Safety Plan
WSU Vancouver Campus Safety Resources
WSU Vancouver prioritizes the safety and well-being of every student, faculty member, staff member, and visitor. To maintain a secure learning environment, the university implements a comprehensive Campus Safety Plan that integrates rigorous policies, emergency management procedures, and proactive health and welfare initiatives. This collaborative framework ensures that the campus community remains informed and protected through organized institutional oversight and local partnerships.
By centralizing resources for emergency management and campus security, WSU Vancouver fosters a culture of preparedness. The Division of Business and Finance works alongside the Division of Student Affairs and the Office of Community and Collaboration to address safety needs. This holistic approach ensures that administrative responsibility and campus-wide safety programs function seamlessly to support a secure academic environment for all.
Student Privacy and FERPA
Washington State University complies with all regulations in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Protecting student records and personal information is a fundamental part of maintaining a safe and respectful campus environment. Students may review their rights and the university policies regarding data privacy through the Office of the Registrar.
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Administrative Responsibility
Primary oversight for campus security resides within the Division of Business and Finance. Significant support is provided by the Division of Student Affairs and the Office of Community and Collaboration. Numerous university units work together to address safety concerns through specialized programming and collaborative efforts.
Institutional Compliance
The university maintains strict compliance with state safety regulations. Chief Gary Jenkins of the WSU Police Department coordinates institutional adherence to RCW 28B.10.569. This ensures that essential safety information remains accessible to the entire university community.
Chief Gary Jenkins WSU Police 509-335-8548 Email WSU Police
Campus Safety Plan Oversight
The University Health and Safety Executive Board is tasked with the annual review and implementation of the Campus Safety Plan. As a branch of the University Health and Safety Committee, this board includes a diverse group of students, faculty, and administrators from all campus locations, including Vancouver. The board evaluates security issues regularly to ensure the safety plan remains accurate and effective.
Law Enforcement and Mutual Assistance
The WSU Vancouver Police Department holds statutory jurisdiction over the campus and maintains a Notice of Consent from the Clark County Sheriff Office to patrol adjacent areas. To maximize community protection, the department enters into regional partnerships and mutual aid agreements with local and state agencies.
These agreements allow first responders to pool equipment, technology, and personnel during major events. Key partners include the Washington State Patrol, Clark County Sheriff Office, and the police departments of Vancouver, Ridgefield, and Battle Ground.
Current Mutual Assistance Arrangements:
- Regional Public Service Partnership and Service Plan
- Law Enforcement Services Planning Council MOU
- Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center MOU for officer training
- Mutual Aid Law Enforcement Agreement with the Clark County Sheriff Office
- Fire and Emergency Medical Protection Agreement with Fire District 6
- Master Inter-local Mutual Law Enforcement Assistance Agreement
- Inter-university Mutual Aid Agreement among Washington state higher education institutions
Fire protection, emergency medical services, and hazardous material response for the Vancouver campus are provided through a dedicated contract with Clark County Fire District 6.
Student Conduct and Campus Policies
Washington State University Vancouver is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment by upholding high standards of behavioral integrity. This section outlines the university’s expectations regarding student conduct, as established by the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and the Drug Free Schools and Campuses Act. Here, you will find essential resources and official policies concerning weapons, controlled substances, and alcohol, alongside counseling support services available through the university and the Clark County community.
Washington State University Vancouver has compiled all of the key information regarding the standards of conduct expected of WSU Vancouver students in the Student Handbook, located on the Student Affairs website. View the student conduct standards.
Included in the handbook are the specific standards of conduct for students as indicated in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). Washington State University Vancouver abides by all state laws regarding weapons on campus and the unlawful possession, use, manufacturing or distribution of controlled substances and alcohol.
WAC 504-26-213 Firearms and Dangerous Weapons.
Washington State University Vancouver aims to eliminate alcohol and drug abuse and to educate the University community on relevant laws and consequences. This policy provides consistency and clarity on the permitted use of enforcement of alcohol laws and statutes on all WSU properties statewide.
WSU Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Clark County offers alcohol and drug treatment services. Their program directory (PDF) includes contact information for other community resources such as Al-Anon, Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.
Alcohol Abuse & Addictions Abuse Helpline: 1-800-562-1240 or 1-800-621-1646
WAC 504-26-211 Drugs and Drug Paraphernalia
WAC 504-26-212 Alcohol