Sex Offender Statement and Protocol

Sex Offender Statement print documents    -     Word | pdf

The Federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act of 2000 (CSCPA), which became law October 28, 2000, but which delayed certain provisions until October 28, 2002, amends to Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act.

 

CSCPA provides special requirements relating to registration and community notification for sex offenders who are enrolled in or work at institutions of higher education. In addition to the Wetterling Act, CSCPA also amended the Calorie Act, an annual crime reporting law, and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 to allow the disclosure of this information regarding students.

 

As provided in the Wetterling Act, any person required to register under a state sex offender registration program must notify the state regarding each institution of higher education in that State at which the person is employed, carries on a vocation, or is a student and must also alert the state of any change in enrollment or employment status. These federal requirements will require state law changes, expected to occur in 2003.

 

Under current state law, computerized sex offender information can be obtained through local law enforcement agencies and the Oregon State Police through their sex offender registration information line at (503) 378-3720 extension 4429. This computerized database can access sex offender information by name, address, zip code or county.

 

Rationale and Protocol for Handling Registered Sexual Offenders

  Rationale:

 

ORS 181.585 to 181.587 specifies how information related to registered sex offenders should be handled by community corrections personnel.  A registered sex offender is defined as a person who exhibits characteristics showing a tendency to victimize or injure others and has been convicted of a sex crime listed in ORS 181.594 (2)(a) to (d), has been convicted of attempting to commit one of those crimes, or has been found guilty except for insanity of one of those crimes. 

 

Under certain circumstances, community corrections personnel are required to engage in a notification process related to the registered sexual offender.  In an effort to safeguard the health and well being of the campus community, this policy is enacted to further specify how EOU will respond when notified that a registered sex offender is present on campus.

 

(Note:  At times, community corrections personnel may notify the college that a registered sex offender is enrolled or plans to enroll.  In such cases, college staff may choose to follow and/or modify the procedure below to meet the needs of the situation.)

 

Protocol:

 

1. When a person in the process of application to become a student is identified as a registered sex offender currently on supervision, the Parole and Probation Officer for Union County Community Corrections shall notify the EOU Vice President for Student Affairs.
2. Upon such notification, the Vice President for Student Affairs will consult with the Parole and Probation Officer to ascertain the level of risk posed by the student to the campus community, and to develop an appropriate plan to manage such risk.   The Parole and Probation Officer is responsible for providing the college with accurate information related to risk level, and for recommending notification strategies.
3. In developing the college’s response to the individual and the level of risk, the Vice President for Student Affairs shall consider the following issues:

   a) The risk assessment and recommendations of the Parole and Probation Officer shall be given primary consideration.

   b) The interests of individuals in the campus community in having a safe learning, living and/or employment environment versus the privacy needs of the individual.

   c) The educational context of the student’s intended enrollment (e.g., whether the registered sex offender, currently on supervision, is required by the college to have close contact with an individual(s) in a private setting).

   d) Other factors appropriate to the individual sex offender, and the work, academic or living environment setting.

4. The student will be required to meet with the Vice President for Student Affairs (or his/her designee) to discuss Eastern Oregon University policies and procedures. The student will be required to enter into a behavior contract with the institution. The contract will be reviewed quarterly.
5. The Vice President for Student Affairs (or his/her designee) may work with other appropriate departments on campus if notification is considered necessary.  Depending on circumstances, the following offices may be included in this notification process: the Provost’s Office, the offices of the academic deans, individual faculty members, the Director of Housing, the Director of Counseling, the Director of the Student Health Center, the Director of Student Activities, the Security Supervisor, persons serving as direct supervisors of the offender, and other faculty and staff as necessary.  Information which may be disclosed includes, but is not limited to, the person’s name and address; a physical description of the person; the type of vehicle that the person is known to drive; any conditions or restrictions placed upon the person’s probation, parole, post-prison supervision or conditional release; a description of the person’s method of offense; a current photograph of the person; and the name and telephone number of the person’s parole and probation officer.
6. The Parole and Probation Officer shall notify the Office of Student Affairs prior to the first term during which a registered sexual offender plans enrollment.  The Vice President (or his/her designee) may consult as necessary to assess if modifications to the college’s intervention plan are necessary, and/or to notify parties based on changes in the student’s course schedule or college status.
7. A copy of the Behavior Contract will be forwarded to the appropriate Parole and Probation Officer.
8. All students that enter into a Behavior Contract are bound by all institutional rules and regulations, including the Student Code of Conduct. Therefore, those who do not cooperate will be subject to disciplinary action and/or emergency action upon the University’s directive.

 

Student Affairs

Eastern Oregon University

One University Boulevard
La Grande, OR 97850-2899

Phone: 541-962-3635

 

 

 

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