Campus Security Authorities

Campus security authorities (CSAs) are individuals and organizations at the university who, because of their function for the university, have an obligation under the Clery Act to notify the university of alleged clery act crimes that are reported to them in good faith, or alleged clery act crimes that they may personally witness.

• "In good faith” means there is a reasonable basis for believing that the information is not simply rumor or hearsay. That is, there is little or no reason to doubt the validity of the information.
• Under the Clery Act, a crime is “reported” when it is brought to the attention of a campus security authority or local law enforcement personnel by a victim, witness, other third party or even the offender. It doesn’t matter whether or not the individuals involved in the crime, or reporting the crime, are associated with the university.

Who is a CSA?

These individuals typically fall under one of the following categories:

1. Individuals having responsibility for campus security in some capacity but are not members of a campus police/security department. Example: an individual who is responsible for monitoring the entrance to university property, either electronically or physically.
2. People or offices that are not members of a campus police/security department, but where policy directs individuals to report criminal offenses to them or their office. Examples: Student Conduct, Title IX Coordinators, Residence Life Staff.
3. Officials having significant responsibility for student and campus activities, and student relationships, including but not limited to, student housing, student discipline and campus judicial proceedings. Examples: Faculty advisors to student organizations, Resident Assistants, Residence Life Staff, Activities Planning, Academic Advisors.

Who is not a CSA?

• When acting within the scope of the official responsibilities, pastoral counselors and professional counselors are not CSAs.
• Individuals who do not have significant responsibility for student and campus activities are not CSAs. Examples: faculty members not responsible for student and campus activities beyond the classroom, clerical or cafeteria staff.

CSA Reporting Responsibilities

If a campus security authority receives information of alleged Clery Act crime and believes it was provided in good faith, or personally witnesses an alleged Clery Act Crime, they should report the crime directly to the Clery Act Coordinator or via the CSA Incident Report Form on the Clery Act website.

The Campus Security Authority can refer to the Campus Security Authority Handbook to assist in determining if the alleged crime is a Clery Act crime, as well as the definitions of Clery Act Crimes and Clery Act Geography (Clery Reportable Location).

Please note that it is not the role of the CSA to investigate the allegation in an attempt to determine whether the crime occurred and/or confront or apprehend the alleged perpetrator of the crime. That is the role of law enforcement. Nor should the CSA make determinations of the reportability of a Clery Crime.

How to Access the Campus Security Authority (CSA) Training

Persons designated by the university as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) are required to complete Clery Act training. Clery Act training includes the history of the Clery Act, Clery Act requirements, and reporting responsibilities of the CSA.

Training for CSA’s is available through the UAS, D. Stafford and Associates webpage. New CSA’s will be required to take the General CSA Course. Returning CSA’s must complete the Recertification Course on an annual basis. New CSA’s will be required to take the General CSA Course. Returning CSA’s must complete the Recertification Course on an annual basis. Please contact the Office of Equity & Compliance to sign up for the training.

Training on process and procedure specific to UAS will be provided periodically throughout the year to ensure that training standards are met.