The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is completed by the Department of Public Safety to be in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools & Communities Act, the Pennsylvania College & University Security Information Act (May 26, 1988, P.L. 448, No. 73; and PA Leos. Serv. Act 1994-87), the U.S. Student Right to Know & Campus Security Act (Public Law 101-542), and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Act. It is mandated that certain data be published on an annual basis by each institution of higher education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, relating to the number and per-capita rate of certain types of crimes reported to have occurred at the institution, and the security measures that are in place to reduce the risk of criminal victimization for members of the community. In compliance with these requirements, Duquesne University is pleased to present the information to all students, employees and applicants to the University.

2023 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

Crime Statistics

An annual report is completed every year by October 1 containing three years of campus crime statistics.

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report and the crime statistics are compiled by the Department of Public Safety.  Crime statistics are obtained from criminal incidents reported to the Department of Public Safety and those designated as Campus Security Authorities to whom incidents may be reported.  Statistics are also received from the City of Pittsburgh Police Department for inclusion in the “Public Property” section of the Clery Act Statistics.

The statistics gathered from the aforementioned sources are then recorded by the Department of Public Safety on the Federal Bureau of Investigation Uniform Crime Reporting Form and a Clery Act Reporting Form and disseminated to the campus community via the Duquesne University website and the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) requires the crime statistics to be shown by the following geographic categories:

  • On Campus Property- any building or property owned or controlled by the University within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area of the University and used by the University in direct support or related to the University’s educational purposes; and property within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area of the University that is owned by the University but controlled by another person, is used by students and supports institutional purposes.
  • Non Campus Property- any building or property owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by the University; and any building or property owned or controlled by the University that is used in direct support of, or in relation to the University’s educational purposed, is frequently used by students, and is not within the same reasonably contiguous area of the University. (Duquesne University’s Main Campus and the Italian Campus have no non-campus buildings or properties).
  • Public Property- all public property, including thoroughfares, streets, sidewalks, and parking facilities, that is within the campus or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus; also includes all public parks within one mile of the borders of the Main Campus.
  • Residential Facilities- all residence halls, fraternity and sorority houses, and other residential facilities for students on-campus.

Clery Act Statistics:

Annual Fire Safety Report

The Higher Education Opportunity Act became law in August 2008 and requires all United States academic institutions to produce an annual fire safety report outlining fire safety practices, standards, and all fire related on- campus statistics.  The following public disclosure report details all information required by this law as it relates to Duquesne University for the year 2022.

General Statement of Duquesne University Living/Learning Centers

The Living/Learning Centers at Duquesne University (Assumption Hall, St. Ann Hall, St. Martin Hall, Duquesne Towers, Vickroy Hall, Brottier Hall and Des Places) are covered with integrated fire sprinkler systems and redundant fire alarm monitoring systems which are monitored 24 hours per day, seven days per week by the Duquesne University Department of Public Safety.

Living Learning 
Center
Fire Detection Systems (Smoke, Heat, Ion) Fire
Suppression
System
Fire
Extinguishers
Present
Redundant Monitoring System Fire Drills Each Year
Assumption Hall Yes Full Yes Yes 2
St. Ann Hall Yes Full Yes Yes 2
St. Martin Hall Yes Full Yes Yes 2
Duquesne Towers Yes Full Yes Yes 2
Vickroy Hall Yes Full Yes Yes

2

Brottier Hall Yes Full Yes Yes

2

Des Places Yes Full Yes Yes

2

Fire Safety Improvements and Upgrades

Duquesne University Facilities Management reviews the fire systems in the Living/Learning Centers throughout the year and implements upgrades, repairs, or revisions whenever issues are identified.

Living/Learning Center Fire Drills

Fire drills are held for each center once per Fall and Spring Semester and are mandatory supervised evacuations for fire.  The evacuation drills are conducted by Environmental Health and Safety in conjunction with Public Safety, Facilities Management, and the Office of Residence Life.

Evacuation route maps are posted at strategic locations throughout the centers to identify the closest egress route.  Students who fail to leave the center during a fire drill are disciplined in accordance with the policies described in the Residence Life Handbook.

Fire Safety Policies

The Office of Residence Life permits students to use U.L. approved hot pots, popcorn makers, coffeemakers or microwave ovens.  Items not permitted include, but are not limited to, electric frying pans, toasters, toaster ovens, sandwich makers, grills, hot plates, immersion coils or any other non-UL approved appliances.

Smoking is not permitted in any Living/Learning Center or within 25 feet of any entrance or air intake.  No open flames are permitted, including burning of incense, candles, or potpourri.

The fire alarm systems are internally tested on a weekly basis and a complete inspection of the fire alarm system is conducted annually by a professional outside contractor.  All fire extinguishers on campus are inspected on a monthly basis.

Reporting a Fire

In the event of a fire, students should pull the nearest fire alarm and evacuate the building.  As soon as it is safe to do so, students should call Campus Police at (412) 396-2677. If the fire event is no longer a danger, the Resident Director or the Resident Assistant should be contacted as soon as possible and the fire event reported to the Department of Public Safety.

Fire Evacuation Procedures

The policy on building evacuation from Living/Learning Centers is located in the Residence Life Handbook and is discussed with students when they move into the center.  In the case of fire, students are instructed to sound the nearest fire alarm and then evacuate the building.  The evacuation procedures are:

  • Remain calm
  • Turn off equipment and appliances
  • Check if your door is hot or has smoke around it.  If so, stay in your room and wait for firefighters to evacuate you
  • Close, but do not lock, doors and windows
  • Proceed to the nearest exit.  Use the stairs only, DO NOT use the elevators
  • EXIT THE BUILDING QUICKLY AND IN AN ORDERLY FASHION
  • Report to your gathering point and check in with your Floor Marshal/Supervisor
  • DO NOT REENTER the building until after Public Safety officers have authorized reentry

Fire Safety Education and Training

Residence Life staff and floor marshals are trained on fire safety by Residence Life Management under the supervision of Environmental Health and Safety and Public Safety at the beginning of the Fall semester and as required in the Spring and Summer semesters.  Environmental Health and Safety sponsors a campaign every September, "Fire Safety Week" offering fire safety education and hands-on fire extinguisher training with a live fire; this campaign is offered to every member of the campus community; online fire safety training is also available upon request.

Fire Fighting Services

The City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire provides professional firefighting service to Duquesne University.  We are fortunate to have District Fire Station #4 immediately adjacent to our campus, located at Forbes Avenue and Stevenson Street.  This fire station provides coverage 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is equipped with Engine #4 and Ladder Truck #4, under the direction of a Battalion Chief.

Fire Log

The Duquesne University Department of Public Safety maintains a fire log that records any fire that occurred in an on-campus student housing facility and includes information such as the nature, date, time and general location of each fire.  Any entry to the log is required to be made within two business days of the receipt of the information.  The fire log for the most recent 60 day period remains open for public inspection during normal business hours.  Any portion of the log older than 60 days will be available within two business days after receipt of a request for public inspection.

Emergency Phone Numbers

Call Campus Police at (412) 396-2677

Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and Fire Emergency  911

Fire Statistics

Duquesne University Department of Public Safety collects fire statistics of any fire that occurred in an on-campus Living/Learning Center.  The statistics are also published in the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

2020-2021-2022 Fire Statistics

Policy Statements

Reporting Criminal Incidents

Members of the University community are urged to immediately notify the Department of Public Safety of any criminal activity or other emergency that occurs on campus. Department of Public Safety personnel will respond quickly and initiate whatever action is necessary to resolve the emergency, including the activation of off-campus police, fire or medical agencies when appropriate. For any emergency, Call Campus Police at (412) 396-2677 24-hours a day, in addition to the city's 911.

Confidential Crime Reporting

To encourage the prompt reporting of all crimes, it is University policy to honor the requests of witnesses and victims who wish to keep their identity confidential, to the degree permitted by the various laws governing university investigations.  The purpose of a confidential report is to take some steps to ensure the future safety of the reporting person and others while protecting her/his identity. The University can use such information to keep accurate records about the number of incidents, look for patterns concerning location or methods of operation, and alert the campus community to potential danger. If a victim wishes to file a confidential report, they may contact those that are designated as Campus Security Authorities.

Campus Security Authorities

  • Vice President of Student Life
  • Assistant Vice President for Residence Life
  • Title IX Coordinator
  • Counselors within the University Counseling Center
  • Director of Greek Life
  • Office of Student Conduct Director
  • Athletic Department Director
  • Student Health Service Director
  • Deans of the various schools of the University

Because of the serious nature of allegations of sexual misconduct and the potential impact on the broader campus community, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.  However, when requested, confidentiality will be protected to the greatest extent possible in keeping with the obligation to conduct a thorough investigation and providing a safe environment for the entire campus community.

Completely confidential reports may only be made to two groups of Campus Security Authorities at Duquesne University: Pastoral Counselors and Professional Mental Health Counselors, and only when they are functioning within their role as a counselor. Although there is no written policy, both pastoral and professional counselors may inform those persons being counseled of the procedures to report crimes, either to the police or confidentially.

Campus Security Authorities are trained in their responsibilities to report statistical crime information to the Department of Public Safety, and to alert Public Safety in circumstances when an Emergency Notification or Timely Warning must be issued.  The University will not permit retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, brings a complaint of acts of aggression, harassment, or violence or serves as a witness in the investigation of a complaint of campus violence.

Timely Warning Notices

Special notices are issued by the Department of Public Safety in a timely manner to publicize violent crimes or perceived patterns of crime in a particular area, to warn of criminal activity, to heighten awareness of crime prevention and help prevent recurrences. Campus wide warnings are made by various methods, including emails, text messages or posting alerts on bulletin boards, doorways, entrances, or other areas of high visibility throughout campus. Timely warnings are issued for the 'Clery' crimes of homicide, manslaughter, forcible and non-forcible sex offenses, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, arson, illegal weapons crimes and hate crimes.  The issuance of a 'Timely Warning' is a group process by which the Director of Public Safety with the Assistant Vice President of Office of Marketing and Communications develop the warning and receive the approval to issue the warning from the President of the University. Names of victims and witnesses are confidential, and will not be provided in a Timely Warning, DU Alert, or Public Safety Advisory. 

Public Safety Advisories

Special notices may be issued by the Department of Public Safety to alert the campus community, or affected segments of the community, to incidents of or perceived patterns of other criminal offenses not necessarily covered by the Clery requirements, such as thefts or panhandling.  Such advisories may be given campus-wide or to only affected areas, such as a particular building or garage.

Daily Crime Log

The Department of Public Safety maintains a log of all criminal incidents reported to the department.  The Daily Crime Log includes the date and time the report was received, the date and time the incident occurred, the nature of the offense, the location of the offense and the disposition if available. The Daily Crime Log is available for public inspection at the Department of Public Safety.

Public Record of Sex Offender

In accordance to the "Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act" of 2000, which amends the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act, the Jeanne Clery Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the Duquesne University Department of Public Safety is providing a link to the Pennsylvania State Police Sex Offender Registry. This act requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where law enforcement information provided by a State concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained.  It also requires sex offenders already required to register in a State to provide notice of each institution of higher education in that State at which the person is employed, carries a vocation, or is a student.  In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, convicted sex offenders must register with the Pennsylvania State Police Sex Offender.  Information provided by the Pennsylvania State Police under Section 1407 (j) of Title 42 U.S code, concerning registered sex offenders subject to community notification, may be obtained in the office of the Duquesne University Department of Public Safety or at the Pennsylvania State Police website PA Megan's Law.

Facilities

With the exception of certain events which are open to the general public and advertised as such, the University's facilities and programs are generally intended for the use and benefit of the students and employees of the University.  Visitors and guests seeking to utilize University facilities are expected to make prior arrangements with the appropriate University office, and their privilege to these facilities is determined by the University regulations then in effect.  Visitors and guests to the University's residential facilities must be registered and escorted by their host while in the residence facilities.

During business hours, Duquesne University is open to students, parents, employees, contractors, guests and invitees.  In keeping with the liberal pursuit of higher education, the campus promotes the freedom of movement within the campus.  Being a private institution, however, University Officials retain the right to limit or exclude the access of any person that violates the policies or procedures of the University or local, state or federal laws.

The hours that academic buildings are open is determined by the Deans and Provost.  Non-academic building hours are determined by the various department heads that use the particular building.  Facilities will be secured according to schedules developed by the department responsible for the facility. 

During non-business hours access to all University (non-residential) facilities is by card access system monitored by the Department of Public Safety.  Card access is only granted to specific individuals by the department chairs or department heads for their authorized building(s).  Department of Public Safety personnel have card access to all university buildings. 

Emergencies may necessitate changes or alterations to any posted schedules.  Areas that are revealed as problematic have security surveys conducted of them by the Public Safety Department's Security Systems Coordinator.  These surveys examine security issues such as lock systems, alarms, lighting, landscaping and communications.

The University makes every effort to ensure that the campus facilities, buildings and grounds are designed and maintained in such a way as to promote safety and reduce criminal opportunity. Particular attention is paid to this concern in the design of landscaping, grounds keeping and exterior lighting. Code Blue Telephones have been installed at various campus locations to give the user immediate communication with the Campus Police and indicating the location of the activated station.

Weapons Policy

All visitors and members of the campus community are prohibited from possessing or carrying weapons of any kind while on University property, regardless of whether they are licensed to carry the weapon or not. Such prohibition extends to individuals having weapons in briefcases, purses, tool boxes, personal vehicles or other personal property or effects.

The only exceptions to this policy are:

A. Firearms in the possession of University police officers;

B. Firearms in the possession of on duty law enforcement officers;

C. Legal chemical dispensing devices that are sold commercially for personal protection;

University sanctions will be imposed on offenders as appropriate and, in addition, criminal charges may be filed.

For the purposes of this policy, “weapons” include (a) firearms, such as handguns, shotguns, rifles, pellet guns, machine guns, stun guns, tasers, or electronic stun weapons; (b) explosives, such as bombs, grenades, blasting caps, or other containers containing explosive substances; (c) other equipment, material, and devices that, in the manner they are used could ordinarily be used, or are readily capable of causing serious bodily injury.  The items described in clause (c) include, but are not limited to, knives (except small personal pocket knives with folding blades that are less than three (3) inches long), brass knuckles, clubs or chains.

Please refer to TAP 48 Weapons and Violence- Campus and Workplace for more information. 

Alcohol and Drug Policy

Duquesne University is committed to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act.  All matters relating to alcohol are governed by the Pennsylvania Crimes Code and related statutes. No person under 21 years of age is permitted to purchase, consume, transport or possess an alcoholic beverage. Students 21 years of age or older may keep or consume alcoholic beverages within their individual Residence Hall rooms, or at social functions on campus where permission to dispense and consume such beverages is granted by the University. All violations of the University Alcohol Policy will be subject to criminal prosecution as well as to University disciplinary sanctions.

The University strictly adheres to the federal and state laws which govern the possession, distribution or consumption of drugs or other controlled substances. Students illegally possessing, distributing or using such drugs or controlled substances will be subject to criminal prosecution as well as to University disciplinary sanctions.

Duquesne University has developed a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees.  The program provides services related to drug use and abuse including dissemination of informational materials, educational programs, counseling services, referrals and college disciplinary actions.

These various aspects of the program include:

Alcohol and Drug Education: DU Cares Program, Employee Assistance Program, Health Services, Freshmen Development & Special Student Services

Counseling Services: University Counseling Center, Health Services, Employee Assistance Program

Referral Services: DU Cares Program, Health Services, Employee Assistance Program

University Disciplinary Actions: Office of Student Conduct, Human Resources Department

Sexual Violence and Relationship Violence Policy

The Mission Statement of Duquesne University emphasizes a profound concern for moral and spiritual values. This concern is underscored in the TAP #31 University Policy on Sexual Misconduct and Gender Discrimination which serves to protect the right of each member of the University community from sexual violence and relationship violence.  Sexual violence and relationship violence are violations of the Student Code (students) and The Administrative Policies (faculty and staff).  All students are responsible for their own actions and are expected to maintain high standards of moral and ethical behavior as well as to comply with local, state, and federal laws. Sexual violence is a violation of the Student Code.

Read entire Sexual Misconduct and Gender Discrimination Policy. This policy, which complies with the Higher Education Reauthorization Amendment Act and the Violence Against Women Act, ensures consistent procedures and provides coordination of University and community resources for victims of sexual violence or relationship violence.  The intention of the University is to increase awareness and prevention of sexual violence and relationship violence, and to provide assistance for survivors and their families.  The Department of Public Safety will provide written information to victims of their rights as crime victims, and of resources available to assist them.  These rights and services are available to the Duquesne community whether the offense occurred on- or off-campus.

Missing Student Emergency Contact Policy

In keeping with federal law, 20 U.S.C.§ 1092j, the Office of Residence Life will initiate the following missing student notification policy.  This policy is designated for those students living on campus.  In the event of a report of a missing student, Residence Life staff will also work directly with the Duquesne University Police Department.  The purpose of having a listed Emergency Contact is to be able to verify cases in which a person may not be missing but has voluntarily left his or her residence.  Reports of a missing resident student should be made immediately to either the Office of Residence Life or the Department of Public Safety.

  1. Each student residing in the Living Learning Centers has the opportunity to list an Emergency Contact by completing an Emergency Information Card.  Students will be encouraged to notify the Emergency Contact that he or she has been designated as such.  This information is maintained by and accessible to the Office of Residence Life staff who will implement this policy.
  2. If it is determined that a student is missing, the University will implement the Missing Student Protocol. An attempt to notify the listed Emergency Contact will be made if a student is missing for 24 hours and the Duquesne University Police will be notified for all missing person reports.
  3. At any point during the student’s enrollment, he or she may choose to register or change confidential contact information with the University by notifying the Office of Residence Life. This information is confidential but may be released to the Duquesne University Police and staff as necessary to carry out the purposes of this policy.

Missing Student Protocol

  1. Residence Life staff will immediately contact the University Police and the Executive Vice President for Student Life when a student is reported missing.

  2. When the Office of Residence Life is notified that a student may be missing, appropriate steps will be taken to locate the student. These steps include, but are not limited to:

    • Attempt to make contact with student via email, cell phone, visit to room.
    • Seek information from Resident Assistant, roommate, floor-mates, and friends
    • Verify student DU Card use within last 24 hours.
    • Verify student meal plan use within last 24 hours.
    • Contact Academic Advisor to determine class attendance.
    • Contact coaches, Greek or other student activity advisors, etc., as appropriate.
  3. Exchange information with University Police regarding our respective investigations.

  4. The Office of Residence Life will be responsible for notifying the appropriate emergency contacts within 24 hours as established above when a student is determined missing.  The parents or guardians of students under the age of 18 and not emancipated will be notified.

  5. The Duquesne University Police Department will be responsible for filing all related missing person reports with other agencies as may be required.

  6. The Office of Residence Life staff will serve as support personnel when a student is determined missing and make appropriate contacts within the University. Offices to be notified include: Resident Director, Executive Vice President for Student Life, University Police, Dean and/or Academic Advisor, Public Affairs and any other offices relevant to the missing student.