Clery Act

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, known as the Clery Act, is a federal law that promotes transparency around campus safety. It applies to institutions like Ohio Wesleyan University that receive federal student financial aid. Under this law, the university is required to disclose certain types of crimes that occur on university property, in buildings or property OWU controls, and on nearby public areas.

Key Clery Act Requirements at OWU

Crime Data Collection and Reporting

Ohio Wesleyan University is responsible for collecting, classifying, and reporting statistics on crimes specified by the Clery Act. This process relies on designated Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) who are required to share information about certain incidents reported to them.

Types of Campus Notifications

Certain crimes that pose a serious or ongoing threat to the campus community require Emergency Notifications or Timely Warnings under the Clery Act. Ohio Wesleyan uses additional types of outreach as outlined below.

Emergency Notifications, or OWU ALERTS, are issued when immediate action is required. An RSS feed mirroring all OWU ALERTS is posted online at owu.edu/emergency for up to 72 hours.

Timely Warnings are issued for crimes required to be reported under the Clery Act that occur within the University's Clery Act geography; are reported to a Campus Security Authority or a local law enforcement agency; and are determined to represent a serious or continuing threat to students or employees.

 Public Safety Advisories are issued when a situation constitutes a serious or continuing threat, but is not a Clery Act crime within OWU geography.

Campus Operations Notifications are issued when an Emergency Notification, Timely Warning, or Public Safety Advisory is not appropriate, but the University deems the information important for the safety and well-being of the campus community. Examples include planned fire alarm testing and parking lot closures.

The University will issue follow-up notices, as needed.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASR)

Each year, the university publishes the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This document includes campus crime statistics, safety policies, and procedures for reporting and responding to emergencies. Visit this link "Annual Clery reports" to view or print copies of OWU's report. The report covers OWU's Main Campus and Perkins Observatory in Delaware, OH, and the New York Arts Program in New York City, NY.

Identification of Campus Security Authorities (CSAs)

OWU identifies individuals across campus who serve as Campus Security Authorities. These are staff or faculty members who have significant responsibility for student and campus activities, such as student affairs professionals, athletic coaches, residence life staff, and faculty advisors to student organizations. These individuals play a key role in ensuring compliance by reporting qualifying crimes that are shared with them.