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Safety & Security Policies

Drug and Alcohol Policy

The College complies with federal, state, and local laws including those which regulate the possession, use and sale of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances. Marist takes a firm stance on the illegal possession, use, or sale of alcohol or drugs. Students who violate federal, state or local laws are subject to College disciplinary action as well as any criminal action which may be taken by law enforcement authorities. The College fully cooperates with the enforcement of these laws.

A statement in the Student Handbook under the title "General Regulations and Policies" addresses the stance taken by Marist concerning drugs and alcohol. It states "The college does not advocate the consuming of alcohol and/or drugs because they are hazardous to health, can be addicting, and lead to the social and biological detriment of the individual. For those individuals who develop identifiable problems as a result of their use/abuse of alcohol and/or other substances, counseling can be an appropriate and necessary course. The Marist College Counseling Center provides a variety of services for students who need help and support."

Only students aged 21 or over are permitted to have alcoholic beverages on campus, and then only under specified circumstances. The Student Handbook addresses the alcohol/drug policy under the titles "State Laws and Ordinances" and "College Regulations."

Firearms

The possession of firearms, explosives of any type (including firecrackers), chemicals or weapons is strictly prohibited on campus. This includes bows, arrows, and knives. Possesion of certain firearms is a criminal offense under New York State law and may subject the person to arrest.

Sexual Assault

Marist College condemns sexual assault, rape and other forms of nonconsensual sexual activities: these offenses are in violation of the Student Code of Conduct and New York State law. As a community, we will do our utmost to prevent sexual violence through education and safety precautions and to provide support and appropriate services to any students involved in an incident of sexual assault. Please take note of the following:

Education: all students new to our campus are given a comprehensive orientation session on rape and sexual violence prevention. Follow-up programs are offered throughout the academic year and are open to all members of the college community.

Sanctions: Marist College prohibits sexually aggressive behavior. Students in violation of these standards will be subject to disciplinary action, including possible dismissal from school. In addition, violators may be subject to criminal charges.

If a sex offense occurs, we strongly encourage students to:

  • contact a residence director or security as soon as possible.
  • get medical attention. Not all injuries or exposure to disease are immediately apparent, and evidence needs to be collected in the event criminal charges are pressed.
  • get emotional support. Assistance and counseling are available on campus through the Counseling Center, Student Affairs and the mentors, and off campus through the Dutchess County Mental Health Center.
  • Consider your options in pressing charges:
    Among the choices are the campus disciplinary system, criminal (police) and/or civil systems. Assistance is available from the Counseling Center, the Security office and the Office of Student Affairs.

On-Campus disciplinary action in cases of alleged sexual offense allow that:

  • the accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a campus disciplinary proceeding.
  • both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the outcome of any campus disciplinary proceeding brought alleging a sexual offense.
  • changes in academic and living situations (after an alleged assault) may be possible if requested by the victim and if these changes are reasonably available.
  • We hope neither you nor anyone you know is involved in an incident of sexual violence, but if it happens, remember there are people on campus who can help.

Parking Policies

The Office of Safety and Security is responsible for the implementation of the parking and vehicle registration policy and the enforcement of its provisions.

In order to facilitate traffic flow on Marist College property and to ensure unimpeded emergency response to the needs of the college community the following policy has been established.

Resident Freshman Parking Information

  1. Resident freshmen are not permitted to have a vehicle on campus. Exceptions to this policy are very limited and rare. Due to the large number of upperclassmen who bring vehicles to campus we will have no room for freshmen vehicles. DO NOT ASSUME it is permissible to bring a vehicle to campus and then apply for a parking permit after the vehicle is here. Any student bringing a vehicle to campus without prior approval will be denied a permit and the vehicle must be removed immediately. Vehicles not removed will be towed.

  2. As you plan ahead, be advised that in order to be considered a sophomore, NYS Education Law requires you to have 30 or more credits. Students without 30 credits as of 7/15/2008 will not be able to apply for a 2008/09 parking permit and will not be eligible for a parking permit until January 2009.

If you have any questions please call the office of Safety and Security at x 2282, or from off-campus - 845-471-1822

Parking Permits

Parking on campus is limited to those vehicles registered with the Office of Safety and Security and for which a Marist College parking permit has been issued. Vehicles without permits are subject to towing at the owner's expense.

Permits issued are valid for the specified lot only. Vehicles parked in lots other than their specified lot will be treated as vehicles without permits. Students are not permitted to use staff lots even on weekends. All student vehicles must be registered for each academic year. Faculty, administrator and staff permits will be issued upon hiring and reissued as required. All permits must be affixed to the driver's side rear seat window.

The following documents must be presented before a parking permit can be issued:

  1. Drivers License
  2. Vehicle Registration
  3. College I.D. Card

Resident Student Permits

Resident parking will be assigned each academic year on a space available basis. Permits will be issued based on the number of credits earned at the time of the parking application due date and this process will determine parking lot priority nearest the student's residence. Students with resident permits must park in their assigned lot even after 5:30pm. THE COLLEGE DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT EVERY RESIDENT WILL RECEIVE A PARKING PERMIT IN THE PARKING LOT CLOSEST TO THE INDIVIDUAL'S RESIDENCE. Parking in any other lot is not permitted and tickets will be issued to violators of this regulation. The following lots have been designated as Resident Student lots for which permits will be issued:

East Campus:

Fulton Street- Lot #3, Tennis Court Lot -# 13, Steel Plant Lot Lot # 5, Lower West Cedar - Lot #1, Upper West Cedar Lot #3, LWC/UWC Overflow - Lot #7, Beck Place (East) Lot # 9,
Refer to Parking MapPDF

West Campus:

Hoop (Upper & Lower combined) Lot #18, North End and Bank lot - Lot #20, River View/Lower Town House (combined) - Lot #12, Upper Town House - Lot #16,
Refer to Parking MapPDF

Freshman resident students are not permitted to have vehicles on campus. Rare exceptions to this restriction must be approved by the Director of Safety and Security. Parking will be permitted only in the assigned lots. Any violation of the parking regulations will result in revocation of the freshman-parking permit. This policy will be strictly enforced and is not subject to review or appeal. Any resident freshman who brings an unauthorized vehicle to campus will not receive a parking permit for one semester after they reach 30 credits.

Commuter Student Parking

Commuter Students will be assigned each academic year to the College designated commuters parking areas, Beck Place (West) and Hyson - Lot #11, and McCann/Sheahan Lot #2. Vehicles may park in staff lots after 5:30pm.
Refer to Parking MapPDF

Faculty, Administrator and Staff Parking

Faculty, administrators and staff will be assigned, upon hiring or change of work location, to designated parking facilities as near as possible to the location of their work assignment. Parking in any unauthorized lot at any time is not permitted. The following lot have been designated as Employee parking lots:

McCann, Sheahan, Donnelly, Mid Rise, Byrne, Lowell Thomas, Dyson, Fontaine, Gatehouse, and/or Beck Place.
Refer to Parking MapPDF

Faculty, administrators and staff who need permits for more than one vehicle should contact the Office of Safety and Security.

Parking for the Disabled

Marist College provides designated handicap parking spaces in all lots across the campus. Only vehicles exhibiting official state issued handicap plates or official local government issued handicap permits will be permitted to park in designated handicap parking spaces. These permits can be obtained, with appropriate medical documentation, through local law enforcement agencies. The official plates or local permits will be recognized only when the driver of the vehicle or the passenger present is the individual to whom the plates/permit are issued. MARIST COLLEGE DOES NOT ISSUE HANDICAP PARKING PERMITS. Vehicles parked in a designated handicap space without the proper permit will be ticketed, "booted" (immobilized) or towed. It should be noted that handicap parking rules are enforced on campus by the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department as well as Marist College Security. Staff and student vehicles with handicapped permits must have their cars registered with the Office of Safety and Security.

Visitor Parking

Vehicles displaying a Marist College parking permit found parked in a designated visitor space will be ticketed, "booted" (immobilized) or towed. Visitor Parking is reserved for the use of off campus visitors only.

Vehicle Use and Parking Regulations

The following regulations are applicable to all vehicles except as modified by other sections of the policy statement.

  1. The maximum speed limit on all campus roadways and in all campus parking lots is 20 miles per hour.
  2. No motor vehicle may be parked at any time in or on:
    • Any campus roadway or shoulder of a road or on grass.
    • Fire lanes; within 20 feet of a fire hydrant; an emergency zone or any other area restricted by the college.
    • Service vehicle areas; loading dock areas; sidewalks or other pedestrian walkways, including cross walks.
    • Any parking lot other than the one to which the vehicle is assigned and for which a parking pass has been issued.
    • Any part of an assigned lot other than a space designated by striping.
    • Any designated handicap spot unless a handicap permit is visible.
    • Any space designated for visitors or otherwise reserved or restricted.
    • Any parking lot access road or through lane, end zone, etc.
    • Any location that obstructs roadway or parking lot traffic flow or blocks building access or blocks another vehicle.
  3. Snow Removal and Temporary closure of Parking Lots and Roadways:
    • The college reserves the right to close or temporarily close parking lots and roadways to conduct snow removal operations, to make necessary repairs or for special events. Registered vehicle owners are expected to comply fully with all related snow removal/closure restrictions and to remove parked vehicles from parking lot in a timely matter to facilitate snow removal efforts.
  4. Traffic Control:
    • Vehicles shall be operated on campus at all times so as not to endanger life or property. No person shall drive a vehicle on College roadways or in College parking areas at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent under the existing conditions, but in no event at a speed greater than 20 miles per hour.
    • Vehicle operators shall follow the directions on posted traffic signs throughout the campus at all times.
    • Vehicle operators shall at all times yield to pedestrians in designated crosswalks and at intersections everywhere on campus.
  5. Other:
    • Abandoned motor vehicles will be towed at the owner's expense.
    • Vehicles booted must pay fines and remove vehicle within 48 hours or vehicle will be towed.
    • No trading permits and/or allowing others to use your permit w/out permission from security office.
    • Permits must be affixed to outside of vehicle.
    • Motorcycles also require a permit.

PLEASE NOTE: ANY MEMBER OF THE CAMPUS COMMUNITY WHO ENCOUNTERS SPECIAL OR UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES OR PROBLEMS IN THEIR ON-CAMPUS VEHICLE USE OR PARKING IS ADVISED TO CONTACT THE OFFICE OF SAFETY AND SECURITY AT EXT. 2282 OR 845-471-1822 IMMEDIATELY.

Penalties for Violation of Vehicle Use and Parking Regulations

The following fines will be assessed for violators of College vehicle and parking policies. In addition, repeat offenders' vehicles will be "booted" (immobilized) or towed at the owners expense and may have their on campus parking privileges revoked. An individual will be considered a "repeat" offender even if all previous fines have been paid.

Failure to register vehicle $30.00
Failure to display parking permit $10.00
Parking in restricted area $25.00
Obstructing traffic $25.00
Failure to park in marked space $25.00
Parking in NO parking area $25.00
Parking on road $25.00
Parking in Fire/Loading Zone $50.00
Blocking doors and exits $50.00
Driving on walkway or grass $25.00 + DAMAGES
Passing Stop sign $25.00
Excessive Speed $25.00
Hindering snow removal $25.00
Parking in Handicap Space/Ramp $50.00
Parking in Cross Walk $25.00
Display of unauthorized/altered decal/pass $75.00 + LOSS OF CAMPUS PARKING
Blocking vehicle $25.00
Boot removal $30.00
Forged Permit $50.00 + LOSS OF CAMPUS PARKING

A fine is a financial obligation to the college which must be paid. Students who receive tickets must pay their fines at the Student Financial Services Office within ten (10) days of issuance or their account will be charged. All others must pay their fines at the Business Office.

Parking Ticket Appeal Form

Parking Ticket Appeal forms may be obtained from the Office of Security (Donnelly 201) or the Student Government Association (Student Center 348). Student Government handles all appeals.


Escort Policies

Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol (SNAP)

The Office of Safety and Security provides an escort program, Student Nighttime Auxiliary Patrol, (SNAP) for all students and employees.

SNAP was designed to provide the Marist Community with a safe means to travel around the campus at night. The SNAP employees who complete the escorts are students employed by the Office of Safety and Security.

These students are held to the highest of Marist standards and are equipped with radios, flashlights, and safety jackets in addition to having specialized training. These individuals are not policy enforcers but can act as an additional set of eyes and ears for the security force at Marist College. SNAP Safewalkers can report dangerous situations on the campus by radio to the Office of Safety and Security while at the same time helping to bridge the gap between the Marist Community and Security. However, the main and single most important responsibility of the SNAP Safewalkers is to provide walking escorts to the Marist Community in a safe and respectful manner.

What is the Purpose of the Escort Service?
The Marist College SNAP Program was established with the purpose of increasing the safety felt within our community during the nighttime hours.
Who is eligible for the escort services?
SNAP is a free service and is available to all students, staff, and faculty members.
When are the escorts available?
Escorts are available five nights a week, beginning Sunday night and going into Friday morning.
September to April
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 7:00 pm to 2:00 am
April and May
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 7:00 pm to 3:00 am
Escorts that are needed on Friday and Saturday nights will be handled through the assistance of the Security Office.
How does the SNAP Program Work?
All escorts will be walking, with the exception of escorts to Talmadge Court. Students on the west side of campus will receive a walking escort to Donnelly Hall and a ride to Talmadge. Students on the east side of campus will be picked up and taken to Talmadge.
Can I have an escort from a parking lot?
If an escort is needed from a parking lot please call Security, stop by on your way to the lot, use a blue phone in the lot, or call from your cell phone. Once in the parking lot, please remain in your vehicle with your doors locked and your headlights on.
How do I arrange an escort?
Please call x SNAP (7627) for an escort 10 to 15 minutes ahead of time. You will need to provide your name, location, destination, and number of people that need an escort. However, escorts will be provided in the order requests were placed. Please wait for the SNAP Safewalkers at the agreed upon location.
What should I do if I have a problem with one of the SNAP Safewalkers?
All complaints should be made to the Coordinator of the SNAP program. If there is an immediate complaint regarding a Safewalker's behavior, please call the Office of Safety and Security at x2282 immediately and ask to speak with the Charge of Shift (Security Supervisor).
Do you need a job?
Stop by Security for an application or call x2282 (471-1822 when off-campus). We can only hire students who are eligible for workstudy.

DO NOT accept any escort from an individual not wearing a Marist College SNAP Jacket and SNAP ID Card.

Related Information:

Safety & Security
845.575.3000 x2282