too far.
  • You can withdraw consent to sexual activity at any time. Do not be afraid to tell a sexual aggressor “NO” clearly and loudly.
  • Try to remove yourself from the physical presence of a sexual aggressor. Be direct as possible about wanting to leave the environment.
  • Grab someone nearby and ask them for help.
  • Be responsible about your alcohol and/or drug use. Alcohol and drugs can lower your sexual inhibitions and make you vulnerable to someone who views an intoxicated/high person as a sexual opportunity.
  • Attend parties with friends you trust. Watch out for your friends and ask they watch out for you.
  • Be aware of someone trying to slip you an incapacitating “rape drug” like Rohypnol or GHB.
• If you find yourself in the position of being the initiator of sexual behavior, these suggestions may help you to reduce your risk of being accused of sexual assault or another sexual crime:
  • Remember that you owe sexual respect to the other person.
  • Don’t make assumptions about the other person’s consent or about how far they are willing to go.
  • Remember that consent to one form of sexual activity does not necessarily imply consent to another form of sexual behavior.
  • If your partner expresses a withdrawal of consent, stop immediately.
  • Clearly communicate your sexual intentions so that the other person has a chance to clearly tell you their intentions.
  • Consider “mixed messages” a clear sign that the other person is uncomfortable with the situation and may not be ready to progress sexually.
  • Don’t take advantage of someone who is really drunk or on drugs, even if they knowingly and intentionally put themselves in that state. Further, don’t be afraid to step in if you see someone else trying to take advantage of a nearly incapacitated person.
  • Be aware of the signs of incapacitation, such as slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, vomiting, unusual behavior, passing out, staggering, etc.
• It is also important to be aware of the warning signs of an abusive person. Some examples include: past abuse; threats of violence or abuse; breaking objects; using force during an argument; jealousy; controlling behavior; quick involvement; unrealistic expectations; isolation; blames others for problems; hypersensitivity; cruelty to animals or children; “playful” use of force during sex; Jekyll-and-Hyde personality.

Bystander intervention

Individuals are encouraged to take safe and positive steps to prevent harm or intervene when there is a risk of sexual misconduct against another person. This includes reporting such incidents to appropriate authorities. Other steps that can be taken include:

• Look out for those around you.
• Realize it is important to intervene to help others.
• Treat everyone respectfully. Do not be hostile or antagonistic.
• Be confident while intervening.
• Recruit help from others if necessary.
• Be honest and direct.
• Keep yourself safe.
• If things get out of hand, don’t hesitate to contact the police.

The College’s PPAP program also provides information on possible sanctions and protective measures that may be imposed following a determination that an offense of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking has occurred, an explanation of the disciplinary procedures that will be followed when one of these offenses is alleged, the rights of the parties in that proceeding, available resources, etc. Some of this information is set forth in the forthcoming sections of this report.

The PPAP is carried out by orientation presentations, distribution of written material, bulletin boards around campus, and periodic email blasts. The college has purchased access to Vector Solutions Courses that provide the College with access to the following courses for students – “Bystander Intervention for Students”, “Health and Safety Awareness on Campus”, “Intimate Partner Violence”, “Campus SaVE Act”, and “Title IX Rights and Protections&rdqou; etc.

Ongoing prevention and awareness campaign

The College also conducts an Ongoing Prevention and Awareness Campaign (OPAC) aimed at all students and employees. This campaign covers the same material as provided in the PPAP, but is aimed at increasing the understanding of students and employees on these topics and improving their skills for addressing the offenses of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

The OPAC is carried out through essentially the same means as the PPAP, using a range of strategies with a variety of audiences throughout the College.

Procedures to follow if you are a victim of sexual misconduct that constitutes a crime

If you are a victim of sexual assault, dating violence, or domestic violence, go to a safe place, and call 911 or the RMC Security Department at (816) 276-4411. You can also contact the College’s Title IX Coordinator, Nikki Flagler at (816) 276-3147. Victims will be notified in writing of the procedures to follow, including:

1. To whom and how the alleged offense should be reported.
2. The importance of preserving evidence that may be necessary to prove the offense in a criminal proceeding or disciplinary action or to obtain a protective order. Victims will be provided information on where a forensic examination can be obtained. Therefore, victims should follow these guidelines:
   • Do not destroy or remove clothing items worn during or following such an incident, as they frequently contain valuable fiber, hair, and fluid evidence.
   • Do not bathe, shower, or wash, or otherwise clean the environment where the incident occurred. It is understandable that you may want to clean up but doing so will likely destroy important evidence.
   • Options for pressing charges can be deferred; you can go to the local hospital emergency room and ask for an exam and for evidence of the incident to be collected and sealed.
   • Also, victims of stalking should preserve evidence of the crime to the extent possible. Such evidence is more likely to be in the form of photos, electronic communications, letters, etc.
3. The victim’s options regarding notification of law enforcement, which are:
   • The option to notify either on-campus or local police;
   • The option to be assisted by College officials in notifying law enforcement if the victim so chooses; and
   • The option to decline to notify such authorities.
4. Where applicable, the rights of victims and the College’s responsibilities regarding orders of protection, no-contact orders, restraining orders, or similar lawful orders issued by a criminal, civil, or tribal court.

Restraining orders

Any student or employee who has a restraining order, order of protection, no contact order, or any other such order issued by a court against another individual (whether or not that individual is also a student or employee of the College) is highly encouraged to notify a campus security authority of the threat and to provide a copy of the restraining order so that it is kept on file with the Security Department and can be enforced, if necessary.

Available victim services

Victims will be provided written notification about existing counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal assistance, visa and immigration assistance, student financial aid, and other services available to them, both within the College and in the surrounding community.

The College will provide written notification to victims about options for, and available assistance in, changing academic, living, transportation, and working situations, to the extent that the College has control over those environments, and how to request protective measures (such as a “no contact” order or a change in classroom or workplace assignments). If victims request these accommodations and they are reasonably available they will be provided, regardless of whether the victim chooses to report the crime to campus security or local law enforcement. Moreover, the College will maintain as confidential any accommodations or protective measures provided a victim to the extent that maintaining confidentiality would not impair the College’s ability to provide them. If the College believes it is necessary to disclose personal information in order to provide an accommodation, it will attempt to advise the victim before making the disclosure.

The College also offers students access to WellConnect services via phone and online. WellConnect offers counseling and consultation on topics including mental health, relationships, substance/alcohol abuse, navigating legal systems, and managing finances.

To request an accommodation described above or any other protective measure, the victim should contact the Title IX Coordinator, Nikki Flagler, (816) 276-3147.

Procedures for disciplinary action related to dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking

Allegations of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking will be processed through the College’s Sexual Misconduct Policy and Complaint Resolution Procedures.

The College’s Sexual Misconduct Policy and Complaint Resolution Procedures are utilized whenever a complaint of one of the offenses listed above is made, regardless of the status of the complainant and respondent. The complaint resolution procedures are invoked once a complaint is made to the Title IX Coordinator or otherwise brought to the attention of the Title IX Coordinator, and all College employees (except designated confidential resources) have a duty to report such incidents when they become aware of them. Once a complaint is made, an investigator or investigators designated by the Title IX Coordinator will commence an investigation as soon as practicable but not later than seven (7) days after the complaint is made. During the investigation, the complainant and respondent will each have an equal opportunity to describe the situation and present witnesses and other supporting evidence. Upon completion of the investigation, the investigator(s) will make a decision and issue a written report to the complainant and respondent with findings and, if necessary, attach an addendum with sanctions and remedial measures that will be implemented. The College strives to complete investigations of this nature within sixty (60) calendar days.

Both parties have an equal opportunity to appeal decisions of the investigator(s) to an Appellate Officer. When the complaint involves an employee respondent or third-party respondent, the Appellate Officer is the President. When the complaint involves a student respondent, the Appellate Officer is the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education. Appeals must be filed within seven (7) days of receipt of the written report determining the outcome of the complaint. The appropriate Appellate Officer will resolve the appeal within ten (10) days of receiving it and may take any and all actions that he/she determines to be in the interest of a fair and just decision. Decisions of an Appellate Officer are final.

Both the victim and the individual accused of the offense are entitled to:

• A prompt, fair, and impartial investigation and resolution.
• Written notice of an extension of timeframes in the proceedings and the reason for it, which will only be for good cause.
• Proceedings conducted by officials who do not have a conflict of interest or bias for or against either the accused or the accuser and who at a minimum receive annual training on the issues related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking and on how to conduct an investigation and hearing that protects the safety of victims and promotes accountability.
• Timely access to information that will be used after the fact-finding investigation but during informal and formal disciplinary meetings and hearings.
• The same opportunities to have others present during any disciplinary hearing, including the opportunity to be accompanied to any related meeting or proceeding by the advisor of their choice. The College may not limit the choice of advisor, but may establish limits regarding the extent to which the advisor may participate in the proceeding, as long as those limits apply equally to both parties.
• Have the outcome determined using a preponderance-of-the-evidence standard based on the totality of the evidence presented.
• Simultaneous, written notification of the results of the proceeding, any procedures for either party to appeal the result, any change to the result and when the result becomes final. For this purpose, “result” means “any initial, interim, and final decision by an official or entity authorized to resolve disciplinary matters” and must include the rationale for reaching the result and any sanctions imposed.
• Prohibition of retaliation. Research College of Nursing an employee, officer, or agent of the institution, may not retaliate, intimidate, threaten, coerce, or otherwise discriminate against any individual for exercising their rights or responsibilities under any provision in the section.

Possible sanctions or protective measures that the college may impose for domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking offenses

Following a final determination in the College’s disciplinary proceeding that dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking has been committed, the College may impose a penalty depending on the mitigating and aggravating circumstances involved. Possible sanctions include: assessment of financial penalties, suspension, probation, or termination/expulsion.

In addition, the College can make available to the victim a range of protective orders. They can include such things as forbidding the accused from entering the victim’s residence and from communicating with the victim.

Publicly available recordkeeping

The College will complete any publicly available recordkeeping, including Clery Act reporting and disclosures, without the inclusion of personally identifying information about victims of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking who make reports of such to the College.

Victims to receive written notification of rights

When a student or employee reports to the College that he or she has been a victim of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and whether the offense occurred on or off campus, the College will provide the student or employee a written explanation of his or her rights and options as described in the paragraphs above, including available resources, protective measures, and a description of the College’s policies and procedures for addressing complaints of this nature.

Sex offender registration program

The Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act of 2000 requires institutions of higher education to advise members of the campus community where they can obtain information provided by the state concerning registered sex offenders. It also requires sex offenders to notify the state of each institution of higher education in the state at which they are employed or enrolled or carrying on a vocation. The state is then required to notify the College of any such information it receives. Anyone interested in determining whether such persons are on this campus may do so by contacting RMC Security Department. The Missouri State Highway Patrol maintains a general registry of sex offender information.

Drug and alcohol policy

RCoN has a student alcohol and illegal drug policy included in its Student Conduct Policy in the Catalog/Student Handbook. In addition, the College has an Impaired Nursing Student Policy which addresses chemical impairment from alcohol and drugs. Access the Catalog/Student Handbook and these policies.

A recent purchase of Vector Solutions Campus Life Courses provides the College with access to additional courses including – “Alcohol and Other Drugs” for students.

A recent purchase of Vector Solutions Campus Life Courses provides the College with access to the following courses for students – "Alcohol Awareness for Students" and "Drug Awareness and Abuse".

Crime statistics

The Clery Act requires institutions of higher education to disclose crime statistics covering the previous three years on various crimes and offenses. The definitions of these offenses, consistent with FBI guidelines and VAWA regulations are as follows:

Primary crimes

• Murder and non-negligent manslaughter: The willful (non-negligent) killing of one human being by another.
• Negligent manslaughter: The killing of another person through gross negligence.
• Sex offenses:
  • Rape: The 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.
  • Fondling: 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 incapacity.
  • Incest: Sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.
  • Statutory rape: Sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.
• 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.
• 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. It is not necessary that injury result from an aggravated assault when a gun, knife, or other weapons is used which could and probably would result in serious personal injury if the crime were successfully completed.
• 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; housebreaking; safecracking; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned.
• Motor vehicle theft: The theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle. Classify as motor vehicle theft all cases where automobiles are taken by persons not having lawful access even though the vehicles are later abandoned – including joyriding.
• 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.

Hate crimes

Hate crimes involve those crimes motivated by the following biases: race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability, national origin, and gender identity. Hate crimes include those defined above that were motivated by one or more of these biases. Hey also include the following crimes and offenses:

• Larceny-theft (except Motor Vehicle Theft): The unlawful taking, carrying, leading, or riding away of property from the possession or constructive possession of another. Attempted larcenies are included. Embezzlement, confidence games, forgery, worthless checks, etc., are included.
• Simple assault: An unlawful physical attack by one person upon another where the offender neither displays a weapon nor the victim suffers obvious severe or aggravated bodily injury, such as apparent broken bones, loss of teeth, possible internal injury, sever laceration, or loss of consciousness.
• Intimidation: Unlawfully placing another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words and/or other conduct, but without displaying a weapon or subjecting the victim to actual physical attack.
• Destruction/damage/vandalism of property: Willfully or maliciously destroying, damaging, defacing, or otherwise injuring real or personal property without the consent of the owner or the person having custody or control of it.

Arrests and disciplinary referrals for violations of laws related to weapons, liquor, and drugs

Statistics must also be disclosed related to arrests and referrals for disciplinary action for violations of law relating to weapons, drugs, or liquor. For this purpose, the following definitions apply:

• Arrest: A person processed by arrest, citation, or summons.
• Referral for disciplinary action: The referral of any person to any official who initiates a disciplinary action of which a record is kept and which may result in the imposition of a sanction.
• Weapons (Carrying, Processing, Etc.) 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.
• 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.
• Liquor law violations: The violation of 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.

VAWA crimes

VAWA also requires the disclosure of statistics for the following crimes:

• Domestic violence: A felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed
  1. By a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim;
  2. By a person with whom the victim shares a child in common;
  3. By a person who is cohabitating with, or has cohabitated with, the victim as a spouse or intimate partner;
  4. By a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred; or
  5. 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 in which the crime of violence occurred.
• Dating violence: Violence by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim. The existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on the reporting party’s statement and with consideration of the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
• Stalking: Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others, or to suffer substantial emotional distress.

For the statistical summary below, the following definitions for Clery geography are used:

• “On-Campus Property” is defined as any building or property owned or controlled by the institution within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area and used by the institution in direct support of, or in a manner related to the institution’s educational purposes; and any building or property that is within or reasonably contiguous that is owned by the institution but controlled by another person, is frequently used by students, and supports institutional purposes (such as a food or retail vendor)
• “Student Housing” is defined as the Student Village located just west of Research Medical Center. Student Housing includes only the buildings the College controls which houses RCoN students as well as students in the other Research Medical Center educational programs and Rockhurst University students.
• “Public Property” is defined as all property that is within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area of the institution, such as a sidewalk, street, or other thoroughfare, or parking facility, and is adjacent to a facility owned or controlled by the institution if the facility is used by the institution in direct support of, or in a manner related to the institution’s educational purposes.
• “Non-Campus Buildings or Property” is defined as any building or property owned or controlled by a student organization officially recognized by the institution; or any building or property owned or controlled by an institution that is used in direct support of, or in relation to, the institution’s educational purposes, is frequently used by students, and is not within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area of the institution.

The statistical summary of the above crimes and offenses for this campus over the past three calendar years follows:

Arson

Criminal homicide: Manslaughter by negligence

Criminal homicide: Murder and non-negligent manslaughter

Sex offenses – forcible

Sex offenses – non-forcible

Rape

Fondling

Incest

Statutory rape

Robbery

Aggravated assault

Burglary

Motor vehicle theft

Domestic violence

Dating violence

Stalking

Arrests: Weapons (carrying, possessing, etc)

Disciplinary referrals: Weapons (carrying, possessing, etc.)

Arrests: Drug abuse violations

Disciplinary referrals: Drug abuse violations

Arrests: Liquor law violations

Disciplinary referrals: Liquor law violations

• The College has had no hate crimes for the years 2020, 2021, and 2022.
• No crime reports were determined to be “unfounded” and subsequently removed from the summary of crime statistics chart above.

2023 annual fire safety report

Housing facilities and fire safety system

The College maintains on-campus housing for its students in the Kelce Student Village, located west of Research Medical Center. These facilities were built in the 1960s and have a variety of fire safety systems installed within them. Periodically, the College also conducts fire drills. The following chart lists each housing facility, the fire safety system or systems within it and the number of fire drills conducted during the previous calendar year.

*Partial Sprinkler System is defined as having sprinklers in common areas only.

**Full Sprinkler System is defined as having sprinklers in both common areas and individuals’ rooms.

Policies on portable appliances, smoking, and open flames

The use of open flames, such as candles, and the burning of such things as incense, and smoking are prohibited in campus housing. Other combustible materials such as fireworks, spray paint, organic solvents, and live Christmas trees are also forbidden on property. Only surge-protected extension cords are permitted. Due to the fact that student housing is apartment style there is no limitation on toasters, crockpots, toaster ovens. Also, tampering with fire safety systems is prohibited and any such tampering may lead to appropriate disciplinary action.

The Assistant Director of Student Affairs reserves the right to make periodic inspections of campus housing to ensure fire safety systems are operational and that the policy on prohibited items is being complied with. Prohibited items will be confiscated and donated or discarded if found without reimbursement.

Fire evacuation procedures

In the event of a fire, the College expects that all campus community members will evacuate by the nearest exit, closing doors as they leave. If circumstances permit at the time of the alarm, additional instructions will be given regarding where students and/or staff are to relocate.

Fire education and training programs

Fire safety education programs for all residents of on-campus student housing and all employees with responsibilities related to that housing are held at the beginning of each semester. Their purpose is to: familiarize everyone with the fire safety plan in each facility, train them on procedures to follow if there is a fire, and inform them of the College’s fire safety policies.

Information distributed includes maps of each facility’s evacuation route and any fire suppression equipment available in the facility. Attendees are advised that participation in fire drills is mandatory and any student with a disability is given the option of having a “buddy” assigned to assist them.

Reporting fires

RMC Security is required to disclose each year statistical data on all fires in on-campus student housing facilities. When the fire department responds to a fire, these incidents are captured. However, there may be instances when a fire is extinguished quickly and a response by the fire department was not necessary. It is important that these incidents be recorded as well. Therefore, if you are aware of such a fire, see evidence of one or hear about one, you should contact RMC Security at (816) 276-4411 or the Provost at (816) 995-2847. When submitting a notification, please have ready as much information as possible about the location, date, time, and cause of the fire.

Statistics and related information regarding fires in residential facilities

Back to top