Safety & Security
The Office of Safety and Security, in agreement with the purposes of Â鶹ÊÓƵ University, strives to provide a safe and secure campus environment by protecting and providing assistance for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. We will be service-oriented, person-centered and distinctively Christian in all that we do. While providing these services, we will treat all persons with respect and dignity to reflect the Christian principles upon which Â鶹ÊÓƵ University was founded.
About Safety & Security
About Safety & Security
The Office of Safety and Security, under the direct supervision of the Dean of Student Life, provides oversight of Â鶹ÊÓƵ IDs, parking permits, campus parking, traffic violations, vehicle reservations and driver certification. Security Officers patrol the campus on foot and in marked University vehicles. Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s security officers are not sworn police officers; however, they are trained to enforce all University rules and regulations for student behavior and vehicle operations on campus. Security officers do have the authority to arrest on school property or at properties off campus at a sanctioned University event. Officers would take this action as a last resort. The primary responsibility for law enforcement and criminal investigations on campus rests with the Jackson Police Department. Security personnel have established a close working relationship with local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, who stand ready to assist Â鶹ÊÓƵ community members in the pursuit of criminal complaints.
Despite the relatively low crime rate in its surrounding community, Â鶹ÊÓƵ University regards the safety and welfare of its students, faculty, staff and visitors as one of its highest concerns. The University has implemented many policies and programs to maintain and increase campus security, but individuals are reminded that they must assume responsibility for their own safety, that of others, and the protection of property. Each member of the University community is encouraged to report all emergencies and criminal activity promptly to the Office of Safety and Security.
Â鶹ÊÓƵ University faculty, staff, and students are to report all criminal incidents, threats, injuries, property loss, accidents, safety hazards, etc., to the Office of Safety and Security at 731-661-5018, security@uu.edu or Safety and Security’s 24 hour cell number at 731-394-2922. Prompt notification helps to facilitate reporting to the necessary authorities and assists in documenting trouble spots where corrective measures can be taken, thereby enhancing crime prevention.
Mission Statement
The Office of Safety and Security, in agreement with the values of Â鶹ÊÓƵ University, strives to provide a safe and secure campus environment conducive to higher education by providing safety and security services for students, faculty, staff and visitors. We will develop, train and prepare for the future, as we focus on being excellence driven and distinctively Christian in all that we do.
Lost and Found
When an item is lost or found it should be reported/turned-in to the Office of Safety and Security located at Hammons Hall, first floor. Safety and Security maintains a log of both missing/lost and found items. Items not claimed by owners after 90 days will be disposed of at the discretion of The Office of Safety and Security.
Timely Warnings
The Â鶹ÊÓƵ University Office of Safety and Security is responsible for preparing and issuing immediate emergency response and evacuation procedures. University personnel will make the decision of whether to issue a timely warning on a case-by-case basis. Information for timely warnings may also come from other local emergency service agencies. Timely warnings will be issued to the campus community as soon as pertinent information about the incident is available. Timely warnings will be delivered via emergency text message, UU Alerts, Â鶹ÊÓƵ e-mail, posted announcements and/or verbal warnings.
Solicitation
All soliciting by representatives of commercial, social, or charitable organizations is prohibited on the grounds and within the buildings of this institution. Students, instructors, and employees are requested to report any violations to the Office of Safety and Security or the Vice President for Student Life.
Crime Statistics
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 Â鶹ÊÓƵ 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 alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this report by contacting the Office of Safety and Security or by using this web site.
Motor Vehicle Parking & Registration
Every individual who maintains or operates a motor vehicle on the Â鶹ÊÓƵ University campus must register each vehicle with the Safety & Security Office at the beginning of the semester or within 24 hours of bringing a vehicle to the campus. The registration fee is included in your total tuition package.
The vehicle's license plate number and proof of current auto liability insurance are required for registration of the vehicle.
Handicap Permits
Students or employees who require a handicap permit for a temporary or permanent condition may submit the Application for Disabled Person License Plate, Placard or Decal to the County Clerk’s Office in Jackson (100 E Main St #105). A physician’s statement will be required. Please visit tn.gov for more information.
Permit Placement
The permit must be affixed directly to the outside rear window, driver’s side, bottom corner. Use the adhesive on the permit to attach it to the window. CONVERTIBLES: affix the permit to the outside front window, driver’s side, bottom corner. Permits may NOT be placed on the inside of the windshield.
Parking permits are assigned by the following color codes:
| Type | Color |
|---|---|
| Faculty/Staff | Blue |
| Students | Red |
| Outside Memberships (Wellness Center, etc.) | Yellow |
| Regional Campuses | Same Designations |
Parking Regulations
- Parking policy is in effect year-round, including University holidays and break periods.
- Park only in lined spaces. (Vehicles will be ticketed if any part of the vehicle is over/on the line)
- Do not park blocking a Dumpster.
- Do not park in a handicap space without an official handicap license plate or placard.
- Parking on the grass, sidewalks and roadways is prohibited.
- Do not park blocking another vehicle or blocking the flow of traffic.
- Do not park in Reserved spaces or in non-designated areas. Do not block the Post Office loading/unloading zone.
- Vehicles may not be left unattended in the fire lanes of any building at any time for any reason.
- Loitering is not permitted.
Fines
Parking control is under the jurisdiction of the Director of Safety & Security. Tickets can be paid in the Safety & Security Office. If tickets are not paid, cleared or appealed in the Security office within 3 business days, the fine will be charged to your account by the Office of Business Services.
If you receive a citation when you believe you are in compliance with the parking regulations, a written appeal may be filed and submitted to the Office of Safety & Security. An Appeal Form may be obtained online or in the Safety & Security Office and must be completed within 3 business days following the date of the ticket. You will be notified of the outcome of your appeal after a decision has been made. If the appeal is denied, the violator will have 3 business days from the notification of the denial to pay the ticket or it will be sent to the Office of Business Services to be applied to the student’s account.
Students in violation of parking regulations will be ticketed and fines imposed as follows (effective 8/1/2025):
- Permit Improperly Displayed 10.00
- Over/On the Line 25.00
- Unmarked Area 50.00
- Violation of Posted Time Limit 100.00
- Blocking Another Vehicle 50.00
- Parked in Flow of Traffic/Blocking Traffic 100.00
- Driving or Parking on Grass/Walkway 100.00
- Blocking Fire Hydrant 100.00
- Parking Without a Valid Permit 50.00
- Circle/Fire Lane/Striped Area 50.00
- Reserved Spaces 50.00
- Handicap Space/Blocking Ramp 150.00
- Reckless Driving 150.00
- Blocking Dumpsters 100.00
Chronic Offenders
Individuals who accumulate $250.00 in violations during the academic year (August-May) will be booted by Safety & Security. All unpaid violations must be satisfied prior to the removal of the parking boot by Safety & Security. In addition to the designated fines, chronic offenders may be referred to the Dean of Students for disciplinary actions. A chronic offender’s vehicle is subject to removal from campus at any time at the owner’s expense.
Appeals
Individuals receiving traffic tickets may discuss their case with designated staff personnel in the Safety and Security Office. Obvious errors will be corrected. Formal appeals may be made to the Office of Safety and Security. A written Appeal Form must be completed outlining the basis for the appeal within three business days following the date of the ticket. The student will receive an email regarding the outcome of the appeal.
Inspections
The University reserves the right to inspect cars which are parked on University property.
University Vehicle Reservations
Â鶹ÊÓƵ University maintains vehicles for use by authorized faculty, staff and students for the purpose of University business or University-related activities. The University has two (2) SUVs (five passengers plus the driver) parked in designated marked spaces in the Hammons Hall parking lot.
Only faculty, staff and students listed on the Â鶹ÊÓƵ University Approved Driver List may drive a University vehicle, personal vehicle, or rental vehicle for Â鶹ÊÓƵ-related business. If you have questions about whether or not you are on the list of approved drivers, contact Safety and Security at 731-661-5018 or security@uu.edu.
The Office of Safety and Security will retain all documentation related to the driver approval process and, upon request, provide said information to the underwriters of Â鶹ÊÓƵ University insurance.
Vehicle Usage Requirements
- University vehicle requests must be made by a Sponsor (Faculty, Staff or Administration).
- Vehicles will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Vehicle reservations are not accepted sooner than two months before each semester begins (first day of class).
- Please plan to reserve a vehicle(s) at least one business day prior to departure unless a special circumstance needs consideration. This allows our personnel time to ensure that the vehicle has been cleaned and that all authorizations have been completed.
- Vehicle reservations are made by completing the University Vehicle Reservation Request Form (see top of page).
- Confirmation for your vehicle reservation will be e-mailed to you along with instructions for submitting passenger list information.
- Faculty and Staff advisors must accompany student organizations in the vehicle if the group is traveling to an event over 60 miles from campus unless special arrangements are made with the Dean of Students. An exception to this would be a trip specifically designated for transportation to/from the Memphis or Nashville airports.
- The Sponsor is responsible for enlisting a Â鶹ÊÓƵ approved driver.
- The driver is requested to call the Security cell phone, 731-394-2922, around the time of scheduled departure to meet a Security Officer at the vehicle (located at the Hammons Hall parking lot.) A Security Officer will promptly deliver the Trip Sheet and vehicle key. Please allow approximately 5-10 minutes for the Security Officer to arrive.
- The driver is responsible for making sure all occupants are recorded on a vehicle passenger list for the security officer via the QR Code located on the dash of the vehicle. The driver is responsible for ensuring all occupants fasten seatbelts.
- Vehicles should be returned as scheduled on the Trip Sheet. The driver is expected to call Safety and Security if there is an unavoidable delay in returning to campus.
- Vehicles should be given the best possible care, free of trash and debris. An additional cleaning fee will be charged for vehicles returned in an exceptionally unclean state.
- Malfunctioning equipment or any problems relating to the operation of the vehicles should be reported in writing on the Trip Sheet.
- Safety while on the road is key! In case of a maintenance issue or breakdown, the driver should ensure the vehicle is safely off the road and all occupants are in a safe place. Call Safety and Security, 731-394-2922, for appropriate procedure. If necessary, make contact with appropriate local authorities.
- In case of an accident or injury, call 911 to contact local police and obtain a police report, then call Safety and Security, 731-394-2922.
- All accidents must be reported to appropriate authorities and to Safety and Security. An accident report should be filed at the scene.
- Any traffic violation(s) issued against the driver for any reason will be the responsibility of the driver, not Â鶹ÊÓƵ University.
- Vehicles are to be returned full of fuel.
- Upon returning to campus, the driver should call the Security cell phone, 731-394-2922, to alert a Security Officer. The officer will retrieve the completed and signed Trip Sheet, vehicle key and fuel receipts.
- The use of cell phones and other portable electronic devices while driving is prohibited. Specifically, drivers may not receive or place calls, check phone messages, electronically message or email, utilize social media or the internet while driving. Please pull over to a safe location to interact with electronic devices.
- Don’t forget to register your trip in the Horizons Travel Registry!