If you are a victim of a crime while on the Campus of Mars Hill College, you have the following rights.
Please read and act on these rights.

1) If you report the crime to campus security, 689-1230, and the local police department (Town of Mars Hill Police Department 689-2301; 9-911 from the residential halls for emergency calls).

• A professional security and/or police officer will take a report and do an investigation on your case.
• It is essential that you report a criminal incident immediately if there is to be a realistic opportunity to solve the case.

2) If you are physically assaulted, then the Mars Hill College Security Department or Town of Mars Hill Police Department will assist you in transportation to the infirmary, clinic, or hospital.

• If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, an RA, a Mars Hill College Security Officer, a Town of Mars Hill Police Officer, and/or a rape crisis counselor will escort you to a medical facility.
• It is your right to be medically evaluated and is strongly recommended in any sexual assault case. Prosecution of the case is NOT a requirement for making a report and/or seeking medical attention.
• By having a police officer do an investigation, we can better serve your needs. If you choose to proceed with prosecution of the case now or in the future, the fact that you reported the case timely and allowed the police to gather evidence will greatly affect the case.
• By reporting the crime to POLICE you will be able to apply for state funds to pay for the medical exam.
• You should not bathe, go to the bathroom or change clothes prior to a police/security officer arriving on the scene.

3) You are entitled to go the college counselor to help you deal with this traumatic experience and to assist you with getting your life back on track.

4) We will assist you in getting a housing assignment change and academic provisions if necessary.

5) If you choose to go before a MHC judicial board, because of the sensitive nature of this type of case, a 3-person board will hear the case as deemed appropriate by the Dean of Students. You are entitled to know the outcome of the board’s decision on your case.

6) If you are a victim of a property crime on the Campus of Mars Hill College, you should immediately call Security at 1230. Most insurance companies require a police report for any financial assistance.

a) As noted in your student handbook, Mars Hill College does not have insurance to cover your personal losses in your cars or residential spaces. Your family’s homeowner’s policy may have you covered and you should check with them immediately.
b) Registering your valuables with the Mars Hill College Security Department (a form is available) may aid in the identification and location of stolen property.

Contact Numbers:

Mars Hill College Security 689-1230
Mars Hill Police Department 689-2301
EMS/Fire 9-911 from campus facilities
My Sister’s Place Domestic violence/rape crisis 649-2446 (24 hr. Crisis line)

One call to Mars Hill College Security will enable you to start this extensive chain of contacts for your assistance. They will call others at your request and make all the necessary contacts.

Please report the crime to enable us to assist you with your needs and allow us a chance to make justice a reality. Reporting a crime does not mean you have to prosecute the case.

Steps in Crime Reporting: CRIME

1. Call Mars Hill College Security and the Town of Mars Hill Police Department immediately.
   
2. Report the crime timely to housing staff, security, police, Dean of Students, and/or faculty.
   
3. Invoke your rights on and off Campus (law enforcement, medical, counselor, and judicial).
   
4. Maximize your support team by reporting the crime timely and asking for help. Reporting timely maximizes the chances of catching the offender(s).
   
5. Everyone on campus wants to assist you, BUT we can’t assist you if we do not know about the crime.
   

Remember to dial 9-911 for emergency services if you are using a phone on campus.