Procedures for Reporting a Campus Concern
If a student, employee or visitor of the College becomes aware of a campus crime, emergency, threat, or issue of concern at the Rutherford Campus, Rutherfordton Learning Center, or Polk Campus they are personally responsible for reporting information to the proper authorities in a timely manner.
Also, any concern regarding suspicious activity or person seen anywhere on campus, in the parking lots or loitering around vehicles, inside or around campus buildings should be reported to Campus Enforcement at 828-289-5850. In addition, a student, employee or visitor may report a concern and/or campus crime to the following areas:
| Dean of Students | Student Center | 828-395-1429 |
| Dean of Continuing Education | Foundation | 828-395-1404 |
| Director of Human Resources | Administration | 828-395-1294 |
| REaCH Principal | LLC | 828-395-4164 |
| Director of Polk Campus | Polk Campus | 828-395-1163 |
| President | Administration | 828-395-1300 |
| Executive VP | Administration | 828-395-1663 |
| VP of Administrative Services | Administration | 828-395-1293 |
| VP of Community and Workforce Education | Administrating | 828-395-1624 |
Polk Campus employees and students may call the Columbus Police Department at 828-894-5464 and the Director of Polk Campus at 828-395-1163. Rutherfordton Learning Center employees and students may contact the Rutherfordton Police Department at 828-287-5062 and the Dean of Continuing Education at 828-395-1404.
If there is an imminent, life-threatening emergency immediately call 911 (9-911 from a campus phone). General guidelines to follow are:
Guidelines for specific emergencies can be found in the Campus Safety Manual.
An incident report must be submitted to a college employee as soon as possible. Incident reports should be submitted to Campus Enforcement, Dean of Students, Dean of Continuing Education, Director of Polk Campus or Director of Human Resources. All reportable incidents will be included in the annual crime statistics.
Campus Enforcement
Campus Enforcement is staffed by two deputies of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department. The deputies are available to respond to situations involving classroom safety and security, drug and alcohol policy violations, harassment, and other potential criminal activity. Campus Enforcement may be contacted at (828)289-5850.
Safety Orientation
Students are informed each year of safety procedures, services offered by Campus Enforcement and steps to follow if they are aware of a campus crime, emergency or threat. Safety information is disseminated to students through the Student Handbook, special awareness events, new student orientation, etc.
Employees are informed each year of safety procedures, services offered by Campus Enforcement and steps to follow if they are aware of a campus crime, emergency or threat. Safety information is disseminated to employees at the time of hire, professional development days, departmental trainings, Student Handbook, special awareness events, etc.
Statistical Reporting of Criminal Offenses
The College compiles a Crime Awareness Statistical Report on the Rutherford Campus, Polk Campus, and Rutherfordton Learning Center as required by the Crime Awareness and Campus Safety Act of 1990. The report covers the three complete previous years. In addition, an Annual Security Report containing campus security disclosures and statics is be published annually.
The Campus Safety Coordinator (Campus Enforcement) maintains a crime log that records, by date reported, all campus crimes reported. The crime log is available to the public during business hours. To contact Campus Enforcement, call (828)289-5850.
Registered Sex Offenders
It is unlawful for anyone on the sex offender list to knowingly be at any place where minors gather for regularly scheduled educational, recreational or special programs. Registered sex offenders needing further guidance are encouraged to seek information from the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.
General information regarding registered sex offenders in the local region may be obtained by contacting the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office at 828-287-6247 or at the NC Department of Justice website (http://sexoffender.ncdoj.gov).
Policy Number: 902-01-00
Cross-reference:
Adopted: May 22, 1991
Amended: September 14, 1999; July 20, 2006; January 28, 2009; November 17, 2014