MEMORANDUM
To:
James VanVoorst, Vice President for Administration
For distribution to:
Dr. Harvey Stenger, President
All faculty, staff, and administrators
From:
Personal Safety Advisory Committee
Professor Bill Ziegler, Chair
Date:
5/1/2012
Subject:
Final Report of the Personal Safety Advisory Committee
Attached is the Final Report of the Personal Safety Advisory Committee in accordance with
directives of the Board of Trustees of the State University of New York.
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Final Report
Binghamton University
Personal Safety Advisory Committee
http://www2.binghamton.edu/personal-safety/index.html
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Table of Contents
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
Executive Summary
4
Board of Trustees Charge to the PSAC
5
Committee Composition
6
a. Faculty
b. Appointed by the President
c. Students
d. Male/Female ratio
Binghamton University Security, Safety, Policies and Procedures
7
a. Clery Act
b. Mandatory On-line training for employees
c. Voluntary Safety Training for Students and Employees
d. Employee-centered reports/policies include
e. Campus Safety Resources
f. Emergency Alert System and Emergency Communications
g. Other Safety Initiatives
h. Committees/Groups/Departments that Address Campus Safety Issues
i. Student Association chartered student groups related to safety concerns:
Campus by Night
11
PSAC Log for 2011-12
12
3
I.
Executive Summary
The Binghamton University Personal Safety Advisory Committee met frequently during the
2011-2012 academic year.
Highlights include:
1. Bill Ziegler, Associate Professor – Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied
Science joined the committee as chair
2. Four students joined the PSAC
3. The academic year ended with 17 active members of which 6 are males and 11 are
females in accordance the Trustees stipulation of at least 50% female
4. PSAC meetings were held frequently throughout the year
5. A PSAC website was launched for the first time this year and contains safety information
useful to students, staff, faculty, and visitors http://www2.binghamton.edu/personalsafety/index.html
6. A PSAC Log was created that tracks every concern reported to the PSAC and is available
for public review on the PSAC website.
7. The PSAC toured the entire campus twice during the year for the traditional Campus by
Night review of safety concerns on campus
8. 42 concerns were logged and acted on by the PSAC. Of those, 22 concerns were directly
related to Residential Life – housing
0
Open Concerns (concerns not yet investigated)
22
Pending Concerns (corrected action is scheduled)
15
Closed Concerns (corrective action was taken)
5
Long Term Recommendations (recommendations for future action)
42
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II.
SUNY Board of Trustees Charge to the PSAC
Policy Title: Establishment of Campus Safety Advisory Committees
Effective Date: July 1, 2004
This policy item applies to: State-Operated Campuses
Summary:
It is the policy of the State University of New York (University) to comply with legal requirements of Article 129-A of
NYS Education Law §6431 (Regulation of Conduct on Campus and Other College Property Used for Educational
Purposes). Accordingly, the Board of Trustees of the State University of New York has adopted written rules
requiring campuses to establish campus safety advisory committees. These committees will provide advice and
written reports on issues relating to personal safety on the campus as well as perform identified requirements of
20 USC §1092(f), also known as the “Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime
Statistics Act.” (See the University procedure on Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Reporting for
information regarding the requirements and format for reporting official crime statistics.)
Policy:
I. Establishment of Campus Safety Advisory Committee
It is the policy of the State University of New York (University) to comply with legal requirements of Article 129-A of
NYS Education Law §6431 (Regulation of Conduct on Campus and Other College Property Used for Educational
Purposes). Accordingly, the Board of Trustees of the University has adopted written rules requiring campuses to
establish campus safety advisory committees.
A. Committee Composition – The committee shall consist of a minimum of six members:
1. at least half of the committee shall be female;
2. one-third of the committee shall be appointed from a list of students that contains at least twice the
number to be appointed, which is provided by the largest student governance organization on
the campus;
3. one-third of the committee shall be appointed from a list of faculty members that contains twice the
number to be appointed, which is provided by the largest faculty organization on the campus;
and
4. one-third of the committee shall be selected by the president.
B. Committee Responsibilities - The committee shall review current campus security policies and procedures
and make recommendations for their improvement. It shall specifically review current policies, plans
and procedures for:
1. educating the campus community, including security personnel and those persons who
advise or supervise students, about sexual assault pursuant to §6432 of Article 129-A of
NYS Education Law;
2. educating the campus community about personal safety and crime prevention;
3. reporting sexual assaults and dealing with victims during investigations;
4. referring complaints to appropriate authorities;
5. counseling victims; and
6. responding to inquiries from concerned persons.
C. Written Annual Reporting - The committee shall report in writing, at least once (June 15) each academic
year to:
1. the campus president;
2. the entire campus including faculty, staff, administrators and students in publications or
appropriate mailing; and
3. when requested, applicants for enrollment or employment.
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III.
Committee Composition
Faculty:
CHAIR: Bill Ziegler, Associate Professor Computer Science, Director Binghamton
University Scholars Program, Faculty Master Newing College
Donald Brister, Senior Catalog Librarian, University Libraries
Colleen Hailey, Ref. Librarian/Biblio-Mgmt & Economic, University Libraries
Tony Preus, Distinguished Teaching Professor - Philosophy
Appointed by the President:
Tammara Behonick, Assistant Dean, CCPA
Dan Chambers, Deputy Chief of Police for Special Services
Tracey Debnar, Assistant to the Vice President for Administration, ex-officio
Ronnie Goldberg, Asst. Director for Access Services, University Libraries
Lisa Havtur, Administrative Compliance Coordinator, Compliance and Risk Mgmt.
Paola Mignone, Assistant Director –Hinman College, Residential Life
Beth Riley, Case Manager - Dean of Students Office
Sean Sherwood, Resident Director, Oneida Hall-College in the Woods, Residential Life
Wayne Schneider, Assistant Director of Operations, Physical Facilities
Students:
Sarah Glose: Freshman from Syracuse, NY, member of the Binghamton University
Scholars Program, intends to major in English with a concentration in creative
writing and global cultures. sglose1@binghamton.edu
Bridget Murphy: Freshman from Islip Terrace (Long Island), NY, member of the
Binghamton University Scholars Program, intends to major in Psychology.
bmurph10@binghamton.edu
Megan Barry: Freshman from Niskayuna, NY, member of the Binghamton University
Scholars Program, intends to double major in Mathematics and Economics.
mbarry5@binghamton.edu
Marisa Sweeney: Student Association Representative, sophomore from Baldwin, NY,
Resident Assistant, member of SOM PWC Scholars program, Double majoring in
Politics, Philosophy, and Law; and Accounting.
Male/Female (as per committee charge of at least 50% female) :
6 males and 11 females
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IV.
Binghamton University Security, Safety, Policies and Procedures
A. Clery Act Information
Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (The
Clery Act)
As per the requirements of the Clery Act, on an annual basis all faculty and staff are
informed of the website containing information about crime statistics at the University.
A copy of Binghamton University’s Annual Security Report is available by accessing the
following website: http://asr.binghamton.edu/ . This report includes statistics for the
previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain
off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Binghamton University; and on
public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The
report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies
concerning sexual assault, and other matters. This report is the responsibility of the
Binghamton University Police and University Counsel – Barbara Westbrook-Scarlett
B. Mandatory On-line training for employees
Right to Know,Sexual Harassment,Internal Controls andWorkplace Violence Prevention at:
http://www.wecomply.com/wc2/login.aspx.
C. Voluntary Safety Training for Students and Employees:
Safe Zone Training: The Binghamton University Safe Zone was established to provide a
visible institutional support network for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender and questioning
individuals. Its mission is to create a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for all
LGBTQ people. The Safe Zone initiative is consistent with Binghamton University's antidiscrimination policy and its commitment to building an inclusive community. Allies of the
Safe Zone are committed to providing an environment in which every student and
University employee can live and work in a community based on respect. Allies of the Safe
Zone have undergone training and are supportive of LGBTQ individuals.
D. Employee-centered reports/policies include:
• Clery Act reporting:
http://www2.binghamton.edu/human-resources/policies/clery-act.html
• Campus and Workplace Violence Prevention:
http://www2.binghamton.edu/human-resources/policies/workplace-violence.html
• Policy Statement on Discrimination and Harassment, Including Sexual Harassment:
http://www2.binghamton.edu/affirmative-action/harassment.html
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Alcohol-Free and Drug-Free Workplace Policy. Refer to management procedure #629
for more information on alcohol and substance abuse in the workplace at
http://administration.binghamton.edu/procedures/600series/629.htm
• The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can provide information and referral
assistance to faculty and staff dealing with drug or alcohol-related problems. Our EAP
Coordinator, Heather Hubeny (hhubeny@binghamton.edu) can be reached at x76655.
• Domestic Violence in the Workplace Policy at
http://www2.binghamton.edu/human-resources/policies/domestic-violence.html Refer
to the contact information included within the policy.
E. Campus Safety Resources
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Campus Safety – General: http://www2.binghamton.edu/about/campus-safety.html
Environmental Health and Safety (fire, general, lab safety):
http://www.binghamton.edu/ehs/
Campus Safety - Specific Measures and Activities:
http://www2.binghamton.edu/about/safety-measures.html
Facilities Master Plan http://www2.binghamton.edu/physical-facilities/facilitiesmaster-plan.html , includes many safety features
Binghamton University Emergency Management website at
http://emergency.binghamton.edu
Safe Ride: http://buescorts.wordpress.com/did-you-know/
Walking Escorts: http://buescorts.wordpress.com/did-you-know/
F. Emergency Alert System and Emergency Communications.
RAVE alerts.
Binghamton University has an emergency communications system including use of an
outdoor siren. The system utilizes the University's website, BU Alert Line, Dateline, B-line
listservs, campus cable channel 42, voicemail and electronic message boards. For more
information, visit http://www.binghamton.edu/emergency/
In an emergency, students, staff and faculty receive critical information through multiple
official sources:
1) RAVE Alert text/e-mail messagesA text message would be sent out to all students,
faculty and staff with information regarding the emergency. To register:
http://www2.binghamton.edu/registrar/students/rave.html
2) Binghamton University Website: The University home page (www.binghamton.edu) is
the official site of Binghamton University. This page will contain important information
regarding critical incidents.
3) Outdoor Emergency Siren: This public address speaker/siren is designed to warn only
individuals who are outdoors on the Vestal campus. It is not intended to be heard by
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people inside buildings on campus. The alert tone may or may not be followed by voice
instructions. Regardless if you can comprehend the voice instructions, the default action
anytime the siren is sounded is to: Take shelter in the nearest building and seek further
information.
4) BU Alert Line at 607-777-7700: Calling this number will provide a recorded message
with updated information regarding all emergency incidents and weather-related
information for the Binghamton University campus.
5) Campus TV: Students, staff and faculty can turn their on-campus televisions to
channel 42 for more information.
6) Electronic LED message boards and TV screens: The University manages a series of
electronic message boards and TV screens that are placed at various locations throughout
the campus. Common locations for these types of signs include the entrances to campus as
well as dining facilities. These boards may be quickly 'captured' and programmed to display
emergency messages whenever necessary.
7) Campus Listservs (B-Line, Dateline): E-mail messages can be sent to all students, staff
and faculty with up-to-date information on the emergency and all relevant safety
information.
8) Campus voicemail: All University-owned, hard-wired phones are capable of receiving
voicemail messages. During an emergency incident, a recorded message containing critical
information can be distributed to all campus phones.
G. Other Safety Initiatives:
Advisory Board member, Lisa Havtur, serves as the Domestic Violence in the Workplace
prevention liaison for the BU campus and works with NYSUP in that capacity. DV employee
statistics are provided in a report every six months to SUNY. Lisa attended certificate
training in Albany in 2009 and 2011 and coordinated the Risk Assessment site visits
campus-wide in 2010 and 2011. Tied to this are two annual surveys, the Risk Assessment
Survey, which is intended to solicit workplace safety concerns and input from department
heads and the All-Employee Workplace Violence Survey, intended to solicit workplace
safety concerns and input from ALL Employees.
H. Binghamton University Committees/Groups/Departments that Address Safety Issues
on Campus
•Affirmative Action - http://www2.binghamton.edu/affirmative-action/
•Alcohol and Other Drug Committee (AOD) - Smart Choices http://www2.binghamton.edu/smart-choices/
•Campus Life works to prevent drinking – see Alcohol and Other Drug Committee (AOD)
• Domestic Violence in the Workplace – http://www2.binghamton.edu/humanresources/policies/domestic-violence.html
•Environmental Health and Safety (fire, general, lab safety) http://www.binghamton.edu/ehs/
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•Greek Life - http://www2.binghamton.edu/occ/greek-life/
•Green Dot - http://www.binghamton.edu/dean-of-students/green-dot/
• Harpur's Ferry - http://www.harpursferry.org/
•ISSS - http://www2.binghamton.edu/isss/
•MultiCultural Resource Center - http://www2.binghamton.edu/multicultural-resourcecenter/
•New York State University Police - http://www2.binghamton.edu/police/
•OCC/Dave Husch works with the Binghamton Coalition http://www2.binghamton.edu/occ/safety.html
•Office of Student Conduct - http://www.binghamton.edu/student-conduct/
•Ombudsman - http://www2.binghamton.edu/ombudsman/
•Personal Safety Advisory Committee - http://www2.binghamton.edu/personalsafety/index.html
•Residential Life - http://reslife.binghamton.edu/staff.html
•Sexual Assault Programs – see Team20:1
•Student of Concern Committee, Chair, Dean of Students dos@binghamton.edu , also see
Dean Of Students web page at: http://www2.binghamton.edu/dean-ofstudents/emergency.html
• Team20:1 - http://www2.binghamton.edu/counseling/services/sexual-assault-peereducation/staff.html
•Women's Studies - http://www.binghamton.edu/womens-studies/
• Workplace Violence - http://www2.binghamton.edu/humanresources/policies/workplace-violence.html
• CSEA Safety/Tool Crib Safety (CSEA reps and PF reps)
I. Student Association chartered student groups related to safety concerns:
•PEACE Out: http://paws.binghamton.edu/organization/peace
•Powerful Unite Ladies Striving to Elevate (PULSE):
http://paws.binghamton.edu/organization/0479
•Rainbow Pride Union: http://paws.binghamton.edu/organization/rainbow-pride-union
•Right Side of History Campaign at Binghamton University:
http://paws.binghamton.edu/organization/the-right-side-of-history-campaign-atbinghamton-university
•SHADES (trying to create a safer campus):
http://paws.binghamton.edu/organization/shades
•Voices Against Violence: http://paws.binghamton.edu/organization/voices
•Women's Student Union: http://paws.binghamton.edu/organization/voices
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V.
Campus by Night – Observations
Dickinson Community crosswalk to East Gym:
The paint is nearly completely faded,
Library North lighting:
The light in the entrance hall is out,
Campus Escort:
Provide an escort system in which a student can call a number and have someone to
walk with them after dark.
East Gym - Lighting
West Gym Crosswalk - lighting
Student Wing/Lecture Hall - (indoor lighting - basement)
Newing College - lighting
Stairs between Bingham and Broome that lead down into the parking lot
Fine Arts lighting
The corner of the Fine Arts building that faces the Chenango Room
Health Services - East Access Road Crosswalk signage
Paid Parking Lot : Danger of lights falling into Parking Lot due to rotted light poles
Mountainview College:
Walkway to/from Mountainview to/from Paid Parking Lot - P-stop is missing
Hinman Tray Sledding incident – observe the area
Admissions to Clearview – no designated walkway; no designated bus stop
Science V – lighting at new construction
Science IV – Lighting on stairs across from West Gym
ITC Walkway from main campus - lighting
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VI.
2011-2012 PSAC Log of Concerns and Actions
Personal Safety Advisory Committee
Log of Concerns and Status Report 2011-2012
Last update: 5/1/2012
OPEN CONCERNS (not reviewed or no solution yet):
None
PENDING CONCERNS (solution in progress):
Apartments Community (Susquehanna/Hillside):
Skywalk P-gate (P-gate missing)
The existing P-gate needs to be closed and an additional set of P-gates need to be installed at the
bottom of the path where none currently exist.
 Date logged in: 12/1/2011
 Reported by (name and email contact): PSAC
 Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): Pending
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities
 Action Taken: Facilities has assured PSAC that the gate will be installed Summer 2012
Apartments Community (Susquehanna/Hillside):
Walkway to/from Susquehanna - Hillside through Lot M to/from main campus or Hinman
Facilities refers to this project as the Pedestrian/Vehicle Project for Hinman
We recommend a designated walkway through Parking Lot M to Hinman and the main campus.
 Date logged in12/1/2011
 Reported by (name and email contact): Casey Wall, AD Residential Life
 Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): Pending
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities
 Action Taken: Memo sent to Ms. Wall. This project is currently scheduled for Summer 2012 via
Physical Facilities.
Apartments Community (Susquehanna/Hillside):
Rockland/Saratoga Parking Lot P-gate
P-gate needs to be installed across the parking lot from Glimmerglass next to the dumpster.
 Date logged in: 12/1/2011
 Reported by (name and email contact): Casey Wall, AD Residential Life
 Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): Pending
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities
 Action Taken: Memo to Ms. Wall. This project is currently scheduled for Summer 2012 via Physical
Facilities.
College in the Woods:
P –gate needed on the walkway between CIW and Mountainview
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



Date logged in: 1/6/2012
Reported by (name and email contact): Tony Preus
Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): Pending
Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities
Action Taken: This project is currently scheduled for Summer 2012 via Physical Facilities.
Dickinson Community:
Concern: Blue Light:
There is a need for a blue light on the East side of Dickinson along the road. The blue light in the woods
heading from Dickinson toward the East Gym is not visible when the leaves are on the trees.
 Date logged in: 12/1/2011
 Reported by (name and email contact): PSAC
 Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): Pending
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities
 Action Taken: Waiting for funding; this project is currently scheduled for Summer 2012 via Physical
Facilities.
East Gym Crosswalk
 Date Logged: 4/29/2012
I have noticed a possible safety issue regarding the crosswalk near the path to the East Gym (where you
cross the street from Dickinson to the gym). The paint is nearly completely faded, and in less than full
light, I don't think that most drivers can tell that there is a crosswalk there. This is a more significant
issue, given the amount of traffic that path and crosswalk is receiving since the gym's opening.
Marisa Sweeney
Resident Assistant | Mohawk Hall
Binghamton University 2014
BS Accounting| BA Politics, Philosophy, & Law
516-263-3599; msweene4@binghamton.edu


Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities
Action Taken: This project is currently scheduled to be completed before Summer 2012 via Physical
Facilities.
East Gym lighting
 Date: 4/30/12
The East Gym resident parking is in the back of the East Gym, where there is an entire wall of trees
blocking anyone from view if they wished to conceal themselves, it is not well lit, there are two short
cut areas that would make it seem a little safer that are blocked off so you have to walk where almost
no light reaches, and the parking in the front of the gym is for commuters only from 7am -6 pm. While
that does leave some time open for students to park in the front during hours when it is dark very late at
night or very early in the morning, there are still times when students are forced to park there when it
is dark. For instance my suite and I go to the gym at 6:10 in the morning and leave at 7:15. This means
that we still have to park in the back where there is no one around and still dark. This makes us
increasingly uncomfortable, and our parents are going to be emailing parking services at a later date to
voice their concerns about our safety on campus as well.
Rachelann Tripp (rtripp2@binghamton.edu)
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities
 Action Taken: Additional lighting will be installed in that area summer 2012.
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Escorts
 Date Logged: 4/29/2012
I think it would be vitally important to have an escort system in which a student can call a number and
have someone to walk with them after dark. For the past four years I have called the escort number
that Binghamton University provides but have always been told to "wait for the safe-ride shuttle." It is
not safe for young women to be waiting on the side of the brain or main road waiting for a van that may
or may not see them in the dark. That's why, again, I think it is vitally important for volunteers to be
available to walk with students across campus if need be.
Samantha B. Van Adelsberg
svanade1@binghamton.edu
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): NYSUP
 Action Taken: Finding students to work the midnight to 8am shift is difficult and priority goes to
staffing the shuttle. Daniel Chambers, Deputy Chief of Police is contacting Harpur’s Ferry to
determine if some sort of joint program could be implemented to provide coverage.
Fine Arts
 Date: 4/29/12
The corner of the FIne Arts building that faces the Chenango Room. I teach there and there is a very
dark, unlit area due to the construction surrounding Fine Arts. The pathways are lit but it is very dark
getting to the pathways as you exit FA itself. Some sort of temporary lighting surrounding the exit
would be really helpful.
Jenny Gordon, Associate Professor GSE
gordon@binghamton.edu
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities
 Action Taken: A light will be installed in this area this spring/summer
Health Services
 Date logged in: 12/1/2011
Motorists do not recognize this area as a cross walk for students. The additional distractor of the ever
changing construction further complicates things. Students travelling to Health Services are often not
feeling their best and therefore not their "sharpest" in terms of noting details of their immediate
environment. Couple that with the fact that students are very casual about the way they cross
roadways and great concern exists. Personally I have stood at that crosswalk while several cars at a time
have passed with no apparent awareness that a crosswalk exists. This has included personal vehicles,
public transportation and University vehicles.
It is concerning. I appreciated your attention to this matter.
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities and NYSUP
 Action Taken: Crosswalks and walkways to be clearly marked
 To be completed Spring2012
ITC (Murray Hill Road)
Path and bridge from Child Care Center to ITC lighting needs to be improved.
 Date logged in: 12/1/2011 (originally recommended by PSAC in 2010)
 Reported by (name and email contact): PSAC
 Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): No work scheduled
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities
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
Action Taken: No work scheduled
Lecture Hall – Basement Lighting
 Date: 4/30/2012
many of us who work down in the basement areas have had our safety compromised by the new
"energy saving" lights reduction program which basically plunges the basement into darkness until you
get into extreme proximity to turn on a light. The effective reality is working in a very dark and
dangerous environment, and I actually carry a flashlight ... it is such a serious problem. We work hours
when there is little traffic down here, so the problem can be quite troubling. This effects staff as well as
student employees such as projectionists who work late at night and weekends. Also, there are no
emergency backup lighting units down here either, so the many times we have lost electricity in this
building, we have had to evacuate student classrooms using flashlights.
My recommendations would be:
1) Install emergency battery backup lighting units at locations near exits and classrooms (for
example in the Student Wing / LH buildings -- near room B13, and B32, and B90 to name a few
locations)
2) Reduce or remove the automated shut off lights in the basement hallway areas, or if
unable, install far more frequent motion sensors to turn on the lights, and enable the proximity
switches to turn on at great distances.
Adele Brown
Cinema Department
777-6345
 Action Taken: I have discussed this problem with Wayne Schneider, Assistant Director of Facilities.
He has assured me that he will look into the problem right away. Please allow some time for
Facilities to correct the problem.
Mountainview College:
P-stop missing - Walkway to/from Mountainview to/from Paid Parking Lot
P-stop is missing on NE corner of the Paid Parking Lot on walkway to Mountainview.
 Date logged in: 1/6/2012
 Reported by (name and email contact): Tony Preus
 Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): pending
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities
 Action Taken: To be completed Summer 2012
Mountainview College:
Walkway to/from Mountainview to/from Paid Parking Lot
P-stop is missing on NE corner of the Paid Parking Lot on walkway to Mountainview.
 Date logged in: 1/6/2012
 Reported by (name and email contact): Tony Preus
 Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): Was scheduled to
be a long term improvement – Bill Ziegler has heard that this project has been removed from the
schedule –
o an update of the status is needed
o If the project is canceled, then where is the money the students contributed to this project?
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities
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
Action Taken
Newing College:
No railings - Walkway to Bridge to churches and temple behind Newing:
Need a walkway railing from the Newing parking lot all the way down to the bridge. The walkway is
extremely steep.
 Date logged in: 12/1/2011
 Reported by (name and email contact): PSAC
 Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): Pending
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities
 Action Taken: This project is currently scheduled to be completed Summer 2012 via Physical
Facilities.
Newing College:
Bridge washout - Bridge to churches and temples behind Newing:
The bridge washout is dangerous on the Murray Hill side of the bridge and a temporary railing should be
installed until permanent repairs are made. The north side of the bridge on the Murray Hill side does
have a temporary railing, but the south side of the bridge on the Murray Hill side does not.
 Date logged in: 12/1/2011
 Reported by (name and email contact): PSAC
 Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): Pending
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities
 Action Taken: This property This project is currently scheduled to be completed Summer 2012 via
Physical Facilities although there is a delay due to obtaining permission from the property owner on
the Murray Hill side of the bridge.
Newing College:
Poor lighting - Walkway to Bridge to churches and temple behind Newing:
Need a walkway railing from the Newing parking lot all the way down to the bridge. The walkway is
extremely steep.
 Date logged in: 12/1/2011
 Reported by (name and email contact): Marguerite Ward '12, BU student,
mward2@binghamton.edu
 Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): Pending
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities
 Action Taken : This project is currently scheduled to be completed before Summer 2012 via Physical
Facilities.
Memo to Ms. Ward and subsequent work by contractors of East Campus project:
The Personal Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) reviewed your concerns and twelve members of the
PSAC visited the bridge location you referenced.
Concern:
The walkway behind Newing to the Newman Chapel has a blue light system, which is good, but the
walkway has several dark spots--both before and after you pass the blue-light pole.
Response:
The PSAC walked the bridge area after dark and agree with your concerns. We were informed that
the lighting system for the entire parking area that leads up to the bridge on the BU side has not
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been installed due to a delay from the manufacturer for the designated lighting. We are expecting
the lights to be installed very soon and that will brighten up that entire area considerably. One
problem is that Binghamton University does not have any authority to provide lighting on the
Murray Hill Road side of the bridge. That area is private property so the best way to get anything
accomplished on that side of the bridge would be to work with the owners of that property and the
Newman Chapel. If the lights on the BU side are not installed in a reasonable amount of time,
please send me another email and I will take the problem directly to Vice President VanVoorst.
Newing College:
 Date logged in: 12/1/2011
I just had a resident come to me last week and mention that she had tripped and sprained her ankle on
the stairs between Bingham and Broome that lead down into the parking lot. She said that she had a
hard time seeing where she was stepping since the staircase isn’t well lit. I’ve tried to pay attention
when I drive by there when it’s dark out, and it does seem that they are a bit dimly lit.
Heidi R. Morton
Resident Director-Broome Hall
Newing College
Binghamton University
607-777-5273
 Action Taken: Your concern was reviewed and the location in question was visited by the Personal
Safety Advisory Committee. At the time of your email the lighting that was scheduled to be placed
near that area had not been done due to a problem with the contractor. Just a couple of weeks ago,
the lighting project was completed. However, I believe that new lighting problems have been
created in that area with the installation of the new lights and the removal of the older lights, so this
will remain an area of concern. Facilities is currently working on a plan to install additional lighting
in that area, especially from the stairway in question to the Newman Bridge.
Newing College:
Roadway in front of Bingham Hall
Roadway lane boundaries need to be painted around the entire corner in front of Bingham Hall
 Date logged in:12/1/2011
 Reported by (name and email contact): PSAC
 Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): Pending
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): NYSUP
 Action Taken: This project is currently scheduled to be completed before Summer 2012 via NYSUP
Paid Visitor Parking Lot:
Danger of lights falling into Parking Lot due to rotted light poles
Over a long period of time three light heads have been removed or fallen due to rot in the light
poles. This is the only remaining parking lot on the entire campus that still has wooden poles being
utilized to mount the lights in the lot. Additionally, there are two poles in the upper section of the paid
lot with lights secured to the poles using a makeshift arrangement of a large “U” bolt type
attachment. One of these poles has already lost half of its lighting due to rotted wood. This is an unsafe
condition for two reasons; one being the loss of lighting in a highly trafficked area for both pedestrians
moving back and forth from Mountainview and vehicles The second reason is that these light heads that
are not properly secured could fall on either a car or a person in the lot and cause significant harm.
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Since BU has previously been alerted to these problems and made these long-term temporary fixes,
then the University could be liable for any injury or damage.
 Date logged in: 1/29/2012
 Reported by (name and email contact): PSAC Night Walk
 Action Taken: Facilities has assured the PSAC that the light poles are scheduled for replacement.
One pole that was leaning has been replaced.
Science 4 Crosswalk Signage
 Date logged in: 1/29/2012
The pedestrian crossing in front of (and just to the west of) Science 4 is well illuminated but the Caution
sign in the middle of the road that used to be there has been missing for months.
Ralph R. Miller
Distinguished Professor of Psychology & Director of Graduate Studies
 Action Taken: I discussed the missing crossing signs situation with Dan Chambers, Deputy Chief of
Police. Unfortunately, despite the low snowfall, many of the crossing signs that were located in the
roadways were destroyed by snow plows this winter. The signs cost between $500 and $1000 each,
and there is not a designated budget for these signs. At face value, it sure seems that this should
not be too difficult of a problem to resolve – simply remove the signs before plowing begins and
then put them back in the spring. We sure hope that will be the case for the future.
West Gym Crosswalk Lighting
 Date logged in: 1/29/2012
The pedestrian walk crossing the road in front of and just to the left of (exiting) the West Gym is totally
unilluminated. Hundreds if not thousands cross there each evening at unnecessarily risk of being hit by
a car or bus.
Ralph R. Miller
Distinguished Professor of Psychology & Director of Graduate Studies
 Action Taken: Your concerns were reviewed and the locations in question were visited by the
Personal Safety Advisory Committee. The crosswalk area near the West Gym is currently being
reviewed by Physical Facilities to determine how to improve lighting in that area.
LONG TERM CONCERNS
East Access Road Sidewalk:
There are no sidewalks from the Health Services Center along the East Access Road to the housing
development to the south. The amount of foot traffic is evident by the paths worn through the grass.
This is especially dangerous during the winter months when plowed snow covers the pathways
through the grass.
 Date logged in: 1/9/2012 (originally recommended by PSAC in 2008 and every year thereafter)
 Reported by (name and email contact): PSAC
 Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): open
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities
 Action Taken: Under review by Physical Facilities
Mountainview College
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Walkway to/from Mountainview to/from Hinman:
There are no sidewalks along this roadway.
 Date logged in: 12/1/2011
 Reported by (name and email contact): PSAC
 Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): Open
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities
 Action Taken
West Drive Sidewalk Removal Proposal:
The PSAC is concerned about a possible plan to remove sidewalks on the South side of West Drive
from Hinman College to Newing College
 Date logged in: 4/9/2012
 Reported by (name and email contact): PSAC
 Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): open
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities
 Action Taken: Memo from PSAC to VP VanVoorst asking for a full safety review of the proposal
West Gym
Path from to West Gym from East Gym parking lot through the woods is not lit, nor is a blue light
visible while on that path.
An alternate (longer) path with lighting and blue light is available, however, off campus visitors have no
way of knowing that when making the trek from the East Gym parking lot to the Events Center or the
West Gym.
 Date logged in: 12/1/2011 (originally recommended by PSAC in 2010)
 Reported by (name and email contact): PSAC
 Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): Pending
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities and NYSUP
 Action Taken:
West Gym:
Traffic and Crossing Pattern from West Gym to Science III
An alternate crosswalk design has been submitted that makes pedestrian traffic much safer especially
when events end that are housed in the West Gym.
 Date logged in: 1/6/2012
 Reported by (name and email contact): Doug Bonawitz – NYSUP dbonawi@binghamton.edu 72393
 Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): Open
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities
 Action Taken
CLOSED CONCERNS
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AED (Defibrillators) on campus:
Who is trained?
 Date logged in: 12/1/2011
 Reported by (name and email contact): Bill Ziegler
 Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): closed
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities
 Action Taken: Clarification provided that training is not necessary, nor required.
Apartments Community (Susq/Hillside):
Skywalk P-gate (open gate)
The existing P-gate needs to be closed at the bottom of the walkway
 Date logged in: 12/1/2011
 Reported by (name and email contact): PSAC
 Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): Closed
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities
 Action Taken: Gate has been closed
Sidewalks suffering from washouts:
 Date logged in: 12/1/2011
 Reported by (name and email contact): Meghan Forcier – RD Residential Life
 Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): closed
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities
 Action Taken: Memo sent to Ms. Forcier. Work to repair the wash out along the sidewalks is
complete.
Skywalk (path to/from Susquehanna to/from Hillside)
Concern about lack of lighting:
 Date logged in: 12/1/2011
 Reported by (name and email contact): Meghan Forcier – RD Residential Life
 Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): closed
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities
 Action Taken :
Memo was sent to Ms. Forcier. Concern about lack of lighting was not found. The path is very open,
well lit and well maintained. The lighting is on a timer and as the daylight hours became shorter, the
timer may not have been adjusted accordingly. Physical Facilities notified.
Dickinson Community:
Concern: Sidewalks:
No sidewalks along construction site and no alternate route on East Drive
 Date logged in : 12/1/2011
 Reported by (name and email contact): Bill Ziegler
 Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): closed
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities
 Action Taken: This particular problem is resolved but PSAC would like assurance that EVERY
construction project will include a plan for pedestrian traffic. Simply closing a sidewalk or posting a
non-useful DETOUR sign (as was done on this project – without there being an actual detour) is not
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acceptable. Wayne Schneider discussed concern with Physical Facilities with assurances that the
PSAC recommendations would be followed
East Campus Construction:
Mud in Roadways
Excessive mud in roadways is a hazard to pedestrians and vehicles
 Date logged in: 12/6/2011
 Reported by (name and email contact): NYSUP and Bill Ziegler
 Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): Contractor has
been responsive and problem seems resolved for now – but is remaining open while construction is
under way.
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities and LeChase
 Action Taken: Contractor has taken action – safety concern remains open
Greenhouse
Blue light not visible. Blue Light that is already in place near the green area west of the Anderson
Center needs to be extended so that it is visible on the East side of the building not just the north side
of the building.
 Date logged in: 12/1/2011
 Reported by (name and email contact): Lauren J Ross-Hixson lrosshi1@binghamton.edu
 Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): Pending
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): Physical Facilities
 Action Taken: Memo to Ms. Ross-Hixson; work was completed 4/20/2012
Hinman College:
Sleigh riding/ Tray sledding:
Dangers of sleigh riding (aka tray sledding using dining hall trays) along the rocks near Roosevelt Hall.
 Date logged in: 12/1/2011
 Reported by (name and email contact): Marissa Fielstein mfielst1@binghamton.edu BU student
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): n/a
 Action Taken : Upon initial review by the PSAC, no action was going to be taken as per the PSAC
reply to Ms. Fielsten. However, Ms. Fielstein feels that the PSAC did not investigate the correct
location, so Bill Ziegler and Dan Chambers met with her in early February 2012 to clarify the
location in question. Additionally, the PSAC reviewed the location and made a determination that
no further action will be taken.
 Original Reply (partial) to Ms. Fielstein:
The Personal Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) reviewed your concern and several of us visited the
location. The solution to post a sign is not quite as simple as it may seem. The problem is that the
University cannot condone tray sledding anywhere on campus and to post a warning only behind
Roosevelt Hall could imply that tray sledding is not dangerous in other locations where the signs are
not posted. The only way to prevent injuries from tray sledding would be for the University to
formally ban all tray sledding on campus and we do not feel that we want to take that drastic of an
approach at this time. Additionally, we cannot send emails to students on snow days about
sledding, or we would have to send the same kind of warnings about driving, walking, dressing
properly, etc. and then where would we draw the line.
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Library North
The light in the entrance hall (1st door, Library North, off the handicap parking lot) is out, which means
you walk in darkness until you can open the door to the main hallway, first floor.
Jaimee Wriston Colbert
Professor of English and Creative Writing
www.jaimeewristoncolbert.com
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): Facilities
 Action Taken : A switch near the door had been turned off
Newing College
Lot S3 Turnaround:
Lot has not been painted to permit a vehicle turnaround, so students are backing down the road
creating a dangerous situation.
 Date logged in12/1/2011
 Reported by (name and email contact): PSAC
 Status and date of status : CLOSED
 Responsible Party (name and email contact)
 Action Taken: The turnaround has been painted
Newing College
Access road between Delaware and C4:
Access road has become a very busy pedestrian thoroughfare and very busy with traffic and taxis
creating a very dangerous situation.
 Date logged in: 12/1/2011
 Reported by (name and email contact): Bill Ziegler
 Status and date of status : CLOSED
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): NYSUP
 Action Taken: No parking or standing signs were erected in this area. Taxi Staging Area sign was
posted on East Drive outside of the Access Road.
Siren/Alarm Test Feedback:
Concern: What does the siren mean, what should everyone on campus do when the siren is heard?
 Date logged in: 12/1/11
 Reported by (name and email contact): Bill Ziegler
 Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): closed
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): NYSUP
 Action Taken : PSAC discussion – clearer instructions need to be disseminated prior to any future
testing. NYSUP notified.
Other:
Alcohol Transports:
 Date logged in: 12/1/2011
 Reported by (name and email contact): Bill Ziegler/Res-Life/Student Affairs
 Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): closed to PSAC –
other BU parties under VP Brian Rose have taken responsibility.
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

Responsible Party (name and email contact): Student Affairs
Action Taken: Bill Ziegler had several discussions with VP Brian Rose - other BU parties have taken
responsibility.
Off Campus Safety:
 Date logged in: 12/1/2011
 Reported by (name and email contact): Student Affairs
 Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): closed to PSAC –
other BU parties under VP Brian Rose have taken responsibility.
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): Student Affairs
 Action Taken: Bill Ziegler had several discussions with VP Brian Rose - other BU parties have taken
responsibility.
Occupy or similar events, peaceful or not
What assurance do we have that BU is prepared?
 Date logged in:12/1/2011
 Reported by (name and email contact): Bill Ziegler
 Status and date of status (open for review, under review, work pending, closed): closed
 Responsible Party (name and email contact): NYSUP
 Action Taken: Bill Ziegler met with Chief Faughnan and VP VanVoorst and was assured that BU is
prepared
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