Pedestrian Right of Way  As a walking campus, pedestrians will have the right of way at all times while on sidewalks and within marked crosswalks. Pedestrians must remain on sidewalks and use marked crosswalks.

Observation of Stop Signs  Grace College is designed as a walking campus, thus stop signs and crosswalks are crucial. Failure to stop at a stop sign is a $50 fine. All stop signs require a full and complete stop. 

Speed Limit  The speed limit for vehicles on campus is as posted unless prevailing conditions require slower driving. The speed limit on the campus is 15 m.p.h

Vehicle Tow Away  Vehicles in violation of parking regulations by blocking traffic or being apparently abandoned may be towed, with 24 hours' notice, at the owner’s expense. Contact Campus Safety for the towing company information. 

Handicapped Parking  Government regulations require that designated parking areas be reserved for handicapped persons. These areas must be reserved at all times for vehicles displaying a blue handicap parking sign or handicap license plate. Violations will result in a $100 citation and the vehicle may be towed at the owner’s expense. A student needing a temporary handicap parking permit must contact the Campus Nurse. Any approved permits will be issued by the Campus Nurse, who will then notify Campus Safety of the approval. 

Fire Hydrant / Fire Lanes  Vehicles blocking fire hydrants, standpipes, or fire lanes will receive a citation and may be towed at the owner’s expense. A red curb denotes a fire lane, where parking is prohibited. The entire curve of Alpha Drive denotes a fire lane. Please be aware of where fire hydrants are located and do not park near them at any time. 

Yellow Curbs  Parking is not allowed next to any curb or on any lines painted yellow. These areas are no parking zones and vehicles in these areas may receive a citation. If they are in the way of the flow of traffic, the vehicle may be towed. 

For Sale Signs  Vehicles may not be parked on Grace College property to advertise them as being for sale. 

Vehicle Storage in Residence Halls and Buildings  Indiana State Fire law prohibits any motor-driven vehicle from being housed, parked, or stored inside any residence hall. Therefore, students who violate this law will be fined $50. If the wrongful storage of a vehicle caused any damages, the student involved may incur additional charges. 

Vehicle Repairs  Minor repairs on motor vehicles are to be limited to residence hall parking areas. If a student leaves the area littered with debris, a $25 fine may be levied. Vehicles may not be left in disrepair for more than 72 hours in any parking lot. 

Vehicle Lock Out / Jump Start  If you are locked out of your vehicle or you need a jump start, contact Campus Safety at (574)269-5344, Physical Plant at 574-372-5100 ext. 6787, or the Winona Lake Police Department at (574)267-8622. 

Safe Ride  The purpose of the Campus Safety Safe Ride is to provide students with a safe ride to their place of residence between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. Call the Campus Safety Officer at (574)269-5344 and give the information in reference to the Safe Ride pick-up location. This service is not to be used as a taxi service and will only be available during the stated evening hours. 

Accident Reporting  Any accidents involving a vehicle on campus must be reported to the Campus Safety Office immediately, no matter the damage caused. Even a non-damaged accident must be reported.

Loss of Vehicle Eligibility  When a student is placed on disciplinary probation, his/her vehicle privilege may be forfeited.

Annual Security Report and Crime Statistics  In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Act, Grace College Campus Safety, in cooperation with several campus departments, compiles the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The full report can be accessed electronically on the Grace College website under “Student Right to Know” and is emailed to all students and employees each year before October 1. 

This report includes information on crime statistics, timely warning and emergency notification procedures, missing student notification procedures, fire prevention, campus fire log, Grace College safety policies, and information about personal and community safety. 

Policy statements cover alcohol and drug use, crime reporting and prevention, sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, stalking, and other safety-related measures. 

Anyone wishing for a copy of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report may contact Campus Safety at (574)269-5344 or campussafety@grace.edu.

Reporting a Crime  To report a crime, contact Campus Safety by calling (574)269-5344. A crime may also be reported in person to a Campus Safety staff member or any Resident Director (RD), Resident Assistant (RA), or Campus Safety Authority (CSA). Any member of the Grace College community has the right to notify local law enforcement of a crime. Local law enforcement may be reached by dialing 911. Student Affairs and Campus Safety staff will gladly assist with contacting the local law enforcement when requested. 

All students are urged to save the Campus Safety phone number in their mobile phone contacts. It is important that crimes are reported in a timely, accurate manner. 

Off-Campus Crime  All students are required to abide by the laws of the local, state, national, and international governments and are subject to disciplinary action by the college for violation of the laws thereof. 

The college will cooperate with all law enforcement agencies as requested. Committing a city, state, or federal crime is grounds for immediate suspension and/or dismissal. 

Timely Warnings & Emergency Notifications  In the event a situation arises, either on or off campus, that, in the judgment of the Director of Campus Safety or other campus administrator, constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat, a campus-wide “timely warning” will be issued. This warning will be appropriate to the circumstances and may be issued to students, faculty, and staff through the college Email system, “Grace Alert” system (SMS text messaging and campus email), social media, personal (room by room) communication, or a combination of these. 

In the event a situation arises on Campus, upon confirmation by responsible authorities pre-identified by the institution, involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students, an “emergency notification” will be issued. Notifications are issued without delay upon confirmation and are usually more localized than timely warnings; therefore, may target just the segment of campus at risk. Emergency notifications could overlap and include a Clery crime such as a shooting, but also cover crimes not reportable under Clery as well as non-criminal incidents, such as an outbreak of a communicable illness, an impending weather emergency, or a gas leak

Depending on the particular circumstances of the crime or emergency, especially in all situations that could pose an immediate threat to the community and individuals, Campus Safety and Student Affairs may also post a notice on the College website (www.grace.edu), social media, personal communication (e.g., room by room), or a combination of these methods. Anyone with information warranting a timely warning should report the circumstances to Campus Safety by phone (574)269-5344 or in person at the Campus Safety Office in McClain Hall. 

Missing Student Notification  Any individual on campus who has information that a residential student may be a missing person must notify the campus safety office immediately at (574)269-5344. Campus Safety will generate a missing person report and begin an investigation.

After investigating a missing person report, if Campus Safety determines the student has been missing for 24 hours, Campus Safety or Student Affairs will contact the student’s general emergency contact and/or the student’s parents or legal guardians. At this point, the Winona Lake Police Department (WLPD) will also be notified about the missing person. 

In the event the residential student reported missing is under the age of 18 and is not an emancipated individual, the student’s parent or legal guardian will be notified by campus officials no later than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing in addition to notifying any additional contact person designated by the student.

Search and Seizure College officials may enter and/or search a student's room, vehicle, or other area, including personal property, in either a residence hall or other College-owned location or operated facility under any one of the following conditions:  If there is a possibility of imminent hazard to persons or property; If there is a violation or potential violation of public law or college policy; If contraband items are present but concealed from view; If there is reason to believe that the room is being used for illegal purposes; If there is reason to believe that the room is being used for a purpose that violates College policy; If there is reason to believe that the room is being used for a purpose that violates health or safety regulations; With consent of a resident of that room or unit; When specifically authorized by the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, or by their designee. Generally, student staff members may enter student rooms after receiving consent from a College official. 

Law enforcement officers possessing proper legal documents have the legal right to search rooms, and whenever possible, a representative of the College will accompany the law enforcement officer conducting the search.

Weapons  No weapons of any type are allowed on campus. This includes vehicles, rooms or storage areas, and all other areas of Grace College property, both owned and rented. Any student in possession of a weapon must register and store the weapon at the Campus Safety office until other arrangements can be made. Violations of this policy will result in confiscation of the weapon(s), and the matter will be reported to the Student Affairs Office, which may also report to a local law enforcement agency. 

Weapons include, but are not limited to the following: 

  • Firearms - any device capable of, designed to, or that may readily be converted to expel a projectile. 
  • Knives - with a blade exceeding the legal length: 3 7/8 inches 
  • Martial Arts - all forms of martial arts weapons including those used for training purposes 
  • Paintball guns, Pellet guns, Airsoft guns, Potato guns, etc. 

Fireworks / Explosives Possession or use of firecrackers or any type of explosive is prohibited. Students are not permitted to have fireworks of any type in their possession. Infractions of this policy will result in the impounding of the fireworks and possible disciplinary action. 

Hoverboards  Due to widespread incidents of fires and explosions linked to hoverboards, please be advised that their use, possession, or storage is strictly prohibited on campus premises. This safety measure applies to students, employees, guests, tenants, and conference attendees.

Open Flame  Open flames of any type, including those in glass bulbs, open flame lamps, heaters, incense, and Bunsen burners are restricted in Grace College buildings. Unlit candles are permitted for decorative use. If there is evidence the candles have been burned, they will be considered in violation of this policy and may result in confiscation of the material(s) and a fine. 

Hazing  No coarse jesting, ridiculing, or humiliating pranks under any condition are permitted. Any student participating in either a just-for-fun prank or in a deliberate hazing activity will be held responsible for his/her behavior. Regardless of motive or intent, any student participating in a prank-type activity that potentially endangers or adversely affects the physical and emotional well-being of another student can expect immediate and serious disciplinary action including the probability of suspension or dismissal. Any welcoming or introductory procedures related to classes or organizations must be approved by the advisor and the VP/Dean of Students at least three weeks in advance of the desired activity. All of these kinds of activities should be governed by biblical principles (i.e. I Cor. 10:31, Eph. 4:29, and I Thess. 5:11). The clear concepts are to do all things to honor God and, because Christ lives in you, to seek to encourage and build up one another. 

According to Indiana Code 35-42-2-2.5, hazing is defined as criminal recklessness. Depending on circumstances it could result in a Level 6 Felony. 

Surveillance Cameras  Grace uses security cameras in public places to help protect students, employees, visitors, and campus property; monitor public areas for the safety and welfare of those on our campus; monitor building entrances and parking lots; and investigate conduct, traffic violations, or criminal activity. Cameras are installed with a reasonable expectation of privacy and measures are taken to protect individuals' rights. Cameras are not placed in private, residential spaces; bathrooms; locker rooms/shower areas; offices; classrooms not used as labs; or areas through windows. The complete policy is available upon request from the Department of Campus Safety. 

Personal Responsibility for Safety  The cooperation of the entire campus community is critical to the safety and protection both of individuals and property. It is essential that everyone follows established regulations and takes simple precautions to avoid problem situations. 

  • Grace College is not liable for any property belonging to students that may be lost, stolen, or damaged in any way wherever this may occur on the college’s premises, including storage, cars, lobbies, and laundry facilities. Students are encouraged to carry/obtain renters insurance or private property insurance for protection.
  • Do not prop any door open. 
  • Lock your room door when you leave, regardless of how long you plan to be gone. 
  • DO NOT leave valuables or cash unprotected. Keep small valuable items out of sight, such as money, wallets, purses, and jewelry. It is recommended that you engrave all valuable items with your driver’s license number and keep a record of all valuables with descriptions and serial numbers. Put valuables in the trunk of a car rather than in full view. 
  • Do not give unidentified persons access to a residence hall or room (i.e. door-to-door salesmen). Campus regulations prohibit soliciting. 
  • Never lend your keys or your student ID card to anyone. Lending out, misuse, or unauthorized use of your key/card is a violation of our Key Control Policy and may result in the confiscation of your key/card. 
  • Report immediately to the Physical Plant all doors, locks, or windows in need of repair. 
  • Report all suspected cases of theft immediately to Campus Safety at (574)269-5344.
  • If your roommate loses his/her key to the room, do not leave your door unlocked because your roommate lost his/her key. 
  • Park cars, motorcycles, and bicycles in the designated areas and keep them locked at all times. 
  • At night, walk: (a) ONLY in lighted areas; (b) quickly and confidently; (c) always with a friend.
  • Immediately report any persons looking or acting suspiciously to Campus Safety. 

Miller Athletic Complex  Miller Athletic Complex is closed from dawn to dusk, except when there is a night game scheduled. 

Handbook

Campus Safety Information: 67-78

(.pdf, 974K)