Campus Safety

Bethel College Wellness Policies

Sexual Assault Policy

The most complete version of the Sexual Assault Policy is available through the Wellness Center.

Sexual Assault Prohibited.

Any commission of a sex offense prohibited by Indiana or federal law is a violation of Bethel College's Sexual Assault Policy and the College's "Life Together Covenant." Members of the student body, faculty, support staff, and administrative personnel are included under this policy and within the agreement of the "Life Together Covenant." Any violation of this policy may lead to criminal sanctions or discipline up to and including expulsion or termination as applicable.

Reporting Sexual Assaults.

Bethel College encourages all victims of sexual assault to report such incidents to any Campus Security Authority. The decision to file a report with the Office of Campus Safety or any other local, county, or state law enforcement agency is to be made by the victim. Filing a report with the police does commit the victim to pressing charges, but not necessarily to testifying in court. While follow-up options are presented and discussed, the final decisions are left to the victim. Student Development personnel will help victims contact the police if assistance is requested.

Following a sexual assault, the victim's physical well-being is a primary concern because of the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, and/or physical injuries which may not be apparent. All victims should seek immediate medical attention; however, even if time has passed, it is important to seek medical care.

Investigations and Hearing.

Upon receiving a report of sexual assault, the appropriate vice president will conduct an investigation in cooperation with the Director of Campus Safety or his designee and will conduct hearings in accordance with established procedures.

Sexual assault victims are entitled to have a person(s) of his/her choice present during any and all segments of the hearing process. Sexual assault victims are entitled to be informed of the status of any and all phases of the hearing process, including the outcome.

Person(s) accused of sexual assault are entitled to have the person(s) of his/her choice present during any and all segments of the hearing process. Accused person(s) are also entitled to be informed of the status of any and all phases of the hearing process, including the outcome.

Education/Services in the Prevention of Sexual Assault.

The Office of Student Development offers several educational seminars that are specifically designed to prevent the occurrence of sexual assault. Seminars are offered to student, faculty, and staff groups upon request. Contact the Office of Student Development to schedule seminars.

  1. The Office of Campus Safety provides an escort service during hours of darkness for person(s) who may be walking on campus. Call x3500 to request an escort.
  2. Crime prevention materials are made available to students, faculty, and staff upon request.
  3. The Office of Campus Safety provides the community with timely reports of crimes committed on or off campus considered to be a threat to students or employees through campus safety alerts, The Beacon (the monthly school newspaper), residence hall directors, and announcements in classes and chapels.
  4. The Sexual Assault Services Consultants (representatives from Academic Affairs, Personnel, Counseling Center, Residential Life, Campus Safety, chairperson, and Health Center) are a central referral source for information relating to the rights, options, and services available to a sexual assault victim. Specifically, consultants are knowledgeable about campus and community referral resources which can provide medical, legal, counseling, advocacy, and academic assistance. The College will change a victim's academic and living situations after an alleged sex offense, if those changes are requested by the victim and are reasonably available. Consultants can discuss these options. The consultant should not be expected to provide specific or detailed legal, medical or counseling guidance to a victim and must refrain from doing so unless licensed in the respective field. The consultant is expected to inform the victim both verbally and in writing of the existence and location of services available to assist the victim of a sexual assault. Call x3530 for more information on the Sexual Assault Services Consultants.

What To Do.

If you are a victim of a sexual assault, get to a safe place as soon as you can. Then you should:

  1. Try to preserve all physical evidence. Do not bathe, douche, use the toilet, or change clothing.
  2. Call the Office of Campus Safety or a police agency--even if you are unsure about testifying in court.
  3. Get medical attention as soon as possible. The Campus Safety officers or police will help you with this.
  4. Call a close friend, residence hall director, or other trusted person who can be with you for support.
  5. Use the Sexual Assault Services Consultants for crisis counseling, assistance with medical treatment, safe-shelter options, and assistance with legal issues.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

Possession and use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco are not allowed anywhere on campus and all Bethel Students are to refrain from use at any time as per the “Lifestyle Covenant.”

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Education.

The Bethel College alcohol and drug abuse program extends far beyond minimum requirements for such programs. Since Bethel College does not permit the use of alcohol or drugs on or off campus, abuse problems tend to be hidden.

For this reason the extensive program strives to reach five distinct outcomes:

  1. Training and information which may prevent some students, faculty and staff from abusing drugs and alcohol.
  2. Training for the campus community so that they will more readily identify current problems.
  3. An increase in the level of competency of intervention techniques in a manner that is caring and correct.
  4. Better referrals to appropriate agencies and follow up with needed support.
  5. A campus-based, user-friendly resource center housing specific, needed information.

The full description of the Comprehensive Drug and Alcohol Program is available upon request to the Dean of Students 574.257.3530.