Campus Emergency Response and Evacuation

Vassar Security Officers are trained first responders and are prepared to take action in any emergency situation that may arise on campus. A Crisis Response Team, as well as a broader Crisis Communication Planning Team, is in place to allow immediate response by individuals performing specific roles and functions already predefined.

A Crisis Communication Plan has been developed by the College as part of its ongoing effort to protect Vassar College students, faculty, and staff. The development of this plan is based on a realistic assessment of potential incidents that could affect our community and the capabilities to react to those situations.

The Vassar College emergency response plan permits the simultaneous distribution of broadcast e-mails, text messages, and voice calls (including voice mails for calls unanswered). The system is used to distribute emergency notifications without delay in situations where a clear and active (e.g., in progress) threat or emergency exists that impacts the community and where it is recommended that the recipients take some form of action in response to the active threat or emergency. Our emergency siren is tested twice a year during each semester. Upon hearing the siren all community members are to “shelter in place” and await instructions. All members of the College community are reminded to update their contact information with the CIS department.

More detailed information on emergencies, fire, evacuation and shelter-in-place drills can be found on the Residential Life website.

Town of Poughkeepsie Police

In addition, the Campus Safety Department maintains a highly professional working relationship with the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department. Campus Safety follow all applicable policies and laws regarding the confidentiality of records and reserves the right to provide police any information obtained as a result of a criminal investigation. Campus Safety strongly encourage anyone who is the victim or witness to any crime to promptly report the incident to the Campus Safety Department. It is the right of any member of the College community to contact the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department to investigate any crime. Assistance in contacting the Police Department may be arranged through the Campus Safety Department.

We have a formal written agreement with the Town Police that assures mutual cooperation in reporting crimes that may occur on or near the campus.