HOW PARTICIPANTS CAN HAVE A SAFE WASHINGTON SEMESTER

 

POINTS OF CONCERN AND SUGGESTIONS FOR THE JMU WASHINGTON SEMESTER PARTICIPANTS

 

October 1, 2007 

Locations of Facilities*

 

The JMU Washington Semester is located at Boston UniversityÕs Washington Center in the Woodley Park section, Northwest, near the National Zoo.  BU provides that service to JMU as well as several other post secondary schools. The BU facility housed both residential units and classroom space.  Originally scheduled for just the spring semester the program was expanded to include two semesters, the fall as well as the spring for the academic year 2004-2005.  A more detailed description of the location, the environs, access to public transportation and a map are found below in the section devoted to the ÒNorthwest/Boston University Washington Center and Beyond.Ó

 

*The statistics related to criminal incidents that may have occurred during calendar year 2003 in and around JMUÕs Washington Semester East Capitol Street program facilities is reflected in JMUÕs ÒYour Right to Know...Ó reported statistics for calendar year 2003 and the spring semester of 2004.  For academic year 2004-2005 the program moved to Boston UniversityÕs Washington Center at 2807 Connecticut Ave. NW, 20008. 

 

The primary residential facility for the Spring semesters of 2003 and 2004, known as the Òmain houseÓ in 2003, was located at 228 East Capitol Street NE, two and a half blocks from the Capitol complex, near the Library of Congress, and the Supreme Court buildings.  The 2003-2004 classroom fronted directly on Stanton Park Several blocks from the Capitol.  The now former classroom and the residential facilities were provided by Washington Intern Student Housing (WISH), Inc. http://www.internsdc.com.  James Madison University did not lease or sublet the residential facilities or rooms to students therein.  All operational matters were the direct responsibility of the WISH management during that period.

 

The East Capital Òmain house,Ó the former Residence Annex at 138 6th Street NE (spring 2003 semester), the Spring 2004 Residence Annex at 223 Constitution Avenue and the location of the classroom at 510 C Street NE were replaced with and consolidated into the aforementioned all inclusive Boston University facility for academic year 2004-2005.  This arrangement continued in academic years 2005-2006, 2006-2007 and continues to date.

 

Crime Statistics for the Washington Semester Program

    

The Washington Internship Program is not considered a branch campus for purposes of annual reporting within the federal Clery Act.  Any crime statistics will be found within the Harrisonburg campusÕs annual ÒRight-to-KnowÓ report within the non campus category.  For 2004, the Boston University officials reported that the B.U. Washington Center program had one instance of non-forcible entry burglary in their dormitory on the main level directly accessed by the exterior entrance.   For 2005, those same officials reported that the B.U. Washington Center program had one non-forcible entry burglary in their dormitory.  Since those incidents the B.U. officials have assessed the facility access procedures for needed updating and oversight.  Again, see the map for the location of the Boston University Washington Center.  For 2006 Boston University officials reported that there was one student residing at the BU Center enrolled in a University of Michigan sponsored program who was instructed to leave the Center for a Drug Law violation.  Neither the 2004, 2005 or the 2006 incidents affected the JMU students who were housed on a different floor.  JMU did not move into the Boston University Washington Center until the fall of 2004.   The aforementioned information corrects the record relative the 2005 report where there were it was incorrectly reported that there were two burglaries in Ò2005.Ó

 

Personal Vehicles

 

A car in Washington can be a real burden and very costly. To say that parking is at a premium is an understatement. Available street parking is practically non-existent and when found is an expensive proposition to feed the meters. Off street parking is practically unaffordable.  On street parking on Connecticut Avenue is totally banned twice a day Monday through Friday, rush hours 7-9:30a.m. and again at 4-6:30p.m.  The closest long term parking rental space is maintained at the Van Ness Days Inn, 4400 Connecticut Avenue, fourteen blocks further northwest (20 minute walk from the Boston University Center - 2800 block) at the Van Ness Metro stop.  For details call the Days Inn at (202)244-5600.   

 

Traffic accidents, thefts from and intentional damage to parked vehicles are an ever present possibility. Auto theft and to a lesser extent, carjackings, are not unknown. It is recommended that you leave your car home and utilize the District's excellent, generally safe Metro and public surface transportation systems. Taxi-cabs are everywhere. Intercity, interstate and international travel is relatively convenient with Union Station near Capitol Hill and Reagan, BWI and Dulles airports easily accessible by Metro and/or surface transportation.

 

Walking

 

If at all possible, especially at night, walking in pairs or a larger group is strongly advised. When out and about, especially taking in Washington's varied nightlife, be cognizant of those about you, being aware that someone may value your purse or wallet as much as you do. Take precautions! Do not expose yourself to additional risk by being intoxicated or alcohol impaired while on the street. To do so will set your self up to be an easy target.

 

Northwest/Boston University Washington Center and Beyond

 

The Boston University Washington Center is located in Woodley Park, an upscale neighborhood on Connecticut Avenue near the National Zoo.  The Center is approximately two blocks from the Woodley Park metro (red line) within the Metropolitan Police 2nd DistrictÕs Public Service Area (PSA) 204.  It combines residential units for students with classroom space, faculty offices, and a computer lab.  In the residential section, students live in 6-person, 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom suites with shared kitchen and living area.  Laundry facilities are in the basement.  There is front-desk security 24 hours a day; residents must show official BU Center photo IDs upon entering; visitors must register one day in advance and show a photo ID before being admitted.  The Director of the Boston University Washington Center is Joseph P. Gareri.  The main number for the Center is (202)756-7802.

The Metro Police Second District Station is located at 3320 Idaho Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20016; Telephone: (202) 282-0070, Fax: (202) 282-0196.  For more information and map go to http://mpdc.dc.gov/info/districts/2nd/main.shtm.

The below map of the Woodley Park area can also be found at: http://www.stationmasters.com/System_Map/WOODLEYP/woodleyp.html

Note that the Boston University Center is located top center at 2800

Connecticut Avenue just south of the intersection with Cathedral Avenue.

 

 

Capitol Hill and Beyond

 

The Capitol Hill area government complex, location of many of the internships, is considered to be relatively safe. But still use every precaution and walk in pairs or groups when in those areas. But it is highly recommended that you do not go further south than "E" Street SW and SE, east than 8th Street NE and SE, north than "E" and North Capitol Streets NE and NW (a few blocks north of Union Station) and west and northwest than 8th and "H" Streets NW. Stay away from the Greyhound bus station at 1st and "K" Streets NE (north, beyond Union Station) if at all possible. To summarize, the immediate Capitol Hill area is relatively safe, the outskirts, in a word, not, especially in and around nightspots in SE. In the words of the liaison officer for the Metro Police, 1st District, "If you go there, something WILL happen" (to you or your car).

 

 

Safety Information and Police Protection

 

The Boston University Washington Center falls within the Metropolitan Police Patrol Service Area (PSA) 204.  This PSA is one of several served by the 2nd Police District, which has a station located at 3320 Idaho Ave. (phone: 202-282-0070).  It is widely considered to be relatively one of the safest police districts in Washington, D.C.

 

The Capitol complex, Capitol Hill and Stanton Park fall within the Metropolitan Police First District served by the stub-station located at 500 "E" Street, SE non-emergency telephone 727-4655 (for all emergencies dial 911). The community liaison officer for the substation is currently Officer Rita A. Hunt, telephone 727-4660.

 

The federal United States Capitol Police also have primary jurisdiction within the Capitol complex and limited jurisdiction within the Capitol Hill residential area. The station is located at 119 "D" Street NE (within sight of 1st and "D" Streets' intersection), non-emergency telephone 224-1677, emergency again 911. The U.S. Capitol Police jurisdiction extends to "H" Street in the North, 7th Street in the east and west, and as far south as "P" Street. The Capitol Police provide intensive patrol of the Capitol complex and the Capitol Hill area out to 3rd street NE and SE (East Capitol Street serves as the line separating NE from SE). That is that department's primary jurisdiction with attendant routine patrol; beyond 3rd out to 7th is considered that department's extended patrol area with no routine patrol, but with checks of the homes of members of Congress. The liaison officer for the Capitol Police is Public Information Officer (PIO) Jessica Gissubel, telephone 224-1677.

 

Both departments offer excellent maps of their respective jurisdictions. The Metro Police offers a series of excellent "Policing for Prevention" pamphlets available to participants during the initial site orientation safety program. Subject matter includes but is not limited to (related web sites also provided):

 

For any of these pamphlets, more crime prevention information, or to schedule a crime prevention presentation, call the Metropolitan Police Department's Community Outreach Section at 727-0783. Or visit the Section's website at http://mpdc.dc.gov/main.shtm.

CRIME PREVENTION AND PERSONAL SAFETY CLASSES PROVIDED IN ACADEMIC YEAR 2006-2007 for the WASHINGTON SEMESTER PROGRAM

PROGRAM

AUDIENCE

DATES PRESENTED

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Washington Semester Orientation

Fall 2006 and Spring 2007 Washington Semester students

August 26-27, 2006

January 6-7, 2007

As part of Washington Semester program orientation, students were given an overview of safety and crime issues in the Boston University Washington Center facility, the neighborhood, and DC in general.  BU Center Residence Director Mary Beth Fecteau described building security procedures.  In addition, students received hard copies of ÒHow to Have a Safe Semester in DC,Ó a report prepared by the JMU Office of Public Safety. 

 

 

 

Advice Specific to Your Living, Classroom Accommodations and Points Between

 

Some basics to remember and take heed:

Weapons

 

The District has a strict weapons policy with readily enforced laws pertaining thereof. Do not bring edged weapons as well as long or hand guns to the district. It is that simple.

 

The web address for the Office of James Madison University Public Safety is http://www.jmu.edu/pubsafety/index.shtml. When necessary Timely Notifications of Threats and Threat Potential endemic to the Capitol Hill and greater District will be issued to program participants and the program director by directed e-mail messages and attachments. To receive these messages participants should supply their respective JMU e-mail addresses to Alan MacNutt macnutad@jmu.edu.

 

A Message for Parents and Participants

 

Special Security Issues During Times of International, National and Localized 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 programs away from the Harrisonburg campus. These measures are discussed at the initial orientation then reviewed as conditions warrant throughout the semester in Washington.

 

Introduction to Washington Semester Safety

 

In 1997, the JMU Department of Political Science Department established the Washington Semester program to facilitate student participation in semester-long internships with governmental and political organizations in the DC area. The Fall Semester of 2005 will be the 11th program since the inception of Washington Semester.

 

Students are recommended not to flash or take expensive watches or jewelry with them. Pick pocketing is an art is not unknown in Washington. 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 checks drawn on regional banks, or to rely on an ATM/debit card, with a well known charge card as an emergency backup. But they should be extremely careful in securing checkbooks, debit and credit cards and their numbers.

 

Normal Everyday Security

 

Students may be concerned about their safety in the District. Traffic is intense. When crossing the street one should be as safe in Washington as in any other city or town in America, even a town like Harrisonburg. Nevertheless, some care should be taken.

 

For Washington, security measures have increased substantially since September 11th. One should be observant. The escalation in the potential for threats and harm for is readily apparent when one views the security measures being implemented around federal facilities.

 

The realities of the post 9/11 world reinforced by subsequent attacks on civilians in Madrid and most recently in London make it evermore necessary for everyone to be more diligent in observing what transpires on a daily basis.  Homeland Security 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 transportation systems such as the Metro, to the Washington Metropolitan and/or the U.S. Capitol Police.  Homeland 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.  Homeland Security may be contacted by telephone at (202)282-8101. Things to look for:

 

 

As much for decorum as for safety, student interns are asked to not draw unnecessary attention to themselves in public by being a loud and boisterous. Those intent on taking money (or worse) from victims, are especially known to hang around nightspots.

 

Most important, one should never give out their Washington Semester address to people they do not know well. Students will be advised on the security procedures related to general safety and security, keys, guests, and fire/safety 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 Washington. It is recommended that students ask questions if they are lost, but not stand on a street corner with a confused look on their face. Projecting confidence, being comfortable, keep 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 common courtesies 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 that person 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 Washington it is generally okay to travel alone during the day, if one knows the area. One always should know their route.
  4. Washington 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 near deserted metro stations after hours, crowded streets, at nightspots and open markets, especially in SE. Generally, those appearing to be homeless are harmless, but one should be on guard. Muggings are very, very rare, but again, pick pocketing and purse lifting have been honed to and fine art and commonplace since time immemorial. So, one should keep track of purses and wallets. One should never leave them on a cafe table or bench, and hang on to them securely while on public transport. A pouch worn beneath blouse or shirt is recommended. It should be used for extra money, traveler's checks, passport, and ATM/credit cards. When traveling, one should wear this at night.
  5. Safe places to meet friends are restaurants, pubs and other public places (during peak hours).
  6. Taking unknown guests back to your Washington Semester residence has the potential to endanger you and the other residents. BE CAREFUL, you can never be too cautious when dealing with those with who you are newly acquainted. And remember, WISH prohibits overnight guests.
  7. One should never appear drunk in public. Pickpockets and pick-up artists will take an intoxicated person as easy prey. Most locals 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 and other forms of vice. Again, for the nightspots in SE this is endemic. Those intent on preying on the unwary are known to await out on the street for them to depart such establishments.

 

Preparation for and Response to Crisis Related to Short-Term Internship Programs

 

With the responsibility of leading a JMU Internship Program the director is 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, 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 student interns, the program director is trained to follow sound recommended practices when emergencies do arise. The program director works individually and together with public officials to provide for the safety and well being of our student interns.

 

JMU has, therefore, developed a series of specific procedures designed to safeguard the welfare of program participants. 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:

 

What is done to prepare for emergencies?

 

Students are instructed that they are required to inform the program director about any medical emergency. The Program Director in turn is required to contact the offices of Student and Academic Affairs as well as the university's risk manager 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 University's Ombudsperson also is the Director of Residence Life for JMU and can be reached at (540)568-2804.

 

During the orientation on-site, the students will be provided with:

 

Students will be advised to avoid going to or through any location or area where it may be dangerous for them to be. Experience has shown that students may benefit from security briefings or advisories offered by the Metro and Capitol Police for their public service area (PSA). Such communications will assist students reinforcing the message to the students that going into questionable neighborhoods should be avoided.

 

 

How Program Directors respond to emergencies?

 

  1. In an emergency, the first responsibility for the 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, police intervention or protection.
  2. When all that can be reasonably done to assure the student's welfare, the program director will immediately contact the academic department head, university ombudsperson and risk manager in a detailed way, about the situation. Every effort will be made to the reach them by telephone, rather than e-mail or fax for the opportunity to fully discuss the situation.
  3. The program director will notify the Metro Police about the situation, if 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 academic department head, ombudsperson and risk manager 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 aforementioned ombudsperson and risk manager have experience dealing with crises in the past and are ready to assist the program director during and after any type of event or incident.
  6. After the academic department head, ombudsperson and risk manager is informed about an emergency, and after university officials consult with the program director and other appropriate individuals on site, those officials may, depending on the acuteness of the crisis, fax or e-mail 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 Director will fax the aforementioned university officials the signed acknowledgments.
  7. During a political demonstration or some other emergency during which participants in general may be at risk, the program director will request that the students to keep a low profile. With anti-war and anti-globalization demonstrations on the rise in Washington, countermeasures by the police are many times necessary. The interns will be told to avoid demonstrations, confrontations or situations where they could be in danger; to avoid behavior that could call attention to ones self; to avoid locales where law breaking demonstrators bent on destruction and violence are known to congregate and provoke arrests of the innocents as well as those responsible for the mayhem.
  8. It is highly unlikely that participants would need to be evacuated from the program site, even post September 11. However, JMU would of course bring interns 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, university officials, in consultation with the program director plus the university's Public Safety director and/or Chief of Police at the Harrisonburg campus, will develop an evacuation plan in as much detail as possible. This plan will be transmitted to the program director in confidence, and the university's public safety and risk management officials will continue to work closely with the program director throughout the process.
  9. In the event of a significant crisis, individual interns have the option of returning to Harrisonburg or their home. 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 afforded by the Washington Semester program.

 

Insurance and Medical Treatment
Related to Short-Term Internship Programs

 

Insurance Coverage

 

Students participating in internships are strongly urged to have hospitalization and medical insurance. 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. The university's Health Center maintains information medical insurance for students. It is also advisable for participants to secure a renters policy to cover personal property losses due to theft, fire or other damage. James Madison University is not liable for such losses.

 

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, JMU cannot be expected to be responsible for these costs in the event the student decides not to do so. This does not indicate in any way less of an interest in the welfare of the student, but rather to 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 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 Internship Programs - Alcohol and Drug Policy

 

Students participating in JMU's internship 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 generally consistent with those in Virginia and home states of the participants. But there are some variations. 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 campus, suspension or expulsion following judicial process with or without pro-rated refund of tuition, other expenses and program supplement. As with all honor or judicial cases, the student has the right of appeal. The aforementioned university disciplinary officials and judicial council will serve as the appellate officer or body in all such cases.