"YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW"

SAFETY AT JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY’S SEMESTER IN ANTWERP
In Compliance with the federal
Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998 (formerly the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990)

October 1, 2007

Safety on the JMU Antwerp campus, Antwerp Hall/Montpelier Hall, is a natural source of concern for parents, students and university employees. Education - the business of James Madison University - can take place only in an environment in which each student and employee feels safe and secure. JMU recognizes this and employs a number of security measures to protect the members of its community.

Although the area, a large, diverse metropolitan area, has a reputation for a relatively low violent crime rate, crime prevention remains a high priority among residents. JMU does its part to ensure the safety of its students and employees. The Program Director, the Faculty Member in Residence (FMIR), the Program Assistant (PA), Resident Manager (RM) and the students themselves all share in the responsibility of making the Antwerp campus, specifically our residential hostel, Antwerp Hall, a safe place to study, work and live.

Antwerp Population

The inner city of Antwerp has approximately half a million inhabitants.  About a million people live in greater Antwerp.

The Language

The province of Antwerp is part of Flanders, and the official language of Flanders is Dutch.  Since residents of Flanders speak Dutch with a different accent than residents of the Netherlands, they call their dialect of the Dutch language “Flemish.”  The Flemish and the Dutch have no trouble understanding each other.  Most people also speak English and French.  If participants do not speak Dutch, it is highly recommended that they speak English, even if they also know how to speak French. 

 

Program History

 

The Semester in Antwerp was initiated in the Fall semester of 2002.  There was no program scheduled for the Spring semester of 2003.  The program resumed in the Fall of 2003, was repeated in the Spring of 2004, then the Fall of 2004, the Spring, Summer and of 2005; the Spring, Summer and Fall of 2006 and the Spring, Summer and Fall of 2007.  For the first three semesters JMU student program participants resided in dormitory rooms provided in the University of Antwerp’s student residential facilities.  Following the first three semesters residences for the students were established in the Wolnatie Building.   

 

From then up to June 29, 2007 all students continued to reside in the Wolnatie Building.   No students or staff have occupied Antwerp House since June 30.  Now all students reside in the newly renovated Montpelier House located across and up the street from the old facility at Number 2 Rodestraat, B-2000 Antwerp Belgium. The addresses for both facilities are as follows:

 

            Wolnatie                                                 Montpelier House

            Rodestraat 17                                        Rodestraat 2

            B-2000 Antwerp                                    B-2000  Antwerp

            Belgium                                                  Belgium

 

The Wolnatie building is located across the street from the campus of the University of Antwerp.  Montpelier House is located near the corner of Rodestraat with the intersecting Paardenmarkt.

 

In the Summer of 2005, a full time resident manager was hired to serve as the on-site supervisor and coordinator for the residential facility, then Antwerp Hall, now Montpelier House.  This person is responsible for overall building management and student safety concerns.  In the Fall of 2006, a decision to look for a larger facility to house students was begun. It was fortunate to find one much larger and that generally met the needs of the program in a better way. In early 2007, a lease was signed with JMU occupancy and control taking place June 29th, 2007.  See link for pictures of facility :  http://community.webshots.com/user/NewJMUBuilding. This facility is equipped with the latest fire and safety equipment including close circuit cameras to monitor outside street traffic as well as a hard wired fire alarm system. In addition to this, fire escape equipment has also been installed in the new facility.

All classes have been and will continue to be held in classrooms on the campus of the University of Antwerp.  No classes were held in Antwerp Hall nor will they be in Montpelier House.

Police Protection

Both the Wolnatie Building and Montpelier House are under the jurisdiction of the Antwerp Police Department. The police station serving them is a two to three-minute walk (two to three blocks) from the Keizerstraat 55 Apt 3B faculty flat. The police station is a three-minute, three block walk from the main entrance of the University of Antwerp. It is a eight to ten-minute, approximate five block walk from the Wolnatie Building and Montpelier House as well as the nearby east entrance to the campus.  The address of this police station is:

Stad Antwerpen
Politie West Zone Commissariaat
Lange Nieuwstraat 40
B-2000 Antwerpen Belgie
 
Telephone (from Belgium) 03 201 49 11

In with the map found in this report showing the juxtaposition of Wolnatie, the University of Antwerp, the Faculty (FMIR) flat and the police (spelled politie in Flemish) station, Lange Nieuwstraat runs parallel to Keizerstraat two blocks south. The Flemish word "politie" is pronounced "pol-EE-see". The politie station is due south of the FMIR flat (same block, two streets south). The blocks are very short, about the size of blocks on south main street in Harrisonburg in the 1/2 mile south of Court Square. 

Politie West ZoneCommissariaat as it is known is a major station, with about 5-10 marked police vehicles outside all the time.

The emergency police telephone number is 101 (fire is 100), roughly equivalent to 9-1-1 in the United States.  The non-emergency number for the Politie West Zone Commissariaat, if calling from Belgium, is 03 201 49 11; it is 011 32 03 201 49 11 if calling from the USA).

The B-2000 community enjoys a noticeable and reassuring level of police presence.  The general area has the reputation of being a relatively safe locale in this University of Antwerp section of the city of Antwerp. But, as always one should always be vigilant and take precautions to minimize becoming a victim of a criminal act (for more on that see the addendum “How to Have a Safe Semester in Antwerp” at the end of this report).

During the fall semester, 2003, Faye Teer, then FMIR, had a brief interview with the local Police Chief.  Her observations:

An Interview With

Antwerpen Chief of Police Swannet Frank

 

September 11, 2003

 

During daylight hours and early evening, most places in Antwerp are safe.

However, pick pocketing is a pervasive problem at all hours in Antwerp.  Remember, these pickpockets are professionals and you won’t even know you were robbed until later when you reach for your belongings.

There are places where pick pocketing is especially bad: 

  1. In the Groen Plaats:
    1. near the statue in the center and
    2. as your back is to the Hilton Hotel in the far left corner across the Plaats near the Irish Pub.
  2. In crowded trams, buses, and trains.

 

Men should never carry their wallet in their back pocket.  Carry it under your clothing or at least in your front shirt or pants pocket.

 

Women should never carry a purse with an open top.

 

There are devices that thieves use to collect data from your debit and credit cards.  Never use an ATM machine with a device attached to the front of the place where you insert your card.  Because some employees will use a device to collect data from your debit/credit card, never give your debit/credit card to a waiter/employee in a situation where you cannot watch what is happening with your card.  If they carry it away from the table, go with them and watch.

 

There are very dangerous places where you should not go, at any time of day or night.

  1. Well east of the zoo, is an ethnic neighborhood with many young Moroccans living there.  They will confront anyone who is not one of them.  They carry cell phones; within minutes someone can find themselves surrounded by 30 to 40 young Moroccans.
  2. The red light district is the Leguit, Verversrui, Falconplein triangle area.  While the prostitutes no longer walk the streets, most of the people in the streets are looking for victims.

 

Late in the evening, around 11:00 pm, many areas become very dangerous.

  1. The area near the zoo is dangerous.  Just north of the zoo the area near a large hotel is dangerous.
  2. The area extending from the train station to the Meir bordered by Gemenestratt, De Keyserlei is very dangerous.
  3. The old district near the Schelde River is dangerous.

In September, 2004, David Fordham, FMIR, attempted a similar interview.  His observations:

A local policeman (politie) with whom I spoke indicated that the police do not maintain crime statistics at the small “neighborhood” level…request(ed).  I’m sure someone has statistics for Antwerp, but it is a city of almost half a million people spread out over hundreds of square kilometers, and the statistics would be useless for a student trying to judge the safety of the University of Antwerp area.   The officer seemed somewhat (puzzled) that I would inquire about crime statistics – as he said, and I quote, “The only crime around here is pick pocketing, bad parking and people (not controlling) their dogs…  We don’t keep statistics on that like Americans do.  Sleep well at night, for I am staying awake keeping you safe.”  I can verify that there is a visible police presence in the neighborhood... almost every day I pass a police officer, usually on foot, sometimes a pair in a car or minivan, occasionally writing a parking ticket, but more often just greeting people as they pass.

In May 2006, Jack Harris, Resident Director, also requested an interview. Please note the following observations:

Jack’s attempt to make a connection with Antwerp Police turned out to be very timely in that he learned of an effort made by their department to establish a stronger relationship with the citizens that live in the many diverse neighborhoods of the city. Mr. Harris learned that since Antwerp Hall is located in the B-2000 section of the city, that they had been assigned a “wijkagent” or ombudsman. This person is Mr. Zeki Ozmen. He can be reached at 03 202 57 11. Jack Harris attempt at gathering hard data with respect to crimes in immediate area was not successful as such records are not kept. However Mr. Harris felt encouraged by the efforts that the police department is making to build relationships with citizens in the many different neighborhoods in Antwerp especially Antwerp Hall located off Paardenmarkt.

Jack Harris continues to keep regular contact with Mr. Ozmen and has developed a strong rapport with him.  He has been very supportive and understanding of our presence in the B-2000 area.

All statistics at the close of this document are supplied by the Antwerp program director and/or the Wolnatie, now Montpelier, resident manager. Requested statistics specific to Antwerp Hall and environs have not been made available by the Antwerp Police.

As far as an official security presence at the University of Antwerp there is no campus police or security department familiar to campus communities in the United States. Rather than an law enforcers or first responders to emergencies familiar to Americans the members of the University of Antwerp security force are more a combination of receptionists and persons who lock and unlock doors, check the assigned building after hours, and generally serve as building monitors. If they become aware of a problem requiring police powers (law enforcement, crime reporting, emergency response), they call the local “stad” (city) police force.  The person responsible for security at the university is Mr. Jan Claessens.  He can be reached by calling 03/220 4427 in Antwerp or 011-32-3/220 4427 from the United States.  He does not speak English.

Antwerp Crime Statistics

As opposed to information found on the report for the main Harrisonburg (US) campus, found at web site http://www.jmu.edu/pubsafety/RTKtable.shtml, there is no micro view of the crime picture in and around Antwerp Hall available from the Antwerp Police as there are no publicly available crime statistics for Antwerp.  The latest crime statistics the Semester in Antwerp Program Director was able to find come from the Urban Audit of the European Union, written in 2000, and the latest data included in that audit was from 1996.  Even if the Antwerp authorities could narrow crime statistics down to B-2000, that information would not provide a true picture of the crime situation in and around Antwerp Hall, plus the class room facilities at the University of Antwerp and points in between.   Here is what is reported at: http://europa.eu.int/comm/regional_policy/urban2/urban/audit/antwerp/antwer08.htm (all data are from 1996):

Total recorded crimes per 1,000 people:   100.38
  Recorded crimes against people                15.40
  Recorded crimes against property             25.55
  Recorded crimes against cars                    28.74

The figures above come from the entire city of Antwerp taking in a wide and diverse geographical area with widely diverse demographics.

Emergency and Other Telephone Numbers

At the initial on-site orientation to Antwerp Hall, students are informed of the emergency number in Antwerp (101).

Emergencies - Police

101 (Antwerp)

Emergencies - Fire

100 (Antwerp)

Campus Security – University of Antwerp

03/220 4427 (Antwerp)

011-32-3/220 4427 (From US)

Anti Poison Center

070/245 245 (Antwerp)

Burn Center

03/217 7595 (Antwerp)

Card Stop for lost/stolen debit/credit cards

070/344 344 (Antwerp)

Information, concerns and emergencies Faculty in residence (FMIR) in Antwerp

Apartment:  03/220 4643

Cell Phone:  0499/187 270

Faculty in residence (FMIR) from the USA (Professor Joyce Guthrie)

32/03289 7953

Program Assistant in Antwerp (spouse of FMIR and a paid, part time JMU employee)

Cell Phone:  0495/625 214

US Embassy in Brussels, 27, Boulevard du Regent

Hours 9a.m. to 6p.m. Monday through Friday

Voice Phone: 02/508 2111

Fax:                02/511 2725

Office of International Programs at JMU

00-1-540-568-6419

Resident Manager (Jack Harris)

011 32 3 295 5109

Program Director (Dr. Newell Wright) at JMU

00-1-540-568-3240

Telephone Country Codes

Belgium 32

Denmark 45

France 33

Germany 49

Italy 39

Netherlands 31

Norway 47

United Kingdom 44

United States 1

During orientation, each student is given a bright yellow card with the following information on it:

Important Numbers & Email Address for Purse or Wallet
FMIR Apartment                     03 289 7953
FMIR Mobile:                          0499 187 270
Assistant Mobile                      0495 625 214

Resident Manager Mobile       0484 777 377
Jim Kelly Mobile                     0497 429 999

Antwerp Hall Email Address   jmuwolnatie@gmail.com

Police                                     101
Fire or Ambulance                  100
Antwerp Taxi                         03 238 3838
Star Taxi                                03 216 1616
US Embassy, Brussels          02 508 2111
Card Stop for lost/stolen
     debit/credit cards             070/344 344

Jim Kelly is JMU’s primary contact at the University of Antwerp, and is the Director of Logistics for Foreign Programs.  During the Fall 2002, Fall 2003, and Spring 2004 semesters, students had telephones in their dorm rooms.  Beginning Fall 2004, each student was issued a cell phone, with the above phone numbers preprogrammed in.  All were counseled to carry the card in their purse or wallet, in addition to the cell phone, in case the cell phone is lost or stolen.

For the Summer/Fall of 2007 the aforementioned Resident Manager Jack Harris continues to be on site as well.  Mr. Harris’s email addresses are harri2ja@jmu.edu   and jmuwolnatie@jmu.edu.  The Resident Manager assists Antwerp Program students with anything s/he might need concerning the building, certain student issues, and anything else that might involve the program.

Safety and Security in University Housing

Overseeing the security of Antwerp Hall is a full-time, Faculty Member In Residence (FMIR).  Each semester, a new JMU faculty member assumes the FMIR duties. For the summer, 2005 session, the FMIR was Dr. Newell Wright, and the PA was his wife, Julie.  He can be contacted at wrightnd@jmu.edu.  Summer 2007 the FMIR was Traci Pipkins (pipkinta@jmu.edu) and her assistant Jim Zimmerman (zimmerjr@jmu.edu).  For the Fall 2007 the FMIR is Dan Halling (hallindc@jmu.edu) and Spring 2008 the FMIR will be Timothy Louwers (louwertj@jmu.edu)  All FMIRs in Antwerp can be contacted at the above mentioned apartment and mobile phone numbers.  All FMIRs reside in the JMU faculty flat, located at 55 Keizerstraat, Apartment 3B, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium.   The FMIR office in Antwerp is now located in Montpelier House.  It formerly was at Rodestraat 17 in Antwerp Hall (Wolnatie building). The Resident Manager also maintains an office in Montpelier House; likewise his office was formerly located in Antwerp Hall.

The James Madison University’s Antwerp program is concerned about the security and safety of the students who participate in the Semester in Antwerp.  Because of this, there are several rules participants must follow.

 

Visitors - No visitors are allowed in Montpelier House, period.  Because of the lessons learned at this and other foreign operations centered in residential facilities, no visitors are allowed into Montpelier House.  If a participant is found with a visitor, he/she will be fined €150 and will be subject to immediate dismissal from the program.  If a participant has visiting family member(s) and would like to take them to their apartment, they are to contact the Resident Manager and arrange for the Residence Manager to give the family member(s) a tour of the building.

 

Participants are warned that if they smuggle someone they have picked up at a bar into the building, they put themselves and every other student at risk.  We are serious about this rule and will take steps to enforce this policy.

 

Fire Safety - Please be mindful of fire safety during your stay at Montpelier House.  Specifically, please obey the following rules.

 

Smoking - Montpelier House is a smoke-free facility.  You may not smoke anywhere in the building, and you may not hang out of your apartment window and smoke.  If you wish to smoke, please exit the building to do so.

 

If you are caught smoking in Montpelier House, you will be fined €150 for the first offense.  The fine will double for the second offense, and you will be subject to immediate dismissal from the program.

 

Open Flames - The burning of candles, oil lamps, incense, or any other flammable material is strictly forbidden.  Cigarette lighters and matches are not to be ignited anywhere in the building.  Anyone caught using an open flame will be fined €150 for the first offense.  As with cigarette smoking, the fine will double for the second offense, and you will be subject to immediate dismissal from the program.

 

Electrical Appliances from the United States - Do not use any hair dryers, curling irons, or other electrical appliances from the United States.  The electrical system is different in Belgium than in the United States, and appliances such as hair dryers and curling irons will burn out adaptors and create a fire hazard.

 

Driveway - The area on the ground floor between the FMIR office and the RA apartment is also used as a driveway during the week, Monday through Friday.  Please be aware that cars may be passing through as you enter or exit the building.

 

Apartments - All apartments in the Montpelier Hall house either two or three students. Each apartment has its own kitchen facility.

 

Each room contains a small refrigerator with freezer compartment, an armoire, a desk, chair, bed, mattress, sheets, towels, pillows, and other amenities.  There are no telephones in the apartments, but each student will be checked out a cell phone.

Apartment Policies - Participants are expected to abide by all apartment policies, and obey directives from the Resident Manager (RM).  These policies, especially security related, are spelled out in greater detail in another section, and participants are expected to abide by these policies. 

 

Keys - Program participants are issued three keys:  a plastic card to open the door to Montpelier House; a key to their room (and to the trash area); and a mailbox key.  Students are expected to keep their keys in a secure place and not lose them.  If they do lose their keys, they will be charged €150 for a replacement set.  The Resident Manager will have to request new keys from the landlord, and that may take a few days.  If more than two or three sets of keys are lost, rooms will be re-keyed as well as the ground floor trash room, entailing much expense.

 

If one locks him/herself out, the Resident Manager (RM), if available, will let residents into the building.  There is a €50 fine for all requests to enter the building between 11:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.

 

Misconduct - Montpelier House has an official JMU policy that if a student violates the rules outlined in the orientation review, her or his conduct will be reviewed by the Resident Manager, FMIR, and Director and disciplinary action will be taken, including removal from the program.  Examples of misconduct include violating the visitor policy, abusing alcohol in the building, coming into the building drunk if your drunken behavior impacts other students and guests in the building, damage to property, threatening or striking a staff member or another student, and violating the rules of the house.

 

Alcohol and Drug Policies

The legal drinking age in Belgium is 16.  As long as you behave responsibly, and do not disrupt the Montpelier House community, you may consume alcohol (beer and wine only) in the hall.  Drinking parties, drinking games, kegs, or anything else that violates the spirit of this policy are explicitly prohibited at Montpelier House.  Storing more alcohol than one might safely and reasonably consume in one evening is prohibited.  Any person or persons found to be violating these rules will receive a fine of €150 and face judicial action from JMU when they return to the Harrisonburg campus.  If residents are not behaving in a responsible manner, the privilege of consuming alcohol will be discontinued at Montpelier House.

 

No illegal drugs (including marijuana) are allowed in Montpelier House.  If a student is found to be using or possessing drugs in the house they will immediately be removed from the program, without refund, and judicial action will be taken by James Madison University.

 

Alcohol - James Madison University prohibits the illegal or otherwise irresponsible use of alcohol by students.  It is the responsibility of every student to know the risks associated with alcohol use and abuse.  This responsibility obligates students to know relevant University policies and federal, state, and local laws and to conduct themselves in accordance with these policies and laws.  JMU students traveling abroad may be studying in countries where the legal age for alcohol consumption is different than in the United State.  Thus, while overseas, it is the responsibility of the student to know the relevant country and local laws concerning the possession, use, and abuse of alcohol.  If students who are of legal age choose to consume alcohol while abroad, they are expected to drink and behave responsibly.  The illegal or excessive consumption of alcohol or misconduct due to alcohol consumption will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action, including dismissal from the program and follow-up through the JMU judicial system. 

Many physical and psychological health risks are associated with the abuse of alcohol and other substances, including the following:

·                difficulty with attention and learning

·                physical and psychological dependence

·                damage to the brain, liver and heart

·                unwanted sexual activity

·                accidents due to impaired judgment and coordination

 

Staff members at the JMU Health Center and the JMU Counseling and Student Development Center can provide additional information about these concerns. More complete information on JMU's substance abuse policy can be found in the section on "University Policies”.

No Alcohol on the Field Trip Bus - No alcoholic drinks of any kind are allowed on the field trip bus.  Even if the bus driver sells beer, participants may not purchase or consume it while traveling on a trip organized by JMU.

Train Travel and Alcohol - The above policies apply mostly to the buses.  For the trip to London, transportation will be by taking a train.  The one major policy that will be strictly enforced is the purchase of alcohol.  Trains usually sell beer or other alcoholic beverages in the “bar” car.  While traveling with the JMU group, participants may not purchase or consume alcohol while traveling.  This is a policy that applies to all JMU semester abroad programs, not just Antwerp.

A Note on Drinking in Belgium - Belgium is known for its many varieties of beer.  However, participants should be aware that Belgian Beer often contains 9-12% alcohol, much higher than the levels in American beer.  Hence, if one drinks five or six beers at one sitting, one will have significantly more alcohol in his/her system than if one consumed the same number of beers in America.

 

While participants may find Belgians who binge drink, beer is mostly consumed by sipping small amounts over a longer period of time, often with a meal.  Further, most Belgians have begun drinking at a much earlier age, at dinner, with the family, and they know their limits.  Participants, based on the American experience will not, especially with the higher alcohol content.

 

Drugs - Illegal drug use in any form is not tolerated.  JMU students traveling abroad may be studying in countries where drugs that may be legally possessed and used in the United States are prohibited by law.  Thus, while overseas, it is the responsibility of the student to know the relevant country and local laws concerning the possession and use of drugs.  Most foreign criminal systems are considerably less accommodating than those within the United States; student possession or use of illegal drugs may be punishable by fine, imprisonment, and/or deportation.  Study abroad participants found using or possessing illegal drugs in any form are subject to immediate dismissal from the program and/or follow-up through the JMU judicial system.

 

Faculty Member In Residence

 

While in Belgium, a JMU faculty member will function as Faculty Member in Residence (FMIR).  As mentioned above, Dr. David R. Fordham was the FMIR for fall 2005; Professor Chris Roeder for spring 2006; and Dr. Jim Herrick the FMIR for summer 2006, and was the point person for coordinating academic and experiential components of the semester abroad.  For the summer 2007 the FMIR was Traci Pipkins and her assistant was Jim Zimmerman.  For the Fall 2007 the FMIR is Dan Halling and Spring 2008 the FMIR will be Timothy Louwers.  The FMIR has overall responsibility for the semester, but will not be teaching any courses.  The FMIR, in conjunction with the Director of the Semester in Antwerp experience, Dr. Newell Wright, will plan the semester excursions.  Participants will probably get to know the FMIR very well, as they will be spending much more time with her/him than participants would with a typical professor at JMU in Harrisonburg (state side).

University of Antwerp Support Personnel

 

Several University of Antwerp personnel may participate in the semester abroad experience outside of the classroom.

 

Director of Logistics and

Field Trip Planner        

Mr. Jim Kelly

Office:  03/275 5021, or 5021 from the flat phone

Cell Phone:  0497/249.999

Academic Liaison

Prof. dr. Liliane van Hoof

Office:  03/275 5028, or 5028 from the flat phone

Periodic Trip Leader

Evi Marbilie

Office:  03/275 5099

5099 from the flat phone

 

Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Programs

Students are informed, at their first orientation session, of JMU's "Right to Know" policy. They are reminded of their responsibilities in maintaining a safe secure building and premises. Students will be informed about any crimes on Montpelier House premises since under JMU management. The Office of International Programs (OIP) developed a study abroad safety manual which has been supplied to students in all international studies programs. OIP also covers safety and security issues in all of its orientation sessions.

More specific to Antwerp there is an orientation session where this material is reviewed again. Further, the University of Antwerp had orientation materials where their personnel reviewed safety issues. Much fire safety information was included in the student guides published for spring and fall 2004; and spring, summer, and fall 2005; spring and summer 2006 and continues to be for 2007.

In light of a post 9/11 world, program staff members strive to make the participants as aware and as safe conscious as possible. All of the material covered is in the various handbooks for each semester. The student guide has been and continues to be reviewed in detail at orientation meetings both in Harrisonburg and again in Antwerp. The staff hands out the student guide to the group and methodically reviews the content with the participants based on the assumption that the students do not always read what is handed out to them.

The program director and Faculty Member in Residence (FMIR) have always been and continue to be security conscious, and reviewed personal and fire safety procedures with all of the students in the spring and fall 2004; spring, summer, and fall 2005; spring and summer of  2006, fall of 2007, spring of 2007 and again when the participants arrived in Belgium the first week of the fall semester of 2007. Again, the information he covered was and continues to be in the student guide.

University of Antwerp personnel reviewed the university’s fire safety drill policies and procedures for residence halls at the beginning of each semester, spring and fall of 2004; spring, summer, and fall 2005; spring,  summer and fall of 2006; and again in the spring, summer and fall of 2007.

They were very concerned about fire, gave many lectures about fire safety with detailed information provided.

On-going security evaluations are periodically done by the FMIR and Director.  Ideally, we would like to have our students meet with a police officer each semester, as is the case in London.  However, to date, our efforts to get a police officer to talk with the group has been in vain.  For a list of the crime prevention and personal safety programs presented by the Antwerp program staff in Academic year 2006-2007, go to the end of this report.

Weapons Policy - How a weapon is defined varies from country to country.  What may be legal in one country may be illegal in other countries.  For example, when we travel to France, you may be able to purchase pepper spray, which is legal in that country.  However, if you are caught with it in Belgium, you will probably be arrested, as it is illegal here.  Another example:  pocketknives with locking blades are legal in Belgium, but illegal in England.  If you take one into England, it will likely be confiscated at the train station or airport, even if you have it packed in your bags.

 

Because program participants travel across six countries, and because the laws are different in each country, we ask that you not carry items with you that can be construed as a “weapon.”  If you get in trouble somewhere for carrying a “weapon,” your professional behavior grade will be deducted.

 

Safety Tips - Antwerp is a very safe city, and with a little diligence, participants should have no problems during their stay.  There are very few violent crimes in Europe in general, and Belgium is no exception.  However, participants may find there is a higher rate of property crimes, especially pick pocketing, so they are cautioned be aware of their surroundings.  The following tips are useful:

 

·                Carry a card in your purse, wallet, or back pack that says, “In case of problems, please call [FMIR phone number].”  If you have a chronic medical condition (e.g., type I diabetes), list this information on the card, too.  Always carry the card issued to you that contains the emergency phone numbers.

·                Definitely be sure to make copies of all of your credit cards, passport, and other ID’s, and leave one at home for your parents and bring a set with you. When a recent participant lost her VISA, it was easy to get a new one because she had all pertinent information on hand.

·                Do not become drunk in public, especially at night.  Belgians (and other Europeans) have little patience with people who cannot control their alcohol intake.  If you are female and publicly drunk, you are especially vulnerable.  When you are drunk in public, you are a target for burglary, physical harm, and perhaps even rape.

·                Avoid the appearance of the “Ugly American.”  Be accepting of other cultures.  Do not be arrogant and let people see American stereotypes. That is, don’t get drunk in public, don’t laugh obnoxiously loud in public, do not raise your voices, and when you speak in English, do so softly.  Otherwise, you are identifying yourself as a target.

·                In a post September 11 world, it is generally a good idea to lower your profile while abroad, and avoid calling undue attention to yourself.

·                Do not allow anyone into the dorm living areas who does not have a dorm room.  No exceptions, not even for visiting family or boyfriend/girlfriend.  If you bring home a stranger, you expose everyone else in the dorm to a person of unknown scruples.

·                Carry your purse “en bandouillčre,” that is, loop the strap over your head, with the strap on one shoulder and the actual purse on the side opposite the strap.  Even better, wear the purse like this under a coat.

·                Carry a purse equipped with zipper (to keep out thieves)

·                Do not withdraw money from an ATM at night when you are by yourself

·                Watch your bags, back pack, brief case, etc., at all times.  Do not put them on the floor or even on a chair next to you in bars, restaurants, cafes, etc.  Never leave your stuff unattended, even at the University of Antwerp.

·                Keep your dorm room locked when you are not in it, even when you shower or use the bathroom.

·                Try to develop that self-assured, “I-know-what-I’m-doing-and-where-I’m-going” look so many Belgians have.  Avoid looking too much like a forlorn foreign tourist, but do feel free to ask people for directions when you feel lost.

 

Emergencies Involving StudentsPhysicians, Hospitals, Dentists, Health Centers

Ambulance/Fire  (0) 100                       Hospital  is  Ziekenhuis

Police (0) 101                                      Emergency Department is Spoedgevallendienst

 

Bring

Passport, Belgium Identity Card, University of Antwerp student ID, your Antwerp telephone number, Antwerp address, and cash.   The amount you are charged seems to depend on whether or not you give proof that you are a University of Antwerp student so be certain to bring the above items.

 

Method of Payment

Cash; but it varies depending on facility and who you speak with at that facility.

 

St. Vincentius Hospital:  Orthopedic Department demanded cash only and would not accept any type of  credit card; GYN Department sent us down to special office on first floor where we were allowed to pay with a VISA credit card.

 

University Hospital:  did not ask for payment at the time of emergency service; they did not ask for payment at the time of follow-up visits for the same emergency; student received a bill later.

 

Sint Elisabeth Hospital:   For three separate visits, did not charge the students anything.  One student had to pay €60 up front; immediately after receiving services she was refunded  €40.

 

EMT

Emergency Medical Technician is sometimes available in the Agora student lounge at the University of Antwerp.  Go up one and ˝ flights of stairs just before Agora Café; enter office E.115 and tell someone there you need an EMT.

 

Pharmacy

To find a pharmacy open after normal hours, look on nearest pharmacy window for a posted white sheet (on weekends the sheet is green) with names and address of pharmacies with late hours.  To get the location of a pharmacy open after 10 pm, call 09 001 0500.

 

Doctors

To get a doctor for a house call (within central Antwerp) during the night or on weekends, call 03 286 1186.

 

The University of Antwerp’s doctor’s office is located in the same building, same floor as classroom D.015; go left, right, left out of D.015 to find doctor’s office at D.013.  When school begins at the University of Antwerp (end of September and end of January), office hours are 1:00-2:00 M-F.  Since you are have a UA student ID card, the charge for this doctor is about €20; injections are free.  

 

If between 1 and 2 the doctor is not in, go to the Agora, go up the stairs just in front of the Agora Café.  Go to office E.115 at top of stairs; go to the left as you walk in; tell Anne Engelen the secretary that the doctor is not in and ask her to call the doctor.  Sometimes the doctors are busy at their private practice, located nearby, and they do not come to the Agora office until they are called.

 

Drs. Debruyker, Kuijpers, & Saeys                                         

78 Keizerstraat  03 233  1596                                                 

Walk in hours M 3:30 – 8:00; T 4-8; W 2-6; T4-8; F 4-6 and by appointment

Prices for shots (called ‘a jab’ in Europe):  FMIR €15; Students  €13

 

VZW Medical Center   03 203 5200

St. Jacobsmarkt 49

 

Hospitals

Stuivenberg Hospital   This hospital’s emergency room was recommended by Dr. Dirk Kendriks (one of the UA Agora doctors).

Location:  267 Lange Beldekenstraat

 

Sint Elisabeth Hospital is the nearest hospital with an emergency room.

Dr. Dirk Kendriks told Faye Teer (Fall 2003) this hospital was very good for ear, nose, throat, and gastro intestinal problems.  For ENT he recommended Dr. Katz; for Gastro he recommended Dr. Blinder (the spelling of these names are the best as can be determine from the physician’s writing.) 

Location:   26 Leopoldstraat (emergency room entrance), 2000 Antwerpen,  03 234 4111

Turn right out of the dorm, right on Keizerstraat, left on St. Katelijnevest  Cross the Meir, jog left and continue on Huidevettersstraat, then left on (at the Ici Paris clothing store; look for pink sign) into Komedieplaats which becomes Leopoldstraat total walking time:  about 20 minutes or less.

 

University Hospital has an emergency room

Very good hospital and seems to charge students nothing or very little since it is a university hospital.

Location:  Wilrijkstraat 10,  B 2650 Edegem

www.uza.be     day 03 821 3806      night 03 821 3088

Take bus 17 from Roosevelt square.  The end of the bus route is University Hospital.

Takes about one hour from door to door depending on traffic.

 

St. Vincentius Hospital has an emergency room  03 285 2000   www.st-vincentius.be

Highly recommended by Dr. Dirk Kendriks:  (hard to read his handwriting; name spelling below may vary)

Orthopedic (Drs. Locquet, Thibeau, De Schyven, Mendnicks)

Emergency room in general recommended.

Gynocology:  Drs. Deyer, Renared, Cha’ban

 

Location:  20 St. Vincentiousstraat, 2018 Antwerpen

Right out of the dorm, Right on Keizerstraat

Turn left on St. Katelijnevest, cross the Meir, jog left and continue on Huidevettersstraat,

then left on (at the Ici Paris clothing store; look for pink sign) Komedieplaats

goes into Leopoldstraat which goes into Mechelsesteenwed.  At Britselei/Frankrijklei intersection jog left to Lange Leemstraat, then turn right onto St. Vincentiusstraat, total walking time:  about 40 minutes.

 

From the student residence, it costs about €6.50 (not including tip) one way in a taxi to the hospital.

 

Middelham Hospital      03 280 3111                           

Erasmus Hospital     03 217 7111  and     03 270 8011

 

Dentists

Dr. P. Baudez       03 231 1560

Italielei 104

2000 Antwerp

 

To reach a dentist at a time other than regular office hours:  after 9:00 PM on Friday (and perhaps after 9:00 PM on other weekdays) and on weekends call 03 448 0220.

 

GYN

GYN clinics available at all hospitals

 

Middelham Hospital

Number to call to make appointment with GYN clinic  03 280 3111

 

Dr. Firas K. Cha’ban, (sha ban) GYN  hospital clinic   03 285 2000

St. Vincentius Hospital  03 285 2000   www.st-vincentius.be

20 St. Vincentious, 2018 Antwerpen

 

Dr. Firas K. Cha’ban, GYN, private practice  03 238 7322

Medisch Centrum Vlaamse Kaai

28-31 Vlaamse Kaai, 2000 Antwerpen

 

Dr. Cartheut, GYN private practice  03 218 6262

2 Coremanstraat   take Tram 7 & 15

 

Dr. Tas, GYN private practice  03 234 9563
63 Frankrijklei

Psychological and Emotional Needs

JMU Antwerp students can maintain contact with the home campus of JMU while away through phone, fax and e-mail, and have at their disposal the normal services on campus, including the JMU counseling center and the Sexual Assault Education Coordinator.

Missing Student

If a member of the Semester in Antwerp community has reason to believe that a Semester in Antwerp student is missing, all possible efforts are made to locate the student to determine his or her state of health and well-being though the collaboration of the University of Antwerp Security, the Antwerp Police and the Office of International Programs. If the student is an in-house resident, the Antwerp Police will be given immediate authorization from the JMU Semester in Antwerp officials to make a welfare entry into that student’s room. Concurrently university officials will endeavor to determine the student’s whereabouts through contact with friends, associates, and/or employers of the student. Whether or not the student has been attending classes, labs, recitals, and scheduled organizational or academic meetings; or appearing for scheduled work shifts will be established.  All JMU Semester in Antwerp students live in Montpelier House.

If located, verification of the student’s state of health and intention of returning to the campus is made. When and where appropriate if the need is determined a referral will be made to the contracted professional counselor(s) and/or medical practitioners.

If not located, notification of the family within 24 hours of receiving the initial report is made to determine if they know of the whereabouts of the student. The Semester in Antwerp officials will cooperate, aid, and assist that primary investigative agency in all ways prescribed by prevailing law. If the student is an Montpelier House resident the Semester in Antwerp officials will remain at the disposal and cooperate thoroughly with the official investigation by the primary investigative unit.

All pertinent law enforcement agencies, be they neighboring precinct, borough, or municipal; those located along suspected travel corridors; or place of original domicile wherever it might be, will be notified and requested to render assistance, through direct telephone contact or visit, electronic data (teletype) message, and/or radio transmission with a comprehensive BOL message based on the totality of up-to-date information.

Upon closure of the investigation, all parties previously contacted will be advised of the status of the case.

General Security Procedures

Students are made aware from their very first day in Antwerp that no guests are to be admitted into Montpelier House. Officially, the Resident Manager is asked to be on duty during the normal working hours (9 a.m. - 5 p.m., weekdays). However, as they live on premises, students are likely to find them just about any time, day or night. The FMIR and PA for each semester live in the nearby B-2000 sector. The health and well-being of all students is one of their primary responsibilities.  Both attending JMU faculty and all attending students participate in rigorous orientation sessions before their Antwerp semester and during the first few days in Antwerp, where security issues, Belgian law, emergency procedures and the rules and regulations set forth here are thoroughly discussed with the Director of the Semester in Antwerp Program, Dr. Newell Wright.  Much of this information is included in handbooks prepared for the students and the attending faculty.  On-site orientation materials, given to students upon their arrival in Antwerp, provide further emergency information.

The university's trespass policy, enforced by university police and posted in all university housing, is as follows:

Only those persons having legitimate business with James Madison University, members of the university community and their invited guests, are permitted in this building. The university reserves the right to exclude all persons not conforming to acceptable behavior from these premises. Those who disregard this warning are to be considered in violation of criminal trespass and are liable for prosecution.

Firearms and dangerous weapons of any type are not permitted in Montpelier House or other university facilities, except when carried by bona fide law enforcement officers within their jurisdictions. Intentional use, possession or sale of firearms or other dangerous weapons by students is strictly forbidden and is a violation of university policy as stated in the student handbook.

Depending on the particular circumstances of the crime, the Office of Public Safety may also post a notice on the campus-wide electronic bulletin board, providing the university community with more immediate notification for adverse events on the main (US) campus. In such instances, a copy of the notice is posted at our Antwerp facility.  The electronic bulletin board is immediately accessible via computer by all on-campus faculty, staff and students.

Crime Log Information

The requirement for crime log maintenance applies only to schools and/or branch campuses that feature a campus police or security department.  Montpelier House has neither.  Even so, the Montpelier House in Antwerp community is kept aware of reported incidents on site and the immediate surrounding area by the Montpelier House resident manager staff. 

Timely Warnings

Depending on the particular circumstances of the crime, especially in all situations that could pose an immediate threat to the community and individuals, the Antwerp Hall staff will also post a notice on the on-site bulletin board and provide the Semester in Antwerp and Intern academic community immediate notification. In such instances, a copy of the notice is posted on each lobby, residential, and study lounge bulletin board in a prominent location. Anyone with information warranting a timely warning should report the circumstances to the Montpelier House Resident Manager, by phone 0484 777 377 Program Assistant; 03/220 4643 or 0499/187 270 Faculty Member In Residence) or in person. An electronic copy of the warning will be e-mailed to all students and staff. Resident Manager Jack Harris also forwards messages from the Warden at the American Embassy in Brussels to students and staff with regards to potential dangerous places to avoid in Belgium.

Sex Offender Registry and Access to Related Information

When questioned about a sex offender registry, a University of Antwerp official informed the Antwerp program staff that Belgium does not maintain a sex offender registry, as this would violate European Union privacy laws.

Sexual Assault

Prevention, intervention and education programs specifically addressing rape, acquaintance rape and other sexual offenses are regularly sponsored by a variety of organizations at JMU. The JMU Health Center, Sexual Assault Education Coordinator, Counseling and Student Development Center and Women's Resource Center present programs throughout the year in classes, residence halls and student organizations. Programs on sexual assault occur at least once each semester in all residence halls and the topic is addressed at freshman orientation. Antwerp students are encouraged to attend on-campus sessions prior to going abroad.

If a sexual offense should occur, the victim should take the following actions:

·                Go to a safe place.

·                Call the local police and notify the Semester in Antwerp staff no matter where the event occurred. The Semester in Antwerp staff will then contact appropriate counseling professionals and medical practitioners.