Department of Public Safety

Carson-Newman Department of Public Safety extends a welcome to our students, employees, and guests. The Department of Public Safety endeavors to serve the Carson-Newman community with courteousness, impartiality, and consistency. To ensure the parking privileges of parking decal holders and the community we serve, I request that all users of campus parking follow the regulations delineated here. I welcome your recommendations to assist in keeping our campus safe and secure.

It is important to note that these regulations apply to everyone who operates a motor vehicle at Carson-Newman University. Students, faculty, contractors, visitors, and staff shall not operate nor park any motor vehicle on university grounds unless eligible to do so under germane state law and Carson-Newman University regulations. For the purpose of these regulations, Title 55 of the Tennessee Traffic Laws defines a “motor vehicle” as every vehicle, including a low-speed vehicle or a medium-speed vehicle that are self-propelled, and every vehicle, including a low-speed vehicle or a medium speed vehicle that is propelled by electric power.

In order to enable a safe and orderly movement of traffic on campus, Carson-Newman University implements in full all the statutes and provisions of Tennessee Traffic Laws, including but not limited to “Stopping, Standing and Parking and Additional Parking Regulations,” specifically 55-8-160, 55-8-161 and 55-8-162 as well as the motor vehicle, traffic and parking regulations enumerated within Jefferson City Municipal Code. Additionally, it should be noted that Parking or driving is not permitted on the grass, sidewalks, in driveways, or any other area not designated for parking or driving except for authorized Carson-Newman vehicles or approved contractors.

Parking on the Carson-Newman campus requires the display of a parking decal or a valid visitor’s pass at all times, 24 hours a day 7 days a week. A valid decal or visitor’s pass does not absolve you of the responsibility for finding a legal parking space. This responsibility rests with the motor vehicle operator alone, and the inability to locate an appropriate parking space is not a valid reason for violating parking regulations.

CAMPUS MAP
PARKING REGULATIONS

Definition of a Visitor: Persons not connected with the university who occasionally have reasons to be on campus.

Visitors and guests must register their vehicles and receive a Temporary Parking Pass, which will be valid for a set period. Decal holders who drive on campus in a vehicle without a decal (rental car, leased vehicle, borrowed) must apply for a Temporary Parking Pass at the Department of Public Safety. Visitors dining and parking in the Chick-Fil-A designated spots or visiting the book store at the Maddox Student Activity Center are exempt from this requirement. The Driver is to provide a vehicle description, contact information, and the expected period the vehicle will be on campus. The Temporary Parking Pass will be placed on the dashboard with the verbiage facing the front windshield.

All parking in University lots is by permit only. Maps of campus and Visitor parking permits are available at the Department of Public Safety located at 2209 Branner Ave, the switchboard in the Fite Administration Building located at 1646 Russell Ave., and at the Admissions Office located in the Butler Building 1645 Russell Ave., Visitors are required to secure and display a valid parking pass when parking in University lots.

University Departments that invite visitors to campus should contact The Department of Public Safety to arrange visitor parking. Requests for special guest parking should be submitted to the Department of Public Safety as far in advance as possible. Special event parking requests including arrangements for conference parking should be submitted at least seven (7) days in advance in order to coordinate the numerous parking requests received. The Department of Public Safety is the only authorized issuer of parking passes on campus and may be reached by calling 865-471-3559 or 24 hour number 865-548-9067.

Citations are written throughout the entire year, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year if school is in session or not. Citations may be paid in person at the Treasurer’s Office in the Fite Administration building or at the Department of Public Safety 2209 Branner Ave (If within the first 14 days only). A financial hold on student accounts for citations will be lifted within an hour after payment.

Appeals

Citations may be appealed within FOURTEEN (14) calendar days of receiving a parking citation by submitting in person appeal to the Department of Public Safety Patrol Supervisor at 2209 Branner Ave. If you submit an appeal, you will be notified by e-mail of the decision at your Carson-Newman email address for Carson-Newman Students and employees.

Appeals must be made by the person cited or person to whom the vehicle is registered. Oral or written requests from other persons will not be accepted except to clarify that a person cited is not an active Carson-Newman employee or student.

The following are NOT acceptable reasons for dismissing a citation and NOT valid as the basis for appeal:

• Lack of knowledge of the regulations or did not see posted regulation/signage
• Other vehicles were parked improperly
• Only parked illegally for a short period of time/blinkers were on
• Stated failure of parking officer to ticket previously for similar offenses
• Late to class or appointment
• Inability to pay the amount of the fine
• No other place to park
• Permission to park given by anyone other than the Public Safety Patrol Supervisor or Director
• Inclement weather conditions
• Parked in a Handicap Accessible access aisle (hash mark area)

How to Avoid a Citation

• Always have your Decal affixed to driver’s lower side of the windshield.
• Always park between the white lines and don’t block drive ways or handicap access.
• Obey timed parking 7 A.M. to 5 P.M.

Finally, when in doubt, refer to your parking regulations and map, or call The Department of Public Safety at 865-471-3559 during normal business hours. After hours Department of Public Safety can be contacted via LiveSafe or at 865-548-9067.

An employee or student who receives MORE THAN Three (3) citations, paid or unpaid (but not including citations under appeal) in the same academic semester may be required to forfeit his or her parking privilege for the remainder of that academic semester. Their vehicle is also subject to towing or having a boot placed on the vehicle. The Offender will need to meet with Department of Public Safety Patrol Supervisor or Director in person about the forfeiture of the parking privilege. A person who parks his or her car on campus after the parking permit has been forfeited may have the car impounded until all citations are paid, including the impoundment fee.

60-Day Crime Log

The purpose of the daily crime log is to record all criminal incidents and alleged criminal incidents that are reported to Carson-Newman Department of Public or Jefferson City Police Department Carson-Newman Division. Therefore, not all incidents listed on the crime log are included in Clery statistics, JCPD statistics, or being investigated by law enforcement.

Incidents are posted within two business days of the information being reported to Public Safety. A business day is Monday through Friday, except for days when the institution is closed (such as holidays or other scheduled breaks).

Please be advised that both the U. S. Department of Education Annual Crime Report, (AKA as the Clery Act), for the calendar year 2021, may be reviewed on the University’s website. The report also includes the crime data for 2018 through 2021 as mandated by law. Also included is the DOE’s 2022 report that the University’s on-campus residential facilities as well as the annual fire safety report depicting that there were no fires, in residences, at the University during that time. Other information as to pertaining to/regarding the security programs, emergency protocol, etc., may also be reviewed in the security guide or student handbook.

The information contained in the Annual Crime Report includes selected criminal offenses (,Murder/Non-negligent manslaughter, Negligent manslaughter, Sex offenses – Forcible, Rape, Fondling, Sex offenses – Non-forcible, Incest, Statutory rape, Robbery, Aggravated assault, Burglary, Motor vehicle theft, Arson) Hate Crimes, VAWA Offences, Arrests, Disciplinary Actions, Unfounded Crimes and Fire Statistics.

The crime data for both the DOE and the TBI may also be reviewed in the Department of Public Safety (On-Line ) or on our web site. Our office is located at 2209 Branner Ave., directly at the rear of the campus cafeteria. The office phone number is 471-3559. If a paper Copy of the Report is requested it will be printed and provided free of charge.

Bear in mind that criminal data is always complied by both state and federal agencies for the past calendar year and not the current year!

Department of Education http://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/institution/details  Type in Carson-Newman University and push the tab labeled continue and you will be taken to the most recent available crime statistics for Carson-Newman University.

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation http://www.tn.gov/tbi/divisions/cjis-division/recent-publications.html  under publications you will see a heading labeled Crime on Campus. Below that heading you will see various years, simply . click on the year you wish to review and a PDF containing that information will open.

As always if you need assistance please do not hesitate to ask!

Employees, students, contractors and volunteers, who will be driving University’s vans, WeCars, rental cars or their own personal vehicles for official Carson-Newman trips, must first take a driving class through the Department of Public Safety before they can be added to the University’s Approved Drivers list.

If you wish to become an approved driver, the FIRST step is to take your driver’s license and insurance information along with a Motor Vehicle report (DMV) to the Department of Public Safety Office located at 2209 Branner Ave. In addition, please complete the Driver’s Agreement Form. Based upon the results of the DMV report, you will be notified if you have been approved to take the driving class.

Once approval is granted from the Department of Public Safety,  you will be contacted to schedule a time to take the driving class.

Before your scheduled appointment, you will need to:

• PRINT and/or download and READ the Driving Manual
• PRINT and/or download and FILL OUT the Driver’s Agreement form.  The form must be signed by the Department Head.
• Passenger Van Drivers Only: You must complete the Large Van Rollover online training through Traveler’s Insurance. Print out and bring your test results with you.
  

Once you have completed the class, your name will be placed on the University’s insurance policy and the list of Approved Drivers. You may NOT operate a vehicle under the University’s insurance policy until you have been added to the list by the insurance company.

Please plan ahead and allow at least a week to complete the process. Last minute and rush requests may not be possible to accommodate.

Please feel free to call or stop by the office if you have any questions or need further information about the process

We can have your Carson-Newman ID made and ready for you to pickup at the Office of Public Safety when you arrive for New Student Registration! We just need a little information and a photo of you so that we can make your student ID.

Photo Requirements:

** Photos must be submitted by 5 PM on the Wednesday prior to registration and if all parameters listed below are met student may pick up ID at check-in. You may pick your ID/decal from our office (M-F between 8am – 4:30pm) but to also please allow 1-2 business days for processing.

• Color photo (no filters)
• Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance
• Taken in full-face view directly facing the camera
• Taken with a neutral facial expression (preferred) or a natural smile, and with both eyes open
• No hats or sunglasses or other accessories that may obstruct view of face (clear glasses are permitted)

* Using smartphone to take photo? Please hold phone in the horizontal orientation.

STUDENT ID REGISTRATION FORM

All motor vehicles at Carson-Newman University SHALL be registered with the Department of Safety and Security. Decals and Visitor Passes may be obtained at the Office of Public Safety.

VEHICLE REGISTRATION FORM

Carson-Newman University has established an Emergency Response Plan, (ERP), for emergency situations that might pose a threat to the campus community, to include natural or man-made incidents. The University understands that no emergency plan can be designed to meet every potential disaster that might arise, but that the purpose of its ERP to provide basic and reasonable administrative guidelines necessary for the management of a critical incident in concert with outside emergency responders.

In the event of a critical incident on or adjacent to the campus, the college will utilize Live Safe to send short cell phone text messages, email and application alerts to students, faculty and staff about the incident and what they should do at that time. The University urges everyone on campus to sign up for the Live Safe. Live Safe is available through both the Apple Store and Google Play. If you experience problems signing up, please call the Department of Public Safety at 865-471-3559 to ask for assistance (during Normal Business Hours). The only cost that may be associated is the fees for texts your respective phone company may charge if you opt-in on this feature.

The EMP provides procedures for critical emergencies of severe weather, criminal incidents, and pandemic flu that could cause a partial or total shutdown of the campus. Various local, state, and federal emergency responders will be requested as needed, and everyone should monitor the local news, campus email, and other emergency alert systems in the local area during critical emergencies.

During inclement weather the college has a weather committee that monitors the National Weather Service in Morristown, TN, for local weather concerns, and the President or his designated representative will make public announcements related to canceling classes or delayed classes starting later in the day. Students and staff should make every effort to acquaint themselves with the various facilities on the campus in the event of a tornado or other major weather concerns which would force them to seek shelter in a basement or enclosed area.

The University receives outside support from the local police, fire, sheriff, county EMA and 911 officials during emergencies that affect the safety of the campus. The campus community should avoid any area near such an incident and cooperate with both emergency responders and school administrators to ensure their own safety. When a major incident occurs, Live Safe will be utilized to alert the campus of the incident, along with emails providing instructions to students and staff on how best to protect themselves.

A partial or total lockdown of the campus may be implemented and classrooms, offices, residence halls and recreational areas will be secured as reasonably possible.

The University has adopted a Pandemic Flu Plan, (PFP), in the event of a major outbreak on campus that would cause a partial or total shutdown of the campus. It will work closely with the local Jefferson County Health Department in the procurement of necessary medical supplies and the embedding of students too ill to care for themselves or unable to go to their respective homes.

Additional assistance will be afforded by the various on-campus departments, such as the food services, the wellness center nurse, counseling services, campus ministries, intramural, student activities, maintenance, and housekeeping and residence life.

In all instances that may require the University to close, every effort will be made to evacuate the campus, except for students who cannot go home for various reasons, to include international travel, illness or a campus wide quarantine. In the event of a required evacuation of the entire campus, the campus community will be notified Via LiveSafe, emails and in person as needed. In such situations, other emergency responders may assist in ensuring for the safest routes and for a place to go. Students are encouraged to keep both the University and their relatives aware of their whereabouts during such emergencies.

This policy outlines the official notification procedures of Carson-Newman University for missing students who reside in on-campus housing, per the requirements of the Higher Education Opportunity Act, Section 488. In addition, this policy aims to promote the safety and welfare of members of the university community through compliance with the requirements of the HEOA.

If a member of the university community has reason to believe that a student who resides in on-campus housing is missing, he or she should immediately notify the Department of Public Safety at (865) 548-9067. Upon receiving information that a student cannot be located and may be missing, The Department of Public Safety, along with Student Services personnel, will initiate an investigation which may include the following:

• Conduct a welfare check into the student’s residence hall room
• Call known contacts (parents, guardians, roommates, and friends)
• Contact employers and associates, if known
• Contact the student’s professor to ascertain the student’s recent attendance in class.
• Determine if the student’s identity card has been used to enter the residence hall, dining facility, or library

If the student cannot be located after reasonable efforts, Student Affairs personnel will contact the student’s emergency contact no later than 24 hours after the student has been determined to be missing for 24 hours. If a Confidential Contact has been listed (see below), that person will be contacted. If the missing student is under 18 and is not an emancipated individual, the Department of Public Safety personnel will notify the student’s custodial parent or legal guardian within 24 hours of the student being determined to be missing.

The Department of Public Safety will file a Missing Persons Report with the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction If outside of Jefferson City, TN, within 24 hours of the student being determined to be missing.
Confidential Contact:

In addition to registering an emergency contact, students residing in on-campus housing have the option to identify an individual confidentially to be contacted by Carson-Newman University in the event the student is determined to be missing for more than 24 hours. If a student has identified such an individual, Carson-Newman University will notify that individual no later than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing. Students who wish to specify a confidential contact can do so through the Department of Public Safety. A student’s confidential contact information will be accessible only by authorized campus officials and law enforcement as appropriate.