"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.
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:
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.
Late in the evening, around
11:00 pm, many areas become very 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 |
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 Resident Manager
Mobile 0484 777 377 Antwerp Hall Email
Address jmuwolnatie@gmail.com Police
101 |
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.
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 Students: Physicians, 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.
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.
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.
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.
·
Contact a friend or family member.
·
Do not bathe or douche.
·
Do not urinate, if possible.
·
Do not eat, drink liquids, smoke or brush teeth if oral contact took
place.
·
Keep the clothes worn during the offense. If clothes are changed, place
clothes in a paper bag (evidence deteriorates in plastic).
·
Get prompt medical attention.
·
Do not destroy the physical evidence that may be found in the vicinity
of the crime. If the crime occurred in the victim's home, the victim should not
clean or straighten until the police have had an opportunity to collect
evidence.
·
Tell someone all details remembered about the assault.
·
Write down all details remembered as soon as possible.
Visitors,
faculty and students living in Antwerp at Montpelier House and other university
managed facilities are informed that they may report any incident to the staff
of our local clinic and/or hospital, where provision is made to refer them to
appropriate counseling and legal authorities.
Following
an incident, victims are encouraged to make a report to local police. This
action does not obligate prosecution, but it does make legal action possible if
the decision to prosecute is made at a later date. The earlier an incident is
reported, the easier it is to collect valuable evidence. Victims have the
option of keeping their report of sexual assault in complete confidence,
protecting their right to anonymity, if making a report through a professional
or pastoral counselor.
University
judicial action, criminal prosecution and civil suits are all options available
to victims of sexual assault. To begin university judicial action, the counselor,
police or victim should contact the university judicial officer. During campus
judicial proceedings, both the victim and the accused may be present and may
have a counselor, solicitor (attorney) and/or adviser present to provide
support and advice. Both the victim and the accused will be informed of the
results of the proceeding. Sanctions for sexual assault may range up to and
include suspension or expulsion from JMU.
Date
rape drugs can be placed in any drink, not just alcohol. Effects may range from
a feeling of well being and short term memory loss to an apparent aphrodisiac
and intoxication effect. Serious adverse effects can occur such as seizures,
insomnia, anxiety, nausea, dizziness, hallucinations, coma, even death. Some common
side effects of these drugs include a drunken appearance, drowsiness,
light-headedness, staggering, confusion, muscle relaxation and amnesia that
lasts up to 24 hours.
If
one suspects that they or someone they know has been drugged and/or assaulted,
first, go to a safe place, notify the Montpelier House staff or local police if
off campus, go to the emergency room of the Sint Elisabeth Hospital for immediate treatment. Again, if a student
requires assistance, they will be accompanied to the hospital by one of the
Program Assistant, Resident Advisors or the FMIR.
Sexual
Harassment
As
on the JMU home campus, faculty and students are reminded to be cautious
regarding behavior that refers to a person’s gender, race, religion, age,
disability, sexual preference or national origin. Harassment is defined
as “offensive verbal or physical conduct, which creates an intimidating,
hostile, or offensive study environment.” Harassment may include such
actions as unwelcome verbal kidding, physical contact, demands or subtle
pressure for sexual favors accompanied by implied or overt promises of
preferential treatment or threat to one’s grade. FMIR’s and Resident Directors
are responsible for assuring that such behavior does not occur between students
and foreign faculty, themselves, or within the student group. Students,
FMIR’s, and Resident Directors may contact the Office of Equal Opportunity
(540-568-6991) and/or the Executive Director of International Programs
(540-568-6419) if they have any questions or concerns regarding sexual
harassment.
Resources
For Support and Assistance
|
University Hospital,
Wilrijkstraat 10, B 2650 Edegem www.uza.be. Take bus 17 from Roosevelt square.
The end of the bus route is University Hospital. |
day 03 821 3806 |
|
Sint Elisabeth Hospital 26 Leopoldstraat (emergency room entrance), 2000 Antwerpen, |
03 234 4111 |
|
JMU Counseling and Student Development Center (main
campus) |
(540)568-6552 |
|
Sexual Assault Prevention/Women’s Resource Center (main
campus) |
(540)568-2831 (540)568-3407 |
|
JMU Campus Assault Response Emergency help line (C.A.R.E.) |
(540)568-6411 |
|
JMU Judicial Officer (main campus) |
(540)568-6218 |
|
Citizens Against Sexual Assault (Harrisonburg, VA, USA) |
(540)434-CASA |
Silent
Witness - If you have any information you
feel would be helpful in an investigation but wish to remain anonymous, you
have the option to report it through Silent Witness at:
http://www.jmu.edu/pubsafety/SilentWitness.shtml
Other
Suggestions
for Your Safety, Welfare and Comfort
Clothing
- Belgians and Europeans dress differently
than Americans do. It is relatively easy to spot Americans in Europe,
because they wear shorts, sandals, baseball caps, and shirts or sweatshirts
with university logos on them. Participants will notice that Belgian
fashion is quite different. Because of this, here are a few suggestions.
·
Europeans do not wear shorts and sandals; participants may want to
follow their lead.
·
Belgians wear closed-toed shoes except perhaps in August. It is
cold in Belgium, so this helps to keep feet warm.
·
In general, Belgians will dress much better than the average
American. So if participants want to blend in, it is suggested they bring
some nice things to wear.
Public
Restrooms - There are few public restrooms
in Belgium, and the ones that are available will cost participants money,
usually €0.40, to use; though some American based fast food chains still have
free toilets. Unlike the United States, one cannot just go into a
restaurant and expect to use their toilets. Those are reserved for paying
customers only.
Often
when participants do find a public restroom in Belgium, such as in a train
station, they will usually find an attendant just inside the entrance.
There will usually be a sign somewhere with the price, usually €0.25 to €0.50.
This is the price one is expected to pay,
always upon leaving the place, never entering.
Participants
are cautioned to be careful about how much liquid they ingest. There are
very few public drinking fountains in Belgium, so some students make the
mistake of carrying bottled water, drinking it all, and being unable to find a
restroom. Participants are cautioned to monitor their hydration
carefully.
Medical/Emergency
Care
Physicians - Three
family doctors are located on Keizerstraat 78—the same street as the faculty
flat, which means they are only a few minutes away from the student
residence. Students in previous semesters have used these doctors, and
recommend them to others. They are:
Dr. Bart De Bruyker, Dr. Anne Saeys, and Dr. Irmine Cuypers
Keizerstraat 78
2000 Antwerpen
Phone: 03/233.15.96
Fax: 03/233.89.30
The
University of Antwerp also has a walk-in clinic with very limited hours.
Participants will need to bring their student ID card. The walk-in clinic
is located in the basement of Building G and is open daily between 12:30 and
1:30 p.m. Serious injuries can be treated at the UZA, the university
hospital on campus.
Drugstore - There
is a drugstore located on Keizerstraat 73, the same street as the physicians
and the FMIR apartment. “Apotheek” (also often spelled
"apoteek") is the Flemish word for “drug store”. They are
always designated by a large illuminated green cross hanging out above the
entrance. All apotheeks in Antwerp have exactly the same hours: 9:00 am
to 12:30 pm, and 2:00 pm to 6:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Apotheeks are
normall closed Saturdays and Sundays, with one exception: each part of
town will have one apotheek that is open during the weekends. This is
known as the “apotheek van wacht”, and it changes each
weekend. Exactly which apotheek is “van wacht”
each weekend is usually posted on the door of each apotheek, easily visible
from the outside. The address and usually the phone number are mentioned
on the list.
Many
medicines available in the United States without prescription do require a
doctor’s prescription in Belgium. And some that require a prescription in
the United States are available over the counter in Belgium. Most
medicines, be they prescription or over-the-counter, are only available at an
apotheek, and not in a supermarket, or other similar outlet. No apotheeks
are self-service, which means the pharmacist must help you, and they are
usually rather small in size.
Officials with Significant Responsibility for
Student and Campus Activities otherwise known as "Campus
Security Authorities"
As
specified in the Clery Act those
considered to be "Campus Security Authorities" are deans
(or other senior student administrative personnel), coaches, residence hall
staff; overseers and advisors to student clubs, organizations, and Greek
houses; and other campus officials having "significant responsibility for
student and campus activities," not just police and/or security officers.
All must report annual campus crime statistics (professional and pastoral
counselors excluded; passages in quotations are taken directly from the
applicable Federal Register)(1).
Although
the timely reporting of campus criminal activity directly to the Antwerp Police
is encouraged, in some instances members of the Antwerp Hall/Montpelier Hall
community may choose to file a report with the FMIR, the PA or RA who are the
primary Campus Security Authorities for
Montpelier House. By law James Madison University officials who learn
about sexual assaults, as well as other crimes, will tell the victims that they
can take their complaints to the police. JMU officials will help the victims if
asked to do so. If making a crime report directly to the police the program
participant is encouraged to make a report to a one of the above listed Campus
Security Authorities as well.
Crime
statistics are monthly and annually gathered from JMU Campus Security
Authorities, including those in Antwerp, via
fax, online and campus mail reporting
utilizing a report/survey form supplied by the Clery Act Compliance Coordinator. Any reportable
crime made to a Campus Security Authority can be immediately transmitted to the JMU Police via fax machine,
e-mail or conventional campus mail.
Other
people holding positions with the Semester in Antwerp program considered to be campus
security authorities under the law are the Semester
in Antwerp Program Director, Program Assistant, Resident Manager and
The Faculty Member in Residence (FMIR).
(1) From page 59063, Federal Register/Vol. 64, No. 210/Monday. November 1, 1999/(Final) Rules
and Regulations: "For example, a dean of students who oversees student
housing, a student center, or student extra-curricular activities, has
significant responsibility for student and campus activities. Similarly, a
director of athletics, team coach, and faculty advisor to a student group also
have significant responsibility for student and campus activities. A single
teaching faculty member is unlikely to have significant responsibility for
student and campus activity, except when serving as an advisor to a student
group. A physician in a campus health center or a counselor in a counseling
center whose only responsibility is to provide care to students are unlikely to
have significant responsibility for student and campus activities."
“Non-Campus Area” Classroom Facilities Remote from Montpelier
House
JMU’s
Semester in Antwerp coursework is held in classrooms rented from the University
of Antwerp, Prinsstraat 13, B-2000, Antwerp, Belgium. The University of
Antwerp is about a two-minute walk from Montpelier House.
These
classrooms are booked each semester by Jim Kelly, the Director of Logistics for
International Programs at the University of Antwerp.
Dr.
Wright, the Director of the Semester in Antwerp program, reports that he knows
of no JMU student being victimized at the University of Antwerp since the
inception of the program in September, 2002.
Policy and Procedures for Developing Information for
this Report:
The
offices of Judicial Affairs and Public Safety serve as "clearing
houses" in the statistical gathering of crime data from those with
"significant responsibilities for students and campus activities" and
reports such statistics involving pertinent criminal incidents and arrests or
referrals gathered from various "campus security authorities" to the
Public Safety office on a monthly and/or annual basis. The offices of
Public Safety and Judicial Affairs routinely compare and reconcile the gathered
information to minimize multiple postings for the same reported criminal
incidents or arrests.
Likewise,
the Antwerp Police and the Security Department of the University of Antwerp are
asked to report pertinent statistics from the required geographical areas
related to the Antwerp campus to James Madison University annually upon
request. All figures reported are incorporated in the preceding statistical
tables.
Notice
of Availability of Annual Campus Crime (Your Right to Know) Report
Each
year e-mail and conventional mail notification is made to all enrolled students
and employees that provide the web site to access this report.
Availability of the print version is also imparted to the community
through the same means (“summary” statement on a 5” X 7” mailer card).
Prospective student and employees are informed of the report and how it may be
secured. The report is also made available to the general public upon
request.
Crime
statistics for 2003 and the first half of 2004 for the former Antwerp Hall
branch campus, including incidents reported to the local police station, do not
exist since Antwerp Hall did not become JMU’s Semester in Antwerp residence
until September 1, 2004. Prior to that the JMU program residence for its
students was the dormitory on the campus of the University of Antwerp.
The program, which was founded in the Fall of 2002, was not then considered a
“branch campus” but was considered to be within the “non-campus property” area
of James Madison’s main campus. Therefore no specific branch campus
annual report was required for the Semester in Antwerp for calendar years 2002
and 2003. PLEASE NOTE: The requested crime statistics were not made
available by the local police. In an effort to secure definitive information from
the person responsible for security at the University of Antwerp (UA) we
learned that Belgian universities are not required to keep or even compile such
data. It does not exist. UA has no security officers, no related training
programs and no incident/ arrest/referral data. American rules and systems
apparently cannot be applied. Likewise, there are no publicly
available crime statistics for Antwerp from the city or “stad” police.
All
statistics below were compiled and supplied by Dr. Newell Wright, the Director
of the Semester in Antwerp program. He conferred with past and
current FMIRs to obtain these numbers. None of the students who have
participated in the Semester in Antwerp have been convicted of a crime for any
reason, though two students were sent home in August 2005 and disciplined for
substance abuse that occurred while they traveled to Amsterdam, country of the
Netherlands before the fall classes started. No related disciplinary
statistics for this are reflected in the statistical table since the use
occurred outside the geographic reporting areas. One student was pick pocketed
while traveling in Spain, and Bob Eliason, the FMIR during Spring 2004, had his
camera stolen in London while on a field trip, but did not report that theft to
the police.
REPORTABLE
INCIDENTS AND ARRESTS CALENDAR YEARS 2004, 2005 and 2006
The
Antwerp program, considered "Non Campus" property September 2002 to
April 2004, rose to the level of a "branch campus" September 1, 2004.
|
OFFENSE (Mandatory Reporting) |
YEAR |
ON CAMPUS 4 |
**RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES (Subset of On Campus ) |
NON-CAMPUS 5 |
PUBLIC AREAS 6 |
OPTIONAL TOTAL |
|
MURDER / NON-NEGLIGENT
MANSLAUGHTER |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
NEGLIGENT MANSLAUGHTER |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
SEX OFFENSES, FORCIBLE 1 |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
SEX OFFENSES, NON-FORCIBLE |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
ROBBERY |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
BURGLARY 2 |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
ARSON |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
LIQUOR LAW ARRESTS 3 |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
LIQUOR LAW VIOLATIONS
REFERRED FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION 3 |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
DRUG LAW ARRESTS |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
DRUG LAW VIOLATIONS REFERRED
FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
ILLEGAL WEAPONS POSSESSION
ARREST |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
ILLEGAL WEAPONS POSSESSION
VIOLATIONS REFERRED FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
** CRIMES REPORTED IN THE RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES
COLUMN ARE ALSO INCLUDED WITHIN THE ON CAMPUS CATEGORY. |
||||||
|
OFFENSE (Optional Reporting) |
YEAR |
ON CAMPUS 4 |
**RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES (Subset of On Campus ) |
NON-CAMPUS 5 |
PUBLIC AREAS 6 |
OPTIONAL TOTAL |
|
DRUNK IN PUBLIC ARRESTS |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
SIMPLE ASSAULT |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
LARCENY |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
GAMBLING INVESTIGATIONS |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
GAMBLING ARRESTS |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
GAMBLING REFERRALS |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
FALSE FIRE ALARMS,
DELIBERATE ACT |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
FIRE ALARMS, MECHANICAL OR
ACCIDENTAL 7 |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
FIRES |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
INJURIES DUE TO FIRE |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
DEATHS DUE TO FIRE |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
** CRIMES REPORTED IN THE RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES
COLUMN ARE ALSO INCLUDED WITHIN THE ON CAMPUS CATEGORY. |
||||||
1 Forcible sexual offenses include offense
of rape
2 Most burglaries are non-forcible unlawful
entries involving petty thefts
3 Classification Liquor Law Violations does not include arrests for Driving Under the
Influence and Drunk In Public
4 On Campus includes the figure from Residence Halls within the aggregate
5 Non Campus includes off campus affiliates such as privately owned
off-campus fraternity houses and campus ministry
centers in addition to university owned
or controlled off-campus facilities not considered to be Branch Campuses
6 Public Areas are mainly the city streets and sidewalks (both sides
of the street) bordering campus
7 False Alarm, Mechanical, Accidental refers to mechanical malfunctions, cooking
odors/burned food, cigarette/cigar/pipe
smoke and accidental activations
8 Fires – On Campus refers to mulch fires, vehicle fires, trashcan fires,
other non residential structural fires
*Semester in Antwerp program was established in the
Fall of 2002.
Hate
Crimes
Involving
Crimes or Incidents of violence against persons characterized by bias against
Race, Gender, Religion, Sexual Orientation, Ethnicity, National Origin and/or
Disability
Geographical Areas: On Campus,
Residential Facilities, Non-Campus and Public Property
2006
– There were no reported bias motivated incidents.
2005
- There were no reported bias motivated incidents.
2004
– There were no reported bias motivated incidents.
The Individual's Responsibility
Although
JMU works hard to ensure the safety of all individuals within its community,
students and employees themselves must take responsibility for their own
personal safety and that of their personal belongings. Simple, common sense
precautions are the most effective means of maintaining personal security.
Further
information about campus safety can be obtained from the director of Public
Safety at (540)568-6913 in the U.S., as well as the Public Safety web site: www.jmu.edu/pubsafety/index.shtml.
James
Madison University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national
origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual
orientation or disability (in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities
Act) with respect to employment or admissions, or in connection with its
programs or activities. Inquiries or requests for reasonable
accommodations may be directed to the activity coordinator, the appropriate
university office, or the Office of Equal Opportunity, JMU, Harrisonburg, VA
22807, (540)568-6991 or 568-7902 TDD.
Antwerp
Map
This
map represents the portion of the downtown area near Montpelier House.
Note that none of the “dangerous” areas described by the chief of police fall
within the boundaries of this map. At a normal pace, it takes 10 minutes
to walk from the faculty flat to Montpelier House, and three minutes to walk
from Montpelier House to the University of Antwerp building where classes are
held. A numerical location key has been included.
|
|
CRIME PREVENTION AND PERSONAL
SAFETY PROGRAMS – SEMESTER IN ANTWERP 2006-2007
PROGRAM
|
AUDIENCE
|
DATES PRESENTED
|
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
|
|
Fall Antwerp
Semester Orientation |
Fall
2006—30 students |
March
and April 2006 Stateside and September 2006 in Antwerp |
Topics
include: fire safety,* personal safety, rules of the Antwerp
Semester program, alcohol and drug policies, pick pocket and property crime
awareness, and University of Antwerp security concerns. |
|
Spring
Antwerp Semester Orientation |
Spring 2007
Group—30 students |
October
and November 2006 Stateside and January 2007 in Antwerp |
Topics
include: fire safety,* personal safety, rules of the Antwerp
Semester program, alcohol and drug policies, pick pocket and property crime
awareness, and University of Antwerp security concerns. |
|
Summer Antwerp
Semester Orientation |
Summer
2007—20 students |
March
and April 2007 Stateside and May 2007 in Antwerp |
Topics
include: fire safety,* personal safety, rules of the Antwerp
Semester program, alcohol and drug policies, pick pocket and property crime
awareness, and University of Antwerp security concerns. |
How Participants Can Have a
Safe Semester in Antwerp
Special
Security Issues During Times of International Crisis
Since
the tragic events of September 11, 2001, a set of special security measures and
general precautions have been put in place for students attending the programs.
These measures are discussed in detail at the orientation meetings on campus,
then reviewed as conditions warrant throughout the semester abroad.
Introduction
to International Program Safety
In
1979, the Semester in London Program piloted James Madison University's
approach to international education leading to the Semester in Antwerp and
other JMU Studies Abroad Programs.
Generally,
for student participant safety, it is strongly recommended that they wear a
money/passport pouch around their neck and under their shirt, especially for
when they are traveling. Students are recommended not to take expensive watches
or jewelry with them. Pickpocketing is an art in Belgium. It is recommended
that students not take or carry lots of cash. The best and safest way for them
to take money is in the form of Travelers' Checks, or to rely on an ATM/debit
card, with a Visa charge card as an emergency backup.
Normal
Everyday Security
Students
may be concerned about the safety of Americans in Europe. As far as large
European cities are concerned, Antwerp is as safe as, if not safer than, most
U.S. cities. In Belgium, there is a lower incidence of violent crimes
than in the U.S., though property crimes, such as pick pocketing, occur more
frequently than in the U.S. Nevertheless, some care should be taken.
Students
should be observant of their surroundings, lower their profile, and keep their
wits about them. The escalation in the potential for threats and harm for
Americans in Europe as well as the rest of the world is apparent. As much for
decorum as for safety, students are asked to not draw unnecessary attention to
themselves in public by being a loud "ugly American" (once there,
they will soon know what that phrase means).
The realities of the post 9/11 world reinforced by subsequent attacks on civilians in Madrid and now most recently in London make it evermore necessary for everyone to be more diligent in observing what transpires on a daily basis. Antwerp authorities ask the public to remain alert and to report any situation that appears to constitute a threat or suspicious activity, particularly on or around mass transportation systems to the Politie Antwerpen. The Politie West Zone Commissariaat is located at Lange Nieuwstraat 40
And may be reached by telephone (from Belgium) at 03 201 49 11. Security officials are not suggesting that people avoid public transportation systems; rather, they are asking they do so with an increased awareness of their surroundings. Things to look for:
·
Clothing out of sync with the weather, suspicious person’s social
position (appears well groomed but is wearing sloppy clothing), or location
(wearing a coat inside a building).
·
Cloth fitting clothing.
·
Suspicious person carrying heavy luggage, bag or wearing a backpack.
·
Suspicious person having pale face from recent shaving of beard.
·
Eyes appear to be focused and vigilant.
·
Does not respond appropriately or at all to salutations.
·
Behavior is consistent with no future, e.g., individual purchases a
one-way ticket or is unconcerned about receipts for purchases.
·
Suspicious person walks with deliberation but is not running.
Politie West Zone Commissariaat
Lange Nieuwstraat 40
B-2000 Antwerpen Belgie
Most
importantly, one should never give out their semester abroad address to people
they do not know well. Students will be advised on the security procedures
related to keys, guests, and fire regulations. They are asked to observe the
same common sense about travel and strangers that one would take at home. Also:
1.
The number one rule is to have confidence! It is recommended that one
should act like they belong in Belgium. Students live there for a period of
time, so they should not be mistaken for a tourist. It is recommended that
students ask questions if they are lost, but not stand on a street corner with
their map out and a confused look on their face. Dressing and acting like a
native is the watchword. Projecting confidence, being comfortable, keeping
one’s shoulders back, and dressing up to the occasion or the area will go a
long way to helping the student fit right in.
2.
Students should know the phrases that will help one get around. They
should ask directions of merchants, waiters, policemen, bus drivers and so on.
If someone offers advice, students should thank them but do not accept an offer
to be led to their destination.
3.
It's safer to travel in groups. It is especially important for students
to stick together after dark. However, in Antwerp it is okay to travel alone
during the day, if one knows the area. One always should know their route.
4.
That said, Antwerp is NOT Harrisonburg! Again, knowing where one is
going is recommended. One should not leave things unattended. One should not be
obvious with money, cameras, expensive walkmans, etc. One should not use ATMs
in lonely and poorly lighted areas after dark. The main places where people can
be robbed are in metro or tube stations, crowded streets and open markets.
Generally, bums and gypsies are harmless, but one should be on guard.
Muggings and violent crimes are very, very rare, but again, pick pocketing
and purse-snatching have been honed to a fine art and are commonplace since
time immemorial. So, one should keep track of purses and wallets. One should
never leave them on a café table or bench, and hang on to them securely while
on public transport. A pouch worn beneath a blouse or shirt is recommended. It
should be used for extra money, traveler's checks, passport, and Visa card.
When traveling, one should wear this at night.
5.
When traveling it is recommended that one:
o
Not go into a train compartment alone.
o
Sleep in public only with money, passport, etc. in inside pockets.
o
Use locks on suitcases, purses whenever possible.
o
Protect valuables in the hostel as well.
6.
Safe places to meet friends are restaurants, pubs and other public
places (during peak hours).
7.
One should never appear drunk in public. Pickpockets and pick-up artists
will take an intoxicated person as easy prey. Most natives regard drunkenness
as deliberate stupidity and are therefore likely to be unsympathetic with
someone who has made oneself vulnerable and dull-witted. One should always stay
sharp.
8.
One should always avoid the neighborhoods known for prostitution.
9.
For students in the fall and spring programs, please remember to always
carry your city ID card after you receive it while you are in Belgium.
When you travel outside of Belgium, please take your passports. For
students in the summer program (who are not required to get visas and register
with the city), please carry your passport with you at all times.
Preparation
for and Response to Crisis Related to Short-Term International Programs
With
the responsibility of leading a JMU study abroad program, Program Directors are
aware that it is possible that an emergency may occur involving one or more of
the students in the group. Students can and do become ill, suffer accidents,
are the victims of muggings and assaults, find themselves caught up in
potentially violent political situations, or fail to return on time to programs
at the end of long weekends. While it is of course impossible to plan for all
contingencies involving our students abroad, Program Directors are trained to
follow sound recommended practices when emergencies do arise. They work
individually and together to provide for the safety and well-being of our
students.
JMU
has therefore developed a series of specific procedures designed to safeguard
the welfare of program participants. The Office of International Programs (OIP)
takes responsibility for coordinating the University's management of
emergencies affecting participants in JMU study abroad programs. The students
are informed about these procedures during their on-site orientations.
What
is an emergency?
An
emergency is any circumstance that poses a genuine risk to, or that has already
disturbed, the safety and well-being of program participants. Emergencies will
include, though not be confined to, the following types of events and
incidents:
·
Physical assault
·
Disappearance or kidnapping of a student
·
Robbery
·
Sexual assault or rape
·
Serious physical or emotional illness
·
Significant accident and/or injury
·
Hospitalization for any reason
·
Terrorist threat or attack
·
Local political crisis that could affect the students' safety or
well-being
·
Arrest or questioning by the police or other security forces
·
Any legal action (lawsuit, deposition, trial, etc.) involving a student
What
is done to prepare for emergencies?
Students
are instructed that they are required to inform Program Directors and Resident
Manager about any medical emergency. Program Directors in turn are required to
contact the OIP as soon as possible in order to inform the OIP Executive
Director or Administrative Coordinator about the emergency. The students are
informed that this information will be treated with the strictest
confidentiality, and that it will be shared on a "need to know" basis
only. If the crisis involving the student is grave enough to jeopardize his or
her safety or well-being, the emergency contact they have provided at the time
of registration will be informed. The Executive Director is Dr. Lee G.
Sternberger, JMU Office of International Programs, Office: 540-568-6419 &
540-568-7002. The Administrative Coordinator is Ms. Jackie Ciccone, Office
540-568-7004.
1.
During the orientation on-site, the students will be provided with
a.
the local telephone number(s) the students should use to contact
emergency services (i.e. the equivalent of the "911" that we use in
the U.S., which provides access to police, fire and emergency medical
services);
b.
a written list of reputable local medical clinics or hospitals.
2.
During the on-site orientation by the Program Directors, students will
be informed of the exact location of the U.S. Embassy and be highly encouraged
to register with the Embassy. In order to register, they will need all of the
information provided on the front page of their passports. The students will be
strongly encouraged to stop in at the Embassy or Consulate before and during
their travels away from your site in order to get updated information about
each country they plan to visit. The students will be advised to avoid travel
to or through any location where tensions exist and travel may be dangerous.
Experience has shown that students may benefit from a security briefing offered
at U.S. Embassies abroad; such briefings will assist in reinforcing the message
to the students that travel to dangerous areas should be avoided.
How
Program Directors respond to emergencies
1.
In an emergency, the first responsibility for a Program Director is to
safeguard the safety and well-being of program participants. Whatever is
necessary is done to assure this, whether this means obtaining prompt and
appropriate medical attention, Embassy intervention or police protection.
2.
When all that can be reasonably done to assure the student's welfare,
the Program Director will immediately contact the OIP and brief the Executive
Director, Administrative Coordinator or his/her representative, in a detailed
way, about the situation. Every effort will be made to reach the Executive
Director or Administrative Coordinator by telephone, rather than e-mail or fax
for the opportunity to fully discuss the situation.
3.
The Program Director will notify the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate
about the crisis, and follow whatever procedures they may require; if there is
a continuing risk to the welfare of the students (during a terrorist threat,
for example), the Program Director will ask the appropriate Embassy or
Consulate Officer to provide advisory information on a regular basis about the
evolution of the crisis and about how the students should respond. In any other
sort of emergency, the Program Director will notify the local police about the
situation - if the Program Director and the Embassy believe this is appropriate
- the Program Director will then follow the procedures the police may require
of them or the student.
4.
During an ongoing crisis, the Program Director will keep the OIP
informed on a regular basis, through telephone, fax, or E-mail messages, about
the evolution of the crisis until it has passed.
5.
In the event of a crisis, it is important that all concerned not
overreact or panic. The Program Director will help the students to get through
a difficult time. The OIP staff members have experience dealing with crises in
the past and are ready to assist the Program Directors during and after any
type of event or incident.
6.
After the OIP is informed about an emergency, and after OIP personnel
consult with the Program Director and other appropriate individuals on site,
the OIP may, depending on the acuteness of the crisis, fax a description of the
course of action that the Program Director and the students will need to
follow. All program participants will be required to sign a statement
acknowledging that they have received, read and understood this response plan;
after all of the participants have signed, the Program Directors will fax the
OIP the signed acknowledgments.
7.
During a political crisis or some other emergency during which
foreigners in general or U.S. citizens in general may be at risk, the Program
Directors will request that the students keep a low profile. The students will
be told to avoid demonstrations, confrontations or situations where they could
be in danger; to avoid behavior that could call attention to themselves; to
avoid locales where foreigners or Americans are known to congregate; and to
take down signs, avoid using luggage tags and wearing clothes that would label
them as Americans.
8.
It is highly unlikely that participants would need to be evacuated from
a site abroad; of the hundreds of U.S. institutions operating programs abroad
when the Gulf and Iraq Wars broke out, only a handful concluded that
events indicated that they should bring their students home. However, JMU would
of course bring faculty members and students home if a situation were to
deteriorate to the point where the degree of risk to participants was deemed
unacceptable. If this unlikely event were to happen, the Executive Director, in
consultation with the Program Director(s), the U.S. Embassy and State
Department, plus appropriate individuals on the home campus, will develop an
evacuation plan in as much detail as possible. This plan will be transmitted to
the Program Director(s) in confidence, and the Office of International Programs
will continue to work closely with the Program Directors(s) throughout the
process.
9.
In the event of a significant crisis, individual students have the
option of returning to the U.S. Every reasonable effort will be made to allow
them to continue their academic program on campus, and to be housed
appropriately as well. Refund policies are outlined in the faculty handbook for
the Program Directors; withdrawals and grades will conform to JMU policies as
well.
Observing
the procedures outlined here will help our students have the unique educational
experience abroad.
Insurance
and Medical Treatment Related to Short-Term International Programs
Insurance
Coverage
Students participating in a study abroad program are strongly urged to have
hospitalization and medical insurance that is valid outside the United States.
It is the student's responsibility to know about his/her coverage and to accept
any financial risk that may occur. Proof of coverage is not required; however,
the Office of International Programs (OIP) will enforce that requirement in the
rare cases where proof of health insurance is required for a student to obtain
a visa permitting them to enter the country and participate in the program. The
OIP maintains a list of companies that provide term insurance for students and
travelers.
Medical Expenses
Students should be advised to have access to enough money, through a credit
card for example, to be able to pay for any medical services they might need.
In the event of a medical emergency, if the student decides not to pay for
medical services, JMU cannot be expected to be responsible for these costs.
This does not indicate less of an interest in the welfare of the student, but
rather eliminate any misconception that every student participant is fully
covered by insurance for their medical care. This is a financial and liability
matter, not an indication that a faculty member should draw back from helping
students get medical care, from accompanying them to a doctor, clinic or
hospital, etc. It is the responsibility of the Program Director to make
inquiries regarding available medical and professional services near the
program site, to provide information for participants and to help participants
obtain the services they may need during the program.
Important
Policy Related to Short-Term International Programs - Alcohol and Drug Policy
Students
participating in JMU's international programs are bound by all tenets of the
JMU Honor and Judicial Systems. They are subject to all regulations in place on
the JMU campus that pertain to every student enrolled in university-sponsored
educational programs. Laws regarding alcohol and drug use are substantially
different in other countries. If any student is observed in an intoxicated
state and if that student's actions are deemed abusive by the Program Director
or other program representatives in authority, the student is subject to
disciplinary actions which may include suspension from the program and return
to the U.S. As with all honor or judicial cases, the student has the right of
appeal. The Executive Director for International Programs will serve as the
appellate officer in all such cases.
The web address for the Office of International Programs is http://www.jmu.edu/international/