In an effort to provide members of the campus community with information about campus crime and crime-related problems, Sterling reports crimes using the definitions as described in the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reporting program.

Additionally, officials of the College with significant responsibility for students and campus activities are required by federal law to notify the Department of Public Safety of crimes that are defined under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.

Criminal Offenses—Criminal Homicide, including: a) Murder and Non-negligent Manslaughter, and b) Negligent Manslaughter; Sex Offenses including: a) Forcible, and b) Non-forcible; Robbery; Aggravated Assault; Burglary; Motor Vehicle Theft; and Arson.

Hate Crimes—Any of the above-mentioned offenses, and any incidents of Larceny-Theft, Simple Assault, Intimidation, or Destruction/Damage/Vandalism of Property that were motivated by bias; and

Arrests and Referrals for Disciplinary Action for Weapons—Carrying, Possessing, etc., Drug Abuse Violations and Liquor Law Violations.

The Dean of Community and Risk Management Committee review all crimes for manifest evidence that the victim was intentionally selected because of the victim’s actual or perceived race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender presentation, ethnicity, or disability. Any student, faculty member or employee who is the victim of a bias-motivated incident or hate crime is encouraged to file a report immediately. The College takes all reports seriously and will thoroughly investigate every incident and work with local law enforcement agencies whenever necessary.

By enrolling in Sterling College, or by accepting employment, individuals agree to abide by the full policy published in the Student Handbook.

Possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs (including alcohol for those younger than 21 years of age) is prohibited on the campus. This policy includes being under the influence of such substances while on campus or participating in college-sponsored activities

Abuse of legal substances (including alcohol and cigarettes for those 21 years and older and marijuana use) which results in destructive behaviors will be addressed. Supplying underage drinkers with alcohol is considered a serious offense.

Marijuana and marijuana use in any form is not permitted in campus buildings.

In the event of an immediate or ongoing threat to the safety of the students, employees or campus, the community will be notified by email. Students should take responsibility for regularly checking their email and attending all community meetings. In order to receive campus-wide email announcements, students must have a College email account, which is obtained prior to registration.

Sterling College will actively investigate any report of a missing student who is enrolled at the College. If a member of the Sterling community has reason to believe that a student is missing, all possible efforts are made to locate the student to determine their state of health and well-being. This effort is coordinated by the Dean of Students, in collaboration with the Residential Life team and the missing student’s family and friends.

If not located within 24 hours, appropriate family members, associates, or a College official will make an official missing person report with local law enforcement. Sterling College will cooperate with, aid, and assist the primary investigative agency in all ways prescribed by law.

Each student at Sterling deserves to have a positive learning experience. We consider two guidelines to be critical to our functioning as an educational community.

1. Behavior that threatens or compromises the physical or mental health, security, privacy, property or learning experience of self or other members of the community will not be tolerated.

2. Students must abide by all College Policies.

Students who do not abide by these guidelines will experience consequences that may include dismissal from the College.