Campus Safety Policies

Emergency Action Plan

The Campus Emergency Action Plan may be accessed by clicking here.

Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications

In the event that a situation arises, either on or off campus, that, in the judgment of the President of the College, constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat, a campus wide “timely warning” will be issued. The warning will be issued through the college e-mail system to students, faculty and staff.   In the event any threat is deemed to be of an emergency nature, notification will be made immediately to all students, faculty and staff using any and all means of communication that are reasonably available.

Reporting the Annual Disclosure of Crime Statistics

The NLC Office of the General Counsel, in conjunction with NLC campus security personnel and their supervisors, prepare this report to comply with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act.  This report is prepared in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies.  Campus crimes include those reported to NLC security and other designated officials.

Each year, an e-mail notification is to be made to all enrolled students, faculty and staff providing information about accessing this report on our website.  Copies of the report may also be obtained from the Office of General Counsel, 10000 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20903 1-888-427-8100.

Reporting Criminal Activity

In the event of an emergency need to report criminal activity, individuals should dial 911 directly and make an immediate report to the local law enforcement agency.  In the event of a non-emergency need to report criminal activity, individuals should notify NLC campus security by contacting the front desk. 

Confidentiality

All individuals who are victims or witnesses to any crime are strongly encouraged to promptly report the incident to the local police. Because police reports are public records under state law, the reporting of a crime can not be kept confidential.  Any criminal activity reported to NLC campus security or other NLC officials shall, as a matter of policy, be reported promptly to the appropriate local law enforcement agency.

Access

Unless the campus is closed due to holidays, normally all buildings on campus including residence halls are unlocked and open to visitors until 7 p.m.  After 7 p.m. all campus buildings except for the Lane Kirkland Center may normally only be accessed by students and employees with coded access keys or other individuals escorted by NLC campus security. 

Security Staff 

The NLC security staff helps to maintain watch over the campus every day of the year for 24 hours a day.  The security staff is not a police force and members of the security staff are not armed.  While they will report criminal activity to the appropriate law enforcement agencies, they are not empowered to make arrests or enforce the law.

Fire Safety in Residential Facilities

Smoke Detectors
Every sleeping room in all of the residence buildings is equipped with a smoke detector.  Smoke detectors are checked periodically to make sure that they are working properly.

Sprinklers
A fully operational sprinkler system is in place in Residence Building #6.  Residence Building #4 and Residence Building #5 do not have sprinkler systems.

No Candles or Electrical Appliances
No individual is permitted to introduce candles or portable electrical appliances into the residence buildings.

No Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in any building on campus.

Evacuation
Every sleeping room in all of the residence buildings has an evacuation map on the inside of the door.  Detailed information may also be found in the Emergency Action Plan.

Drills and Training
Drills and training for NLC staff are scheduled periodically.

Fire Statistics
The Office of the General Counsel is responsible for compiling statistics on fires in campus residence facilities in accordance with federal law.  The full text of the most recent report can be accessed here.

Drug and Alcohol Usage

The possession, sale or the furnishing of alcohol on the NLC campus is governed by Maryland state law. Regulations regarding the possession, sale, consumption or furnishing of alcohol are promulgated by the duly authorized liquor control authority of Montgomery County, Maryland.  NLC is a licensee in Montgomery County and is in full compliance with those regulations.  It is unlawful to sell, furnish or provide alcohol to a person under the age of 21. The possession of alcohol by anyone under 21 years of age in a public place or a place open to the public is illegal.

Possession, sale, manufacture or distribution of any controlled substance is illegal under both state and federal laws. Violations will be reported to appropriate law enforcement authorities. Violators are subject to NLC disciplinary action as well as criminal prosecution, fine and imprisonment.

Sexual Assault

Any assault, including actions that may be constitute a sexual assault, that occurs on campus property will be treated as criminal activity and reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency.  Sexual assault by an NLC employee would be grounds for discharge, in addition to whatever legal penalties are applicable.  Sexual assault by an NLC student would be grounds for expulsion, in addition to whatever legal penalties are applicable.  Sexual assault by any one else on campus property would be the basis for immediate eviction from the campus and a ban on returning, in addition to whatever legal penalties are applicable.

If you are a victim of a sexual assault at NLC, your first priority should be to get to a place of safety. You should then obtain necessary medical treatment. NLC strongly advocates that a victim of sexual assault report the incident in a timely manner. Time is a critical factor for evidence collection and preservation. An assault should be reported directly to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.  Filing a police report will:

• ensure that a victim of sexual assault receives the necessary medical treatment and tests; and
• provide the opportunity for collection of evidence helpful in prosecution, which cannot be obtained later.  (Ideally a victim of sexual assault should not wash, douche, use the toilet, or change clothing prior to a medical/legal exam).

When a sexual assault victim contacts campus security local law enforcement authorities will be notified as well. The victim of a sexual assault may choose for the investigation to be pursued through the criminal justice system and the NLC.  The college will assist any victims in obtaining in obtaining appropriate counseling services.

In NLC disciplinary proceedings involving a sexual assault the accused and the victim will each be allowed to choose one person who has had no formal legal training to accompany them throughout the proceeding. Both the victim and accused will be informed of the outcome of the proceeding. A student found guilty of violating the NLC sexual misconduct policy could be criminally prosecuted in the state courts and may be suspended or expelled for the first offense. Student victims have the option to change their academic and/or on-campus living situations after an alleged sexual assault, if such changes are reasonably available.

NLC educates the campus community about sexual assaults and date rape by making available information about prevention and risk reduction to interested persons.  Information about these matters is available upon request from the Office of General Counsel.
Law enforcement agency information provided by the state of Maryland concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained at: http://www.socem.info/.

Crime Statistics

The Office of the General Counsel is responsible for compiling, reporting and publishing the annual crime statistics in the fifteen categories of crime required by federal law.  The Office of the General Counsel will work with campus security personnel, and whenever reasonably possible, the local law enforcement authorities in compiling, reporting and publishing accurate information regarding crime on campus and in the nearby area.  The  full text of the most recent report can be accessed here.