Campus Safety

The Office of Campus Safety is a department of the Division of Student Affairs and is located in the lower-level of the Ebersole Center. Campus safety officers report to Julie Houser, Director of Campus Safety.

Security services

Campus Safety provides security services to the campus 24-hours per day, seven days per week.  All Campus Safety officers are trained in CPR, emergency procedures, and personal assistance. Campus Safety officers are constantly on the move on campus, in residence halls, academic buildings, and parking lots. They monitor activities, look for suspicious behavior, talk with campus community members, and respond to calls. 

Though Campus Safety Officers do not have arrest powers, the campus safety staff has a close working relationship with the Mount Vernon Police Department. If there is a matter that requires a law enforcement response, MVPD responds quickly and effectively. Their police station is just two blocks from campus. 

In the event of an emergency, 911 calls go directly to a Linn County dispatch operator who can activate responses from local police, fire and ambulance, and, as needed, area or county emergency responders including sheriff’s deputies, tactical teams, bomb squads, and triage units.  

Additional safety information and resources

Please refer to our Crime and Safety page for more information on the following:

• Individual responsibility for safety
• Staff / community roles in creating a safe campus
• Emergency phone locations
• Ram Alert Messaging (R.A.M.) system
• Counseling and student health services
• Timely Safety Warnings