Facilities for Reporting Crimes

Criminal activity may reported to the Office of Campus Safety through several avenues:

  1. Notify a Campus Safety Officer in person or call the Office of Campus Safety by:
    • dialing 740-427-5555 for the college emergency line (24/7)
    • dialing 740-427-5000 for the college non-emergency line (24/7)
    • by using one of the 30 emergency call boxes distributed throughout campus
    • by using the Rave Guardian app that is available for iOS and Android devices
  2. By notifying any member of Kenyon College, including:
    • The Office of Campus Safety
    • The Office of Civil Rights
    • Dean of Student Development and Dean of Campus Life
    • Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
    • Members of the Athletic Department Staff
    • Office of Residential Life
    • Office of Student Engagement
    • Office of Human Resources
  3. By notifying the Office of the Knox County Sheriff: Knox County Sheriff Department

Note

When reporting criminal activity, the complainant may do so anonymously; however, it is important to keep in mind that in order for proper adjudication of the alleged activity witnesses may be required. In the case of sexual assault, either forcible or non-forcible, if the complainant is the alleged victim and the complainant/victim wishes to remain anonymous, a waiver must be signed and dated by the complainant. It must be made clear that Ohio Revised Code 2921.22 requires notification of law enforcement officials: No person, knowing that a felony has been or is being committed shall knowingly fail to report such information to law enforcement officials.

Timely Warning

Timely warnings are distributed to members of the Kenyon College community whenever a crime or other substantial threat is believed to be present to the members of the community. This information will be disseminated in many ways, including but not limited to text messages, e-mails, and/or social media. The Office of Campus Safety maintains a close working relationship with the Office of the Knox County Sheriff and information sharing is conducted on a regular basis as is needed to maintain, to the extent possible, a safe environment for the Kenyon College community.

Daily Crime Log

A Daily Crime Log is maintained by the Office of Campus Safety and is available during regular business hours. The crime log contains reported crimes on or near the campus of Kenyon College and is available within two business days of the event. In cases where disclosure of certain elements of the incident would jeopardize an investigation, these elements will be withheld. The crime log will contain the following:

  • the nature of the complaint
  • date of the complaint
  • time of the complaint
  • general location of the complaint
  • disposition of the complaint

Access to Campus Facilities

While Kenyon College’s campus and facilities are private property, the college promotes a sense of community by allowing the grounds and certain buildings to be accessed by members of the general public while attending athletic competitions, presentations, concerts, and other events. The college reserves the right to restrict access to any person if it deems necessary.

Exterior doors to all campus residence halls and other living spaces are designed to remain locked 24-hours a day.  Assigned residents are the only persons permitted to enter the building.  It is urged that residents do not allow anyone into the building unless they are a personal guest of said resident. Residents are accountable for their guests.
Academic facilities are open subject to pre-set schedules during the academic year. For updates on these schedules, the Office of Campus Safety may be contacted at 740-427-5000.

Campus Safety Officers patrol all campus buildings, primarily during the after-dark hours. Officers keep daily logs, in which maintenance and safety issues are documented and forwarded electronically to the appropriate department for review.

Authority of Security and Safety Personnel

Kenyon College Campus Safety Officers do not have the right to physically detain anyone, except as provided by law. Campus Safety Officers are not commissioned as Peace or Law Enforcement Officers by the State of Ohio and consequently carry no arrest powers. In cases where law enforcement is needed, the Office of the Knox County Sheriff will be notified, along with the Director of Campus Safety or his/her designee. The primary role of the Campus Safety Officer during a criminal incident is to be a professional, trained, and active observer.

Reporting of Criminal Activity

Kenyon College utilizes the Campus Watch concept as one of the tools for providing a safe campus environment. The Campus Watch program is based on the Neighborhood Watch programs and encourages all members of the community to be alert to suspicious activity and to report suspicious activity to the Office of Campus Safety immediately. This office may be accessed by dialing 740-427-5000, or by simply pushing the red button located on one of the 30 emergency call boxes located around campus.

Campus Watch Program

When reporting a suspicious person involved in an activity, please be as observant as possible. Without being obvious, attempt to make the following mental or written notes:

  • gender
  • race
  • approximate height (use landmarks, pole lights, etc. to judge)
  • build
  • hair color (or hat)
  • clothing
  • if possible distinguishing marks, birthmarks, tattoos, etc.
  • if a vehicle is involved, a description with license number, if possible, and direction of travel.

The Knox County Sheriff's Office may also be accessed by dialing 911.

Personal Safety

Personal safety tips are made available to the Kenyon Community using the acronym PREVENT.

Prevention is the most effective means of fighting crime. Walk with friends or an escort, lock your doors and engrave your valuables.

Report in as much detail as possible any suspicious persons or incidents. Do not attempt to question or detain anyone yourself: contact the Office of Campus Safety immediately at 5555 on any college phone.

Escape is your primary objective if you become involved in a dangerous situation. Do not attempt a physical confrontation if escape is possible.

Value your safety and the safety of others. Do not let apparent convenience outweigh security or safety considerations. Make a habit of being safety conscious.

Exercise common sense and awareness in your day-to-day activities. There is no need to be fearful, but do use reasonable caution.

Notify authorities when you potential criminal or suspicious activity.

Telephone numbers for emergencies are as follows:
Campus Safety (emergency line)  740-427-5555
Local Emergency Services  911 

Local Law Enforcement

The Knox County Sheriff is notified by letter from the Office of Campus Safety as to the requests for information from his office regarding reports applicable to crimes committed on or near campus as outlined in the Campus Crime Reporting requirements.

State Liquor Laws

Kenyon College's alcohol policy reflects its intention to adhere to the state and local laws governing the use, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Kenyon is subject to these laws and administers all policies in accordance with their current interpretation. Thus, Kenyon's specific alcoholic beverage regulations are designed to encourage responsible drinking and behavior by clearly stating what is expected of those who choose to consume or serve alcohol. If alcohol is found in a shared living space where all residents are under the legal drinking age (21), all residents will be held accountable for this policy violation. Violations of these regulations will result in disciplinary action.

For the full text on State Liquor Laws please reference the Student Handbook.

Possession and/or Use of Illegal Drugs

Kenyon College will not serve as a haven for those wishing to participate in the possession and or use of illegal drugs. A complete statement regarding state and federal laws may be found in the Student Handbook.