Navigating Safety and Self-Defense at Mary Washington University: Understanding Policies and Resources

College life presents a unique blend of academic pursuits, personal growth, and social interactions. However, ensuring a safe and secure environment for students is paramount. At the University of Mary Washington (UMW), a variety of policies and resources are in place to support student well-being. This article delves into UMW's student self-defense policies, exploring the existing regulations, available resources, and student perspectives. It also touches on related support systems like Title IX and mental health resources.

Understanding UMW's Student Handbook and Regulations

All students at the University of Mary Washington are bound by the regulations linked within the Student Handbook. The University reserves the right to make changes at any time to the procedures and regulations contained within the handbook. Flipping through a University of Mary Washington student handbook or reading through forbidden items in residence halls, students can find a list of forbidden items including: drugs, fireworks, and hover boards.

The Pepper Spray Policy: A Point of Contention

One particular policy that has sparked debate among the student body is the ban on pepper spray. This restriction first appeared in the 2013-2014 edition of the student handbook in the section contains rules of Residence Life. According to administration, in 2015 there was an incident involving mace in Virginia Hall. During fall semester move in a pepper spray device was discharged by accident. The chemical went into the HVAC system and contaminated the residence hall. “That’s when I kind of learned a couple of things,” said Landphair. “I learned that we had the policy, I learned that it’s incredibly effective. It is situations like the discharge in the residence hall which prompt hesitancy by administration to allow the chemical on campus.

Of 83 students and two professors who responded to a survey on SurveyMonkey about whether they agreed with this policy, the vast majority said they did not. “I believe that the school does not provide enough protection for students and often concerns of safety are just dismissed,” said McCahon. “If there was never any crime on campus, I could maybe understand the policy,” said McCahon. “I think administration has the responsibility to keep campus safe,” biology major Ali Myers said. Other students acknowledge the administrations reasoning behind the policy. “Mace can chemically harm someone (cause blindness/skin irritation and things) and there can be someone who uses their mace prematurely,” said senior history major Rachel Dacey.

According to Tuttle, prior to 2013-2014 if there was an incident in which a student “discharged mace, particularly if the discharge had harmed others” the student would be held accountable for the incident under the Code of Conduct. UMW records do not indicate any occurrence that instigated the creation of the policy.

Alternative Safety Measures and Support Systems

Rucker said there are a “variety of other supports” for students to use such as the blue light system. The app also provides students the opportunity to set up a guardian system. Users can make a peer or family member a guardian of them in the app, who they can message and call if they are feeling unsafe. A safety timer can also be set on the app, which allows the guardian to see how their contact is doing.

“We encourage our students to take a comprehensive approach to their safety and well-being,” said Rucker. Other safety measure include:

Emergency telephones are provided throughout campus. The exterior emergency telephones are on posts with blue lights; the indoor devices are red phones without dials that are mounted to the wall. From any telephone on campus, you may dial 4444 in case of an emergency. This system is similar to 911 in other jurisdictions and dials directly into the University Emergency Communication Center for on campus Fire/Rescue/Police emergencies. From cell phones, students should dial 1-540-654-4444.
RAVE Guardian is an innovative smartphone app available for download free of charge for any member of the campus community.
Regulations governing campus housing are administered through the Office of Residence Life. All guests entering the residence halls are required to register with and present personal identification to a desk aide who monitors access at the main entrance of all residence halls. The exterior doors of the residence halls are secured at all times unless a desk aide is on duty. Door alarms are installed on all other residence hall exit doors and are monitored by the hall staff.
The University’s Facilities Services department and the Locksmith Shop regularly inspect campus facilities , promptly making any repairs that affect safety and security, and they respond to reports of potential safety and security hazards, such as broken windows, doors, and locks. Parking lots, sidewalks, and all major walkways are lighted at night. University Police personnel check these lights frequently. Any lights not functioning or operating improperly are reported to the Emergency Communication Operator and, in turn, to Facilities Services for repair.

Self-Defense Training

The University Police Department offers a women’s self-defense course, known as the Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) System. The R.A.D. System consists of a 9-hour course in basic self-defense. The R.A.D. course is presented by a certified instructor. For information in R.A.D. training, contact Sgt.

Lt. “[Pepper spray] can be an good defense tool, if you’re properly trained on how to use it.” Reed said. During Reed’s law enforcement experience, he has seen the negative impact pepper spray can have if used by someone who isn’t trained. “If you’re in trouble, anything you have can be a weapon,” Reed stated. “Fingernails, pin, keys. According to Reed, the Fredericksburg PD teaches self defense training to women and children through the Parks and Recreation Department.

Student Perspectives on Safety and Self-Defense

The debate surrounding the pepper spray policy highlights differing opinions on the best approaches to campus safety. “I feel safer knowing I have some means to protect myself should I find that I’m in a dangerous situation again,” DiBenedetto said. “I guess from a practical standpoint, it makes sense that mace isn’t allowed,” Schneidawind said. “The administration must understand that just because we are 4,400 students on campus does not mean that we will not encounter events like these,” Morshed said. “This is public university and a public space,” senior Alex Sakes said.

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“If students came to me and said ‘look, we really think we should reconsider this policy because of safety’, then the SGA is a really good place to start with that,” said Landphair.

Title IX and Addressing Sexual Misconduct

The University of Mary Washington is committed to fully supporting students who experience acts of discrimination and violence such as sexual assault and rape. The university aims to handle reports in the fairest and most effective manner possible, in accordance with Title IX regulations.

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in any education program or activity receiving federal funds. The university designates a Title IX coordinator who represents the university. The reporting process at UMW is slightly unique in how it handles it’s reporting process. UMW has disciplinary procedures to address complaints of sex discrimination.

Navigating the Title IX Reporting Process

While the specifics of individual cases are confidential, understanding the general process is crucial. One student shared her experience of reporting an incident of sexual and physical assault by her then partner in 2018. After contacting Title IX, she was contacted about her report. After the Title IX office determined that what occurred was indeed sexual and physical assault, the accused was asked to come into the office to share their side of the story. After the accused had given their side of the story, the evidence was reviewed. The complainant was eventually informed that Title IX did have a case against her attacker. The accused was given the opportunity to appeal and to dispute. This led to another review and consideration.

The complainant expressed frustration with the process, stating that she was barred from having any contact with her attacker, but there were no actions taken against one another,” said the complainant. However, Title IX does some great things, but issues and procedures like this should be transparent. As of now they are not. We provide educational programming, security surveys.

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Self-Defense and Title IX: A Complex Intersection

The question of self-defense arises when students face potential harm. If a student uses self-defense against their abuser, are they justified? While UMW is committed to fully supporting students who experience such acts. However, questioning, Lucas-Waverly’s answers lacked specificity. she did not respond. her attacker, specifically due to her use of self defense.

It is important for students to understand their rights and options in such situations. The University of Mary Washington encourages all members of the community to take responsibility for their personal safety and the safety of others. Trust your instincts.

Comprehensive Support Systems for Student Well-being

Beyond physical safety, UMW recognizes the importance of mental and emotional well-being. College can sometimes feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help. You may seek counseling for many reasons, including personal concerns that might interrupt your learning on campus and hinder your progress. You might seek counseling because you are facing a difficult situation and need a trustworthy individual to help you achieve mental clarity as you sort through your feelings.

Counseling Services

Richard Bland College Counselors provide a safe and confidential environment in which students are able to share concerns that keep them from flourishing on campus. The services offered in the Student Success Center are designed to assist students as they seek emotional balance and an overall sense of well-being. Counselors also help students deal with personal and educational decisions and provide guidance as they identify, understand, and address factors that either support or hinder their personal growth.

The information shared between you and your counselor is confidential. Exceptions are made for safety and if concerns for your well-being is in question. Any information shared privately with the counselors on campus is confidential and is not divulged and discussed with other parties. All written information is kept secured. Counseling records are kept separate from academic, disciplinary, and medical records to ensure students’ privacy and confidentiality.

The counselors at Richard Bland College follow the confidentiality policies listed on this page when offering e-Counseling-digital counseling via Skype or Tele-counseling-counseling offered over the telephone. Students requesting e-Counseling or Tele-counseling services must read, sign, and submit a signature sheet, which outlines the conditions of services to which they have consented by their handwritten or e-signature. To ensure that Richard Bland College online students receive confidential counseling services, special arrangements will be made for e-counseling or tele-counseling services. Appointments for counseling services are generally available from 9am to 3pm.

Counseling offers a safe environment for you to learn how to cope with a stressful situation or find healthy ways to adapt to an unfortunate circumstance that is negatively impacting your life. You will meet with a counselor for approximately 30 minutes. During that meeting they will ask you some questions related to your history and what prompted you to make an appointment. Richard Bland College Counselors work from a short-term treatment model. The student who is interested in services will need to make their own appointment.

Accessing Counseling Services

As the first step in obtaining counseling services, residential students should contact their Residential Director. As the first step in obtaining counseling services, commuter and online students should contact their Learner Mentor. To obtain counseling services, students are encouraged to follow the steps describe on the Accessing Services page.

Confidentiality and Exceptions

The only times that we will release your information is when you give us permission or where it is mandated by law. Exceptions to confidentiality include reasonable suspicion of child or vulnerable adult abuse, imminent risk to your life or someone else’s life, parental notification if you meet criteria for involuntary hospitalization, or if a judge court orders your records to be released. When there is a substantial likelihood that an individual or group of students will cause serious physical harm to themselves or another person unless protective measures are taken. When authorized federal officials request information related to national security and intelligence activities.

Additional Resources

UMW also provides access to a range of external resources:

Good Neighbor: The services offered in this organization support individuals and families in achieving a life of opportunity, independence, and growth.
Half of Us: This organization changes and saves life by decreasing the stigma around mental health and encourage help-seeking.
The Safe Zone Project: This free online resource provides a creative, powerful, and effective way to raise LGBTQ awareness.
John Randolph Medical Center Wellness Pavilion Substance Abuse Program: This Intensive Outpatient Program provides services to individuals seeking to achieve and maintain sobriety through learning new ways to cope with their addiction.
Sexual Misconduct, Harassment, or Discrimination: Contact the Richard Bland College Title IX Coordinator, Ms. Lashrecse Aird, at 804-712-7141 or Ms.
Suicidal Ideation: Contact the Richard Bland College Department of Campus Safety and Police at 804-862-6111 or Dr.
Depression or Substance Abuse: Contact Dr. at (804) 862-6100, ext.

A Holistic Approach to Student Well-being

At the University of Mary Washington, education extends beyond the classroom. Our student-centered community encourages intellectual curiosity, fosters creativity, and promotes a welcoming environment. Within these pages, you will find essential information, including specifics on our ASPIRE values, Code of Conduct, Title IX regulations, and the Honor Code, as well as resources to help you make the most of your time at the University.

Prioritizing Safety and Security

The University’s Facilities Services department and the Locksmith Shop regularly inspect campus facilities , promptly making any repairs that affect safety and security, and they respond to reports of potential safety and security hazards, such as broken windows, doors, and locks. Parking lots, sidewalks, and all major walkways are lighted at night. University Police personnel check these lights frequently. Any lights not functioning or operating improperly are reported to the Emergency Communication Operator and, in turn, to Facilities Services for repair.

Tips for Personal Safety

Trust your instincts. Engrave your valuables.

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