Security
Facility Access and Security
The Gratz College Maintenance Department, in conjunction with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, maintains the building and grounds with a concern for safety and security. Reports of potential safety hazards, such as broken windows, should be made to the Maintenance Department at (215) 635-7300, ext. 166 or the Reception Desk at ext. 100. There are fire alarms throughout the building and should be used in the event of an emergency.
Gratz College is open from:
- 9:00 am to 9:30 pm
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday - 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Thursday - 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Friday and Sunday - The building is closed on Saturdays.
Access to classes is limited to those enrolled in courses meeting there. During the times when the facility is closed, the building is monitored by Girsch Alarm Company.
Campus Law Enforcement
Students are encouraged to report all on-campus crimes to the Student Life Office at (215) 635-7300, ext 148 during the day. In the event that the Student Life Office is unoccupied or closed, or during evening hours, students should report all on-campus crimes directly to the receptionist at the Front Reception Desk. Where appropriate, crimes will be reported to local enforcement agencies.
Crime on Campus
In compliance with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s College and University Security and Information Act 73 of 1988, Gratz College is required to report the incidence of crime on campus for three years proceeding each September 1st. As of the date of this printing, there has been no criminal activity on campus. A complete copy of this report is on file in the office of the CFO and is available for inspection.
Access to Gratz College Facilities and Programs
The facilities at Gratz College are private and exist for the purpose of education. Usage priority is first given for academic or administrative activities and second to college sponsored groups. Many of the Gratz College facilities are available for a fee or special gratis opportunities to non-college related organizations. All facility users are expected to abide by the policies set forth in this document as well as the Gratz College Code of Practice.
The Tuttleman Library at Gratz College is the Jewish public library of Philadelphia. Tuttleman Library facilities may be accessed by the public-at-large.
Weapons on Campus
No students, faculty, staff or visitors to facility are authorized to possess weapons. In the event security personnel are hired for a particular event, or in response to a particular issue, only trained and licensed professionals are authorized to possess weapons.
Alcohol and Illegal Use on Campus
Gratz College prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students, faculty, and staff on its property or as part of any college sponsored activity. The legal drinking age in the state of Pennsylvania is 21. Alcoholic beverages may not be served to persons under twenty-one years of age.
Policy on Sexual Assault
Gratz College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment that encourages its students’ social, emotional, and intellectual growth. Gratz College seeks to protect the rights of all members of the Gratz College community and to foster respect and dignity. As such, Gratz College will not tolerate sexual assault or sexual misconduct in any form, including but not limited to rape, acquaintance or date rape, and/or sexual harassment.
Students, faculty, or staff charged with sexual assault/misconduct can be prosecuted in accordance with the Pennsylvania State Criminal Code as well as subjected to the appropriate discipline pursuant to applicable faculty or staff handbook or student conduct codes. An offender may be expelled from school.
If a sexual assault or rape should occur, the victim should take the following actions:
- Go to a safe place
- Call 911 or go (as soon as possible) to a hospital emergency room or a private doctor’s office; even if you feel your physical injuries are not serious, you may have unseen cuts and bruising that need medical attention.
- Tell the medical facility you were sexually assaulted and request a forensic evidence exam. If you would like to report the crime at this time, ask them to call the police.
- Ask the medical facility to call a support person for you (such as a family member, friend, or sexual assault advocate).
- For medical and forensic evidence purposes, it is important that you not shower, wash, or douche after the assault. It is also important to save clothing and any other evidence of the assault in a paper bag.
- Continue to receive support for yourself.
Victims are encouraged to immediately report all incidents to the college at (215) 635-7330, ext 123 or Cheltenham Township Police Department at 911 or (215) 887-1000. Reporting does not obligate prosecution, but it does make legal action possible if a decision to prosecute is made at a later date; the earlier an incident is reported, the easier it is to collect valuable evidence.
To commence College conduct action, a victim should file a report with Gratz College, Cheltenham Township Police, or the Dean of Students. Sanctions for violation of the Gratz College Conduct Code may range up to and include suspension or expulsion from Gratz College.
Drug-Facilitated Rape
Drugs may deliberately be placed in any drink, not just alcohol; effects may range from the sensation of well-being and short term memory loss to an apparent aphrodisiac and intoxication effect. Serious adverse effects such as seizures, insomnia, anxiety, nausea, dizziness, hallucinations, comatose, and death may also occur. Some common side effects of these drugs include a drunken appearance, drowsiness, light-headedness, staggering, confusion, muscle relaxation, and amnesia that may last up to 24 hours; common sense and good judgment may be seriously impaired.
If a person has reason to believe they or someone else has been drugged and/or assaulted, they should take the following steps:
- Go to a safe place.
- Call local police by dialing 911.
- Go to a medical facility for immediate treatment of any injuries.
- Call for support.
Resources for Support and Assistance:
Police, Fire, and Medical:
Call 911
24 Hour Crisis Hotlines, Victim Services Centers of Montgomery County:
Toll Free Hotline: (888) 521-0983
Sexual Violence: (610) 277-5200
Sex Offender Registry and Access to Related Information
The Federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, enacted on October 28, 2002, went into effect October 28, 2002. The law requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where the law enforcement agency information provided by a State concerning registered sexual offenders may be obtained. It also requires sex offenders already required to register in a State to provide notice, as required by State law, of each institution of higher education in that State at which the person is employed, carries on a vocation, or is a student.
Information regarding registered sex offenders list can be obtained on the internet: http://www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us/ or by contacting local law enforcement at:
Cheltenham Township Police Department
8230 Old York Road, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania
19027-1589
Phone: 215-887-1000