Campus Security Report

Campus Security Report

Reporting Crimes and Other Emergencies

All crimes should be reported immediately to the police. For crimes occurring:

  • On the BGSU main campus, call the BGSU Police Department at 419-372-2346.
  • In the city of Bowling Green, call the Bowling Green Police Division at 419-352-2571.
  • Outside of the city of Bowling Green, call the Police or Sheriff's Office in the jurisdiction where the crime occurred.
  • At BGSU Firelands during regular business hours, call 419-433-5560, or the Erie County Sheriff’s Office at 419-625-7951.
  • In the area surrounding BGSU Firelands and outside of regular business hours, call the Erie County Sheriff's Office at 419-625-7951.
  • In all cases of emergency dialing 911 is an option regardless of police jurisdiction or the location of the emergency.

For BGSU Main Campus:

On Campus

The BGSU Police Department, 100 College Park Office Building, is accessible 24 hours a day to receive information or provide police services. The BGSU Police Department has primary jurisdiction for all crimes occurring on University property. Criminal activity or emergencies (fire or medical) may be reported by dialing 911 or 2-2346 from any University phone. Dialing 911 from a cell phone will put you in contact with a Wood County 911 dispatcher who will then route the call to the appropriate police agency. There are many emergency phones located throughout campus. Emergency phones ring directly into the BGSU Police Department.

Off Campus

Any criminal activity taking place off campus, in the city of Bowling Green, is in the jurisdiction of the City of Bowling Green Police Division, located at 175 W. Wooster St., and can be reported 24 hours a day by dialing 911 or 419-352-2571. Dialing 911 from a cell phone will put you in contact with a Wood County 911 dispatcher who will then route the call to the appropriate police agency. Incidents that occur outside of Bowling Green city limits, in Wood County, can be reported to the Wood County Sheriff's Office, 1960 E. Gypsy Lane Road, or by phoning 419-354-9001.

Staff in the Office of the Dean of Students review the City of Bowling Green Police Division blotter to identify incidents that are also considered potential violations of the Code of Student Conduct or other University policies. Staff then meet with and hold students accountable as appropriate.

For BGSU Firelands:

On and Off Campus

BGSU has an agreement with the Erie County Sheriff’s Office that provides for law enforcement coverage of the Firelands campus. Firelands is patrolled by deputies of the Erie County Sheriff's Office. On-campus criminal activity and emergencies may be reported by calling 911, which will connect you with the Erie County Sheriff's Office. During regular business hours, you may also call the BGSU Firelands switchboard at 419-433-5560. Criminal activity and emergencies may also be reported to the Erie County Sheriff's Office by calling them directly at 419-625-7951.

When regularly scheduled classes are not in session or the buildings are officially closed, you can report any criminal activity via emergency telephones, which are clearly marked and located at the primary entrances to all buildings, or by one of the blue light emergency phones located throughout campus. The emergency telephones automatically dial the local 911 emergency number. When the emergency operator answers, inform them of the nature of the emergency, or hazardous situation, and the location.

Given the nature of the Firelands campus population of commuter students, the staff investigates violations of policies that they are made aware of by community members or reporting officials.

Guidelines for Reporting Information to Police

The following guidelines may assist you when reporting information to police:
  • When describing suspects, notice age, race, sex, height, weight, and clothing.
  • Compare your own weight and height to that of the suspect(s).
  • Notice unique characteristics— hair color and style, scars, eyes, jewelry, walk, speech or anything else that would help to identify the suspect.
  • When describing a suspicious vehicle, look for the license plate numbers, make, model, color, noticeable damage, decals, and the direction of travel.
  • When in doubt, call police.

Crime Prevention is a Matter of Personal Responsibility

Criminal activity has no respect for persons. It flourishes in communities that are inattentive or apathetic in their approach to crime. Every member of the University community has a responsibility to contribute to the well-being of the community. No single group or organization can possibly prevent crime on behalf of all. Therefore, it is incumbent upon each of us to participate in crime prevention efforts. This can be accomplished by being aware of our surroundings, by reporting criminal or suspicious activity, and by getting involved in University-sponsored crime prevention programs. Crime prevention, to be fully effective, requires active participation, cooperation, and the development of partnerships within the University community. Crime prevention begins with you. By working together, we can help to ensure a safe and secure environment.

Under Ohio's public records law (ORC 149.43) BGSU may not promise confidentiality to those who report crimes. Certain offices and individuals at BGSU, such as counselors at the Counseling Center, Psychological Services Center, or to a physician or nurse at the Falcon Health Center, can provide confidentiality with some exceptions based on the nature of what is being reported. Some off-campus reports may also be legally confidential (for example, to clergy and to staff at Unison). Reports deemed confidential by law are not reported to the University for inclusion in our annual crime statistics.

Because of the public records law, Bowling Green State University does not have a policy that permits the confidential reporting of crimes for inclusion in the annual crime statistics report. However, information about crime reports will be kept as private as possible and will only be shared on an as-needed basis or as otherwise required by public records law. Crimes reported to the individuals holding the positions on the following list will be included in the statistics in our annual report, but no personally identifying information regarding persons involved in the incidents will be included in the annual report or on the crime log.

BGSU Main Campus

  • BGSU Police Officers
  • BGSU Police Dispatchers
  • Managers of Support Services
  • Vice President for Student Engagement and Success
  • Chief Well-Being Officer
  • Chief Inclusion and Belonging Officer
  • Director, Office of Title IX/Title IX Coordinator
  • Assistant Director of Title IX and Deputy Title IX Coordinator
  • Title IX Deputy Coordinators
  • Director of Equal Opportunity and Compliance
  • Associate Director of Residence Life
  • Assistant Directors of Residence Life
  • Residence Life Coordinator for Leadership and Administration
  • Coordinator for Residential Student Success 
  • Residence Hall Directors
  • Graduate Hall Director
  • Chief Human Resources Officer
  • Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
  • Deputy Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator
  • Senior Associate Athletic Director
  • Associate Athletic Director
  • Assistant Athletic Director
  • Assistant Director for Student-Athlete Development, Mentorship and Life Design
  • Athletics Strength and Conditioning Staff
  • Athletics Coaches
  • Executive Director, International Programs & Partnerships
  • Coordinator of International Student Services
  • Assistant Director of Education Abroad
  • Dean of Students
  • Assistant Dean of Students for Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution
  • Assistant Dean of Students for Care and Support
  • Coordinators for Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution
  • Coordinators for Student Care and Support
  • Director, Student Engagement and Residence Life
  • Associate Director, Student Engagement
  • Coordinator of Student Organization
  • Coordinator of Campus Activities
  • Coordinator of Fraternity & Sorority Life
  • Spirit Program Coordinator and Head Cheerleading Coach
  • Graduate Assistant, Office of the Dean of Students
  • Director, Student Recreation Center
  • Assistant Director of Intramural Sports and Club Sports
  • Director, Club Sports
  • Assistant Director – Aquatics and Youth & Family
  • Senior Director, Student Leadership and Civic Engagement
  • Assistant Director, Student Leadership & Civic Engagement
  • Coordinator, Student Leadership & Civic Engagement
  • Associate Director, Parent, Family, and New Student Connections
  • Director, Center for Women and Gender Equity
  • Student Engagement Coordinator
  • Director, Bowen-Thompson Student Union

Firelands Campus

  • Erie County Sheriff’s Deputies
  • Director of Budgets and Operations
  • Coordinator of Student Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion
  • Dean of Firelands
  • Associate Dean of Academic & Student Affairs

The BGSU Police Department, located in 100 College Park Office Building, provides the campus with 24-hour police protection by a fully certified staff of police officers, detectives, and dispatchers. The department supports the University's core values and continually seeks ways to improve the quality of police service the campus receives by working in partnership with students, faculty, and staff to enforce the law, provide quality services, reduce the fear of crime, and promote joint problem-solving. The BGSU Police Department actively investigates problems and incidents and searches for positive solutions to support a sense of security throughout the campus. BGSU maintains an open campus environment and encourages the community to participate in activities that are open to the public. However, the University reserves the right to restrict unauthorized persons from its grounds when appropriate.

The BGSU Police Department is staffed by 24 full-time police officers who have full police authority, meet all state law enforcement standards, and are state certified peace officers. The Ohio Revised Code (Section 3345.04) grants the University authority to designate employees as police officers who take an oath to uphold the rules of the institution and laws of the state.

The department provides law enforcement and security, a campus escort service, motorist assistance, educational programs, and crime prevention information for the campus community.

Uniformed officers patrol the campus using marked police cars, bicycles, alternative patrol vehicles and foot patrols and are empowered to arrest any offender and bring that person before the local court system for judgment. The BGSU Police Department and the Office of the Dean of Students work collaboratively to resolve incidents of student misconduct that involve violations of University policy and procedures. The BGSU Title IX Coordinator assists in the resolution when misconduct involves sexual harassment and sexual violence.

The BGSU Police Department encourages accurate and prompt reporting of all crime. The BGSU Police investigate incidents of a criminal nature and initiate, before a court of law, any required legal action. If needed, immediate assistance is available from the City of Bowling Green Police Division, the Wood County Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The BGSU Police Department has a mutual aid agreement with the City of Bowling Green Police Division. It has joint mutual aid agreements with all other state university police departments in Ohio, and with law enforcement agencies in northwest Ohio.

In addition to the sworn police officers, the BGSU Police Department employs a Student Safety Services staff comprised of Campus Service Officers and Camera Monitors that provide services for the University community. These are student employees who do not have statutory arrest powers, but work to assist police with security matters and service tasks.

AlertBG Emergency Text Message Service
The AlertBG system is a way of reaching students and staff in the event of an emergency. Text messages, emails, social media posts and messages displayed on the University’s homepage and digital signage across campus will be sent to warn of situations such as serious crimes in progress, emergencies affecting the campus community, building closures, severe weather and class cancellation. This tool is used in conjunction with the University’s overall Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, and will only be used in emergencies or for campus closures. The BGSU Police Department will send the initial messages. Students and employees who have cell phone numbers listed with the University will automatically be enrolled to receive AlertBG text messages. Everyone will receive the same message via their BGSU email account, social media, campus digital signage, and the BGSU home page. The service is provided through the Omnilert company.

Bike Registration
Bicycles should be registered and can be engraved to aid in theft prevention and to assist in identification. Contact the City of Bowling Green Police Division, 175 W. Wooster, 419-352-1131 for more details.

Building Security
The BGSU Police Department maintains the security of all buildings on the main campus and other facilities located off campus. University maintenance personnel inspect campus facilities and grounds regularly, make repairs and respond to reports of potential safety and security hazards such as broken windows and locks. Academic and administrative buildings have specific hours that buildings are open. University housing facilities are restricted to residents and invited guests. Only residents and authorized University personnel have access to housing units. The primary responsibility for ensuring that the exterior doors of a living unit are secure rests with the residents. All residence halls have a single point of entry and students are required to use their BGSU ID/PED to enter a residence hall. All exterior doors of living units, except other designated doors, are locked at all times. Door propping is a violation of the Community Living Standards. After midnight, only residents or guests accompanied by a resident, showing identification, may enter a living unit.

Campus Escort Service
The campus escort service is a safe alternative to walking alone on campus after dark and is free. All escorts are student employees called Campus Service Officers who wear a photo ID and uniform shirts and are in direct communication with the BGSU Police Department. Walking escorts are provided to and from any on campus location from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. every day of the week during the fall and spring semesters. To arrange for an escort, phone 419-372-8360. At BGSU Firelands, contact the on-duty Erie County Sheriff’s Deputy by dialing ‘0’ from any campus phone.

Campus Service Officers
The BGSU Police Department annually employs Campus Service Officers (CSO) to assist BGSU Police with security of campus buildings and property on the main campus. The CSOs are responsible for checking interior and exterior doors and locks of campus buildings and campus parking areas. Using a department-issued radio, they are trained to report criminal or suspicious activity. They provide on campus walking escorts, vehicle unlocks and jumpstarts.

Crime Prevention Education
BGSU police officers are active all year giving crime prevention speeches, presentations, and programs. Our most popular programs are A.L.I.C.E. (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) training, Recognizing and Caring for Individuals in Distress, Sexual Assault Awareness, Personal Safety, Vehicle Safety, Theft Prevention, Alcohol & Drug Prevention, Underage Consumption Laws and Penalties, and OVI laws. The Wellness Connection offers presentations to the campus community related to alcohol and drugs, while Gender Violence and Prevention Education Services provides presentations relative to relationship violence, sexual assault and bystander intervention.

Lighting Surveys
Police officers tour the campus regularly to determine where additional exterior lighting may be needed, replaced, or repaired. Additionally, staff from the BGSU Police Department and Campus Operations tour campus together annually to assess lighting issues.

Community Engagement
It is the focus of the Bowling Green State University Police Department to become involved with the community and various organizations by maintaining a cooperative and proactive approach to create a safer community, encouraging community engagement, and providing avenues of feedback. BGSU police officers are assigned to academic and administrative buildings and each of the residence halls, including on-campus Greek houses and other small group living units, to foster one-on-one contact with students and University staff. Additionally, officers are assigned to various groups to create one community. The goal is to create more community involvement in the policing process, reduce crime rates and increase law enforcement accountability. It can also lead to greater community satisfaction with law enforcement and increase quality of life for everyone who comprises the greater community.  

Parking
Parking Services regulates the parking of motor vehicles on campus, handles parking lot maintenance and performs vehicle unlocks and jumpstarts. Contact the BGSU Parking Services Office in the College Park Office Building at 419-372-2776 for more details, or visit their website at http://www.bgsu.edu/parking. At the Firelands campus, contact the Office of Budget and Operations, 140 Foundation Hall, at 419-372-0685 for more details regarding parking services.

Shuttle Service
The BGSU Shuttle Service is available seven days a week during the fall and spring semesters. Click here for designated routes and times. A free mobile app is available to track the shuttles along their routes.

Hospital Transport
Call 911 for a medical emergency.

On-Campus Resources

BGSU Police Department
100 College Park
419-372-2346

Counseling Center
104 College Park
419-372-2081
*Confidential*

Office of the Dean of Students
303 University Hall
419-372-2843

Psychological Services Center
Psychology Building, Suite 300
419-372-2540
*Confidential*

Falcon Health Center
838 E. Wooster St.
419-372-2271
*Confidential*

The Office of Health and Wellness
214 Student Recreation Center
419-372-9355

Center for Women and Gender Equity
280 Hayes Hall
419-372-7227

International Programs and Partnerships
301 University Hall
419-372-2247

Student Financial Aid
227 Bowen-Thompson Student Union
419-372-2651

Student Legal Services
14 College Park Office Building
419-372-2951

Office of Title IX
207 Hayes Hall
419-372-8476

Gender Violence and Prevention Education Services
280 Hayes Hall
419-372-7227

Off-Campus Resources

Bowling Green City Prosecutor
711 Dunbridge Road, Bowling Green
419-354-6285

The Cocoon
419-373-1730
*Confidential*

City of Bowling Green Police Division
175 W. Wooster St., Bowling Green
419-352-2571 or 911

Wood County Crisis Line
419-502-HOPE (4673)
*Confidential*

Unison Health
1084 S. Main Street, Bowling Green
419-352-4624

Wood County Hospital
950 W. Wooster St., Bowling Green
419-354-8900

Wood County Prosecutor's Office
One Courthouse Square, Bowling Green
419-354-9250

BGSU Firelands Resources

Erie County Prosecutor's Office
247 Columbus Ave., Suite 319
Sandusky, OH 44870
419-627-7697

Family Health Resources
Sandusky, Ohio 44870
419-502-2803
*Confidential*

Erie County Sheriff's Office
2800 Columbus Ave.
Sandusky, OH 44870
419-625-7951

Firelands Regional Medical Center
1111 Hayes Ave.
Sandusky, OH 44870
419-557-7400, 800-342-1177
*Confidential*

Counseling and Recovery Services of Erie County
1925 Hayes Ave.
Sandusky, OH 44870
419-557-5178, 800-342-1177 (ext. 517)
*Confidential*

Bowling Green State University's annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is the result of the efforts of many people. Each year individuals and organizations, both on and off campus, in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, and the 2008 Higher Education Opportunity Act, submit their data for inclusion in the annual crime statistics. Crime reports and statistics are collected and tabulated by the BGSU Police Department. Fire safety information is gathered by staff in Environmental Health and Safety in collaboration with the BGSU Police Department. Statistics for the Firelands campus are collected in collaboration with Firelands campus staff and the Erie County Sheriff's Office. Every effort is taken to ensure that all persons required to report incidents to the BGSU Police for inclusion in this report in fact do so, and that our statistics are as accurate as possible. Therefore, some incidents that are reported to other campus security authorities (and not directly to the police) are included in the statistics.

Crime Statistics

Pursuant to federal law, the BGSU Police Department annually reports information to students and employees regarding institutional crime statistics. This report includes statistics for the previous three (3) calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by BGSU, and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.

Crime statistics are compiled in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the 2008 Higher Education Opportunity Act. These figures include reports of crimes and arrests occurring on campus, in non-campus, University owned or affiliated buildings or property, and public property within the City of Bowling Green that is immediately adjacent to campus. These geographic areas are defined as follows:

On-Campus

  1. Any building or property owned or controlled by BGSU within the same reasonably contiguous geographical area and used by BGSU in direct support of, or in a manner related to, its educational purposes, including residence halls; and

  2. Any building or property that is within or reasonably contiguous to the areas identified in paragraph (1), that is owned by BGSU but controlled by another person, is frequently used by students, and supports institutional purposes (such as food or other retail vendor).

University residence halls are a subset of on-campus geography. This means that Clery crimes reported for residence halls are represented in both the “On Campus” and “Campus Housing” geography categories of this report.

Most of the reported offenses and arrest statistics for the on-campus category are provided by the BGSU Police Department. Some are provided by the City of Bowling Green Police Division. For BGSU Firelands, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office and the Sandusky Police Department provided the reported offenses and arrest statistics.

Public Property

Public property is defined as “all public property, including thoroughfares, streets, sidewalks and parking facilities, that is within the campus, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.”

The reported offenses and arrest statistics for public property are provided by both the City of Bowling Green Police Division and the BGSU Police Department and consist of incidents occurring on streets, sidewalks and other public property immediately adjacent to campus. For BGSU Firelands, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office provided the information.

Non-Campus Building or Property

  1. Any building or property owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by the institution; or

  2. Any building or property owned or controlled by an institution that is used in direct support of, or in relation to, the institution's educational purposes, is frequently used by students, and is not within the same contiguous geographic area.

The Wood County Sheriff's Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Perrysburg Police Department and the Owens Community College Department of Public Safety provided the reported offenses and arrest statistics for the Non-Campus Buildings or Properties category. For BGSU Firelands, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office and the Sandusky Police Department provided the information. The BGSU Police Department makes a good faith effort to petition law enforcement agencies for crime statistics for properties BGSU owns or controls within their respective jurisdictions.

bgsu clery map for main campus and levis commons 

bgsu clery map firelands 

Main Campus Crime Statistics
Criminal Offenses Year On Campus Housing Other On Campus Total On Campus Non-Campus Building/ Property Public Property Total
 Criminal Homicide 2021 0 0 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0 0 0
Murder  2021 0 0 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0 0 0
 Non-Negligent Manslaughter 2021 0 0 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0 0 0
 Negligent Manslaughter 2021 0 0 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0 0 0
 Robbery 2021 0 0 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0 1 1
Aggravated Assault 2021 0 0 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0 0 0
Burglary  2021 1 0 1 0 0 1
2022 3 0 3 0 0 3
2023 2 1 3 0 0 3
Motor Vehicle Theft 2021 0 1 1 0 0 1
2022 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023 0 5 5 0 0 5
 Arson 2021 0 0 0 0 0 0
2022 1 0 1 0 0 1
2023 0 0 0 0 0 0
Sexual Offenses              
 Rape 2021 7 1 8 0 0 8
2022 7 0 7 0 0 7
2023 6 1 7 1 0 8
 Fondling 2021 2 1 3 0 0 3
2022 5 2 7 0 0 7
2023 2 0 2 0 0 2
 Incest 2021 0 0 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0 0 0
Statutory Rape 2021 0 0 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0 0 0
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Crimes Year On Campus Housing Other On Campus Total On Campus Off-Campus Building/ Property Public Property Total
Dating Violence 2021 0 1 1 0 0 1
2022 3 0 3 1 0 4
2023 7 3 10 0 0 10
Domestic Violence 2021 0 1 1 0 0 1
2022 1 0 1 0 0 1
2023 0 0 0 0 0 0
Stalking  2021 1 0 1 0 0 1
2022 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023 0 1 1 0 0 1
Arrests Year On Campus Housing Other On Campus Total On Campus Off-Campus Building/ Property Public Property Total
 Liquor Law Violations 2021 19 40 59 0 19 78
2022 22 24 46 0 7 53
2023 28 6 34 0 2 36
Drug Law Violations 2021 26 4 30 0 21 51
2022 12 4 16 0 3 19
2023 13 4 17 0 7 24
Weapons Violations  2021 0 0 0 0 1 1
2022 0 0 0 0 1 1
2023 0 0 0 0 1 1
Conduct Referrals Year On Campus Housing Other On Campus Total On Campus Off-Campus Building/ Property Public Property Total
Liquor Law Violations 2021 77 8 85 0 3 88
2022 68 12 80 0 2 82
2023 78 7 85 0 7 92
Drug Law Violations 2021 18 0 18 0 0 18
2022 19 2 21 0 0 21
2023 22 3 25 0 5 30
Weapons Violations 2021 0 0 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0 0 0

Hate Crimes

2021: There were no reported hate crimes during this year.
2022: There were no reported hate crimes during this year.
2023: There was one on-campus housing property damage characterized by racial bias.

Unfounded Crimes

2021: There were no unfounded crimes during this year.
2022: There were no unfounded crimes during this year.
2023: There were no unfounded crimes during this year.

Firelands Crime Statistics
Criminal Offenses Year On Campus Non-Campus Building/ Property Public Property Total
Criminal Homicide 2022 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0
Murder 2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0
Non-Negligent Manslaughter 2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0
Negligent Manslaughter 2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0
Robbery 2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0
Aggravated Assault 2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0
Burglary 2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft
 2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0
Arson 2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0
Sexual Offenses
Rape 2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0
Fondling 2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0
Incest 2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0
Statutory Rape 2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Crimes Year On Campus Off-Campus Building/ Property Public Property Total
Dating Violence 2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0
Domestic Violence 2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0
Stalking 2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0
Arrests Year On Campus Non-Campus Building/ Property Public Property Total
Liquor Law Violations 2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0
Drug Law Violations 2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0
Weapons Violations 2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0
Conduct Referrals Year On Campus Non-Campus Building/ Property Public Property Total
Liquor Law Violations 2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0
Drug Law Violations 2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0
Weapons Violations 2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0

* There is no on‐campus housing at BGSU Firelands.

Hate Crimes

2021: There were no reported hate crimes during this year.
2022: There were no reported hate crimes during this year.
2023: There were no reported hate crimes during this year.

Unfounded Crimes

2021: There were no unfounded crimes during this year.
2022: There were no unfounded crimes during this year.
2023: There were no unfounded crimes during this year.

Disseminating Information on Serious Crimes

We encourage everyone to take responsibility for the safety and security of themselves and others. We promote this crime prevention message through campus programs and literature distribution and by publicizing crime.

Timely Warnings

When the BGSU Police determine that a Clery Act crime occurring in our Clery geography represents a serious or continuing threat to students and employees, they will use the Crime Alert to notify the campus community of timely warnings. The purpose of a timely warning is to provide information that will aid in the prevention of similar crimes by enabling people to protect themselves. Timely warnings will be issued as soon as the pertinent information is available. If the BGSU Police determine there is a serious or continuing threat, federal law requires BGSU to issue timely warnings for serious crimes such as murder, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, rape and certain hate crimes if the crime occurred on campus, on property owned or controlled by the University, or on public property that is immediately adjacent to campus such as streets and sidewalks that border campus. The BGSU Director of Public Safety or their designee will determine on a case-by-case basis whether a timely warning will be issued via a Crime Alert.

At BGSU Firelands, warnings are issued by the Dean or the Director of Budget and Operations, in consultation with the Erie County Sheriff's Office and the BGSU Director of Public Safety.

Timely warnings will generally contain the following information:

  • Type of criminal activity reported
  • Date and time of the incident
  • Location of the incident
  • A brief description of the offense
  • Description of suspect(s)
  • Specific safety response and safety tips
  • Police and emergency telephone numbers
  • Date of issuance

Crime Log

The BGSU Police Department maintains a daily crime log that records all criminal incidents and alleged criminal incidents that were reported to the BGSU Police Department. The crime log includes the nature of the crime, the date the crime was reported, the date/time the crime occurred, the general location of the crime, and the disposition of the incident. Names and any other identifying information regarding the people involved in the incidents are NOT included on the crime log.

An entry, an addition to an entry or a change in disposition of a complaint is recorded within two business days of the reporting of the information to the BGSU Police Department, unless the disposition changes after 60 days have passed. A sworn, commissioned law enforcement officer makes the determination of disposition. The crime log for the most recent 60-day period is open to public inspection upon request. Any portion of the crime log that is older than 60 days will be made available within two business days of the request. Requests for the crime log can be made to the BGSU Police Department at (419) 372-2346.

Crime Alerts

We believe that publicizing crime and campus safety information helps make this campus safer. One method of doing so is through Crime Alerts that are issued by the BGSU Police Department. Crime Alerts may be issued to assist the police in gathering information, to inform the campus community of criminal or suspicious activity or crime trends and to facilitate crime prevention. They are posted on the BGSU Police Department website and are distributed to the campus community via mass email.

Emergency Notification

An emergency notification is different than a timely warning or crime alert. Emergency notifications will be issued immediately upon confirmation that any significant emergency or dangerous situation exists that involves the immediate threat to the health or safety of students, employees, guests or visitors on campus.

An emergency notification will be issued via an AlertBG text message, digital signage, mass email, and posts to BGSU-operated social media and the BGSU home page. Emergency notifications are typically more immediate, shorter, and contain less information than timely warnings due to the fast evolving nature of emergency situations. Updates or follow-ups to emergency notifications will be given as necessary when information becomes available. In some situations, an emergency notification may also serve as a timely warning depending on the circumstances and the information available. See the emergency response procedures that follow regarding details about emergency notifications.

Emergency Response and Evacuation Procedures

Main Campus

The following initial procedures are utilized when the BGSU Police Department is notified about a potential life safety situation that affects the BGSU campus and/or its constituents off campus. The University also has a Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan that addresses other aspects of responding to and recovering from emergencies and disasters.

Main Campus Procedures
  • The BGSU police dispatcher receives notification of a potential life safety emergency.
  • The dispatcher shares the information with the Officer in Charge and dispatches officers to verify the situation immediately.
  • The Officer in Charge determines whether the situation requires consultation with other officials such as public health experts or Environmental Health and Safety personnel.
  • The Officer in Charge determines whether the situation necessitates the notification of the campus community.
  • If the Officer in Charge deems immediate notification should be disseminated to the campus community, a message is sent by the following means:
    • AlertBG text message
    • Email to student, faculty, and staff from bgsupolice@bgsu.edu
    • University homepage and BGSU-operated social media
    • Digital signs across campus
  • Once the initial information has been shared with the campus community, the Office of Marketing and Brand Strategy will take on the role of continued communication with the campus community and others.
  • The BGSU Police dispatcher will send an “All Clear” message when the situation is over.

The above procedures will be acted upon without delay when a life safety issue is reported. Police officers will be immediately dispatched to the scene of the life safety situation in order to verify the situation and gather further information. The content of the message sent to the campus community will be determined by the BGSU Police Department in conjunction with the Office of Marketing and Brand Strategy and other University officials as appropriate. Further, the BGSU Police Department is responsible for determining which component(s) of the campus community will be notified of the potential life safety situation (ex. Bowling Green campus, BGSU Firelands or both).

Information will not be shared with the campus community when the BGSU Police Department determines that doing so would compromise the efforts of assisting those in peril.

Information will also be shared with the City of Bowling Green Police Division, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and the Wood County Sheriff’s Office when necessary so they may assist in handling the situation and share information with the wider community. These agencies receive notification via phone, police radio contact and the AlertBG text messaging system.

The following departments are responsible for initiating the notification of the campus community in a potential life safety situation:
  • BGSU Police Department
  • The Office of Marketing and Brand Strategy
  • Information Technology Services

Additional means of providing on-going information concerning a potential life or life safety situation and its resolution include:

  • Blast emails to campus
  • Text messages sent via AlertBG
  • University home page, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and digital signs
  • Communication with BGSU police officers in patrol cars
  • Residence Hall Directors for dissemination to students in the residence halls and Greek Village
  • Campus media – BG 24 News, WBGU-FM 88.1, WFAL-AM 1610

To better prepare campus in the event of an emergency situation, Bowling Green State University conducts unannounced tests of the emergency notification process on the main campus at least once during each academic year with the entire campus community. A sample group is also utilized to test modifications and updates to the notification system as they occur. The University conducts announced tests of its Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan for the main campus at least once each calendar year with tabletop exercises, mock emergencies and drills. The Manager of Support Services documents these tests and revises emergency plans as necessary based on the assessment and evaluation that occurs with each test. The institution’s emergency response procedures for specific types of emergencies can be found online and in the Comprehensive Emergency Action Plans for each building.

BGSU Firelands

The following procedures are utilized when the BGSU Firelands Office of Budget and Operations is notified about a potential life safety situation that affects the BGSU Firelands campus and/or its constituents off campus.

Firelands Procedures
  • The BGSU Firelands Office of Budget and Operations secretary or the Switchboard Operator receives notification of a potential life safety emergency.
  • The secretary or operator shares the information with the Director of Budget and Operations, and as necessary, the Plant Operations and Maintenance staff and the on- campus Erie County Sheriff’s Deputies and dispatches those staff and deputies to verify the situation immediately.
  • The Director of Budget and Operations and the BGSU Firelands Dean determine whether the situation necessitates the notification of the campus community.
  •  If the Director of Budget and Operations and Dean deem immediate notification should be disseminated to the campus community, a message is sent by the following means:
    • AlertBG text message, sent by the Director of the Office of Technology Support Services (OTSS) or designee
    • Email to student, faculty, and staff from Dean’s Office or OTSS
    • BGSU Firelands homepage.
  • Once the initial information has been shared with the campus community, The Office of Marketing and Brand Strategy, in conjunction with the Dean and Director of Budget and Operations, will take on the role of continued communication with the campus community.
  • The Director of Budget and Operations, OTSS, or designee will send an “All Clear” message when the situation is over and instructed to do so by the Dean or Director of Budget and Operations.

The above procedures will be acted upon without delay when a potential life safety or life safety issue is reported. Deputies will be immediately dispatched to the scene of the reported life safety situation in order to verify the situation and gather further information. The content of the message sent to the campus community will be determined by the BGSU Firelands Dean or designee in conjunction with the Erie County Sheriff’s Office. They are also responsible for determining which component(s) of the campus community will be notified of the reported life safety situation.

Information will not be shared with the campus community when the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the BGSU Firelands Dean or designee determines that doing so would compromise the efforts of assisting those in peril. If practical, the BGSU Director of Public Safety may be consulted as well.

Information will also be shared with the Huron City Police, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office when necessary so they may assist in handling the situation and share information with the wider community. These agencies receive notification via phone, police radio contact and the AlertBG text messaging system.

The following departments are responsible for initiating the notification of the campus community in a life safety or potential life safety situation:
  • Office of Budget and Operations, including the Erie County Sheriff’s Deputy(ies) on duty
  • Dean’s Office
  • The Office of Marketing and Brand Strategy
  • Office of Technology Support Services (OTSS) staff

Additional means of providing on-going information concerning a life safety or potential life safety situation and its resolution include:

  • Blast emails to campus
  • Text messages sent via AlertBG
  • University and BGSU Firelands homepages
  • Communication with the Erie County Sheriff’s Office and deputies
  • Local media – WLEC (1450 AM)/WCPZ (102.7 FM)/WLKR (95.3 FM)/WKFM (96.1 FM)
  • Emergency Desktop Alert System
  • Emergency Mass Notification System (on-campus)

To better prepare campus in the event of an emergency situation, BGSU Firelands conducts unannounced tests of the emergency notification process at least once during each academic year with the entire campus community. A sample group is also utilized to test modifications and updates to the notification system as they occur.

Police Uniform 

Alcohol and Drugs

The information in this section of the report regarding drug and alcohol use is provided in response to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101- 226), which require that the University show that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent illicit use of drugs and the misuse of alcohol by students and employees.

Drug-free workplace

In order to ensure the University's commitment to a quality educational and work environment, every faculty member, employee, and student has a right to work and learn in an environment free from the effects of the abuse of alcohol and other drugs.

Therefore, it is the policy of Bowling Green State University to prohibit the unlawful use, sale, dispensing, transfer, and possession of controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, drugs not medically authorized, or any other substance that may impair an individual's academic or work performance or pose a hazard to the individual, public, students, or employees of the University on its property or at any of its activities.

It is the responsibility of each faculty member, staff employee and student to adhere to this policy. If a violation of this policy occurs, support programs will be made available where appropriate. Disciplinary action may be taken up to and including dismissal or expulsion from the University and possible criminal charges.

Alcohol Guidelines

Abstinence from alcohol is a safe and acceptable lifelong decision. Alcohol-free lifestyles can decrease or eliminate risk of alcohol-related negative consequences.

Heavy drinking contributes to accidents, violence, trauma and medical problems that can result in death. Many psychological and cardiovascular benefits have been associated with moderate drinking. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has defined moderate drinking as "no more than one standard drink per day for women and no more than two standard drinks per day for men. A standard drink is equal to 12 ounces of regular beer (with 0.5 ounces of absolute alcohol), 5 ounces of table wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits."

Research shows that adverse consequences may occur even at relatively low levels of alcohol consumption. Driving-related skills can be impaired at relatively low levels of blood alcohol concentration. Reaction time, judgment, attention spans, eye movements, and coordination can be altered adversely at BACs (blood alcohol content), which are less than intoxication levels.

Ongoing studies are exploring the risks to a fetus, which are associated with low levels of alcohol consumption. By choosing healthy alternatives to alcohol consumption, you can learn new coping skills, alternatives to decreasing stress, and stronger social skills.

These guidelines for moderate drinking exclude the following who are prohibited from or who should not drink alcoholic beverages:

  • Persons under the age of 21
  • Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive
  • People who intend to drive or engage in other activities or skills
  • Recovering alcoholics
  • People with certain medical conditions
  • People taking certain medications

Prevention

The University enforces underage drinking laws.

Choices relating to alcohol and other drug use can affect safety, academics, health, relationships, and the lives of others in the BGSU community. Frequently, alcohol and drug misuse results in sexual assaults, increases in vandalism, conduct problems, decreases in academic performance, injuries, medical problems, deaths including overdoses, suicides, traffic fatalities, impaired driving abilities and physical and psychological dependency. Absence from work, erratic job performance, safety hazards and a decrease in job productivity are just a few problems experienced by persons who are impaired by using alcohol and other drugs.

Drug Health Risks
  Narcotics Depressants Stimulants Hallucinogens Cannabis
  (Opium, Morphine, Codeine, Heroin, Hydromorphone, Meperidine, Methadone)   (Chloral Hydrate, Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Methaqualone, Glutethimide) (Cocaine, Amphetamines, Phenmetrazine, Methylphenidate) (LSD,  Mescaline & Peyote, Amphetamine Variants, Phencyclidine) (Cannabis, Tetrahydrocannabinol, hashish, hashish oil)
Possible Effects Euphoria, drowsiness, respiratory depression, constricted pupils, nausea Slurred speech, disorientation, drunken behavior without  odor of alcohol
 Increased alertness, excitation, euphoria, increased pulse  rate and blood pressure, insomnia,  loss of appetite Analogues, illusions, & hallucinations, poor perception of time and distance
 Euphoria, relaxed inhibitions, increased appetite, disoriented
behavior
Effects of Overdose Slow & shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma, possible death Shallow respiration, clammy skin, dilated pupils, weak and rapid pulse, coma, possible death Agitation, increase in body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions, possible death Longer, more intense "trip" episodes, psychosis, possible death Fatigue, paranoia, possible psychosis
Withdrawal Syndrome Watery eyes, runny nose, yawning, loss of appetite, irritability, tremors, panic, cramps, nausea, chills and sweating Anxiety, insomnia, tremors, delirium, convulsions, possible death Apathy, long periods of sleep, irritability, depression, disorientation Withdrawal syndrome not reported Insomnia, hyperactivity, decreased appetite occasionally reported
Risk of Physical Dependence High Moderate to High Possible Unknown Unknown
Risk of Psychological Dependence High Moderate to High High Unknown, High for Phencyclidine and analogs (i.e. PCP) Moderate
Bowling Green State University's Alcohol Policy
Federal and State Penalties for Sale and Possession of Illegal Drugs
Amnesty

Alcohol and the Law

Bowling Green State University’s Alcohol Policy

Bowling Green State University recognizes that the decision to use alcoholic beverages is a personal choice; however, this choice must be made in accordance with the laws of the state of Ohio. In addition, the mature and responsible consumption of alcohol must be consistent with the mission and Core Values of the University and in accordance with the Bowling Green State University Code of Student Conduct. (Sections 4(b)(i)-(ii)prohibit the use, possession or distribution of alcoholic beverages except as expressly permitted by the law and University policy.)

Potential risks of violating the law:

  • possible fine
  • imprisonment
  • criminal record
  • embarrassment
  • career jeopardy
  • reputation jeopardy
  • loss of self-esteem
  • loss of job
  • suspension from the University
  • death

You have a responsibility to follow the laws of your city, state and nation. If you fail to live up to that responsibility, you may face certain penalties. Imposing penalties upon you is an option even if a victim of your conduct is not a student and is not choosing to prosecute. The student conduct process can be initiated through the Office of the Dean of Students at 419-372-2843.

Underage consumption, purchasing or possession of alcohol

The legal drinking age in Ohio for consumption of an alcoholic beverage is 21. Purchasing, possessing or consuming alcohol under the age of 21 is a first-degree misdemeanor. The maximum penalties associated with this offense are six months imprisonment or a $1,000 fine or both. Any student under the age of 21, therefore, risks being imprisoned and fined when he/she decides to drink alcohol on or off campus. 

Providing alcohol to an underage person

A person who furnishes alcohol to an underage person is guilty of a first-degree misdemeanor. The maximum penalties associated with this offense are six months imprisonment or $1,000 fine or both. A social host, therefore, risks being fined and imprisoned when he/she furnishes alcohol to a person he/she knows or should know is not 21 years of age.

Fake ID

Possession or display of a fictitious operator's license is a first-degree misdemeanor. The offense includes mere possession of a fictitious license or display of someone else's valid operator's license. The maximum penalties for this offense are six months imprisonment or a $1,000 fine or both. Moreover, if the fictitious operator's license is utilized to purchase alcohol or enter an establishment that serves alcohol, the minimum fine must be at least $250 and the person displaying the fictitious operator's license may have his/her valid operator's license suspended for three years.

Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (OVI)

In Ohio, a person may not operate a motor vehicle if he/she is impaired by alcohol and/or drugs. The maximum penalty for operating a vehicle while under the influence is six months imprisonment (mandatory at least three days in jail) or a $1,000 fine (a mandatory minimum fine of $250) or both. In addition, the operator must forfeit his/her driving privileges for six months.

Open container

It is illegal to possess, in public, an open container of an alcoholic beverage. Conviction of this offense carries a maximum penalty of a $150 fine. Consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle is a fourth-degree misdemeanor with maximum penalties of 30 days imprisonment or a $250 fine or both.

Disorderly conduct

Disorderly conduct while intoxicated is a minor misdemeanor and carries a maximum penalty of a $150 fine. Disorderly conduct occurs when one recklessly causes inconvenience, annoyance or alarm to another due to offensive conduct.

Think before you drink

There are multiple risks that come with violating the law, namely possible fine, imprisonment, criminal record, embarrassment, career jeopardy, reputation jeopardy, loss of self-esteem, loss of job, suspension from the University, serious medical conditions or possible death.

More information about laws governing the sale and possession of alcohol and other drugs, as well as penalties for violations of these laws, may be obtained from the BGSU Police Department, Student Legal Services, the Jerome Library or the City of Bowling Green Police Division.

Student Conduct sanction plan minimum guidelines for alcohol-related incidents

The Alternative Resolution Program (ARP) allows students on a case-by-case basis to resolve first-time incidents for minor violations of the Code of Student Conduct by completing educational interventions that address the personal and social responsibility related to the behavior without incurring a disciplinary record. Participation in the program is at the discretion of the Conduct Administrator, and students must complete all educational interventions by the assigned deadline(s). Students who fail to successfully satisfy all terms and conditions of this program shall be referred for adjudication of the original incident via the Code of Student Conduct. Educational interventions assigned to students participating in ARP may include, but are not limited to, classes, community service, presentations, workshops, and/or written assignments. In situations involving alcohol and/or prohibited cannabis, parental/legal guardian notification may occur.

When a student and/or student organization is found responsible for violating the alcohol policy and/or procedures, any and all of the following sanctions may be imposed. Students who already have Code of Student Conduct violations may receive more severe sanctions and are not eligible for the ARP program. Sanctions may also be enhanced based on the severity of the behavior and the impact on the community.

Alcohol Related incidents

First Violation

  • Warning or Alternative Resolution Program
  • Participation in an alcohol education program at the student’s expense

Second Violation

  • University Conduct Probation for one year
  • Participation in an alcohol education program at the student’s expense and/or meetings with the Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Specialist or designee
  • Parental Notification

Third Violation

  • Extension of University Conduct Probation or possible suspension
  • Alcohol screening and meetings with the Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Specialist or designee
  • Monthly meetings with staff
  • Parental Notification

Fourth Violation (if not suspended on third violation)

  • Suspension
  • Documentation of the completion of an alcohol assessment/treatment program is required for consideration of re-admission
  • University Conduct Probation upon return to the University
  • Monthly meetings with staff upon return

Alcohol and Drug Support

Bowling Green State University supports and sponsors programs aimed at preventing student and employee alcohol and other drug impairment problems. The Counseling Center offers confidential alcohol and other drug counseling to BGSU students with screening, evaluation, referral and follow-up. Supportive recovery assistance is available.

In addition, the Office of Health and Wellness offers peer education programs and professional staff education workshops on issues relating to substance use and misuse.

BGSU Human Resources contracts with IMPACT to offer employee assistance services to BGSU employees, including supervisory and employee educational training regarding substance misuse issues and confidential counseling services with diagnostic assessments. For more information please visit the website.

Policies and Procedures for Addressing Sex Offenses, Dating Violence and Stalking

Policies and Procedures

Students who report being victims of crimes are treated with dignity. The University acknowledges the support services of the Office of Title IX, Gender Violence Prevention and Education Services, Falcon Health Center, the BGSU Police Department, the Counseling Center, the Center for Women and Gender Equity, the BGSU Care Coalition, the Office of Residence Life, Student Legal Services, the Office of Health and Wellness, the Office of the Dean of Students, the Division of Community Well-Being, The Cocoon, Firelands Dean’s Office, Erie County Sheriff’s Office, and Firelands Counseling and Recovery Services of Erie County. Many additional University offices also provide programming aimed at the prevention of crime.

Violence in the Workplace

BGSU Violence in the Workplace policy

Under the BGSU Violence in the Workplace policy 3341-5-28, acts of violence, threats of violence or intimidation will not be tolerated. In its mission to become a premier learning institution, BGSU recognizes the importance of providing a safe environment for all students, faculty, and staff. In this community, victims and survivors will be treated with dignity and respect. Any person found in violation of this policy may be subject to conduct action. Violators may also be subject to criminal prosecution. For the purpose of this policy the following definitions apply:

A.   Acts of violence include any exercise of force against persons or property that could result in physical or emotional harm.

B.    Threats of violence include any verbal or non-verbal communication that inflicts harm.

C.    Intimidation includes any verbal or nonverbal act toward another person, the purpose of which may be to coerce, and the result of which could cause the other person to fear for his or her safety or the safety of others.

In many situations, these actions are also considered criminal acts under the Ohio Revised Code. Acts defined in this subsection include, but are not limited to: physical assault or abuse, sexual assault or abuse, stalking, domestic violence, dating violence, verbal or other threats of physical or sexual assault, threats that may include a weapon and damage or destruction of another’s property. BGSU is committed to providing education, prevention, advocacy, intervention and support services which address acts of violence, threats of violence and intimidation. In addition, the University collaborates with community agencies and professionals in providing these services and referrals. All members of the BGSU community are asked to report violations of the policy on violence to appropriate authorities, such as the BGSU Police Department, the Office of the Dean of Students, BGSU Title IX Office, Firelands Dean’s Office, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office.

BGSU Human Resources contracts with the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), IMPACT/My Life Expert to offer employee assistance services to BGSU employees, including supervisory and employee educational training regarding preventing and recognizing violence in the workplace. For more information please visit the work-life balances page.

Sex Offender Registration

Federal law requires convicted sex offenders to register for the purpose of community notification. In addition, these laws provide for the tracking of convicted sex offenders enrolled at or employed by institutions of higher education. The law requires sex offenders, already required to register in a specific state, to provide notice of each institution of higher education at which that person is employed or enrolled as a student. This registration is to be made available to law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction where the institution of higher education is located. Institutions of higher education are required to issue a statement advising the campus community where law enforcement agency information, provided by the state concerning registered sex offenders, may be obtained.

Persons seeking to obtain sex offender registration information relevant to the Bowling Green State University campus community may contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office at 419-354-9001 or go to their website. For BGSU Firelands, persons can obtain information from the Erie County Sheriff's Office at 419-625-7951 or the website.

Information on Sex Offenses, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence and Stalking

Rape, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking are crimes of power and control. These offenses reflect a total disregard for the rights and feelings of others.

Sexual assault, other forms of sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking can happen anywhere, at any time, to anyone. 1 in 5 college women and 1 in 16 college men will experience an attempted or completed sexual assault (U.S. Department of Justice, 2007). . It is also estimated that 1 in 4 transgender, genderqueer, nonconforming, and questioning students have experienced nonconsensual sexual contact (Association of American Universities, 2015). These are alarming statistics. BGSU does not tolerate violence or intimidation. The University is prepared to respond to these incidents whether they occur on campus or off campus. BGSU offers a variety of programs and services that focus on education, prevention, and response to sex offenses, relationship violence and stalking.

Students who are victimized can experience high levels of physical and psychological distress. Negative consequences of these incidents are wide-ranging and may include:

  • Sexually transmitted infections
  • Unwanted pregnancy
  • Adoption of negative health practices (such as the misuse of alcohol or drugs, disordered eating, and smoking)
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Symptoms of depression and anxiety
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder, or other psychological disorders
  • Difficulty concentrating on academic work
  • Low self-esteem
  • Problems with future intimacy or sexual functioning

In addition, there may be disruption of employment and expenditure of massive financial resources and time as a result of pursuing medical, social, psychological or legal services.

Survivors may blame themselves. Many offenses go unreported, which can result in survivors failing to obtain necessary medical, social, psychological, and legal assistance.

BGSU Human Resources provides annual compliance courses, sourced from EduRisk and pertain to Preventing Sexual Violence in the Workplace and Preventing Harassment and Discrimination in the Workplace for supervisors and employees. Additional courses from EduRisk are offered to employees and supervisors including Healthy Relationships and Dating Violence, Preventing Sexual Assault, etc. For more information please visit BGSU's human resources compliance page.

Crime definitions and categories (Paraphrased from the Ohio Revised Code.)

State law definitions may be revised periodically. Please review Ohio's codes to determine whether the definitions below have been updated.

Sexual Contact

The ORC 2907.01 defines this as any touching of an erogenous zone of another, including the thigh, genitals, buttocks, pubic region, areas particularly sensitive to sexual stimulation, or, if such person is female, breast(s), for the purpose of sexually arousing or gratifying either person.

Sexual Conduct

The ORC 2907.01 defines this as vaginal intercourse between a male and female, and anal intercourse or oral sexual activity between persons regardless of gender. Penetration with any body part or object, however slight, is sufficient to complete vaginal or anal intercourse.

Sexual Imposition

The ORC 2907.06 defines this as having sexual contact with another when the offender knows that the contact is offensive to the other person or is reckless in that regard; or the offender knows that the other person’s ability to appraise the nature of the contact or ability to control the contact is substantially impaired; or the offender knows the other person submits because they are unaware of the sexual contact.

Gross Sexual Imposition

The ORC 2907.05 defines this as having sexual contact with another, by force or threat of force; or the offender substantially impairs the other person's judgment or control using drugs or intoxicants secretly or by force, threat of force, or deception.

Sexual Battery

The ORC 2907.03 defines this as having sexual conduct with another by knowingly coercing the other person to submit; or the offender knows the other person’s ability to appraise the nature of or control their own conduct is substantially impaired; or the offender knows the other person submits because they are unaware that the act is being committed.

Rape

The ORC 2907.02 defines this as engaging in sexual conduct by force or threat of force; or for the purpose of preventing resistance, offender substantially impairs victim's judgment or control by giving any drug/intoxicant secretly or by force, threat of force, or deception. Victim need not prove physical resistance.

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is an umbrella term and not a legal definition. It includes the crimes of sexual imposition, gross sexual imposition, sexual battery and rape. It covers a wide range of actions that may violate criminal law and/or University policy when taken against a person without the person's knowing consent, against the person's will, or under force, threat of force, or coercion. Sexual activity occurring when someone is medicated, asleep, passed out, or substantially impaired by drugs or alcohol can also be illegal. In these situations, a person cannot truly consent since she or he is not in a coherent state of mind.

Domestic Violence

ORC 2919.25 defines this as knowingly causing or attempting to cause physical harm to a family or household member; recklessly causing serious physical harm to a family or household member; or by threat of force, knowingly causing a family or household member to believe that the offender will cause imminent physical harm to the family or household member. ORC 2919.25 defines “family or household member” which includes but not limited to a spouse, former spouse and a person living as a spouse.

Dating Violence

There is no legal definition in Ohio for dating violence. Statistics for dating violence in this report include incidents, other than domestic violence, where violence or the threat of violence is committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim.

Menacing by Stalking

While there is no legal definition for stalking in Ohio, there is another closely related law. ORC 2903.211 defines menacing by stalking as occurring when someone knowingly engages in a pattern of conduct that causes another person to believe that the offender will cause physical harm to the other person or cause mental distress to the other person.

Rights, Policies and Procedures to be Followed in Response to Cases of Reported Sex Offenses, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence and Stalking

Rights, Policies and Procedures to be Followed

Seeking Assistance

The student who has been the victim of a sex offense, dating violence, domestic violence or stalking has many options in seeking assistance. Although victims are not always sure about what has happened to them or what steps they can take, there are staff members specialized in victim advocacy who can assist the student in making informed choices. Students can receive assistance from the BGSU Police Department, Counseling Center, Office of the Dean of Students, BGSU Office of Title IX, BGSU Gender Violence Prevention and Education Services, Office of Residence Life, Falcon Health Center, Bowling Green City Police, Wood County Sheriff’s Office, Wood County Hospital, Wood County Prosecutor's Office, and The Cocoon. Additional sources of assistance for BGSU Firelands include the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, the Firelands Regional Medical Center and the Firelands Dean’s Office. It is the option of the student whether or not to seek legal, medical and/or psychological services. Victims are encouraged to seek medical attention and support even if they do not wish to report the incident to police.

Seeking Medical Attention and Maintaining Evidence

It is important for a student who has been sexually assaulted to receive medical care to ensure physical well-being and to maintain the collection and preservation of evidence should the student choose to take legal action at any time in the future. Medical care may include emergency contraception, antibiotic treatment to address any sexually transmitted infections and specialized, physical examinations. Physical examinations and rape kits conducted at the Wood County Hospital or the Firelands Regional Medical Center are provided by a trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. The purpose of the rape kit is for the collection of evidence. All rape kit evidence should be collected in the first 96 hours after the assault has occurred. Regardless if a student showers or changes clothing, a rape kit can still be collected. Having a rape kit completed does not mean that the case will go to court or that the student must press criminal charges. It does leave the option available and can greatly enhance the chances of a successful prosecution should the student make the decision to press charges at a later date. The medical facility that collects the evidence will contact police and transfer the rape kit to the police for them to store as evidence for an investigation in case the victim later chooses to report the incident to police.

In addition to the rape kit and clothing of the victim or suspect, other potential sources of evidence include bedding, condoms, any source of DNA evidence, cell phone records, text messages, voice mail messages, social media posts, photos and video footage. We encourage victims to report sex offenses and incidents of domestic violence, dating violence and stalking as soon as possible to assist in the evaluation of available evidence and the preservation of such evidence just in case the victim later decides to request a criminal or student conduct investigation.

Reporting Options
  1. The victim of a reported sex offense, dating violence, domestic violence or stalking incident has the right to full and prompt cooperation from University personnel. Victims will be given written notification about existing counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal assistance, visa and immigration assistance, student financial aid and other services available. Victims will also be provided with written notification about options for accommodations and protective measures, regardless of whether the victim wants to report the crime to police. Victims also have the right to pursue prosecution in a court of law. Even if the student does not want to press charges, they can speak with a police officer regarding the incident in order to keep all options open for the future. An advocate can help explain the difference between pressing charges and filing a report. The University will assist a victim with filing a report with the police if they choose to do so. BGSU police officers receive training in the investigation of sex offenses, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. Officers are trained to first seek medical assistance for the survivor, then obtain vital information and evidence, which may be used in a later conduct or court action. All BGSU police officers have full police powers, which enable them to make arrests anywhere on the campus of Bowling Green State University. In addition, Bowling Green State University Police and the City of Bowling Green Police Division have a Mutual Aid Agreement which gives BGSU police officers full powers of arrest within the city of Bowling Green; likewise, the Bowling Green City Police have arrest powers on the campus of Bowling Green State University. In addition to the services provided by the Bowling Green campus, the Firelands campus also utilizes the services of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office
  2. Duty to Report: All University personnel with the exception of those providing confidential services are required to report that a felony has been or is being committed.
  3. Reporting Procedures On and Off Campus: On-campus incidents should be reported to the BGSU Police Department. All off-campus offenses should be reported to the City of Bowling Green Police Division or the local jurisdiction in which the incidents occurred. For BGSU Firelands, incidents should be reported to the Erie County Sheriff’s Office.

Options to Consider in Recovery

Academic Issues

Crime can also affect a victim's academic performance. Students may seek assistance with academic issues through the Office of Title IX at 419-372-8476. The Title IX Coordinator will work collaboratively with the student's college office. At BGSU Firelands, students should seek assistance from the Office of the Dean at 419-372-0623.

Advocacy

Advocates from The Cocoon are trained in providing emotional support, information, referrals, plus medical and legal information for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Advocates can be contacted at any point in the aftermath of an incident to provide assistance. However, the sooner an advocate is called and able to provide information and services, the more options a victim may have. To contact an advocate, call at 419-373-1730.

Alcohol and Other Substances

Often times, victims, knowingly or unknowingly, ingest alcohol and other substances prior to being victimized. In either case, a victim will not be penalized for underage consumption if an incident is reported to the police or the Office of the Dean of Students. Below are support resources.

BGSU Student Conduct Program

If the perpetrator is a student, a victim may utilize the student conduct process, which is the University's system of conduct action for students. This course of action is an option even if the victim is not a student and is not choosing to pursue criminal action. If the alleged violator accepts or is found responsible for a violation of the Code of Student Conduct, the victim will be the given the opportunity to provide information for consideration on the outcome of the case. The standard of proof to be applied in all student conduct violations is “more likely than not” that a policy violation occurred. Proceedings will include a prompt, fair, and impartial process from the initial investigation to the final result. Potential sanctions range from a University warning to University conduct probation, discretionary sanctions and expulsion. A full list of student conduct sanctions can be found in the Code of Student Conduct located in the Student Handbook. All investigations will be conducted by a staff member who has received, at a minimum, annual training on issues related to dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking as well as investigation and hearing procedures that protect the safety of victims and promote accountability.

The student conduct process can be initiated through the Office of the Dean of Students at 419-372-2843. At the Firelands campus, students should seek assistance from the Office of the Dean at 419-372-0623.

While there is no legal definition of consent in Ohio law, BGSU uses the following definition of consent as outlined in the Title IX Sexual Harassment and Policy and Procedures, Policy 3341-2-41, which closely mirrors key points found in Ohio law:

  • Consent is a clear and unambiguous agreement to engage in a particular activity. The person who initiates a sexual activity is responsible for obtaining consent for that activity.
  • Consent must be expressed outwardly through mutually understandable words or actions. The person who initiates a sexual activity may not infer consent from silence, passivity, or a lack of resistance.
  • A person who is incapacitated may not give consent.
  • Consent must be voluntarily given. It cannot be obtained through coercion or force.
  • Coercion is conduct that would reasonably place a person in fear, and that is used to compel that person to engage in sexual activity. Examples of coercive conduct include intimidation and express or implied threats of immediate or future harm to the person or others. Harm may be a physical, emotional, reputational, financial, or other injury to that person or another.
  • Force is the use of physical action, strength or violence to compel a person to participate in sexual activity
  • Consent must not be inferred from an existing or previous dating or sexual relationship. Even within an existing relationship, the parties must consent to engage in any sexual activity each time it occurs.
  • Consent to one sexual activity is not consent to another sexual activity, nor is it consent to the same sexual activity at another time.
  • A person may withdraw consent at any time. If consent is withdrawn, the sexual activity must stop immediately.
  • To determine under this Policy whether consent was sought and given, BGSU will evaluate what was known by the parties, or reasonably should have been known, when all the relevant circumstances are considered.
Counseling and Mental Health Agencies

Counseling can be an integral part of recovery. The referral sources listed below include on-and off-campus counseling and advocacy services, as well as various support groups.

  • BGSU Counseling Center, 104 College Park, 419-372-2081
  • BGSU Psychological Services, Psychology Building, Suite 300, 419-372-2540
  • Therapeutic Intervention Project, 419-352-5387
  • Firelands Regional Medical Center/ Firelands Counseling and Recovery Services, 419-557-7400
  • Wood County Crisis Line, 419-502-HOPE (4673)
Supportive Measures

Supportive measures are non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services offered as appropriate, as reasonably available, and without fee or charge to the complainant or the respondent before or after the filing of a formal complaint or where no formal complaint has been filed. Such measures are designed to restore or preserve equal access to BGSU’s education programs or activities without unreasonably burdening the other party, including measures designed to protect the safety of all parties or BGSU’s educational environment. BGSU provides supportive measures after the Office of the Dean of Students or Title IX Office receives notice of Prohibited Conduct but before any outcome has been decided. These measures typically are kept in place until the matter is resolved but may be extended when warranted.

Supportive measures may include counseling, extensions of deadlines or other course-related adjustments, modifications of work or class schedules, campus escort services, mutual restrictions on contact between the parties, changes in work or housing locations, leaves of absence, increased security and monitoring of certain areas of the campus, and other similar measures.

The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the effective implementation of supportive measures. A complainant or respondent may meet with the Title IX Coordinator to discuss the adequacy or need for supportive measures.

BGSU will maintain as confidential any supportive measures provided to the complainant or respondent, to the extent that maintaining such confidentiality would not impair the ability of BGSU to provide the supportive measures.

Implementation of supportive measures does not mean or suggest that BGSU has made any decision about the merits of the report.

No Contact Orders and Protection Orders

 Additional accommodations and protective measures through BGSU are also available including No Contact Orders and housing/facility restrictions. These accommodations and/or interim measures can be requested through the Office of the Dean of Students and/or Title IX Coordinator. Staff members in either the Office of Title IX or Office of the Dean of students can also assist complainants in connecting with a victim’s advocate through The Cocoon.

Cocoon Advocates can also provide additional assistance regarding seeking a Civil Protection Order (CPO) or a Temporary Protection Order (TPO) through the courts.

A “TPO” is a court order issued in connection with a criminal case involving domestic abuse or stalking. The order generally requires the offender to stay away from the protected person and have no contact in any way, even through a third person, with the protected person. Generally, the offender is ordered to stay away from the residence, the business and other necessary locations of the protected person. The order lasts only as long as the criminal case. It is a criminal offense to violate a TPO. A TPO is ordered by the court as part of a criminal case. In order to obtain a TPO, certain charges, such as Domestic Violence or Stalking, must already be filed. If the court has not already issued a TPO as part of the case, a victim may request one by appearing before the court in which the case is pending.

A “CPO” is issued through the Domestic Relations Court. No criminal case need be pending, but it must involve a domestic relationship and there must be violence or legitimate fear of violence that can be articulated to a judge or magistrate. The order is generally similar to the guidelines set out above for a TPO. It is a criminal offense to violate a CPO. To initiate a CPO you would begin by contacting the Wood County Clerk of Court’s office at 1 Court House Square in Bowling Green. At the Firelands campus, contact the Erie County Clerk of Court’s office at 323 Columbus Ave. in Sandusky.

A “No Contact Order” from the court is separate from a no contact order by BGSU. This is an order by a court in a criminal action that the criminal defendant not have contact with the protected person. The protected person may be a victim, a witness, a co-defendant or anyone else the court determines may be negatively affected by contact from the defendant. The order may be issued as a condition of probation if the defendant has been convicted of the offense or of bond if the case is still pending. Violation of this order may subject the Defendant to answering to the court for violating his probation or his bond conditions. Violation of a No Contact Order itself is not a criminal offense. However, in dangerous situations, the police should always be called.

In all of these instances, the responsibility to comply with the Order is entirely on the person who was ordered, not on the protected person.

Emergency Removal

BGSU may remove a respondent from any BGSU education program or activity on an emergency basis, provided that BGSU first undertakes an individualized safety and risk analysis, determines that an immediate threat to the physical health or safety of any student or other individual arising from the allegations of sexual harassment justifies removal, and provides the respondent with notice and an opportunity to challenge the decision immediately following the removal.

This section does not limit BGSU’s ability to suspend a respondent under Ohio Rev. Code § 3345.22 or other applicable law.

Administrative Leave

BGSU may place a non-student employee respondent on administrative leave during the pendency of the university resolution procedure described in the Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures and any subsequent processes.

Victim's Compensation

Victims may be eligible for victim's compensation for costs incurred as a result of the crime. More information is available about such compensation at 419-352-1545.

Procedures for Alleged Instances of Sexual Assault Offenses, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence and Stalking

The Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures, Policy 3341-2-41 applies to BGSU students and employees in a BGSU education program or activity. This policy also designates “mandatory reporters” and specifies the duties applicable to those faculty, staff, and volunteers.

BGSU has jurisdiction under this Policy whenever the Prohibited Conduct occurs on campus or in any building owned or controlled by a Registered Student Organization.

BGSU also has jurisdiction when Prohibited Conduct occurs off campus (including online or electronic conduct) in the United States if it occurs in connection with a BGSU education program or activity, including BGSU-sponsored research or internship programs or any other location, event, or circumstance in which BGSU exercised substantial control over both the respondent and the context in which the Prohibited Conduct occurred.

Process Involving Students
Process Involving Employees

Reporting Options and Mandatory Reporting

BGSU strongly encourages prompt reporting of conduct that may violate the Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures. Anyone may make a report, including a student, employee, visitor, or other third party. A person may choose to make a report to the university, to law enforcement, or to both. BGSU will make support and resources available to a person making a report no matter which option they choose.

Amnesty to Students When Reporting Prohibited Conduct

BGSU will not pursue a Code of Student Conduct violation against any participant in an investigation under the Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures, whose potential violation of BGSU policy on drug or alcohol use was identified during the investigation, provided that the drug or alcohol use did not (and does not) endanger the health or safety of another person. BGSU may, however, initiate an assessment, hold an educational discussion, or pursue other non-disciplinary options to address the drug or alcohol use.

Reporting to law enforcement or the university (other than confidential reporting options) means that, as appropriate, the report will be shared with others.

Reporting to the University

An individual may make a report directly to the Title IX Coordinator in 207 Hayes Hall by email to titleix@bgsu.edu, by regular mail, by telephone at (419) 372-7751, or in person at the Office of Title IX. An online report form may be found on the BGSU website by visiting the Title IX or Equity and Compliance pages.

Designated BGSU staff, including the Office of the Dean of Students, the Office of Residence Life, the Office of Accessibility Services, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Gender Violence Prevention and Education Services, for Firelands, the Associate Dean of Students, and the BGSU Police Department, will help individuals with reporting.

Mandatory Reporters

A “mandatory reporter” must immediately report any information about suspected Prohibited Conduct to the Title IX Coordinator. A mandatory reporter who fails to make a timely report may be subject to appropriate discipline. A full list of the BGSU mandatory reporters and exceptions can be found in the Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures

Reporting to Law Enforcement

BGSU encourages anyone who experiences Prohibited Conduct to make a report to BGSU Police Department. Prompt reporting enables law enforcement to collect and preserve evidence.

A person who wishes to pursue criminal action in addition to, or instead of, making a report to BGSU may contact law enforcement directly by calling:

(i) 911 (for emergencies);

(ii) BGSU Police Department: (419) 372-2346 (non- emergencies);

(iii) Bowling Green City Police Division: (419) 352-2571 (non-emergencies);

(iv) Wood County Sheriff’s Office: (419) 354-9001 (non-emergencies);

(v) Ohio State Highway Patrol: (419) 352-2481 (non- emergencies);

(vi) Erie County Sheriff’s Department: (419) 625-7591 (non-emergencies at Firelands campus).

Upon request, BGSU staff will assist in making a report to law enforcement. For conduct occurring in the residence halls, the Office of Residence Life can assist in making a report to the BGSU Police Department. For reports of off-campus Prohibited Conduct, the BGSU Police Department can assist in identifying which law enforcement agency should receive the report.

Anonymous Reports

A person may report Prohibited Conduct to BGSU without disclosing one’s name using the online reporting form found on the BGSU website. Although the report may be filed anonymously, the date and time of the incident must be included.

Depending on the circumstances, such as the unavailability of witnesses and the university’s relationship to the respondent, BGSU’s ability to investigate and remedy an anonymous report may be limited. BGSU will, however, take action as it deems appropriate and in the best interests of the overall university community, to the extent allowed by the available information.

Sources of Assistance

BGSU wants every student or employee who may have experienced harm to have access to resources to get help and assistance. BGSU and the community offer a number of resources that can provide support and guidance in response to any incident of harm. These resources are available to every BGSU student or employee who may have experienced harmful conduct, regardless of whether they intend to report the conduct to university officials or law enforcement.

Main Campus Resources

BGSU Police Department
911 or 419-372-2346

Gender Violence Prevention and Education Services

419-372-7227

BGSU Counseling Center (confidential)
419-372-2081

The Cocoon (confidential)
419-373-1730– ask for a campus victim advocate when you call.

Falcon Health Center (confidential)
419-372-2271

Unison (confidential)
419-502-HOPE (4673)

Office of the Dean of Students
419-372-2843

Psychological Services Center (confidential)
419-372-2540

Title IX Office
419-372-8476

Office of Health and Wellness
419-372-WELL (9355)

Wood County Hospital
419-354-89

For employees only:
BGSU EAP-IMPACT/My Life Expert
800-227-6007

For additional information on BGSU and community resources,
including emergency and ongoing assistance; health, mental health, and advocacy services; options for reporting Prohibited Conduct; and available support with academics, housing, transportation, pregnancy, and employment, see the BGSU Title IX website. In addition, anyone may contact the Title IX Coordinator, located in Hayes 207 or at 419-372-8476 to discuss available BGSU and community resources and assistance.

Victim's Compensation

Victims may be eligible for victim's compensation for costs incurred as a result of the crime. More information is available about such compensation at 419-352-1545.

Firelands Campus Resources

Bayshore Counseling Services – Sandusky Office
419-626-9156 (request intake office)

Erie County Deputy (for Firelands campus)
419-372-0709 or 911

Firelands Counseling and Recovery Services (confidential)
800-342-1177 (ext. 5177)

Office of the Dean (Firelands)
419-372-0623

For additional information on BGSU Firelands resources,
contact the Associate Dean at 419-372-0664.

Confidential and Non-Confidential Resources

BGSU recognizes that there is an important difference between making a complaint to the university, a community resource, seeking confidential assistance, and making a complaint to law enforcement. Many campus and community resources are not confidential. This section outlines the confidential and non-confidential resources available to individuals who have experienced harmful conduct.

Confidential resources are professionals who are required by law to protect confidentiality or assigned as a confidential resource by BGSU. A confidential resource must not reveal information disclosed in confidence unless they are given permission by the person who disclosed it, or there is an imminent threat of harm, or suspected abuse of a person under the age of eighteen, or as otherwise required or permitted by law or court order.

Confidential resources available to BGSU students include the BGSU Counseling Center, The Cocoon, Psychological Services Center, and the Falcon Health Center (for Firelands Campus this includes Firelands Counseling and Recovery Services). Clergy and mental and medical health care providers are also confidential resources.

BGSU employees who are not confidential resources will seek to respect the privacy of all individuals. Reported information about Prohibited Conduct will be shared only with BGSU employees who need to know the information to assess, investigate, and resolve the report.

Awareness and Prevention of Sex Offenses, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence and Stalking

Bowling Green State University (BGSU) prohibits the crimes of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. BGSU works closely with The Cocoon (a local rape crisis and domestic violence organization) to develop and implement programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sex offenses and stalking.

Several departments on the BGSU campus are involved in coordination of programming and information dissemination including: the BGSU Office of Title IX, BGSU Police Department, Counseling Center, the Office of Health and Wellness, the Office of Human Resources, Gender Violence Prevention and Education Services, and the Center for Women and Gender Equity.

Programs that are provided are tailored to the BGSU community and the needs of our students and employees. BGSU works to make sure these programs are culturally relevant and inclusive to all parts of the community. The programs provided are informed by research. View the primary prevention and awareness programs offered by BGSU in 2023.

BGSU Community of Care

A Community of Care requires campus-wide responsibility for acting on situations that can have significant impact on individuals and the campus community. As a public university for the public good, Bowling Green State University prioritizes community well-being and belonging to ensure that Falcons do not struggle alone.

The pillars of Community of Care include:

  • Alcohol and Substance Misuse
  • Hazing Education and Prevention
  • Mental and Physical Well-Being
  • Sexual Misconduct/Title IX

The most important thing to remember is, if you see or know something that does not feel quite right, say something so that appropriate University personnel can assist.

There are many options available to share information:

  • When immediate action is required because someone’s health, safety and/or property is at-risk, call 9-1-1.
  • When there are non-emergencies that require law enforcement intervention, BGSU Police can be reached by calling 419-372-2346.
  • When there is a student concern that is not an emergency, call the Office of the Dean of Students during business hours at 419-372-2843.
  • Submitting a written report through the See It. Hear It. Report It. webpage.

Prevention of Sex Offenses

The responsibility of preventing sexual assault lies with the person initiating sexual behavior, as that is the person who has the power to stop what he or she is doing. With this in mind, these are things to consider when initiating sexual behavior:

  1. Sexual assault is a crime and violation of the Code of Student Conduct, the BGSU sexual harassment policy and the BGSU policy on violence. As such, being found responsible for a Code of Student Conduct violation involving "sexual contact without permission" can result in a maximum sanction of expulsion from BGSU. Additionally, criminal charges could be brought forward as well as civil litigation within the court system.
  2. Because sexual assault is a crime of power and control, the most important thing to consider when engaging in sexual behavior is the CONSENT of the other person involved. Only a person's consent gives one the right to engage in sexual contact. Key components:
    • (a.) Consent cannot be implied through seemingly "mixed" messages. One's sexual partner must be given every opportunity to communicate his/her wishes and limits on the degree of behavior that is initiated. No means no, and when in doubt, ask first. It is always better to hear a yes when seeking consent.
    • (b.) Consent can only be given by a person who is in control of his or her mental capacities. A person who is substantially impaired by drugs or alcohol is not legally in a position to give consent.
    • (c.) Even if a person has agreed to be sexually involved with someone, that person has the right to withdraw consent at any time, even during behavior that might already be interpreted as sexual. Consent is not implied by the fact that dinner was bought for someone, or that the parties were sexually involved in the past or even if someone was seemingly "led on" by another's behavior.
    • (d.) Use of force, threats, intimidation, or coercion is a willful denial of a person's right to freely give his/her consent.

The well-being of the other person is of the utmost importance during any sexual encounter. Be aware of what your partner is saying or not saying during an encounter. When in doubt about proceeding to the next level of intimacy, ask. Checking in with your partner about what you are doing is a way of sharing the power and control of the situation that was initiated by you with them. This keeps the interaction an equal and safe situation for both parties.

Bystander Intervention

Bystander Intervention is defined as safe and positive options that may be carried out by an individual or individuals to prevent harm or intervene when there is a risk of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual offenses, or stalking.

Stop an event before it happens. Use the following steps to intervene:

  1. The situation: Is everyone safe? Are you safe? When in doubt, call for help.
  2. Decide which intervention option to use based on your resources and the situation:
    • The 3 D’s of Intervention:
      • Direct – Approach a situation and be straightforward when expressing concern or engaging in a confrontation
      • Delegate – Ask someone else for assistance in confronting alarming behavior
      • Distract – Divert the attention of the individuals involved by causing a distraction

Risk Reduction for Sex Offenses, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence or Stalking

Information about risk reduction (which has been largely excerpted from the 1989 Counseling Center publication, "Sexual Violations: Know the Signs," written by Dr. Craig Vickio, Dr. Elizabeth Yarris, Ms. Nancy Breen, and Ms. Kimberly Chin) is provided below.

Bowling Green State University recognizes the need for healthy and successful relationships. Prevention of crime starts with those who are committing the offenses and then is supplemented by the use of methods to reduce the risk of being victimized. All students can play a role in combating sex offenses, dating violence, domestic violence or stalking by holding perpetrators accountable, supporting the rights and choices of those who have been victimized and making full use of campus resources to educate themselves on these serious, yet preventable problems.

To learn more about becoming an active bystander, take part in our Green Dot Bystander Intervention Training. Contact Gender Violence Prevention and Education Services at 419-372-7227 or email gvpes@bgsu.edu.

Information on Risk Reduction

Although the responsibility of prevention truly lies with the offender, there are things that individuals can do and be aware of that may help reduce the risk of crime. These are not guarantees of safety, but rather personal rights and best practices for a safer environment at BGSU.

  1. You have the right to your own values, attitudes and beliefs about sexual behavior and relationships in general. Therefore you have the right to determine the type of interactions and activities you feel comfortable with and to end those activities at any time.
  2. While there is no perfect profile of someone who will be controlling or violent, there are some warning signs. These include:
    1. Domineering, overly controlling actions
    2. A tendency to disregard your feelings and desires
    3. The expression of hostility or dominance toward potential partners
    4. The belief that certain actions entitle one to sex
    5. Intrusion into your personal space
    6. Touching you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable
  3. No one is ever entitled to sex. You are not obligated to perform sexual acts as payment, or as a favor.
  4. You have the right to deny alcohol at any time. Alcohol not only impairs your judgment, many recognize alcohol as a frequently used and highly effective rape-facilitating drug.
  5. You have the right to say no at any time for any reason. When you feel that your personal rights are being threatened, you have every right to take a stand and let the offending party know that what he/she is doing is unwelcome.
  6. Going to larger parties with people you trust may help to avoid dangerous situations. Inviting other friends to go with you is another great way of ensuring that there will be others around in case of an emergency.
  7. Having your own transportation gives you a degree of power to leave a situation, if you see the need to.
  8. Instead of walking alone, walk with friends or use the Campus Escort Service on campus.
  9. While using social media, be mindful of the type of information you provide, including your address or phone number, and whether you are at home or away.

Missing Person Information

All students residing in University housing are afforded an opportunity to provide contact information for one or more persons to notify should they be missing for 24 hours or more. This information will be maintained at their residence hall front desk. In instances where a student is under 18 years of age, parent(s) or legal guardian(s) will be contacted in addition to the emergency contact person.

Students not residing in University housing may provide an emergency contact to notify should they be missing for 24 hours more by submitting that information through their myBGSU Student Center.

When a residential student is reported missing to the BGSU Police Department, the following steps are initiated
  • Upon receipt of a call that a person is missing, the BGSU police dispatcher will dispatch an officer to respond to the person making the notification. The responding officer obtains all pertinent information regarding the missing person. The officer in charge is notified and an attempt is made to locate or contact the person that is missing.
  • The Office of the Dean of Students on-call staff member is notified.
  • If the person is not located or contacted in a reasonable period of time (defined by the facts of the case) the BGSU police investigators are notified and:
    • The individual’s information is entered into NCIC and LEADS
    • The information is distributed to the AMBER ALERT system for missing children who may have been abducted
    • Local radio broadcasts are also made with available and pertinent information
    • The investigation continues until the missing individual is located or contacted

If the incident occurs off campus or if the person is a student living off campus, the on-call staff member in the Office of the Dean of Students and City of Bowling Green Police or another police agency with jurisdiction should be notified. BGSU Police will assist the other police agency as needed in locating the missing student.

Updated: 10/07/2024 08:51AM