Keeping Safe and Healthy

Open, honest and safe communication is a fundamental part of a healthy relationship. The first step to building a relationship is making sure you both understand each other’s needs and expectations—being on the same page is very important. That means you have to talk to each other! The following tips can help you and your partner create and maintain a healthy relationship:

• Speak Up. In a healthy relationship, if something is bothering you, it’s best to talk about it instead of holding it in.
• Respect Each Other. Your partner’s wishes and feelings have value, and so do yours. Let your significant other know you are making an effort to keep their ideas in mind. Mutual respect is essential in maintaining healthy relationships.
• Compromise. Disagreements are a natural part of healthy relationships, but it’s important that you find a way to compromise if you disagree on something. Try to solve conflicts in a fair and rational way.
• Be Supportive. Offer reassurance and encouragement to each other. Also, let your partner know when you need their support. Healthy relationships are about building each other up, not putting each other down.
• Respect Each Other’s Privacy. Just because you’re in a relationship doesn’t mean you have to share everything and constantly be together. Healthy relationships require space.

Creating boundaries is a good way to keep your relationship healthy and secure. By setting boundaries together, you can both have a deeper understanding of the type of relationship that you and your partner want. Boundaries are not meant to make you feel trapped or like you’re “walking on eggshells.” Creating boundaries is not a sign of secrecy or distrust – it’s an expression of what makes you feel comfortable and what you would like or not like to happen within the relationship.
Remember, healthy boundaries shouldn’t restrict your ability to:

• Go out with your friends without your partner.
• Participate in activities and hobbies you like.
• Not have to share passwords to your email, social media accounts or phone.
• Respect each other’s individual likes and needs.

Source: www.loveisrespect.org

“Sexual Assault” is defined as an offense that meets the definition of rape, fondling, incest, or statutory rape as used in the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting system. A sex offense is any act directed against another person, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent.

Consent: Consent is an affirmative decision to engage in mutually acceptable sexual activity given by clear actions or words. It is an informed decision made freely and actively by all parties. Relying solely upon nonverbal communication can lead to miscommunication. It is important not to make assumptions; if confusion or ambiguity on the issue of consent arises anytime during a sexual interaction, it is essential that each participant stops and clarifies, verbally, and demonstrates a willingness to continue

Conduct will be considered “without consent” if no clear consent, verbal or nonverbal, is given. It should be noted that in some situations, an individual’s ability to freely consent is taken away by another person or circumstance. Examples include, but are not limited to, when an individual is incapacitated due to alcohol or other drugs, scared, physically forced, passed out, asleep, unconscious, intimidated, coerced, mentally or physically impaired, beaten, threatened, isolated, or confined.

Source: Annual Security Report, Campus Safety & Security Survey.

The term “stalking” is defined as engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to—fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress. A course of conduct is defined as–

• Two or more acts including, but not limited to, acts which the stalker directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or is defined as follows, monitors, observes, surveils (keeps a person under surveillance); threatens, or communicates to or about a person, or interferes with a person’s property;
• Substantial emotional distress is defined as significant mental suffering or anguish that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling;
• “Reasonable Person” is defined as a reasonable person under similar circumstances and with similar identities to the victim.

Any incident meeting this definition is considered a crime for the purposes of Clery Act reporting.
Source: Annual Security Report, Campus Safety & Security Survey

A bystander is someone other than the victim who is present when an act of dating violence, domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault is occurring or when a situation is occurring in which a reasonable person feels as though some protective action is required to prevent sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence or stalking. Bystanders, if active, can prevent harm or intervene with safe and positive options before a situation gets worse.
Examples of active bystander intervention include: walking a classmate or co-worker to his/her car after class or work, calling police when a potentially violent situation is unfolding, not leaving an unconscious person alone, or intervening when someone is being belittled, degraded or emotionally abused, (walking victim away from abuser, contacting others for help, such as the Center Director on campus.A good rule to follow in a bystander intervention situation is to act with caution:

• Recognize situations of potential harm;
• Understand cultural conditions that can facilitate violence;
• Overcome barriers to intervening; and
• Identify safe and effective intervention options.

Source: Annual Security Report, Campus Safety & Security Survey

If the assailant is a student, and depending on the nature of the crime, in addition to criminal and civil action, CET’s Human Resources Director together with members of the Corporate Administration may initiate disciplinary action. At least two members of the Administration are required to receive annual training on the issues related to dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, as well as how to conduct an investigation and hearing process that protects the safety of victims and promotes accountability.

A student charged with domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking might be sanctioned. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to suspension, and/or expulsion. If the assailant is an employee, they may be subject to disciplinary action under applicable personnel policies in addition to criminal and/or civil actions.

Source: Annual Security Report, Campus Safety & Security Survey

Racism takes many forms and can happen in many places. It includes prejudice, discrimination or hatred directed at someone because of their color, ethnicity or national origin.

People often associate racism with acts of abuse or harassment. However, it doesn’t need to involve violent or intimidating behavior. Take racial name-calling and jokes. Or consider situations when people may be excluded from groups or activities because of where they come from.

Racism can be revealed through people’s actions as well as their attitudes. It can also be reflected in systems and institutions. But sometimes it may not be revealed at all. Racism is more than just words, beliefs and actions. It includes all the barriers that prevent people from enjoying dignity and equality because of their race.

Classism refers to treating people unequally based on the social class in which they belong to. Class can be thought of as a hierarchical social structure in which groups of individuals are divided based on factors that our society deem as prestigious (e.g., wealth and education). Classism consists of a collection of behaviors, thoughts, attitudes, practices, and policies that work together to create and maintain a system of inequality that benefits those in a higher class while negatively impacting people of a lower class.

Source: www.itstopswithme.humanrights.gov.au and https://study.com/academy/lesson/classism-in-america-definition-examples.html

Religious discrimination involves treating a person unfavorably because of his or her religious beliefs. The law protects not only people who belong to traditional, organized religions, such as Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism but also others who have sincerely held religious, ethical or moral beliefs.

Religious discrimination can also involve treating someone differently because that person is married to (or associated with) an individual of a particular religion.

Some examples of discrimination against religion include:

• Discriminating against religious clothing
• Discriminating against a religious holiday
• Discriminating against a religious belief

Source: https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/religion.cfm and https://www.upcounsel.com/discrimination-against-religion

Sexual orientation discrimination is differential treatment or harassment based on an individual who is or perceived to be gay, lesbian, transgender, heterosexual, or bi-sexual. The individual does not actually have to be gay, transgender, or bisexual to be protected from sexual orientation discrimination.

Gender identity discrimination is harassment or differential treatment based on an individual who expresses himself or undergoes medical treatment to become the opposite gender.

Source: https://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity-discrimination.html

Protecting Your Possessions

• Lock your car and do not leave valuables in your unattended vehicle.
• Be aware of your surroundings and tailgaters as you walk from your vehicle.
• Avoid talking on your phone while walking or use a headset so your device is out of sight while walking.
• Maintain control over laptops and other electronics when you’re in meeting rooms or other public areas. Lock your computer screen when you step away and don’t leave portable electronics behind when you leave for the day.
• Keep your purse, backpack and other valuables close to you at all time and in a locked drawer or cabinet if you step away from your workspace.
• Protect laptops or other important equipment by locking your computer screen when you step away and by locking them up or taking them with you before you leave for the day.
• Use caution in public restrooms. Never leave your packages, coat, briefcase or purse outside the stall. If you use a hook or shelf in a stall, make certain someone can’t reach over and take your belongings.
• Don’t prop doors open. If they are meant to be closed and locked, leave them that way.
• Students and employees can contact the Center Director for other options to keep valuables safe.

Protecting your Identity

• Don’t share personal information such as birthdate, social security number, driver’s license, or bank account number/credit card number, or student ID/SID number just because someone asks for it.
• Use the security features on your mobile phone and other electronic devices.
• Update sharing and firewall settings when you’re on a public wi-fi network. Use a virtual private network, if you use public wi-fi.
• Create complex passwords that identity thieves cannot guess. Change your passwords if a company that you do business with has a breach of its databases.
• Store personal inforamtion in a safe place.
• Shred reciepts, credit offers, account statements, and expired credit cards to prevent “dumpster divers” from getting your personal information.

Source: https://www.ucop.edu/risk-services/_files/workplace-security-tips.pdf and https://www.usa.gov/identity-theft

There are many precautions you can take to best prepare and defend yourself from possible attacks and attackers. Most of all, if you use common sense and know your surroundings, you have a better chance of protecting yourself. Here are some tips to help and prepare you to take care of and protect yourself:

• Don’t focus on your mobile phone, focus on your surroundings
• Lock your doors this includes while sitting in your car
• Don’t constantly show your location on social media
• Know how to access the emergency call on your mobile phone
• Don’t walk alone at long distances or leave an event alone
• Know your way around your city or other places you are visiting
• Learn how to spot dangerous situations, especially if something or someone is making you feel uncomfortable
• Don’t be too nice to strangers, always be cautious even if they are only asking for help
• Don’t share your daily routine, especially if someone is asking questions that seem too involved.

Source: https://traintofightback.com/top-15-self-defense-tips-for-college-students/

Crime is a serious problem for which there are no easy answers or solutions. The prevention of crime is a top priority for CET. All members of the campus community are encouraged to take responsibility for their own safety and security, and when possible and safe to do so, assist others with their safety and security needs. While CET staff may offer guidance and assistance regarding safety and security at the campuses, each individual must take primary responsibility for their own safety and security.

Personal responsibility is a key component to safety, security and crime prevention. Members of the campus community can prevent crime by being alert and aware of their surroundings at all times. The following are crime prevention tips are also available in the Student Catalog and Personnel Policy Handbook under Workplace Safety and related subcategories:

• Walk-in pairs or groups; avoid isolation;
• Be alert; project confidence; look people in the eye;
• Stay in well-lit areas away from potential hiding places;
• Know where you are and where places of refuge are;
• If followed, go toward well-lit areas where other people are;
• Walk on the left, facing traffic so vehicles can’t easily approach you from behind
• Wear clothing and shoes that are appropriate for training and work which are less likely to cause injury;
• Carry only lightweight objects;
• Do not wear gang-related clothing or sports jerseys that may be affiliated with local gangs;
• Wear or carry items like jewelry and cash that are minimal in value and don’t attract attention;
• Avoid approaching strangers in vehicles for any reason;
• If you think you are in trouble, do anything to attract attention – Scream! Break glass! Sound a horn; and
• Carry a cell phone.

Source: CET Annual Security Report, Campus Safety & Security Survey

CET has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees in accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Regulations (Education Department General Administrative Regulations [EDGAR]).

CET prohibits the unlawful possession, use, manufacture, or distribution of alcohol or controlled substances by students, staff and guests in buildings, satellite buildings, grounds, parking lots, CET vehicles owned or controlled by CET. This policy also relates to all programs, field trips, special events, work, and other activities under state and federal laws.

CET exercises certain discretion with respect to protecting the campus by establishing and enforcing standards of conduct that students and staff are expected to follow. These standards mandate sanctions related to certain use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs where appropriate. Students and staff are expected to respect these standards and each other. If a student or staff member violates any standards of conduct, any individual may file a complaint. In the event CET determines that a violation of the alcohol and other drug policy has occurred, any of the following sanctions may be imposed: suspension, expulsion, and termination of employment, referral for prosecution and/or required completion of a drug or alcohol rehabilitation or similar program.

Source: See more about Drug & Alcohol Prevention and local assistance in the Annual Security Report, Campus Safety & Security Survey

Because CET recognizes the hazards caused by exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, as well as the life-threatening diseases linked to the use of all forms of tobacco, it shall be the policy of CET to provide a tobacco-free environment for all employees and visitors. This policy covers the smoking of any tobacco product and the use of oral tobacco products or “spit” tobacco. This policy applies to all employees, students, visitors, contractors, vendors, and volunteers.

To protect and enhance indoor air quality and contribute to the health and well-being of all employees, students, and visitors, CET shall be smoke-free and vape free. Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all enclosed areas within the campus without exception and at least 25 feet outside any entrance, exit or operable window of all our facilities.

Definitions:

• Smoking refers to the use of traditional tobacco products.
• Vaping refers to the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems or electronic smoking devices.

Smoking, as used in this policy, is defined as inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying a lighted substance, including, but not limited to, tobacco, cloves, or marijuana. “Smoking Products” include, but are not limited to, all cigarette products (cigarettes, bidis, kreteks, e-cigarettes, e-pipes, e-hookahs, etc.) and all smoke-producing projects (e-cigars, pipes, hookahs, vaporizers, etc.)

Smoking marijuana on campus with or without a medical marijuana card is prohibited. Furthermore, CET prohibits the sale, distribution, and sampling, of all tobacco products and tobacco-related merchandise on all CET owned and operated properties and at CET sponsored events. Littering campus with remains of smoking products is prohibited.

Source: Annual Security Report, Campus Safety & Security Survey