TUPD to update campus notification system

Campus safety notifications are getting a new look, a new name and a new addition. Tulane University issues Timely Warning Notifications and Emergency Notifications to give the campus community the information it needs to keep safe and ensure that the university is in compliance with the federal “Clery Act,” officially known as the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.

In collaboration with several departments across Tulane’s campuses, the Tulane University Police Department (TUPD) is introducing an additional notification and renaming its “Crime Alerts” to “Timely Warning Notifications.” The redesigned “Timely Warning Notifications” will contain streamlined information of criminal incidents that present an ongoing threat to the university community and that have occurred on campus or in the areas surrounding Tulane’s campuses that are subject to Clery Act notification. The Timely Warnings will also include crime prevention tips and information on how to report a crime.

The Clery Act requires universities to notify their campus communities of “Clery Act crimes” that occur on or within certain areas near campus, in a manner that is timely and will aid in the prevention of similar crimes. The intent of a Timely Warning regarding a criminal incident is to enable people to protect themselves and make informed decisions about their safety.

TUPD will also begin issuing Safety Notices. These notices may be issued when non–Clery Act crimes occur on or near campus, or when a crime occurs outside of the university’s patrol area. Safety Notices will be sent when a serious or ongoing threat is posed to the community or to report crime trends in or around campus. Like Timely Warning Notifications, Safety Notices raise awareness and empower the Tulane community to take an active role in crime prevention and reporting.

“The intent of the Clery Act, and these notifications, is to provide transparency about crime and increase safety and awareness at Tulane,” said Chief of Police Kirk Bouyelas. “The updated language in the Timely Warning Notifications and the new Safety Notices will better serve the Tulane community in achieving these goals.”

Read more about the Clery Act and Tulane’s notifications.