Students' Right to Know

Campus Security Statistics
MATC Public Safety Department Serves Students, Employees, Visitors
Crime Prevention Programs
Reporting Suspicious or Criminal Activities
Access to Campus Facilities
An Effective Sexual Harassment Policy Underscores College's Commitment to High Standards
Protecting Yourself From Sexual Assault/Harassment
What to Do If You Are Sexually Harassed
Where to Turn for Help
Reporting Sexual Harassment
Reporting Sexual Assault
MATC Department of Public Safety
Drugs/Alcohol
Taking the Initiative
Victim/Witness' Rights
Victims'/Witnesses' Bill of Rights
Child Victims'/Witnesses' Rights and Services
Privacy of Records

 MATC Public Safety Department Serves Students, Employees, Visitors

The MATC Public Safety Department is responsible for campus safety and security. The department operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

Public safety officers receive their authority from MATC's District Board of Directors to maintain order on campus. Public Safety officers are responsible for:

• Conducting vehicle and foot patrols on campus.
• Enforcing college policies and procedures.
• Gathering information.
• Apprehending and detaining suspects.
• Ensuring that all state laws and municipal ordinances are adhered to on campus.
• Successfully completing 40 hours of in-service training annually. This training includes Emergency Medical Procedures, both First Aid and CPR. 

Public safety officers are not armed and do not make arrests.

The full-time department staff is made up of the director, manager, supervisor of the Emergency Response Center, sergeant, public safety officers, student assistants, contract security officers, and office support personnel. 

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Crime Prevention Programs 

The MATC Public Safety Department takes pride in maintaining a safe and secure campus environment for all faculty, staff, students and visitors. 

The approach to crime prevention is proactive. The department uses a variety of innovative techniques and programs, striving to improve the level of services provided. 

While recognizing crime can never be completely eliminated, MATC does believe incidents on our campuses can be reduced. To accomplish Public Safety, MATC: 

• Conducts informational presentations on crime prevention and awareness:
  • At New Student Orientation.
  • During annual presentations for MATC employees.
  • With programs available to all MATC organizations and departments.
• Publishes an informative newsletter:
  • For the past several years, the Campus Watch newsletter has offered useful information about how to protect against crime, both on campus and at home. Devoted specifically to the subject of safety, the newsletter has run stories about preventing vehicle theft, the proper use of lockers, and how to use the Public Safety Escort Van Service.
• Provides a Van Escort Service:
  • Van Escort Service is available evenings on the Milwaukee Campus during the semester while school is in session. Open to all faculty, staff, and students, the van provides fast, efficient, and safe travel from the parking lot in front of the Main Building on Sixth Street to a vehicle or a bus stop within designated boundaries. Escort Van Service is also available at the West Allis Campus Monday through Friday. (Although not a shuttle service, the escort van is available on an as-needed basis for all students and employees.)

Faculty, staff, students, and visitors can implement good safety habits to discourage criminal activity.

• Lockers:
  • Check that the locker is in proper working order.
  • Secure it with a good lock.
  • Always lock your locker.
  • Do not reveal the combination.
  • Do not keep valuable items in your locker (i.e., leather coats/jackets, cash, wallets, purses, etc.) .
• Motor Vehicles:
  • Do not leave valuables in plain sight.
  • Lock all valuables in the trunk.
  • Report all suspicious looking individuals or activity to the Public Safety Department or other MATC officials.
• Preventing Crime:
  • Your cooperation is important to crime prevention, multiplying the impact of the Public Safety Department's programs to keep criminal activity on campus at the lowest level possible. Everyone benefits when you:
    • Report all crime and/or suspicious activities to the Public Safety Department.
    • Protect your personal property as you would your money.
    • Mark valuable property (tape recorders, calculators, books, etc.) with an identification number, such as your driver's license number.
    • Use the Van Escort Service, or call Public Safety when you need a walking escort to your vehicle.
  • Please make every effort not to:
    • Leave valuables such as books, purses, backpacks, etc. unattended.
    • Leave personal property unattended in an unlocked locker.
    • Leave purses in desks or file cabinets unattended, unless the cabinet or desk is locked.
    • Leave valuables on a chair out of your sight, while at the libraries or in the Student Center; or other campus common areas.

In addition to these initiatives, all faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to become more cooperative and involved. The ultimate responsibility for safety rests with individuals who take charge of their own personal safety and the security of their belongings with simple, common sense approaches and precautions.

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Reporting Suspicious or Criminal Activities

Report all criminal activity on campus to the Milwaukee Area Technical College's Public Safety Department or the regional campus office.

1. On the Downtown Milwaukee Campus, report a crime or any other emergency 24 hours a day to:
   1. Public Safety Department
      Main Building, Room M274
      414-297-6588/6200
2. On the Mequon, Oak Creek, and West Allis Campuses:
   1. Dial "0" to contact the Public Safety/Operations Office

When suspicious or criminal activities are reported:

1. Investigation of the complaint begins with notification of all appropriate departments and the local police, as necessary.
2. A public safety officer is dispatched to the scene immediately to investigate all complaints and, when necessary, writes a report that is filed within the Public Safety Department.
3. A supervisor reviews all written reports and further action is taken when needed (i.e., notifying the Office of Student Life or local police).
4. Data from the reports is compiled on a monthly, semiannual, and annual basis.
   1. Information from these reports is published in the Campus Watch newsletter and in an "Annual Offense Report."
   2. Information from these reports is also used to identify problem areas and initiate corrective action to prevent future incidents.

MATC's professional Public Safety officers use all available means to investigate complaints so that criminals may be identified and prosecuted, and stolen property recovered. We encourage restitution when possible. Public Safety maintains contact with the local police who take your complaint and assist in their investigation. If necessary, we also assist you through the judicial process.

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Access to Campus Facilities

All academic, recreational and administrative facilities are open to MATC students, faculty and staff.

• The general public may attend certain campus cultural and recreational events, but their access is limited to the facilities in which these events are held.
• Facilities at the downtown Milwaukee and outlying campuses are locked down at the end of each business day and conclusion of all class sessions.
• Access to campus facilities is limited to normal business hours, unless prior approval is obtained from the chief of Public Safety.

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An Effective Sexual Harassment Policy Underscores College's Commitment to High Standards

MATC is committed to fostering an academic setting free from all forms of harassment. This commitment assures you that the college will investigate and take disciplinary action in situations that may occur on campus.

Code C0201 of the Milwaukee Area Technical College Policy and Code of Ethics for faculty and students addresses the issue of sexual harassment. It states:

"Sexual harassment of or by employees in their relationships with students, visitors, or other employees is entirely inconsistent with MATC's philosophy of concern for the well-being of others and is strictly prohibited. When an incident of sexual harassment is reported, MATC will:

• Investigate every complaint of sexual harassment reported.
• Provide remedies when sexual harassment complaints are validated.
• Impose appropriate sanctions on offenders in a case-by-case manner.

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Protecting Yourself from Sexual Assault/Harassment

As with other crimes, you can take steps to protect yourself and greatly reduce your odds of becoming a victim.

• Be alert to your surroundings. Indoors and outdoors, notice people, the lighting, access to phones, and exits.
• Make a scene if you feel threatened, frightened, or uncomfortable. Speak up or make a fuss.
• Be aware of the impact of alcohol and other drugs on your judgment, and that of your date or friends. These substances frequently play a role in sexual assaults and other violent crimes.
• Discuss sexual expectations with your partner. Remember, sex without mutual agreement is rape.
• Respect your friend's word. If he or she says, "No," remember that means no.
• Be clear in your communication with a person who shows an interest in you. Be aware of both verbal and body language that can be misinterpreted. Even friendliness can be interpreted as an invitation to unwanted sexual contact.
• Trust your instincts. There is no obvious way to tell "good people" from "bad people." Leave immediately when you feel uncomfortable in a situation or place. If approaching someone alone at night, cross the street as an extra precaution and to reduce your fears.
• Do not walk alone at night or in secluded areas. Join friends, or use public transportation. On the Milwaukee Campus, use the Campus Security Escort Van, especially during the evening hours.
• Learn the location of emergency phones on campus. They are your direct link to MATC's Public Safety Department and enable officers to respond in an emergency.
• Have your key in hand when preparing to enter your car. Not only does this allow you to get in quickly, but it also can serve as a weapon if you are attacked.
• Think ahead. Always have an alternative travel plan, money for a cab or bus, and phone numbers of friends or relatives you can call if strand.
• Learn self-defense techniques.

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What to Do If You Are Sexually Harassed

You can take action if you feel you have been or are being sexually harassed. MATC's Office of Affirmative Action recommends that you:

• Confront the harasser. Tell the harasser that you don't like his or her behavior, and you want it to stop. This can be done in person, by telephone, or by letter. Remember, sexual harassment is illegal, and you can be protected from reprisals.
• Keep a record of events. Write down what the harasser said or did, when and where the incident took place, and your response. Get the names of any witnesses.
• Talk about the harassment with co-workers or other students. Talking with people you can trust can relieve unnecessary guilt and provide you with support. You might discover that they can serve as witnesses, may know of other victims, or may have been victims themselves.
• Look for help. Your departmental dean, supervisor, director of Student Life, or other college officials can help you. There are time limits on filing sexual harassment complaints, so it is in your best interests to seek advice as soon as possible after you feel you have been harassed.
• Read the pamphlet "Sexual Harassment Prohibited at MATC," available through the Office of Affirmative Action and the director of Student Life.

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Where to Turn for Help

MATC's Office of Affirmative Action has developed formal and informal procedures for investigating and resolving sexual harassment complaints. Male and female staff is there to answer questions, take harassment reports, and advise you on complaint procedures. You can request information and advice anonymously.

• The Office of Affirmative Action 414-297-6528.

Help is also available through the Family and Women's Resource Center and the Student Life office at your campus. Legal advice can be provided by the Milwaukee County District Attorney's office.

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Reporting Sexual Harassment

Report any:

• Unwelcome sexual advances
• Unwelcome physical contact of a sexual nature
• Unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature
  •  Includes but not limited to:
    • Deliberate unsolicited gestures or comments.
    • The display of sexually graphic material which is not necessary for educational purposes.

 Report your sexual harassment complaints to MATC's Affirmative Action office, 414-297-6528.

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Reporting Sexual Assault

If you are sexually assaulted on campus, immediately contact:

1. On the Downtown Milwaukee Campus (24 hours a day to):

   1. Public Safety Department
      Main Building, Room M274
      414-297-6588/6200

2. On the Mequon, Oak Creek, and West Allis Campuses:

   1. Dial "0" to contact the Public Safety/Operations Office

Sexual assault is traumatic; if you need support in reporting or coping with the incident, the MATC Family and Women's Resource Center staff and Health Center nurses will provide sensitive assistance and support.

• Health Center
  Milwaukee Campus
  Room M240
  414-297-6231
  Room M274 (after 4 PM)
  414-297-6588

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MATC Department of Public Safety

Downtown Milwaukee Campus Public Safety Emergency Response Center Main Building Room M274 414-297-6588/6200	West Allis Campus Operations Manager Room 101/102C 414-456-5204
Mequon Campus Operations Manager Room A138A/A208 262-238-2054/2200	Oak Creek Campus Operations Manager Room A140/A106 414-571-4000/4500

All Campuses' Emergency Phones

A list of where emergency phones are located and how to use them is included in a brochure available from MATC's Public Safety Department and at various campus locations.

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Drugs/Alcohol

Nothing sets your future on a destructive course as quickly and easily as the abuse of alcohol and drugs.

• Penalties for drug possession and delivery vary according to the amount confiscated, the type of drug found, the number of your previous offenses, and whether you were manufacturing, selling, or using the drug. Sentences can be doubled when other offenses are committed, such as when the controlled substance is delivered to a minor.

Conviction: First-time possession of a controlled substance
Penalty:     1-year prison term; $5,000 fine
                 Under Wis. Stats. 161.4(2r)(b)

Conviction: Possession and delivery of controlled substances
Penalty:     15 years in prison; $500,000 fine
                 Under Wisconsin Uniform Controlled Substance Act, Wis. Stats. 161

Recent changes in Federal Sentencing Guidelines for drug possession and trafficking give federal judges less latitude when sentencing drug offenders. This means fewer plea bargains and more standardized sentences.

Offense: Unlawful possession of a controlled substance, including the distribution of less than 250 grams of 
             marijuana.
Penalty: Prison term of up to six years.

Offense: Possession of a controlled substance that results in death or bodily injury.
Penalty: Life in prison.

Offense: Possession of more than five grams of cocaine can bring intent to distribute penalty.
Penalty: 10 to 16 years in prison Under U.S.S.G.s2D2.1 (b)(1).

Wisconsin is not only strict with drug penalties, but enforces substantial restrictions against alcohol abuse as well. A recent Milwaukee case is typical of the hard-line position Wisconsin courts are taking toward alcohol-related offenses.

• Three university students over the age of 21 hosted a party, serving beer to 211 underage classmates. The hosts were cited $55 to $79 for each underage drinker served at the party, amounting to a fine of over $20,000.

Offense: Drunk driving
Penalty: License confiscated immediately

Offense: Alcohol-related auto accident
Penalty:  Jail term and heavy fine

• It is against the law to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 21.
• Adults are duty-bound to prevent the illegal consumption of alcohol on their property under Wis. Stats. 125.07(1)(1). Violations can result in a $500 fine.
• Wisconsin law prohibits anyone under age from buying alcoholic beverages, using false identification, or entering licensed premises.
  •  Offenders can be charged a $500 fine, ordered to participate in a supervised work program, and have their driver's license revoked.
  • Retailers face even harsher penalties. They can be jailed for up to 90 days and have their retail licenses revoked under Wis. Stats. 125.07(4)(3).

MATC recognizes the adverse impact drug and alcohol abuse has not only on the user but on those around them, especially in the educational and work environment. By providing education, assessment, prevention activities, and a wide range of resources that promote a healthy lifestyle, MATC hopes to create an environment that facilitates personal, economic, and community growth.

MATC:

• Prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance including but  not limited to: alcohol, and prescription and illicit drugs, on any college campus, at any evening center, or other college  premise; or while participating in officially sponsored college events off the premises.
• Punishes violations of this policy with appropriate progressive disciplinary action up to and including: expulsion of students in accordance with applicable civil, state, and federal law, and in accordance with the MATC Student Code of Conduct.
• Intends to comply fully with Federal Law 101-226 as amended in 1989. The law sets standards of conduct concerning drugs and alcohol, legal sanctions, health risks, counseling and treatment programs, disciplinary sanctions, and a regular review of programs.
• Employs an Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Abuse (ATODA) Prevention Professional to provide confidential assessment, education, and referral, with individual and group support for students recovering from alcohol and drug addiction or those affected by another's chemical abuse. The (ATODA) Specialist is located in Room S215 of the Milwaukee Campus but provides services to all MATC students. Call 297-7839 for more information.

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Taking the Initiative

As in the area of personal and public safety, MATC takes a proactive approach to drug and alcohol awareness and support services. These programs are administered by the Vice President of Student Services and the Associate Vice President of Human Resources in keeping with our mission to maintain a climate that promotes student and employee welfare. At a minimum:

• MATC distributes annually, in writing, the following to each student and employee:
  • Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit at a minimum the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on MATC property or at any MATC sponsored activity.
  • A list and descriptions of the applicable legal sanctions under local, state, and federal law for unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol.
  • A list and descriptions of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol.
  • A list and descriptions of any drug and alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation programs that are available.
  • A clear statement that MATC will impose disciplinary sanctions consistent with local, state, and federal law and a description of these disciplinary sanctions up to and including expulsion, termination of employment, and referral for prosecution for violations.
• All students receiving federal financial assistance must certify, as a condition of the grant, that they are drug free. The Vice President of Student Services and the Associate Vice President of Human Resources will conduct a biannual review of the programs and activities resulting from this policy to:
  • Determine its effectiveness and implement change, if needed.
  • Ensure the disciplinary sanctions are being consistently enforced.
• MATC offers a Student Assistance Center:
  • A free, confidential support service for those experiencing school stress, relationship problems, housing/food needs, feelings of depression, or other problems.
  • The program is located:
    • Milwaukee Campus
      Room S209
      414-297-6675
    • Mequon Campus
      Admissions Department counselor
      Room 108
      262-238-2261
    • Oak Creek Campus
      Room A106
      414-571-4744
      414-571-4736
    • West Allis Campus
      Room 104
      414-456-5351
      414-456-5353

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Victim/Witness' Rights

Wisconsin Statute 950 ensures that all crime victims and witnesses are treated with dignity, respect, courtesy, and sensitivity. It also ensures that their rights under this provision are protected and honored by law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and judges as vigorously as the protection afforded criminal defendants.

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Victims'/Witnesses' Bill of Rights

The law includes a "Basic Bill of Rights for Victims and Witnesses" and the additional rights and services for child victims and witnesses. Provisions of the law are:

• To be informed by local law enforcement agencies and the district attorney of the final disposition of the case. The victim must be notified whenever the defendant or perpetrator is released from custody if the crime charged is a felony or sexual assault or exploitation. The victim must also be notified of a pardon application by the governor.
• To be notified if any court proceeding to which they have been subpoenaed will not go on as scheduled, in order to save the person an unnecessary trip to court.
• To have the court provided with information regarding the economic, physical, and psychological effects of the crime upon the victim and have that information considered by the court.
• To receive protection from harm and threats of harm arising out of their cooperation with law enforcement and prosecution officers.
• To be informed of financial assistance and other social services available to witnesses or victims of a crime, including information on how to apply for the assistance and services.
• To be informed of the procedure necessary to apply for and receive any witness lee to which they are entitled.
• To be provided a secure waiting area during court proceedings that does not require them to be in the same area as defendants and the families and friends of defendants.
• To have any stolen or other personal property returned by law enforcement agencies when it is no longer needed as evidence. If feasible all such property must be returned within ten days of its being taken, with the exception of weapons, currency, contraband, and property under analysis for evidence or property whose ownership is disputed.
• To be provided with services to ensure that employers of victims and witnesses will cooperate with the criminal justice process in order to minimize an employee's loss of pay and other benefits resulting from court appearances.
• To be entitled to a speedy disposition of the case in which they are involved as a victim or witness in order to minimize the length of time they must endure the stress of their responsibilities in connection with the matter.
• To provide the family members of homicide victims with their rights under subs. (1) to (4) and (6) to (9), whether or not they are witnesses in any criminal proceedings.

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Child Victims'/Witnesses' Rights and Services

The law recognizes that child victims and witnesses need additional consideration and different treatment than is given to adults. Children are afforded the same considerations as adult victims and witnesses under the basic bill of rights. However, they are also entitled to:

1. Explanations of all legal proceedings in which the child will, be involved, given in language the child can understand.
2. Advice to the judge regarding the child's ability to understand the proceedings and questions.
3. Advice to the district attorney concerning the ability of the child witness to cooperate with the prosecution and the potential effects of the proceedings on the child.
4. Information about and referrals to appropriate social services programs to assist the child and the child's family in coping with the emotional impact of the crime and the subsequent proceedings in which the child is involved.

To comply with the 1990 Campus Security Act, criminal incidents on campus statistics are also provided here, to raise your awareness and encourage your participation in keeping our campuses safe.

By law, the "Annual Offense Report" must contain campus crime statistics for: murder, and non-negligent manslaughter, negligent manslaughter, forcible sex offenses, nonforcible sex offenses, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, and arson.

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Privacy of Records

 MATC is in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the purpose of which is to let the student know what educational records are kept by the school:

• Give the student the right to inspect such records and to ask for correction if necessary
• Control the release of such information to those who are not involved in the educational process.

Under the privacy act certain directory information is made available to anyone who requests it unless the student specifically asks that this not be done. The only information that MATC considers in this category is:

• Name
• Major field of study
• Dates of enrollment
• Diplomas, degrees, or certificates awarded
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports

The Student Services office at the various campuses will, on request, provide the student with a statement showing:

• What records are maintained
• Where to find them
• How to ask for a chance to inspect the records
• How to ask for correction
• Who has access to the records
• How the student may release the information to others.

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