2025 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

About this online version of the report

This webpage serves as the actual, full 2025 MSU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. We also have a printable PDF version and a separate report for the Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing campuses in Kalispell, Missoula, Great Falls, and Billings.

• Download printable version of the 2025 MSU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (PDF)
• Download 2025 Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing Annual Security Report (DOC)

For Reporting Year 2024, 2023 & 2022 

To the Members of the Montana State University Academic Community

Our highest priority at Montana State is the safety of our students, faculty, staff and visitors while they spend time on our campus. Advancing safety and security on campus requires strong partnerships, cooperation and communication across the MSU community. Please, when you see something of concern, say something. University Police may be reached 24 hours a day at 406-994-2121 or in an emergency at 911.  

I encourage you to read the information in this report. Take note of our policies and procedures for reporting crimes and other emergencies on campus, along with our numerous safety programs designed to prevent injuries or other dangerous incidents. If you have any suggestions on how to improve campus safety or security, send me an email at president@montana.edu.   

Together, we will continue to promote the safety and well-being of our entire MSU community.  

Sincerely,  

Brock Tessman, President  

From the Chief of Police, Dean of Students, and Chief Compliance Officer

Thank you for taking the time to review our Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. Our departments offer programs, policies, and services that respond to criminal activities and campus violations, and we also take time every year to make necessary changes and improvements. You will find many of these programs, policies, and services listed in this publication. Also in this report, you will find important information on how and where to report criminal activity and campus violations, along with information on how MSU responds after receiving such reports.  

MSU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is published in compliance with the requirements in the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, which was signed into law in 1990. Listed in this report are the statistics for the various “Clery crimes” that have been reported to MSU during the last three calendar years. All members of our campus community receive an email at the beginning of every academic year with the exact web address for this online report, and hard copies are available upon request through the Office of the Dean of Students.  

This publication is a campus-wide collaboration with numerous departments and agencies. Beyond our departments, we especially want to thank Campus Civil Rights, MSU’s Fire Marshall, University Student Housing, and Student Wellness for their important work on this report.  

Our goal every year is to promote the highest levels of safety and security for our campus community. We are always seeking ways to improve the services and programs we offer. After you read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, we welcome your feedback.  

Mike Stanley,
Chief of Police

Matt Caires, 
Dean of Students

Justin Arndt, Chief Compliance Officer

Geography

This report applies to the MSU campus located in Bozeman.   

The crime statistics include all crimes reported to MSU’s University Police Department (UPD) or Campus Security Authorities for all campus geography including on-campus, on public property within or immediately adjacent to the campus and in non-campus buildings that MSU owns or controls.  Where applicable, MSU reached out to local law enforcement for any Clery crimes reported to them and, if provided, this report includes those crimes.  

More information about MSU’s Clery geography and a Clery map can be found at https://www.montana.edu/clery/clerygeographydefinitions.html. 

Safety on Campus

MSU’S UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT (UPD)

Safety - Our #1 Priority

The Montana State University Police Department (UPD or Department), established by Montana law (Section 20-25-321 Montana Code Annotated), has primary responsibility for law enforcement on the MSU campus and its jurisdiction extends one mile beyond the campus for university related activities. This means Officers have authority to enforce State, Local and Federal laws and University Policies. UPD police officers have full authority within this jurisdiction and provide a broad range of services to the campus. 

The Department provides continuous year-round law enforcement protection to the Montana State University community. Twenty-four-hour police services are provided with access to municipal fire and emergency medical services. 

Excellence in Campus Public Safety  

Montana State University Police Department is the first department in the state of Montana to receive IACLEA accreditation. The International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (https://www.iaclea.org/accreditation) is the largest professional association devoted to excellence in campus public safety and law enforcement. Voted by an independent commission comprised of international experts in the field of law enforcement and public safety, UPD is the first agency in the state of Montana to achieve the prestigious IACLEA award. This recognition signifies UPD’s ongoing commitment to public safety excellence and demonstrates to their personnel, the campus community, and outside experts, the dedication and professionalism in every aspect of their operations.

Working Relationships with Local, State, and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies

he UPD also has an agreement with the City of Bozeman which allows University police officers to enforce Bozeman municipal ordinances and state laws within both the city limits of Bozeman and within a three-mile radius of the city limits while in the performance of their UPD assigned duties. The University Police Department maintains a strong working relationship with state and local police agencies, including the Bozeman Police Department, Gallatin County Sherriff, and Montana Highway Patrol. 

To increase interagency communication and coordination, enhance victim service and offender accountability, the Bozeman Police Department and UPD have entered into an agreement. This agreement has established a Special Victims Unit (SVU) that investigates allegations of Felony Sexual Assault, Sexual Intercourse without Consent, Sexual Abuse of Children, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC), Felony Domestic Violence, Felony Stalking and other sexual assault related calls within the Bozeman and MSU Police Department’s jurisdictions. UPD has assigned one detective to this SVU. 

Crimes Involving Student Organizations at Off-Campus Locations 

The agreement gives the UPD primary jurisdiction on other University-related property and at university events within the city—for example, on property occupied by student organizations, and at events sponsored by the University. However, UPD limits officer jurisdiction to the MSU buildings and surrounding public property, unless there is an emergency and MSU officers are activated to assist under a Mutual Aid agreement.   

MSU has officially recognized student organizations that own or control housing facilities outside of the MSU core campus.  If Bozeman PD is called by a citizen to respond to one of those locations, Bozeman PD will typically notify UPD to respond with them or they will notify UPD after they have responded to inform MSU of the situation. However, Bozeman PD does this out of courtesy and is not “required” to notify or involve UPD when they respond to a call involving private property.  The UPD, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bozeman PD provide mutual aid assistance to each other when requested. 

Role, Authority and Training

University Police Officers are certified Peace Officers for the State of Montana and sworn to all of the responsibilities and powers of a Peace Officer in Montana, including the duty to maintain public order and the power to arrest. All sworn officers are graduates of an accredited Police Academy and professional and formal education is stressed for all officers.  

Most officers hold a B.A. degree or are working towards a degree. The University combined its dispatch with the local County dispatch to provide more efficient and effective services.  All County Dispatchers are trained and certified by the State of Montana.   

The University Police Chief is the Director of the Department and is responsible for the management of the UPD. They report directly to the Vice President of Finance and Administration. However, all public safety services are closely coordinated with other key university administrators as well as local officials. 

REPORTING CRIMES AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Crime or Emergency Reporting

Crime is a reality at Montana State University, and preventing crime is everyone’s responsibility on campus. Unreported crime is a criminal’s greatest ally. If you suspect a criminal act has taken place, MSU highly encourages accurate and prompt reporting. Contact the University Police Department located at the corner of 7th Avenue and Kagy Boulevard, in the Roy E. Huffman Building or dial: 

MSU Bozeman Core Campus 
Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency: 406-994-2121  

Suspicion of crime does not require proof. If you suspect a crime has been committed or is being committed, call the University Police Department immediately. Make a difference, call. Only concerned citizens can prevent crime. 

If you are a victim or witness of a crime: Report the incident immediately to the University Police. If you can, gather pertinent information, such as sex, race, hair color, length and texture, body size, clothing description, scars and other noticeable characteristics, modes of travel, type of vehicle, color and license information. 

Suspicious persons: If you see anyone acting suspiciously, call 911. Do not approach the individual yourself. Report the type of suspicious behavior and the location. Relay pertinent information concerning the involved person including age, sex, dress, vehicle, and direction of travel. 

Bomb threats: If you receive a bomb threat, it is important to obtain as much information as possible from the caller. Things to ask are: (1) location of bomb, (2) time of explosion, and (3) type of bomb. 

Make mental notes about the caller’s voice, and background noises which you may hear. Call 911 immediately. Do not panic. The University Police will search the area, notify properly trained personnel, and notify emergency services. The University Police, in conjunction with the building supervisor and administration, will determine if evacuation is necessary. 

What to Report: When calling the University Police Department to report an incident, please provide the following information: 

• Your name (optional) 

• Location of incident 

• Type of incident 

• Description of suspect(s), vehicle(s) or other pertinent information

• Return telephone number (optional) 

Members of the MSU community are encouraged to report crime and emergencies accurately and promptly to the University Police Department and the appropriate police agencies, including when the victim of a crime elects not to, or is unable to, make such a report.  

Voluntary Confidential Reporting – General Crime 

If you are the victim of a crime and do not want to pursue action within the University system or the criminal justice system, you may still want to consider making a confidential report. 

With your permission, the University Police Chief (or designee) can file a report on the details of the incident without revealing your identity. The purpose of a confidential report is to comply with your wish to keep the matter confidential, while taking steps to ensure the future safety of yourself and others. With such information, the University can keep an accurate record of the number of incidents involving students, employees, and visitors; determine where there is a pattern of crime regarding a particular location, method, or assailant; and alert the campus community to potential danger. 

Reports filed in this manner are counted and disclosed in the annual crime statistics for the institution. If you wish to make a confidential report, MSU offers the Silent Witness Program to anyone who has witnessed, or knows about, a crime committed on campus. You are welcome to send an email to switness@montana.edu with information you feel may be useful in keeping your campus safe and secure. Silent Witness reporting is also available on the SafeCats app. You should provide the information described in the previous paragraph. 

Voluntary Confidential Reporting – General Crime

If you are the victim of a crime and do not want to pursue action within the University system or the criminal justice system, you may still want to consider making a confidential report. 

With your permission, the University Police Chief (or designee) can file a report on the details of the incident without revealing your identity. The purpose of a confidential report is to comply with your wish to keep the matter confidential, while taking steps to ensure the future safety of yourself and others. With such information, the University can keep an accurate record of the number of incidents involving students, employees, and visitors; determine where there is a pattern of crime regarding a particular location, method, or assailant; and alert the campus community to potential danger. 

Reports filed in this manner are counted and disclosed in the annual crime statistics for the institution. If you wish to make a confidential report, MSU offers the Silent Witness Program to anyone who has witnessed, or knows about, a crime committed on campus. You are welcome to send an email to switness@montana.edu with information you feel may be useful in keeping your campus safe and secure. Silent Witness reporting is also available on the SafeCats app. You should provide the information described in the previous paragraph. 

University Police Response to Reported Crimes

The University Police Department will respond to reports of crime against persons and all property owned, controlled, leased, or operated by Montana State University which includes Fraternity/Sorority (Greek) residences located within one mile of the campus boundary. On a 24-hour basis, dispatchers can instantly dispatch the University Police, Bozeman Fire, Emergency Medical Services, and, if needed, will request assistance from the Bozeman PD and/or Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office. 

All UPD incident reports that involve MSU students are forwarded to the Dean of Students Office or Campus Civil Rights for review and for potential student conduct adjudication, as appropriate. UPD Investigators will investigate a report when it is deemed appropriate. Additional information obtained via the investigation will also be forwarded to the Dean of Students. If assistance is required from the Bozeman PD or the Bozeman Fire Department, UPD will contact the appropriate unit. If a sexual assault or rape should occur, staff on the scene, including UPD, will offer the victim a wide variety of services.  

All reports of criminal activity occurring within the jurisdiction of the UPD will be investigated and, if the investigation confirms a violation of the state criminal code, the matter will be referred to the Gallatin County Attorney or Bozeman City Attorney for prosecution. Reports of criminal activity received by the UPD occurring outside of its jurisdiction will be referred to the appropriate city or county law enforcement agency. 

MSU will make timely reports to the campus community regarding the occurrence of crime on campus. Logs of daily crime reports and incidents are maintained and available for review by the campus community and the public at large. This crime log can be found on-line or accessed at the customer service desk of the University Police Department. 

Daily Crime Log

MSU will make timely reports to the campus community regarding the occurrence of crime on campus. A log of daily crime reports and incidents are maintained and available for review by the campus community and the public at large. This crime log can be found on the UPD website at www.montana.edu/police/ or accessed at the UPD customer service desk.

MSU Emergency Communications

MSU uses three types of notification processes to warn the campus community in the event of an emergency or public safety risk. The three types of notifications are Emergency Notifications, Timely Warnings, and Public Safety Advisories.  

• Emergency Notifications are issued during emergencies or critical incidents that pose an immediate threat to the health and safety of the campus community. 

• Timely Warnings are issued in the event of a violent crime that represents a serious or continuing threat to the campus community. 

• Public Safety Advisories are issued in situations where there is not an identified immediate risk to citizens but provide information concerning various crimes in hopes it would reduce the likelihood of citizens being victimized.  

Anyone with information about a situation that may require a Timely Warning, Emergency Notification, or Public Safety Advisory should report the circumstances to the MSU Police Department (UPD) by calling 911 or 406-994-2121. They may also report in person at the University Police Department, located in the Roy E. Huffman building at the corner of South Seventh Avenue and Kagy Boulevard. 

Timely Warning Notifications

UPD is responsible for developing and disseminating Timely Warnings to members of the MSU community. Once an incident that may require a Timely Warning notification has been reported to UPD, the Chief of Police or designee, in consultation with other campus administrators (including but not limited to the Dean of Students, Legal Counsel, Director of Campus Civil Rights & Title IX Coordinator, and the Emergency Management Director) will determine whether the criteria for issuing a Timely Warning have been met, and if so, a Timely Warning will be issued. The decision will be made on a case-by-case basis. 

In general, Timely Warnings will be issued when a specific crime has occurred within the MSU Clery Geography (on campus, public property and non-campus property) and there is a serious or ongoing threat to the campus community. The following three conditions should be met prior to issuing a Timely Warning: 

1. One of the following statutorily designated crimes (Clery crime)is reported to UPD: 

• Criminal homicide – Including murder and non-negligent manslaughter, and manslaughter by negligence. 
• Sex offenses – Including rape, fondling, incest, and statutory rape.  
• Robbery 
• Aggravated assault – Cases of aggravated assault and sex offenses are considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the facts of the case and the information known by UPD and after consultation with the Gallatin County Attorney. 
• Burglary and/or motor vehicle theft – In general, Timely Warnings will not be issued for single incidents. A Timely Warning may be distributed if a series of incidents poses a continuing threat to the MSU community. 
• Arson 
• Hate crimes 
• Domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking 
• Arrests and referrals for drug, alcohol, and weapons law violations. 

2. The reported crime occurred at a Clery-reportable location (Clery geography), which is defined as any of the following: 

• On campus 

• On public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus boundaries 

• In a non-campus building or property. Non-campus locations are described as property owned or controlled by MSU, used for educational purposes, and frequently used by students. 

3. The reported crime presents a serious or continuing threat to MSU students, faculty, and staff, as determined at MSU’s discretion. Factors for determining whether an incident poses a serious or continuing threat include: 

• Whether the suspect has been apprehended 

• Timeliness of the reported crime to UPD 

• Whether a pattern of crimes exists that places MSU students or employees at risk of becoming victims of a similar crime  

Timely Warnings will be distributed to the entire campus community as soon as pertinent information is available, in a manner that withholds the names of victims as confidential, and with the goal of aiding in the prevention of similar occurrences. Timely Warnings will typically include information such as a brief statement of the incident, physical description of any suspect(s), appropriate safety tips, and other relevant, available information. Timely Warnings are typically written by the Chief of Police (or designee) in consultation with the University Communications News Director (or designee) as time permits. Timely Warnings will generally be distributed by the Chief of Police (or designee) via email to @montana.edu accountsfor MSU students, faculty, and staff with the subject line including the words “Timely Warning.” It is also posted to the MSU Bozeman Facebook page. The University Police Chief notifies the Gallatin County Attorney of the intent to distribute a Timely Warning to ensure the information released does not compromise law enforcement efforts as permitted by the Clery Act. 

UPD may learn about an incident that may require a Timely Warning from a number of sources, including individuals involved in the incident, witnesses, UPD or other law enforcement officers, or campus security authorities as defined by the Clery Act. 

When members of Campus Civil Rights (CCR), in their role as campus security authorities, learn of an incident that may require a Timely Warning, but the reporting person requests that the CCR not communicate with law enforcement, CCR may still notify UPD of the incident as part of that office’s obligation to provide a safe and nondiscriminatory environment. In making the determination to notify UPD, CCR will consider a number of factors, including the following: 

• The risk that the alleged perpetrator will commit additional acts of misconduct or other violence 

• The seriousness of the alleged conduct, including whether the alleged perpetrator threatened further sexual or other violence against the alleged victim or others, whether the alleged conduct was facilitated by the incapacitation of the alleged victim, or whether the alleged perpetrator has been found responsible in legal or other disciplinary proceedings for acts of sexual or other violence 

• Whether the alleged conduct was perpetrated with a weapon 

• Whether the alleged victim is a minor 

• Whether the university possesses means other than the alleged victim’s testimony to obtain relevant evidence of the alleged conduct (e.g., security cameras or personnel, physical evidence) 

• Whether the alleged conduct reveals a pattern of perpetration at a given location or by a particular group. 

The institution is not required to issue a Timely Warning with respect to crimes reported to a pastoral or professional counselor. 

For a list of past Timely Warnings, Emergency Notifications, and Public Safety Advisories, visit the webpage: https://www.montana.edu/police/crimealert.html 

Emergency Notifications

Montana State University is committed to protecting the lives, safety, and welfare of its campus and community members. The campus maintains an emergency operation plan outlining responsibilities of campus departments during emergencies. This plan outlines incident priorities, campus organization and specific responsibilities of departments or positions. When an emergency occurs on campus, MSU strives to provide students, faculty and staff with the critical information needed to protect themselves. To allow MSU to provide this information, community members must ensure they are registered, and their Emergency Notification contact information is correct. 

• All students, faculty, and staff are automatically enrolled into the MSU Alert system. Contact information provided to the MSU Alert system is gathered from student and employee MyInfo accounts. Please ensure your MyInfo account is up to date with your current cellphone number, work email, and personal email address. 

• The local community, family, and friends are encouraged to opt into the university Emergency Notification system by texting “montanastate” to 888-777. Opt-in steps can be found here: https://www.montana.edu/msualert/msualert_optin_family_friends_visitors_localcommunity.html 

• Students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the intent and purpose of the MSU Alert system. For more information, go to the MSU Alert webpage (http://www.montana.edu/msualert). 

Upon confirmation of an ongoing significant emergency or dangerous situation that poses an imminent threat to the safety of campus community members, MSU will immediately issue Emergency Notifications to the campus community. The institution may issue Emergency Notifications about emergency or dangerous situations that occur in the broader community if institutional officials determine that such notifications provide helpful or relevant information to the campus population. An Emergency Notification is sent using text messaging to registered cell phone numbers, email to @montana.edu accounts, postings on social media, publishing to MSU websites, and recording on the emergency information line as needed. While it is impossible to predict every significant emergency or dangerous situation that may occur on campus, the following situations are examples that may warrant an Emergency Notification after confirmation. 

• Active shooter 

• Hostage/barricade situation 

• Riot 

• Suspicious package 

• Suspicious death 

• Structural damage to a university-owned or -controlled facility 

• Biological threat (anthrax, etc.) 

• Gas leak  

• Bomb/explosives (threat) 

• Communicable disease outbreak  

• Severe weather  

• Natural disaster  

• Hazardous materials incident  

• Structure fires  

MSU officials shall use their best, reasonable judgment in all other situations to determine whether an Emergency Notification is warranted. Situations that may create business, academic or research interruptions, but do not pose a health or safety risk, may also generate an Emergency Notification. MSU will, as appropriate, coordinate with the relevant departments to facilitate notification about such situations. MSU will facilitate notifications about such situations in coordination of involved departments as appropriate. Examples of such situations include: 

• Temporary building closures 

• Power outages 

• Network outages  

MSU will, without delay and consideration for the safety of the community, determine the content of the Emergency Notification and initiate the Emergency Notification process, unless the Emergency Notification will, in the professional judgment of responsible authorities:  

• Compromise efforts to assist the victim or victims 

• Compromise efforts to contain, respond to, or otherwise mitigate the emergency, such as compromising the efforts of first responders  

This section was established with the following assumptions:  

• Utilization of multiple notification methods is needed, as no single notification method will reach everyone, everywhere, every time. 

• One hundred percent delivery of notification to each member of the campus population cannot be guaranteed. 

• Other information sources outside the institution’s control may generate erroneous or conflicting information (i.e., affiliated and unaffiliated social media sites, word of mouth). 

• Regular testing of notification systems is required to ensure proper functionality and operator skill. 

• Notification systems must account for communication impairments. 

• Several notifications are considered passive notifications requiring an action by recipients. Some recipients will not take this action and, therefore, not all recipients will receive notifications during the desired timeframe.  

• It is the responsibility of campus members that are registered for the notification system to maintain updated contact information. 

• Several notification methods rely on the functionality of third-party vendors that are outside of the institution’s control (i.e., cellphone service providers, electricity). 

Confirmation of an Emergency or Dangerous Situation

Reports of emergencies or dangerous situations can originate from various sources including: 

• Reports from first responders 

• Reports from established warning points 

• Reports from other campus departments 

• Reports from citizens through 911 

UPD, including emergency management, will confirmif there is a significant emergency or dangerous situation on campus. Confirmation means MSU officials have verified that a significant emergency or dangerous situation is occurring or may soon occur on the campus that involves an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or employees. 

Process for confirmation:  

• UPD command staff (including the Chief of Police, on duty admin staff, or Director of Emergency Management), in conjunction with other MSUPD officers, university administrators, local first responders, public health officials and/or the National Weather Service, will determine whether a significant emergency or dangerous situation is confirmed. 

• In the event UPD command staff is unavailable, UPD’s on-duty officers may determine whether a significant emergency or dangerous situation is confirmed. 

• When making a determination, personnel will assess readily available information and consider a number of factors—including the nature of the reported situation, the reliability of available information, observations of law enforcement officers, information from established warning points, and other factors—to determine if there is enough information to reasonably conclude a significant emergency or dangerous situation is occurring on campus that involves an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or employees. 

• UPD and emergency management personnel may consult with additional departments and policy-level personnel as practical without jeopardizing life safety. 

Established warning points are entities with subject matter expertise on particular hazards that may affect campus. UPD and emergency management personnel may consider information from established warning points when determining whether a significant emergency or dangerous situation is confirmed. UPD and emergency management personnel may conduct additional consultation with campus officials as practical without jeopardizing life safety. This table is not all-inclusive but represents a sampling of established warning points.  

Campus Safety Programming

SafeCats Safety App

SafeCats is a safety app that allows the user to contact police, request a safety escort, or to activate a Friend Walk in a single mobile application. The SafeCats app is available for both Android and Apple cellular phones and is available free of charge. 

Campus Safety and Security Programs

Educational Programs concerning security awareness, personal safety, and crime prevention, including the prevention of sexual assault, (including rape, fondling, incest and statutory rape) and personal safety techniques are offered by a variety of groups and individuals on campus each year, including UPD, Dean of Students, Office of Emergency Management (OEM), Safety and Risk Management (SRM), Campus Civil Rights (CCR), Counseling & Psychological Services, University Student Housing and others. 

Each year, MSU offers crime prevention and security awareness programs. Topics such as personal safety, residence hall security, drug and alcohol abuse awareness and sexual assault prevention are some examples of programs offered during the prior academic year.  

All crime prevention and security awareness programs encourage students and employees to be responsible for their own security and the security of others. 

The UPD provides safety and security education through numerous presentations to on-campus groups and other presentations upon request.  The Student Wellness Office offers outreach and presentations upon request for residence halls, fraternity and sorority life and student groups on topics related to risk reduction/harm reduction, Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATOD); and healthy relationships. 

Safety and Risk Management provides safety and compliance training free of charge to University employees; including workplace safety, occupational health & safety, and laboratory training courses. 

Programs and presentations available annually include:  

• First Aid Training, including Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) and Cardiopulmonary
• Resuscitation (CPR) training
• Fire Extinguisher Training
• Chemical Safety Training
• E-Scrap Computer & Electronic Recycling
• Ice Gripper Program (MSU employees)
• Alcohol awareness
• Drug awareness
• Crime Prevention covering crimes such as rape, acquaintance rape, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, sexual intercourse without consent, relationship violence, privacy in communications, and stalking
• Run, Hide, Fight - Active shooter protocol
• Workplace violence protocols
• New Employee Orientation
• Internet Safety and Security
• Facility Intruder Awareness for Secure Facilities
• International Student Orientation
• Property security
• Personal safety
• Bicycle safety
• Identity theft
• CCR educational presentations on bystander intervention and interpersonal violence prevention
• Student Wellness classroom instruction based on self and administrative referral for individuals dealing with alcohol & drug-related issues
• Others upon request

Students living in University Student Housing are provided with information in their assignment paperwork at time of application and check-in. University Student Housing staff regularly address residence hall safety and security rules and precautions, and personal safety considerations with all residents at floor and hall meetings. Safety and security rules and guidance are provided in the University Student Housing Community Standards. 

Ice Gripper Program

MSUemployees are eligible to participate in the Ice Gripper Program. To help MSUpersonnel stay safe while walking in the wintertime, Safety & Risk Management provides free ice grippers to employees (eligible every three years for a new pair). Ice grippers are the equivalent of studded tires for your feet. These devices are similar to slippers that slide over the outside of your shoe and can be easily put on and removed. For more information, contact Safety & Risk Management at 994-7597 or visit www.montana.edu/srm/programs/icegrippers.html  

Adopt-a-Cop Program

In the interest of fostering good relations with community members residing in university residence halls, the UPD, in partnership with University Student Housing, implemented the Adopt-a-Cop program in the fall of 2007. The program entails the assignment of a specific officer to each hall.  

Officers participate in hall activities, eat meals in the dining halls with residents, and deliver presentations on topics such as alcohol awareness, safety and security, identity theft, etc. Since its inception, the program has been very successful. Officers feel that they have been able to develop a kind of rapport with students that wasn’t possible prior to the program. Hall staff and residents have also reported having many positive experiences with the program. 

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)

MSU initiated the Public Access Defibrillator Program in 2004 because of due diligence and the expectation an organization MSU’s size would have AED’s available to the public. MSU currently has approximately 100 AEDs located throughout campus. For detailed locations, go to: https://www.montana.edu/srm/insuranceriskmanagement/aedlocations/.
AED locations are also available on the SafeCats app. 

When considering where to place an AED, the University will consider several facts, including building population, high risk activities, athletic activities, near energized electrical circuits, or in a location more than a 3-minute response time for an AED to arrive from Police or Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Please contact Safety & Risk Management at 994-7597 if you would like to make a request or if an AED has been used and emergency services have been called. 

Crime Statistics

Crime statistics can be found later in this report and can also be accessed on the Montana State University Police website located at: www.montana.edu/police/crime-statistics.html  

Campus Crime Log

The UPD keeps a daily crime log avaiable online or may be accessed at the customer service desk of the University Police Department located in the Roy E. Huffman building at South 7th and Kagy Boulevard. All crimes are reported, though the names of victims and suspects are redacted, and locations are generalized to preserve the confidentiality of individuals. Find MSU's crime log on this webpage: www.montana.edu/police/crime_log.html

Crime Prevention Programs – University Police

The University’s crime prevention program stresses community awareness and interaction through the dissemination of materials and presentations designed to familiarize students, faculty and staff with their responsibility in reducing criminal opportunities. The UPD also plays an active role in the local crime prevention and crime stoppers program as well as the DUI task force. University officers provide presentations throughout the university community ranging from late night discussion sessions in residence halls to classroom presentations. Crime prevention materials and reminders are also distributed to the campus community. 

In addition, the University Police website provides crime prevention information for the campus, including a crime log, crime alerts, the MSU Sexual or Violent Offender list, 360 Stay Safe at College online and other useful information. 

Free Personal Transportation Device (PTD) Registration

The University Police Department sponsors a free PTD registration program for students in an effort to discourage theft or bicycles and other PTDs. Stop by our office or look for us at campus events to get your PTDs registered.

Additional University Crime Prevention and Safety Awareness Programs

Office of the Dean of Students

As a result of growing national trends on college campuses of mental health issues and the increase in unsafe behaviors leading to harm or death, Montana State University has created the Campus Assessment, Response and Evaluation (CARE) Program. In order to promote the safety and wellness of the University, the CARE Program addresses behaviors that are disruptive or concerning and may include mental health and/or safety issues. 

MSU CARE Program

The MSU CARE Program is comprised of two teams, the Behavior Intervention Team (BIT) and CARE Team. The BIT Focuses on working with students who present as higher risk to themselves or the community. The CARE team works with students who need intervention but do not present as being a risk to harm self or others. 

BIT

BIT is a multi-disciplinary team composed of members from the Office of the Dean of Students, University Police Department, Counseling and Psychological Services, University Health Partners, University Student Housing, Campus Civil Rights, Human Resources, Faculty, and the Office of Disability Services. This team maintains responsibly for discussing, assessing and responding to reports of individuals who are demonstrating disruptive or concerning behaviors that can or have become dangerous. The BIT is designed to be a centralized entity that is proactive in providing swift, coordinated, caring, and developmental intervention to members of the campus community prior to crisis.

CARE

The CARE team is also a multidisciplinary team composed of members from the Office of the Dean of Students, Counseling and Psychological Services, University Advising Services, the Office of Disability Services, Athletics, University Police Department, Student Success, and University Student Housing.  This team maintains responsibility for discussing, assessing and responding to reports of individuals who are struggling in a serious way that never reaches a level that there is a concern for danger to self or others.  Examples of a CARE case would be a student who lost a family member, or a student who stopped taking their psychotropic medications and was having adverse reactions.  The CARE team is designed to be a centralized entity that is proactive in providing swift, coordinated, caring, and developmental intervention to members of the campus community as they are experiencing personal or emotional hardship.

What if I am concerned about someone?

A person of concern is any individual who demonstrates disruptive or problematic behavior, expresses personal difficulties, exhibits mental or emotional instability, or otherwise causes another member of the campus community to feel apprehension for their safety or for the safety of the person of concern.

To report a concern, visit: https://www.montana.edu/deanofstudents/our-programs/care/ or submit a 
CARE report using the SafeCats app. Additional questions and concerns can be directed to the Office 
of the Dean of Students. 

Guidelines for Intervention

Members of the campus community can have a profound effect on students when they openly acknowledge that they are aware of student distress, are sincerely concerned about student welfare, and are willing to help students explore options. Whenever possible, it is encouraged for campus community members to speak directly and honestly to students if they sense academic or personal distress. 

1. Request to see the student in private. This should help minimize embarrassment and defensiveness. Show respect for the student.
2. Briefly share observations and perceptions of the student’s situation. Express concerns directly and honestly.
3. Listen carefully. Try to see the issues from the student’s point of view without agreeing or disagreeing.
4. Attempt to identify the problem. Is the student connected with any ongoing resources? Explore options to deal with the concern.
5. Acknowledge inappropriate or strange behavior. Comment on personal observations without sounding judgmental.
6. Flexibility in administering established policies may allow an alienated student to respond more effectively to the concerns.

Involvement in intervention is appropriate based on the level of comfort with the student individual are encouraged to refer the student to the appropriate resources throughout the process. Remember to work with the student and not for the student. Do not become more involved than time or skill permits. 

Online Mental Health Resources

MSU developed two online and print resources in 2024.

The first example is called MSU Assist found at www.montana.edu/assist and linked to from the footer of all montana.edu webpages as “Mental Health Assistance.” This webpage provides a quick reference for the MSU community to see, support and refer including quick links and phone numbers to on-campus and community resources. 

The second is a guide specifically developed for faculty: Navigating Student Mental Health. This guide contains more detailed information from MSU Assist specifically for faculty in the classroom and advising setting. Alongside the web version, www.montana.edu/assist/faculty/, This also has a version which is made for print. Faculty can download and print this on their own or request a copy from Counseling and Psychological Services. 

Other Campus Safety Programs

Student Conduct Program

The student conduct process at MSU is not intended to punish students; rather, it is a developmental process which exists to challenge those whose behavior is not in accordance with our policies and to foster a better understanding of the expectations that exist for members of our academic community. Most conduct cases at MSU are resolved through administrative meetings. These are one-on-one conversations between the student and a Conduct Officer.  

During an administrative meeting, the Conduct Officer will provide the student an opportunity to share their account of the incident, view incident reports and/or other written documentation, ask follow-up questions, and discuss potential outcomes (sanctions) if the student is found responsible for violating the Code of Student Conduct (Code). The primary focus of these meetings is to determine what happened and if a violation took place, assist the student in understanding the impact of their behavior, and provide a space for the student to begin reflecting on how to learn from the incident.  

If it is determined that a violation of the Code occurred, and that the student is responsible, most administrative meetings conclude with an administrative agreement in which the student agrees to take responsibility for their involvement in the incident and to complete a sanction or set of sanctions that will help them learn from the incident. 

Student Conduct Hearings

The conduct process also includes a more formal route for resolving conduct cases called a conduct hearing. A conduct hearing is utilized if an administrative agreement cannot be reached, if the severity of the incident or the student’s conduct history warrants a more in-depth adjudication process, or if the student chooses to participate in a hearing instead of first meeting with a Conduct Officer. The procedures and guidelines for conduct hearings are detailed in the Code. 

Student Conduct Sanctions

Sanctions are intended to improve the students’ moral and ethical decision-making and to help them learn more about what is expected as members of the MSU community. In determining a sanction, the Conduct Officer will rely on the Common Sanctioning Guidelines but may also consider the student’s present and past disciplinary record, including residence hall disciplinary record, the nature of the offense, the severity of any damage, injury, or harm resulting from the violation, and other factors relevant to the case.  

Additionally, more than one sanction may be assigned upon the completion of a hearing or proposed by a conduct officer. In cases where students fail to demonstrate an understanding of established conduct standards or pose a threat to the continuing safety of the academic community, the conduct officer may determine that the student should no longer share in the privilege of being a student member of MSU’s academic community. 

Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) Notification to Victims of Crimes of Violence

MSU will disclose upon written request the results of any disciplinary proceeding, conducted by the institution, to the alleged victim of a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense against a student who is the alleged perpetrator of such crime or offense. If the alleged victim is deceased as a result of such crime or offense, the next of kin of such victim shall be treated as the alleged victim for purposes of this disclosure. 

Disclosure of the results of a proceeding to the charging student and the charged student in compliance with these provisions does not constitute a violation of section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232g), commonly known as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). 

University Student Housing

University Student Housing distributes educational information to every resident about Safety and Security in the halls and on campus, including information about vandalism and reporting suspicious persons and activities. Additionally, information about missing persons reporting, the silent witness program, support resources, and residence hall access is included. 

Every semester, University Student Housing hosts community meetings that address community safety, student responsibilities, and on-campus resources.  

Additionally, each semester, University Student Housing provides educational programming for residents that focuses on safety and security in the buildings. In the fall semester, each building completes a program that addresses the importance of locking doors in the hall by going to every door in each hall and giving out educational materials. In the spring semester, each building designs a safety program that meets the specific needs of that building. Examples of those programs include cyber security, reporting suspicious persons, and leaving items unattended in common areas. 

Fraternity and Sorority Life

Each Fraternity and Sorority chapter at MSU is required by the Dean of Students to host a sexual assault prevention training with CCR each fall. A variety of other health and safety trainings are held during the academic year. Topics include but are not limited to: sexual health and awareness, bystander intervention, men and women’s health, safety on campus, QPR (suicide prevention) training, mental health and wellness, and alcohol awareness. All MSU fraternities that host events with alcohol must attend an alcohol awareness and risk management training at the start of every fall semester. 

Additional Safety Programs

The Office of the Dean of Students offers an annual Faculty Excellence Workshop on dealing with disruptive and at-risk students. In addition, trainings regarding how to deal with suicidal or disruptive students are conducted (or offered) for department heads and academic advisors in all colleges and academic departments during each academic year. Associate Deans receive regular updates regarding safety and welfare trends and policies each semester. 

Additional Campus Safety Policies

Missing Student Policy

MSU has established a Missing Student Policy concerning the procedures for reporting and responding to reports of missing students. After 24 hours, when students are unaccounted for, they are presumed missing and the missing student procedures are invoked.  This policy can be accessed: https://www.montana.edu/policy/missing_student/index.html  

In accordance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act, MSU has a procedure that is followed when residential students are determined to be missing for 24 hours.  Students residing in campus housing will be informed annually that each student has the option to identify a person designated as a confidential missing person contact to be notified by MSU no later than 24 hours after the time the student is determined to be missing by the designated University officials authorized to make that determination (specifically, the University Police Department) or the local law enforcement agency in which the student went missing. When students are informed of their option to provide a confidential contact, they are advised that their contact information will be registered confidentially, and that this information will be accessible only to authorized campus officials and law enforcement and that it may not be disclosed outside of a missing person investigation.   

Reports of missing students should be referred immediately to the University Police Department. If members of the MSU community believe that a student has been missing for 24 hours, it is critical that they report that information to UPD by calling (406) 994-2121. When a student is reported missing by any source, the University will determine whether the report is valid and, if so, will institute action to find the student. It will also notify other appropriate law enforcement agencies and specified University officials. 

If the student has designated a missing person contact as recommended by this policy, or as offered by University Student Housing, MSU will notify that contact person within 24 hours, if the student is determined to have been missing for 24 hours. If the missing student is under 18 years old and is not emancipated, MSU will notify the custodial parent or guardian and any other designated contact person within 24 hours.  

For all missing students, MSU will notify the local law enforcement agency within 24 hours of the determination that the student is missing, unless the local law enforcement agency was the entity that made the determination that the student is missing. 

Missing Student Procedures

If the student is under the age of 18 and is not an emancipated individual, UPD will notify the student’s parent of guardian and any other designated contact person within 24 hours.  

Regardless of whether the student has identified a contact person, if above the age of 18, or is an emancipated minor, the University will inform the local law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction in the area that the student is missing within 24 hours. 

Parental Notification 

Montana is one of two states in the country where State privacy law is more restrictive than Federal privacy law. Montana Code Annotated 20-25-515 - Release of student records prevent any State agency from releasing student records. When the Family Education Rights to Privacy Act (FERPA) was amended in 1998 to include parental notification provisions, the Montana University System determined that the above state law would prohibit such notification without the consent of the student. 

University Weapons Policy and Storage Policy

The Montana State University has a weapons policy outlining various definitions, storage facilities, and corresponding procedures for safely handling and transporting firearms and other weapons while on campus. Based on this policy, no person, student or University employee, may carry or possess a weapon, regardless of whether the person has a permit to carry a concealed weapon, on University premises except as authorized by the University weapons policy.  This policy can be accessed by visiting: https://www.montana.edu/policy/firearms_policy/    

For purposes of this policy, 

"Weapon" means an instrument, article, or substance that is designed, used, or likely to be used to cause bodily harm or property damage.  Weapons include the following items: firearms, including rifles, shotguns, handguns; bowie, dirks, and knives (other than kitchen knives) with blades four (4) inches or longer; explosives, swords, nun chucks, throwing stars and other martial arts weapons, crossbows, compound bows, recurve bows, longbows, pepper spray (except for small, personal protection dispensers), BB guns, paintball guns, ammunition and non-functioning replicas that could be confused with actual firearms.  

"University Premises" means the facilities and land owned, leased by, or under the primary control of Montana State University-Bozeman and passenger vehicles owned, leased, or otherwise under the University's control. 

Students residing in the University residence halls or visiting campus must store all weapons at the University’s weapons storage facility adjacent to the University Police Department. All weapons must be unloaded and stored in a hard-sided gun case. Firearm ammunition, bear spray, knives, and other weapons are to be stored in a hard-sided container. The storage of any weapon in a parked vehicle on campus is strictly prohibited. Concealed carry weapon permits are not recognized on campus as outlined in the Montana Supreme Court ruling of House Bill 102 (https://leg.mt.gov/bills/2021/billpdf/HB0102.pdf).  

Peace officers working in the course and scope of their employment as law enforcement officers and employees of a contracted private security company registered to carry firearms pursuant to Title 37, Chapter 60, MCA, are authorized to carry loaded firearms on campus. H.R.218 - Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004, Amends the Federal criminal code to authorize a qualified law enforcement officer or retiree carrying photographic governmental agency identification to carry a concealed firearm, notwithstanding any State or local law.  

Students and employees who violate the provisions of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment. UPD shall be responsible for appropriate enforcement of the policy for visitors and others on campus, which may include removal from the campus, restriction of access to campus under section 1200.00 of the MSU Facilities Use Manual, criminal and/or civil proceedings. 

Security and Access in Campus Facilities

MSU has established policies and practices designed to provide security and access to its facilities, whether in classrooms, offices, residences or other campus locations.

Security and Access in Academic and Administrative (Non-Residence) Campus Buildings

Facilities Services department and a Cat-Card electronic access control system managed by Auxiliary Services provides access for authorized students, staff and faculty to academic buildings during closed hours. Key access is provided with appropriate written supervisory approvals. Campus buildings (non-residence) are normally open from 6:00 AM until 6:00 PM (closing times may vary) to students, staff, faculty and visitors of the university, Monday through Friday or for scheduled weekend classes and special events but are generally locked at all other times. 

In addition, the university has adopted the following additional security practices:  

Rules that mandate all locked exterior building doors are not to be propped open. 
The right to prohibit, limit or otherwise restrict access to or use of its buildings, facilities or other 
property as may be necessary to provide for the orderly conduct of the University’s educational, 
research and service programs and the safety and security of the campus property, students, 
employees, guests and other visitors. 

Substantial outdoor lighting installations help deter criminal behavior and enhance security;
lighting is routinely patrolled to identify outages and periodically assessed to assure effectiveness.
UPD officers patrol the campus 24 hours a day, including residential facilities.
UPD conducts routine patrols of campus buildings to evaluate and monitor security related matters.
A policy requiring background checks for new employees; potential employees with criminal backgrounds may be denied employment to protect the campus community.

Security and access in Residence Halls

Residence halls are subject to substantial security policies and measures, including restricted access, monitored desk operations, guest registration and evening escort requirements, and other measures which are detailed in the University Student Housing Community Standards under "Building Access & Safety". A paper copy of the Community Standards can be made available by contacting the University Student Housing Office. which are detailed in the University Student Housing Community Standards under “Building Access & Safety.” A paper copy of the policy is also available from the University Student Housing Office. 

Security in Building Maintenance

MSU’s master key system also controls security for maintenance staff. All Facilities Services and Auxiliary employees authorized to carry master keys are required to store these keys in a secure/alarmed cabinet during all non-working hours. Some buildings are part of a security system that requires the use of a staff-assigned Cat Card to gain entrance into the building.

Maintenance of Campus Facilities

Facilities and landscaping are maintained in a manner that minimizes hazardous conditions. UPD regularly patrols campus and reports malfunctioning lights and other unsafe physical conditions to Facilities Services for correction. Other members of the University community are helpful when they report equipment problems to UPD and/or Facilities Services. 

Facilities Services provides a voluntary call-out program to provide maintenance services during after-hours, weekend, and holiday periods. For security considerations, if an employee is called in to assist with after-hours maintenance issues, the employee checks out master keys at the University Police Station where their name, date and time of key checkout and check in are recorded or uses personally identifiable Cat Card with the supervisor’s permission. 

Alcohol and Other Drugs

University Policies on Alcohol and Other Drugs

MSU students and employees are bound by the MSU Campus Alcohol and Drug Policy. This policy prohibits unlawful possession, consumption, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on campus property. Students and employees found in violation are subject to discipline under the Student Code of Conduct or the Workplace Expectations and Conduct: Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Free Workplace policy. In addition to disciplinary sanctions by the university, students and employees who violate this policy may also be subject to federal, state, and local laws that may result in imprisonment, fines, and loss of federal benefits for conviction of alcohol and drug-related offenses 

Drug Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA)

In compliance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, Montana State University publishes information regarding the University’s prevention programs related to drug and alcohol abuse prevention which include standards of conduct that prohibit the unlawful possession, use, and distribution of alcohol and illegal drugs on campus and at institution-associated activities; sanctions for violations of federal, state, and local laws and University policy; a description of health risks associated with alcohol and other drug use and abuse; and a description of available counseling, treatment, rehabilitation and/or re-entry programs for MSU students and employees. A complete description of these topics, as provided in the University’s annual notification to students and employees, is available online at: https://www.montana.edu/legalcounsel/compliance/dfsca/.

Policies and Programs Addressing Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking

Introduction

Montana State University prohibits the crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking (as defined by the Clery Act and Title IX regulations) and reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a campus environment that emphasizes the dignity and worth of all members of the university community. 

Under the University Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination and Harassment Policy the definition of Sexual Harassment includes sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. 

MSU recognizes that these issues can impact anyone regardless of sex, gender, gender identity, 
gender expression, or sexual orientation. Campus services are available to anyone who experiences 
these crimes. 

Throughout this section, the term “victim” will refer to anyone who experiences a Clery-covered crime. MSU recognizes that individuals may use various terms to describe themselves and their experiences. 

Definitions of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking

MSU prohibits the crimes of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Under the Clery Act and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), these crimes are defined as follows: 

Domestic Violence is:

A felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed by: 

1. A current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim,
2. By a person with whom the victim shares a child in common,
3. By a person who is cohabitating with, or has cohabitated with, the victim as a spouse or intimate partner,
4. by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred OR
5. by any person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred.  

Dating Violence:

Violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim.  

1. The existence of such a relationship shall be based on the reporting party’s statement and with consideration of the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of the interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.  
2. For the purposes of this definition – 

1. 1. Dating violence includes, but is not limited to, sexual or physical abuse or the threat of such abuse. 
   2. Dating violence does not include acts covered under the definition of domestic violence.  

Sexual Assault is:

Any sexual act directed against another person without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent.  

Stalking is:

1. Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to- 
   1. Fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others; or
   2. Suffer substantial emotional distress
2. For the purpose of this definition-
   1. A course of conduct means two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts which the stalker directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means – follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about, a person, or interferes with a person’s property.  

MSU and the Montana criminal law definitions vary slightly from the Clery Act definitions.  The following are the definitions from MSU policy. 

Sexual Assault is:

1. Non-consensual touching, or coercing or forcing another to touch a person’s intimate body parts (defined as genital area, groin, inner thigh, or breast);
2. Penetration, no matter how slight, of a person’s vagina or anus, by any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person without consent; or
3. Sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other to the degree they cannot marry under state law.

Dating Violence is:

1. Violence,
2. Committed by a person,
3. Who is in or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the Complainant.
1. The existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on the Complainant’s statement and with consideration of the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. For the purposes of this definition—
2. Dating violence includes, but is not limited to, sexual or physical abuse or the threat of such abuse.
3. Dating violence does not include acts covered under the definition of domestic violence.

Domestic Violence is:

1. Violence,
2. Committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the Complainant, or
3. By a person with whom the Complainant shares a child in common, or
4. By a person who is cohabitating with, or has cohabitated with, the Complainant as a spouse or intimate partner, or
5. By a person similarly situated to a spouse of the Complainant under the domestic or family violence laws of Montana, or
6. By any other person against an adult or youth Complainant who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of Montana.

To categorize an incident as Domestic Violence, the relationship between the Respondent and the Complainant must be more than just two people living together as roommates. The people cohabitating must be current or former spouses or have an intimate relationship. 

Stalking is:

1. Engaging in a course of conduct,
2. Directed at a specific person that
1. Would cause a reasonable person to fear for the person’s safety, or
2. The safety of others; or
3. Suffer substantial emotional distress.
3. For the purposes of this definition—
1. Course of conduct means two or more acts, including, but not limited to,
2. Acts in which the Respondent directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about a person, or interferes with a person’s property.
3. Reasonable person means a reasonable person under similar circumstances
4. And with similar identities to the Complainant.
5. Substantial emotional distress means significant mental suffering or
6. Anguish that may but does not necessarily require medical or other professional treatment or counseling.

Definition of consent

Montana State University defines “consent” to decide if the University’s Policy prohibiting sexual assault has been violated.  Consent is defined by University Policy as follows:   

Consent is informed, freely given, and mutual. If coercion, intimidation, threats, or physical force are used, there is no consent.  If a person is mentally or physically incapacitated, under the statutory age of consent, or impaired so that such person cannot understand the fact, nature, or extent of the sexual situation, there is no consent; this includes impairment or incapacitation due to alcohol or drug consumption or being asleep or unconscious. There is no consent when there is force, expressed or implied, or use of duress or deception upon the victim.  Silence does not necessarily constitute consent.  Past consent to sexual activities does not imply ongoing future consent.  Whether an individual has taken advantage of a position of influence over an alleged victim may be a factor in determining consent. 

Montana defines “consent” as words or overt actions indicating a freely given agreement to have sexual intercourse or sexual contact.  

Prohibited Retaliation

Retaliation is prohibited by MSU policy and federal law. Any retaliation against any person for making a report or complaint, responding to a report or complaint, testifying, assisting, participating, or refusing to participate in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing falls under this Policy and the applicable procedure. Retaliation is subject to the process and sanctions as defined in the Equal Opportunity, Non- Discrimination and Harassment Policy.

Reporting Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking

MSU takes seriously reports of sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, and domestic violence. The Campus Civil Rights (CCR) or The University Police Department (UPD) are the preferred receivers of these reports. If domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking are reported to the University, CCR or UPD will provide written notifications to students and employees explaining a victim’s rights and options, including: 

• Procedures to follow (how to preserve evidence, where to report) 

• Information about confidentiality 

• Counseling and victim advocacy and mental health resources, both on and off-campus 

• Contact and information for local and university law enforcement 

• Information on how to request supportive and protective measures 

• Supportive and protective measures are available, including academic adjustments such as extensions of deadlines, living adjustments, protective orders and modifications of work or class schedules, campus escort services, changes to housing, leaves of absence, safety planning, and other similar measures. 

• Information regarding legal assistance, Visa and Immigration Assistance, and Student Financial Aid 

• Process for institutional disciplinary procedures 

Victims have the right to:

• Pursue action through both MSU’s Equal Opportunity, Nondiscrimination and Harassment
• Policy and the criminal process
• Pursue action only through MSU’s process
• Pursue action only through the criminal process
• Report to the police and decline to pursue further action by law enforcement
• Seek support and protective measures regardless of whether they choose to report to law 
  enforcement or file a formal complaint
• Seek confidential support on campus through Counseling and Psychological Services or off-campus confidential resources listed below
• Report to Campus Civil Rights and decline to pursue further action 
• Report anonymously 
• Do none of the above (victims are still encouraged to seek support) 

Reporting on Campus

Required Reporting by MSU Employees

To enable MSU to prevent and respond effectively to instances of sex discrimination and sexual harassment, including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, all University employees must promptly (generally within 24 hours) report information they have about Discrimination based on sex and sexual harassment, as defined by this Policy, involving students to the Title IX Coordinator.   

Confidential employees, professionals permitted to maintain legal or statutory confidentiality, are not required to report but may be required to provide de-identified statistics annually. Victims who are also required reporters are not required to report to MSU about their experiences. 

Once a report is received, the victim will be provided with information about their rights, options, and resources. 

Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to report to the offices described below if they experience one of these issues or know of someone who is a victim. 

1. Reports to MSU’s Title IX Coordinator and Campus Civil Rights

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal civil rights law prohibiting discrimination in educational programs based on actual or perceived sex, gender, and sexual orientation. Campus Civil Rights is the University office responsible for coordinating the University's compliance with Title IX and other federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination based on a protected class. Campus Civil Rights responds to sex discrimination and sexual harassment complaints, including Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking. Anyone can report potential discrimination or violence concerns to the Title IX Coordinator. These reports are not confidential but are private student records protected under federal privacy law (FERPA). Reporting to the Title IX Coordinator does not mean a person is obligated to pursue formal action or speak with law enforcement. Those who report to the Title IX Coordinator will be made aware of their rights, options, and resources and will receive supportive and protective measures as reasonable and necessary to help the person be safe and continue to be successful at MSU. 

Reports can be made by phone, e-mail, online, or in person. 

Kyleen Breslin 
Director of Campus Civil Rights 
Title IX Coordinator
2ndFloor of Swingle Building
406-994-1568
civilrights@montana.edu
www.montana.edu/civilrights 

2. Reports to Law Enforcement

MSU encourages accurate and prompt reporting of all crimes to the University Police Department (UPD) and local law enforcement when the victim elects, when there is an obligation under state law, or when there is an emergency. Although MSU strongly encourages all members of its community to report domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking to law enforcement, it is the victim’s choice whether to make such a report, and victims have the right to decline involvement with the police.  

Certain offenses, such as sexual intercourse without consent, sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, and stalking are crimes under Montana law. UPD officials are available 24 hours a day to help respond to reports of these crimes. MSU encourages reporting to the police as soon as possible, but a report can be made later if a victim chooses not to report immediately. At UPD, a victim can meet with a detective or officer to learn more about their options, the process, the people involved and make an informed decision on pursuing criminal charges. If requested, University officials, such as Campus Civil Rights staff, or the Title IX coordinator are available to assist victims in reporting to UPD or other law enforcement agencies. 

In addition to reporting to the University, anyone can make a report to law enforcement at the following non-emergency numbers:  

• University Police: 406-994-2121  

• Bozeman Police Department: 406-582-2000  

• Gallatin County Sheriff’s Department: 406-582-2100 

To make a report, an individual may call or schedule an interview regarding their experience. For more information about reporting to UPD, please see www.montana.edu/police. 

In an emergency, please dial 9-1-1.   

3. Anonymous Reporting

Victims and bystanders can make reports anonymously. MSU employees designated as mandatory reporters have a duty to report and cannot make anonymous reports. 

MSU’s ability to investigate an anonymous report may be limited unless sufficient information is furnished to enable MSU to conduct a meaningful and fair investigation. An anonymous reporter’s identity may be discovered during an investigation. 

Reports can be made anonymously to CCR by calling 406-994-1568, to UPD via the Silent Witness Program: switness@montana.edu, or by filling out a MUS System Anonymous report at https://secure.ethicspoint.com/domain/media/en/gui/74116/index.html.   

Confidential and Non-Confidential Resources

There is a distinction between making a report to the University or law enforcement and seeking assistance through the Confidential Resources described below. Not every campus or community resource is confidential. Reports made to the Confidential Resources described below will not be shared with law enforcement or other campus partners without the victim’s express permission or as required by law.

A.  Confidential Resources

Confidential Resources are those campus and community professionals who can maintain legally protected confidentiality within the University. Confidentiality means that information shared by an individual with a Confidential Resource cannot be revealed to anyone without the individual's express permission or as otherwise permitted or required by law.  

Confidential Resources are prohibited from disclosing personal information unless (1) permitted by the person who disclosed the information; (2) there is an imminent threat of harm to self or others; (3) the conduct involves suspected abuse of a minor under the age of 18; or (4) as otherwise required or permitted by law or court order. 

Confidential resources on campus and in the community provide free, confidential support to victims of dating or domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. 

On-Campus Confidential Resources

Counseling and Psychological Services

MSU Counseling and Psychological Services offers free, confidential counseling to eligible students and is open to faculty and staff for crisis intervention and risk assessment in emergencies. Talking with a counselor can be important in learning about available options and helping the recovery process.

Counseling and Psychological Services
Student Wellness Center
950 W. Grant
(406) 994-4531
www.montana.edu/counseling

Student Health Services

Regardless of the length of time since an assault, healthcare providers recommend a clinical visit to assess sexually transmitted infections (including HIV), pregnancy risk, and physical injuries.

Confidential STI testing and clinical visits services are available to eligible MSU students. There is no charge for a clinical visit. Ancillary charges for lab tests, x-rays, or prescriptions are kept at low-cost. Emergency contraception is available free of charge. Student Health Services does not perform medical forensic exams but will coordinate a warm handoff to Bozeman Health Forensic Nursing Program when needed.

Student Health Services
Student Wellness Center
950 W. Grant
(406) 994-2311
https://www.montana.edu/wellness/student-health-services

ASMSU Legal Services

The Associated Students of Montana State University (ASMSU) in Bozeman, Montana, have partnered with Dale & Van Horn Law PLLC (https://www.dalevanhornlaw.com/), to offer students affordable legal services. An attorney can help you resolve your legal problem with a free or low cost fee for the fall semester of 2025, saving you time, energy, and money. ASMSU Legal Services can provide legal advice on various issues or concerns. Most cases are alcohol and drug-related criminal charges, landlord-tenant, business, and non-profit, family law, and immigration issues, but this is not a comprehensive list of all their legal services. You are welcome to make an appointment if you have a legal problem that is not listed. 

ASMSU Legal Services
221 Strand Union Building
(406) 994-2933
https://asmsulegalservices.org/

Off-Campus Resources

Other resources available to persons who report being the victim of sexual assault, domestic violence,
dating violence, or stalking include:

• https://www.rainn.org – Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network
• https://www.justice.gov/ovw/sexual-assault - Department of Justice
• https://www.ed.gov/about/ed-offices/ocr Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights

Help Center and Sexual Assault Counseling Center

The Help Center is the confidential community crisis line for sexual assault victims and those struggling with suicide and mental health concerns. The Help Center also provides counseling and advocacy services.

Help Center and Sexual Assault Counseling Center
421 E. Peach St., Bozeman
(406) 586-3333
https://www.helpcenterinc.org/ 

Bozeman Health Hospital Emergency Room

Bozeman Health Hospital Emergency Room is the only hospital in Bozeman where anyone can obtain a medical forensic exam. Victims may request an exam and forensic evidence collection at no cost and without having to file a police report. The costs of the evidence collection will be covered as part of Montana’s Forensic Rape Examination Payment Program.

Bozeman Health Hospital Emergency Room
915 Highland Boulevard, Bozeman
(406) 414-5000
www.bozemanhealth.org/services/emergency-services/

Bridgercare

Bridgercare is a non-profit reproductive healthcare facility in Bozeman. The professional staff provides affordable reproductive and sexual healthcare and education in a safe, supportive, and empowering atmosphere.

Bridgercare
1288 N 14^th Ave #201, Bozeman
(406) 587-0681
www.bridgercare.org

HAVEN

HAVEN is Bozeman’s domestic violence shelter and provides 24-hour crisis support and advocacy for all domestic violence survivors. In addition to emergency shelter and crisis support, HAVEN provides support groups, individual counseling, and legal advocacy. A HAVEN Legal Advocate is housed at the Law and Justice Center in Bozeman and can help victims obtain protective orders, including court accompaniment.

HAVEN
132 Pond Row, Bozeman
24/7 Helpline: (406) 586-4111
http://havenmt.org

Legal Assistance in the Community

• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) (406) 443-8590
• Citizens' Advocate Hotline (800) 332-2272 https://montana.servicenowservices.com/gov?id=sc_
  cat_item&sys_id=553540f11bca5d100b73a8efe54bcb7f  
• Gallatin County Self Help Law Center (406) 582-2158
• Help Center (suicide hotline) 2-1-1 (406) 586-3333
• Human Rights Bureau (800) 542-0807
• Lawyers Referral Services (MT State Bar Assn.) (406) 449-6577
• Montana Legal Services-low income (civil; no criminal) (800) 666-6899
• State Auditor/Insurance Commissioner (Auto insurance questions) (800) 332-6148
  https://csimt.gov/your-insurance/auto/ 
• Victims Assistance/Legal Advocacy (406) 582-2038
• If you have a misdemeanor, you can ask the judge for a public defender if you face jail time and are indigent (have no money). (406) 582-2450 (Office of Public Defender)
• Other helpful websites: 
• www.montanalawhelp.org
• courts.mt.gov (Montana civil legal forms & areas of MT law)

Visa and Immigration Assistance

If you need assistance in the application process for a Visa, contact the Department of Justice Clearninghouse or an attorney.
www.justice.gov/eoir/recognition-accreditation-roster-reports

B. Non-Confidential Resources

Campus Civil Rights

Campus Civil Rights office and the Title IX Coordinator are not confidential resources. Nevertheless, Campus Civil Rights and the Title IX Coordinator will make every effort to respect and safeguard the privacy of the individuals involved in reporting or otherwise participating in Discrimination Grievance Procedures.  Privacy means that reports will only be shared with limited individuals who need to know for assessment, implementation of Supportive and Protective measures, and investigation and resolution of a formal complaint, and to the extent required by law or court order. 

Students can meet with an Advocate from Campus Civil Rights to receive support, resources, and referral information to Crisis and other campus resources. They can also talk with an Advocate about their options for supportive and protective measures, as well as options for resolution through the Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination and Harassment Policy.  

Campus Civil Rights
2^nd Floor of Swingle Building
406-994-1568
CivilRights@montana.edu

Amnesty Policy

The University strongly encourages reporting discrimination and harassment. Therefore, students who provide information about discrimination, harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking involving students will not be disciplined by the University for any violation of the University’s drug or alcohol possession or consumption policies in which they might have engaged in connection with the reported incident. 

What to do if You are a Victim of Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault or Stalking

There is no right or wrong way to respond if you are a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. What happened is not your fault. The following are options you can consider. 

If you are a friend supporting a victim, support their decisions and try not to tell them what to do. Find ways to help them make decisions for themselves. 

Seek Medical Attention

After an incident of sexual assault, dating, or domestic violence, you should consider seeking medical attention as soon as possible to treat any injury, get screened for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, or seek the medical collection of evidence. 

Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital offers physical evidence recovery kit collection and access to forensic nurse examiners and sexual assault nurse practitioners. 

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are forensic nurses who may be available to conduct a forensic examination. There is no cost to have a Sexual Assault Forensic Examination completed, and completing the examination does not require filing a police report or taking criminal action. 

In the State of Montana, evidence may be collected and held for a year, even if you choose not to make a report to law enforcement. University Health Partners are available for a wellness check but cannot do forensic exams. 

Preserve Evidence

Evidence may assist in proving a criminal offense occurred, demonstrating that a campus policy was violated, or obtaining an Order of Protection. Evidence can include pictures of injuries, social media posts, text messages, emails, or other related evidence items.   

In cases of sexual assault, medical forensic evidence may be collected within 120 hours of the assault by a specially trained SANE nurse.You may request an exam and forensic evidence collection at no cost and without having to file a police report. In Montana, evidence may be collected and held for a year even if you choose not to make a report to law enforcement.  

Things to keep in mind before an examination by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner: 

• If possible, it is best not to use the bathroom, shower, change clothing, brush hair, smoke, brush teeth, or clean up the area where the assault occurred; this can help to preserve the perpetrator’s DNA.  

• If you change clothes, put all clothing worn during the assault in a paper bag (no plastic bags).  

No Contact Orders and Supportive and Protective Measures

An Order of Protection is a civil court order designed to stop violent and harassing behavior by limiting the conduct and contact with the abuser. The University cannot apply to the Court system for an Order of Protection. Individuals seeking an Order of Protection must apply directly for these services themselves. 

The law governing Orders of Protection in Montana is Chapter 40, Part 21. MCA § 40-15-201 sets forth the procedure for requesting a Temporary Order of Protection. Within 20 days of a Temporary Order of Protection issuance, a hearing must be held to determine if there is reasonable cause for the order to be continued, amended, or made permanent. SeeMCA § 40-15-202. The victim is required to apply directly for these services through the City Court, Justice Court, or District Court. Assistance applying for an Order of Protection may be sought from HAVEN Legal Advocacy Office.  Victim Services and the Self-Help Law Center in the Gallatin County Law and Justice Center may also be available to assist. 

The University may issue a mutual no-contact order, if deemed appropriate or at the request of an involved party. If the University receives a report that such a mutual no-contact order has been violated, the University will initiate appropriate disciplinary proceedings and impose sanctions if responsibility is found for the violation of the order. To obtain a no-contact order related to an incident of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking, please reach out to Campus Civil Rights.  

Range of Supportive and Protective Measures Available for Victims

Supportive and protective measures are available to the individual who experienced the behavior regardless of whether they report the crime to a law enforcement agency or wish to file a formal complaint.  

University offices will work cooperatively to assist the victim in implementing reasonable supportive and protective measures at the victim’s request and to the extent of the victim’s cooperation and consent.  

Supportive and protective measures may include counseling, extensions of deadlines or other course-related adjustments, modifications of work or class schedules, campus escort services, changes in work or housing locations, leaves of absence, increased security and monitoring of certain areas of campus, safety planning, referrals to on and off-campus services, trainings, mutual restrictions on contact, and other similar measures. 

Examples of a course-related adjustment may include transferring to a different section of a class, withdraw, or the option to take a class at another time depending on availability. Potential changes to living situations may include moving to a different room or residence hall. Possible changes to work situations may consist of changing working hours. Possible changes in transportation may include having the student or employee park in a different location, assisting the student or employee with a safety escort, etc.  

To request and receive supportive and protective measures, a victim should contact Campus Civil Rights (CCR) at 406-994-1568, CivilRights@montana.edu; you may also make requests in person on the second floor of the Swingle building. You may request assistance by making a brief statement about what you have experienced and requesting the changes that you believe would be helpful to remain safe and successful in your campus environment. Upon receipt, CCR will determine if the request is reasonable and work to implement the interim measures.  

University Response to Reports of Dating Violence, Domestic Violence and Stalking

Reported allegations of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking will first be considered for processing through the University’s Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination and Harassment Policy and appropriate procedures. This Policy and related procedures guide the University’s response to dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking incidents. MSU has designated the Campus Civil Rights (CCR) to oversee the University’s compliance with state and federal civil rights laws, including laws covering dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. 

Cases of Alleged dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking that fall outside of the jurisdiction of the Title IX procedures will be referred to either the Student Conduct process, or to Human Resources for adjudication. The Title IX coordinator will make such referrals to the appropriate process and will appoint someone from CCR to assist the case through the designated process if necessary.  

In addressing all complaints, the University will take all reasonable permissible actions to ensure the safety of students and employees while complying with free speech requirements for students and employees. 

In determining the severity of sanctions or corrective actions, factors such as the frequency and severity of the offense and any history of past discriminatory, harassing, or retaliatory conduct are relevant. A finding of discrimination, harassment that creates a hostile environment or results in tangible employment or educational action, or sexual violence may be cause for disciplinary action up to and including the discharge of employees and the expulsion of students, in accordance with applicable University policies and procedures and collective bargaining agreements.  

If a student or employee make a report of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to the university, the university will do the following: 

• Provide a written explanation of Rights and options. Including what the student can do if they have been sexually harassed, Options for reporting, resources both on and off campus, and steps that can be taken in preserving evidence.  

• The institution will assess immediate safety needs for the complainant. 

• The institution will provide information on how the student can apply for a Protective Order 

• If requested, the institution will assist the complainant in contacting the local police department to make a criminal report.  

• Implement supportive and protective measures, if reasonable, appropriate and at the request of the complainant.  

• If deemed appropriate, the institution will invoke the Restricting Access to University Property policy. 

Adjudication of Violations

The University’s Grievance Procedures provide for a prompt, fair, and impartial investigation and resolution process of alleged violations of the university policy prohibiting domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.  Furthermore, it is the practice to provide: 

1. The Complainant and the Respondent will have timely notice for meetings at which the Complainant, Respondent, or both, may be present. 
2. The Complainant, the Respondent, and appropriate officials will have timely and equal access to any information used during investigations. 
3. The institutional disciplinary procedures will not be conducted by officials with a conflict of interest or bias for or against the Complainant or the Respondent. These officials receive annual training in VAWA and the Adjudication of VAWA Crimes.   
4. The Complainant and the Respondent each have the opportunity to be advised by an advisor of their choice at any stage of the process and to be accompanied by that advisor to any related meeting or proceeding. The University will not limit the choice of advisor for either the Complainant or the Respondent in any meeting or institutional proceeding. Please note, however, the role of the advisor is limited to providing advice to the individuals, cross-examination during a Title IX hearing, and may not speak freely on their behalf. 
5. The Complainant and the Respondent will be notified simultaneously, in writing, of any initial, interim, and final decision of any formal investigation; and 
6. Where an appeal is permitted under the applicable policy, the Complainant and the Respondent will be notified simultaneously in writing of the procedures for the Respondent and the Complainant to appeal the result of the institutional disciplinary proceeding. When an appeal is filed, the Complainant and the Respondent will be notified simultaneously in writing of any change to the result before it becomes final and of the final result once the appeal is resolved. 

Required Information on Procedures for Sexual Assault, Stalking, Dating Violence, or Domestic Violence

Victims may request that directory information on file with the University be withheld by request to either the Campus Civil Rights (406-994-1568 or CivilRights@montana.edu) or to the Registrar, Tony Campeau (406-994-1972 or registrar@montana.edu ). 

Regardless of whether a victim has opted out of allowing the University to share “directory information,” personally identifiable information about the victim and other necessary parties will be treated as private and only shared with persons who have a specific need-to-know, i.e., those who are investigating/adjudicating the report or those involved in providing support services to the victim, including accommodations and protective measures. By only sharing personally identifiable information with individuals on a need-to-know basis, the institution will maintain as private any accommodations or protective measures provided to the victim to the extent that maintaining such privacy would not impair the ability of the institution to provide the accommodations or protective measures.  

The University does not publish the name of crime victims or other identifiable information regarding victims in the Daily Crime Log or in the annual crime statistics that are disclosed in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. Furthermore, if a Timely Warning Notice is issued based on a report of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, the name of the victim and other personally identifiable information about the victim will be withheld.  

Types of Disciplinary Proceedings Utilized in Cases of Alleged Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking

Three policies exist for adjudicating reports of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking.  

1. MSU Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination and Harassment Policy 
2. MSU Student Code of Conduct 
3. MSU Human Resources Performance Management and Progressive Discipline Policy 

These procedures apply to employees (faculty/staff), students, and guests. 

1. How to File a Complaint

The individual who experienced the behavior may initiate a complaint by reporting to Campus Civil Rights.  The incident will first be reviewed under the MSU Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination and Harassment policy for jurisdiction.  If jurisdiction exists, this office will work with the Complainant to determine what course of action they would like to take under the appropriate policy. In most cases, the decision is up to the individual who experienced the behavior. The policies and procedures document may be accessed at: https://www.montana.edu/policy/onemsu/discrimination/NonDiscrimination_Harassment_2025-05-07.html 

2. How the University Determines Whether This Policy will be Used

Each report to Campus Civil Rights receives is reviewed for jurisdiction and an immediate health and safety risk for campus. If the Director of Campus Civil Rights determines that the Office does not have jurisdiction to pursue a Complaint under the Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination and Harassment Policy, the complaint will be referred to either the Dean of Students for adjudication under the Student Code of Conduct or Human Resources for adjudication under the appropriate HR Policy. Regardless of which policy is used in addressing VAWA cases the appropriate steps will be followed.  

3. Steps in the Disciplinary Process

In general, the procedural steps in addressing cases of Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking include the following:  

1. Upon receipt of a report of prohibited conduct, Campus Civil Rights will offer the person who experienced the behaviors supportive and protective measures and invite the person to meet with a staff member to discuss the options available to the person and the process for filing a complaint or violation. 
2. If the Complainant wishes to proceed with a complaint, staff will notify Respondent(s) of the allegations contained in the complaint or violation and the complainant will be provided with information about procedures and resources.  Once notified, the investigator will conduct an investigation.  Prior to the completion of the investigation, the parties will be provided with an opportunity to review the evidence collected.  Both parties are permitted to have an advisor of choice throughout the process. 
3. Upon completion of the investigation, a Hearing Officer or a Hearing Board will preside over a live hearing at which each party will present witnesses and engage in cross-examination as allowed under the policy and will be advised by an advisor of their choosing or, if they have no advisor, one will be appointed by the University. 
4. Following the conclusion of the Hearing, the Hearing Officer or Hearing Board will issue a written determination regarding responsibility using a preponderance of the evidence standard of proof.  If applicable, the determination will include the sanctions to be imposed on the Respondent.   
5. Each party has the right to appeal the determination of responsibility to the appropriate appellate officer.  

4. Anticipated Timelines

The University makes every effort to complete the investigative process promptly while adhering to the required time frames established in the policy and the parties' schedules. The process also allows for timeframe extensions if either party requests and has reasonable cause for the delay.  Other reasonable delays may include complex investigations involving multiple witnesses or other reasonable delays in availability. The University will do its best to complete an investigation and make a determination within 160 days of receiving the report. 

5. Decision-Making Process

Generally, upon receipt of a Formal Complaint, the decision-making process will follow the process described in section 4 above.   

6. Standard of Evidence

Preponderance of the Evidence.

7. Possible Sanctions

Student will be held accountable under the Student Code of Conduct.  Sanctions for students mater in VAWA cases are: Expulsion, Suspension for one, two, three, or four semesters, Educational sanctions, including alcohol or drug education, meeting with the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success, educational papers, reflection papers, sexual violence or anger management courses, or counseling, Conduct Probation/Suspension Warning for one, two, three, or four semesters or for tenure, University Conduct Warning Reprimand, Restitution, Student housing sanctions, including warnings, housing probation for one, two, three, or four semesters, or for tenure, restriction of privileges to any housing or dining facilities, removal from the floor, removal from housing, Community service hours, Loss of privileges for University items, including Recreation facilities and activities, parking, or Bobcat Athletic events, Trespass from specific University buildings or the entire campus, Transcript hold, delay or revoke the conferral of a degree, Permanent No Contact, Removal from specific courses or activities. 

Employee matters will be referred to Human Resources, Academic units or the Provost. Sanctions for Employee maters in VAWA cases include: Involuntary Termination, Termination of employment, restriction from employment, mandatory training, job transfer or reassignment, cancellation of leave, last chance agreement, Letter of Warning, Letter of Expectation, Leave with Pay, Leave Without Pay, Restitution, Disciplinary Remand, Trespass from all of campus, part of campus, and/or campus affiliated properties, and progressive disciplines as deemed appropriate.  

MSU’s Education and Outreach

Montana State University prohibits the crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, Sexual assault, and stalking (as defined by the Clery Act and Title IX regulations). The University provides a range of campaigns, strategies, and initiatives to promote awareness of rights and resources and reduce crimes of interpersonal violence including rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, dating violence, and domestic violence.  

Educational programs are offered to raise awareness for all incoming students and new employees. Students participate in educational programming prior to being a new student at MSU and throughout an incoming student’s first semester. Employees complete New Employee Orientation during their first month at MSU which contains an introduction to Campus Civil Rights and are required to complete an online Title IX and Mandatory Reporting Training. 

The University engages in comprehensive, intentional, and integrated programming, initiatives, strategies, and campaigns intended to end dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking that: Are culturally relevant, inclusive of diverse communities and identities, sustainable, responsive to community needs, and informed by research, or assessed for value, effectiveness, or outcome; and Consider environmental risk and protective factors as they occur on the individual, relationship, institutional, community, and societal levels. 
Educational programming also consists of ongoing awareness and prevention campaigns for students and employees. Programs and campaigns offered throughout the year to all students and employees include strong messages regarding not just awareness, but also primary prevention (including normative messaging, environmental management, risk reduction practices and bystander intervention), and discuss institutional policies as well as the Montana state law definitions of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and the Montana state law definition of consent in reference to sexual activity.  The program provides the institution’s definition of consent and includes a statement that the institution prohibits the crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking (as defined by the Clery Act), as well as how to receive support if such an event has impacted you.  

A description of safe and positive options for bystander intervention is also provided. Bystander intervention are options that an individual or individuals may carry out to prevent harm or intervene when there is a risk of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Bystander intervention includes recognizing situations of potential harm, understanding institutional structures and cultural conditions that facilitate violence, overcoming barriers to intervening, identifying and taking safe and effective intervention options. 
Programs offer information on risk reduction that strives to empower victims, recognize warning signals, avoid potential attacks, and do so without victim-blaming approaches. 
The programming also includes information regarding:  

1. Procedures victims should follow if a crime of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking occurs (as described in “Procedures Victims Should Follow if a Crime of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Occurs” elsewhere in this document)
2. How the institution will protect the confidentiality of victims and other necessary parties (as described in “Assistance for Victims: Rights and Options” elsewhere in this document);
3. Existing counseling, health, mental health, victim advocacy, legal assistance, visa and immigration assistance, student financial aid, and other services available for victims, both within the institution and in the community (as described in “Assistance for Victims: Rights and Options” elsewhere in this document); and
4. Options for available assistance in, and how to request changes to academic, living, transportation, and working situations or protective measures (as described in “Assistance for Victims: Rights and Options” elsewhere in this document);  
5. Procedures for institutional disciplinary action in cases of alleged dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking (as described in “Adjudication of Violations” elsewhere in this document); 

In 2024 there were 109 separate presentations to various groups around campus. This included primary prevention presentations and ongoing educational opportunities with presentations to class groups, departments, fraternity groups, workshops, athletes, new employees, campus clubs, University Student Housing, and many others. A full list of training that has groups, topics covered, and dates, can be requested through Campus Civil Rights.  

MSU offices directly involved in these programs include Campus Civil Rights, Human Resources, University Student Housing, Intercollegiate Athletics, Office of the Dean of Students, University Police Department, Women’s Center, Student Commons and the Faculty Center for Excellence, and Student Wellness. 

MSU’s primary and ongoing prevention and awareness programs are details as followed: 

1. Previous Student Online Required Training – All students are required to take an online follow up training before registering for their second semester on-campus. Through fall semester of 2024, MSU used the Sexual Assault Prevention online course for Undergraduates/Graduate (SAPU/SAPYAL) Program in conjunction with alcohol.edu from Vector Solutions. This online training was mandated for all incoming new undergraduate and graduate students. SAPU/SAPYAL covers the topics of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, bystander engagement, risk reduction, and campus resources.  
2. Current Student Online Required Training - Starting in the summer and fall of 2025, we have switched to the Montana University System (MUS) provided online course, “Thriving Together.” This training addresses campus safety topics such as sexual assault prevention, substance use prevention, hazing, and mental health issues, including strategies to address these issues in healthy ways.  
3. Employee Online Mandatory Reporter Training – Campus Civil Rights in partnership with University Compliance facilitated online training related to mandatory reporting of sex discrimination and sexual harassment, including, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. All employees of MSU are required to complete the training on a biannual basis. New employees must complete the training within 45 days of employment. The training covers definitions, reporting requirements, response to reports, and campus and community resources. Campus Civil Rights will continue this Education programming.  
4. Violence Prevention Workshop – A five-hour workshop marketed to all MSU students, faculty, and staff offered within the first six weeks of the Fall semester and offered on demand in the Spring. Participants engage in interactive learning focusing on the primary prevention technique of bystander intervention. Consent is defined and discussed within the workshop. Additional topics include gender stereotypes, causes of violence, and how to support a survivor of sexual violence. The workshop is advertised across campus for students, faculty, and staff.  
5. Faculty and Staff Trainings
   1. New Employee Orientation (Staff): Every new employee of MSU is required to attend a half-day New Employee Orientation. Campus Civil Rights presents information about discrimination and harassment, sexual assault prevention, and available resources.  
   2. New Faculty Orientation: All new faculty at MSU are required to attend a New Faculty Orientation. Campus Civil Rights presented information about discrimination and harassment, sexual assault prevention, and available resources.  
6. Educational outreach and safety presentations: the following receive prevention and education training throughout the year: residence hall supervisors; fraternity and sorority organizations; student-athletes; student orientation leaders; and faculty and staff groups and organizations. Connecting with these groups is a long-standing tradition. If a group on campus is interested in hosting a presentation the professional staff or leadership in charge of these student groups can reach out to the Campus Civil Rights and request a presentation.  
7. Awareness Campaigns:
   1. Sack Lunch Seminars – the MSU Women’s Center facilitates regular seminars on issues related to violence prevention, gender equity, and intersectional identity, among other topics.
   2. Resource Fairs – MSU Student Success organizes a resource fair that happens in both the fall and the spring semesters. These events are for all campus resources including Campus Civil Rights. The tabling event is used to promote upcoming events and activities regarding violence prevention and bystander intervention.  
8. Passive Programming:
   1. Social Media Campaign – Campus Civil Rights posts information and educational posts on Facebook and Instagram throughout the year. Each month has a different topic focused on violence prevention and other Civil Rights topics.  
   2. Posters, Flyers, and Magnets – Campus Civil Rights and the Women’s Center work in conjunction to create posters and flyers focused on bringing awareness to sexual violence, relationship violence, stalking, and harassment. These posters and flyers are hung in the Student Union every semester and throughout the Residence Halls. Electronic posters are placed into the cycle on television screens throughout campus buildings.
   3. Tabling Events – Campus Civil Rights regularly attend tabling events for new and potential students on campus. Information on preventing sexual violence on campus is provided. Events include Orientation fairs, Catapalooza, Fall and Spring Wellness fair, Coffee Corner, Destress Fest, and Student Information fairs, faculty and staff orientation fairs. 
9. Fraternity Engagement- Each semester fraternities are required to schedule and attend a presentation from the Campus Civil Rights in order to host events with alcohol. in 2024, Campus Civil Rights worked with Fraternities on a partnership to create a Promotional Sticker for all of Fraternity and Sorority Life. The sticker included the promotion of affirmative consent.  
10. Sorority Engagement – Sororities are asked to schedule and attend a presentation with Campus Civil Rights. The Education specialist from CCR works with each sorority to highlight relevant topics such as bystander intervention and affirmative consent.  

Bystander Engagement

Bystander engagement is encouraged through safe and positive intervention techniques and by empowering third-party intervention and prevention. Techniques taught at MSU include the 5 D’s: Direct, Distract, Delegate, Document, and Delay. Students are taught each technique and practice using these techniques in scenarios within the prevention training. Students are encouraged to be mindful of safety when using any bystander intervention technique.  

• Direct intervention focuses on students identifying an unsafe situation and intervening in a straightforward manner to prevent violence.  
• Distract intervention allows students to intervene by distracting individuals involved in a situation and refocusing on an alternative.  
• Delegate intervention encourages students to find assistance in intervening, including calling 911 as needed.
• Delay intervention reminds students to keep themselves safe and not cause additional violence. They also may use this technique to support a survivor by connecting them with appropriate resources if they have experienced or are experiencing violence.  
• Documentation involves either recording or taking notes of an instance of harassment. 

Bystanders play a critical role in the prevention of sexual and relationship violence. We want to promote a culture of community accountability where bystanders are actively engaged in preventing violence without causing further harm. We may not always know what to do even if we want to help. Below is a list of some ways to be an active bystander. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, dial 911.  

1. Watch out for your friends and fellow students/employees. If you see someone who looks like they could be in trouble or need help, ask if they are ok.  
2. Confront people who seclude, hit on, try to make out with, or have sex with incapacitated people.
3. Speak up when someone discusses plans to take sexual advantage of another person.
4. Believe someone who discloses sexual assault, abusive behavior, or experience with stalking.
5. Refer people to on or off-campus resources listed in this document for support in health, counseling, or with legal assistance.

CRIME

Campus Security Authorities (CSAs)

CSAs include University Police, campus security-related personnel and officials who have significant responsibility for student and campus activities, including, but not limited to, student housing, student discipline and student conduct proceedings. CSAs must report crimes online at www.montana.edu/clery using the CSA Reporting Form. Crimes reported to any CSA will be included in the annual crime statistics found later in this report. 
While we have hundreds of CSAs, MSU officially designates the following two offices as locations where campus community members should report crimes: 

• Campus Civil Rights
• University Police 

Students and employees can report criminal offenses to the above designated Campus Security Authorities for the purpose of making timely warning reports and annual statistical disclosures. Under the Clery Act, MSU must designate certain individuals as CSAs. 

As explained above, students, employees, and visitors are encouraged to promptly report crimes to the University Police Department or CCR. However, students may contact any CSA for appropriate assistance in reporting crimes. 
Confidentiality of crime reports made to CSAs cannot be promised. Clery requires statistical reporting, but CSAs are also reporters under the requirements of Title IX and University policy and as such may not be able to maintain confidentiality. There may be instances where the University must act regardless of the wishes of the complainant or reporting party.  Nevertheless, in such cases MSU will take care to protect identities to the extent allowed by the circumstances and law. 

Annual Training for CSAs and Identification

Montana State officials responsible for overseeing Clery practices meet annually- or upon the receipt of new guidance- to update a centrally maintained CSA list in Office of the Dean of Students. Further, MSU staff members who are identified as Senior CSAs help to provide updated information regarding new CSAs or those who have left Montana State on a regular basis. 

Identified CSAs are offered training through three means: 

1.  Online traning; 
2. In-person training with an on-campus Clery expert from the Dean of Students or similar office/delegate on campus; 
3. Dedicated campus web page providing an overview of CSA responsibilities and a link to the Department of Education training video. 

Additionally, a web page is maintained and updated throughout the year that hosts information on CSA trainings, including presentations they can browse and other relevant Clery information. Once a CSA has completed training, the centrally maintained CSA list is updated to indicate training completion. 

Pastoral and Professional Counselors

Campus “Pastoral Counselors” and “Professional Counselors,” when acting as such, are not considered CSAs for Clery Act purposes and are not required to report crimes for inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics.   

According to the Clery Act, professional mental health counselors who are appropriately credentialed and hired by Montana State University to serve exclusively in a counseling role are not considered CSAs. As a matter of policy, the University encourages our professional mental health counselors to notify those whom they are counseling of the voluntary, confidential reporting options available to them.  

Pastoral Counselor

An employee of an institution, who is associated with a religious order or denomination, recognized by that religious order or denomination as someone who provides confidential counseling and who is functioning within the scope of that recognition as a pastoral counselor. MSUdoes not have any Pastoral Counselors that work at the institution currently.    

Professional Counselor

An employee of an institution whose official responsibilities include providing psychological counseling to members of the institution’s community, and who is functioning within the scope of their license or certification. Please note that reports of sexual violence and other violations that may be sex- or gender-based may also be reported to the Title IX Coordinator and may not be held in confidence.

2025 Crime Statistics for Reporting Years 2024, 2023, 2022

Preparation of the Annual Disclosure of Clery Crime Statistics

The procedures for preparing the annual disclosure of crime statistics include reporting statistics to the University community obtained primarily from the following sources: the University Police Department (UPD), Campus Civil Rights (CCR), and Campus Security Authorities (CSAs). For statistical purposes, crime statistics reported to any of these sources are recorded in the calendar year the crime was reported.  

All the statistics are gathered, compiled, and reported to the University community via this report, published by the Office of the Dean of Students and University Compliance. The University Compliance submits the annual crime statistics published in this Report to the Department of Education (ED). The statistical information gathered by the Department of Education is available to the public through the Department of Education’s website, and hard copies of this report are available from the MSU Office of the Dean of Students.   

Under the Clery Act, Montana State University is required to report annual crime statistics showing reported occurrences of specific types of crime for the benefit of current/prospective students and current/prospective employees. 

Crimes reported under the Silent Witness Program are included in the annual disclosure of crime statistics. CCR Student Resource Advocates and other staff report crimes on a voluntary, confidential basis for inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics. All CCR staff will inform those whom they are advisingadvised that these confidential reports will be made. The CCR staff will not disclose any identifying information without the written consent of the client. 

Statistics pertaining to referrals for disciplinary action reflect those incidents of alcohol, drugs, and weapons violations that were referred to the Dean of Students, Director of University Student Housing, and the Fraternity/Sorority Leadership for student disciplinary action. 

Statistics for off-campus crime are not collected by the Bozeman Police Department or Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office for Clery reportable offenses or arrests. The Dean of Students’ Office has requested information for public property and non-campus buildings or property within the jurisdiction of each agency. However, the agencies have officially confirmed that they are not able to provide this data. 

There are two private apartment complexes immediately adjacent to the campus and across from the MSU Football Stadium that are not affiliated with MSU. Visitors sometimes assume that those apartment buildings are part of the campus, but the institution has no written agreement with those apartment complexes to provide student housing. Thus, there are no MSU staff members assigned to those buildings and the policies, procedures, and statistics for those buildings are not addressed in the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.  Furthermore, crime statistics are not provided for those private apartment buildings in the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. 

MSU Crime Statistics: Clery Data

The following crime statistics are for selected crimes that have been reported to appropriate and corresponding police agencies or to campus security authorities based on our Clery geography. The statistics reported for the sub-categories on liquor laws, drug laws, and weapons offenses represented the number of people arrested or referred to campus student conduct officers for respective violations, not the number of offenses documented. 

CRIMINAL OFFENSES (Reported by Hirearchy)

VAWA OFFENSES

ARRESTS

DISCIPLINARY REFERRALS

* The original 2023 ASFSR was published on September 28, 2023. The University discovered an administrative error on January 18, 2024, which has since changed MSU’s crime statistics. These statistics have been updated, and the revised 2023 report was published on February 15, 2024.

UNFOUNDED CRIMES

HATE CRIMES BY CATEGORY AND BIAS

• 2024
  • One on-campus intimidation incident, characterized by sexual orientation bias
•  2023

  • One on-campus student housing simple assault incident, characterized by racial bias

  • One on-campus student housing vandalism incident, characterized by gender bias

  • Two on-campus intimidation incidents, characterized by racial bias

  • One on-campus student housing intimidation incident, characterized by racial bias

  • One on-campus student housing intimidation incident, characterized by religious bias

  • One on-campus student housing intimidation incident, characterized by sexual orientation bias

  • One public property intimidation incident, characterize by sexual orientation bias

• 2022
  • One public property intimidation incident, characterized by racial bias
  • One non-campus intimidation incident, characterized by racial bias
  • One on-campus intimidation incident, characterized by racial bias

CRIME DEFINITIONS (STATE AND FEDERAL)

Definition of Crime Categories Under Federal Law

Criminal Offenses 

Criminal Offenses are defined as outlined by the U.S. Department of Justice, FBI National Incident-Based Reporting System. For the purposes of complying with the requirements of 34 CFR 668.41, and incident meeting these definitions is considered a crime for the purpose of Clery Act reporting. 

• Murder & Non-Negligent Manslaughter: The willful (non- negligent) killing of one human being by another. Any death caused by injuries received in a fight, argument, quarrel, assault, or commission of a crime is classified as murder and non- negligent manslaughter. 
• Manslaughter by Negligence: Is defined as the killing of another person through negligence. Deaths of persons due to their own negligence, accidental deaths not resulting from gross negligence, and traffic fatalities, are not included in the category Manslaughter by Negligence. 
• Sexual Assault: An offense that meets the definition of rape, fondling, incest, or statutory rape as used in the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Per the National Incident- Based Reporting System User Manual from the FBI UCR Program, a sex offense is “any sexual act directed against another person, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim if incapable of giving consent.” 
• Rape - The penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim. 
• Fondling - The touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her age or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity. (Because there is no penetration in fondling, this offense will not convert to the SRS as Rape) 
• Incest - sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law. 
• Statutory Rape - sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent. 
• Robbery: The taking, or attempted taking, of anything of value from one person by another, in which the offender uses force or the threat of violence. 
• Aggravated Assault: Aggravated assault is an unlawful attack by one person upon another for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury. This type of assault usually is accompanied by the use of a weapon or by means likely to produce death or great bodily harm. 
• Burglary: The unlawful entry into a building or other structure with the intent to commit a felony or a theft. 
• Motor-Vehicle Theft: The theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle, including automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, and mopeds. 
• Arson: The willful or malicious burning or attempt to burn, with or without intent to defraud, a dwelling house, public building, motor vehicle, or aircraft, personal property of another, etc. 
• Domestic Violence: Includes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred, or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that persons acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred. 
• Dating Violence: Violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and, where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined by the victim with consideration of the following factors: (1) The length of the relationship, (2) The type of relationship, (3) The frequency of the interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. 
• Stalking: Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others; or to suffer substantial emotional distress. Course of conduct means two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts which the stalker directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about, a person, or interferes with a person’s property. 
• * Reasonable person means a reasonable person under similar circumstances and with similar identities to the victim. 
• * Substantial emotional distress means significant mental suffering or anguish that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling. 
• Liquor-Law Violations: The violation of laws or ordinances prohibiting: the manufacture, sale, transporting, furnishing, possessing of intoxicating liquor; maintaining unlawful drinking places; bootlegging; operating a still; furnishing liquor to a minor or intemperate person; underage possession; using a vehicle for illegal transportation of liquor; drinking on a train or public conveyance; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned offenses. 
• *  Drunkenness and driving under the influence are not included in this definition. 
• Drug-Law Violations: Violations of State and local laws relating to the unlawful possession, sale, use, growing, manufacturing, and making of narcotic drugs. The relevant substances include the following: opium or cocaine and their derivatives (morphine, heroin, codeine); marijuana; synthetic narcotics (Demerol, methadone); and dangerous non-narcotic drugs (barbiturates, Benzedrine). 
• Weapons-Law Violations: The violation of laws or ordinances dealing with weapon offenses, regulatory in nature, such as: manufacture, sale, or possession of deadly weapons; carrying deadly weapons, concealed or openly; furnishing deadly weapons to minors; aliens possessing deadly weapons; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned offenses. 

Categories of Prejudice

Hate Crime is defined as a criminal offense committed against a person or property that is motivated, in whole or in part, by the offender’s bias. Bias is a preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a group of persons based on their race, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity or disability.  

For Clery Act reporting purposes, hate crimes include any offense in the following list that is motivated by bias: 

Murder and Non-negligent manslaughter 

• Sex Offense 
• Robbery 
• Aggravated Assault 
• Burglary 
• Motor Vehicle Theft 
• Arson 
• Destruction/Damage/Vandalism to Property  
• Intimidation 
• Larceny/Theft  
• Simple Assault 

Hate Crime Bias

• Race 
• Gender 
• Religion 
• National Origin 
• Sexual Orientation 
• Gender Identity 
• Ethnicity 
• Disability 

Definition of Crime Categories Under Montana Law

The terms Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking and Consent are defined in the applicable jurisdiction as outlined by Montana Code Annotated (MCA) 2021, Title 45. Crimes, Chapter 5. Offenses Against the Person, Part 5. Sexual Crimes (https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0450/chapter_0050/part_0050/sections_index.html).

• Domestic Violence: The state of Montana uses the term “Partner or Family Member Assault (PFMA)” to define what constitutes Domestic Violence in Montana, which is defined as follows: Montana Code Annotated (MCA) 45-5-206. Partner or Family Member Assault. (1) A person commits the offense of partner or family member assault if the person: (a) purposely or knowingly causes bodily injury to a partner or family member; (b) negligently causes bodily injury to a partner or family member with a weapon; or (c) purposely or knowingly causes reasonable apprehension of bodily injury in a partner or family member.  
• Dating Violence: The state of Montana does not have a definition of dating violence. 
• Sexual Assault: The state of Montana defines sexual assault as follows: Montana Code Annotated (MCA) 40- 15-116. Definitions: As used in 40-15-115 through 40-15-121, the following definitions apply: (5) “Sexual assault” means sexual assault as defined in 45-5-502, sexual intercourse without consent as defined in 45-5-503, incest as defined in 45-5-507, or sexual abuse of children as defined in 45-5- 625. 

45-5-206. Partner or family member assault:

1. A person commits the offense of partner or family member assault if the person: 

a. purposely or knowingly causes bodily injury to a partner or family member;

b. negligently causes bodily injury to a partner or family member with a weapon; or

c. purposely or knowingly causes reasonable apprehension of bodily injury in a partner or family member.

2. For the purposes of Title 40, chapter 15, 45-5-231 through 45-5-234, 46-6-311, and this section, the following definitions apply:

d. "Family member" means mothers, fathers, children, brothers, sisters, and other past or present family members of a household. These relationships include relationships created by adoption and remarriage, including stepchildren, stepparents, in-laws, and adoptive children and parents. These relationships continue regardless of the ages of the parties and whether the parties reside in the same household. 

e. "Partners" means spouses, former spouses, persons who have a child in common, and persons who have been or are currently in a dating or ongoing intimate relationship. 

3. An offender convicted of partner or family member assault shall be fined an amount not less than $100 or more than $1,000 and be imprisoned in the county jail for a term not to exceed 1 year or not less than 24 hours for a first offense.  

f. An offender convicted of a second offense under this section shall be fined not less than $300 or more than $1,000 and be imprisoned in the county jail not less than 72 hours or more than 1 year. 

g. Upon a first or second conviction, the offender may be ordered into misdemeanor probation as provided in 46-23-1005. 

h. On a third or subsequent conviction for partner or family member assault, the offender shall be fined not less than $500 and not more than $50,000 and be imprisoned for a term not less than 30 days and not more than 5 years. If the term of imprisonment does not exceed 1 year, the person shall be imprisoned in the county jail. If the term of imprisonment exceeds 1 year, the person shall be imprisoned in the state prison. 

i. If the offense was committed within the vision or hearing of a minor, the judge shall consider the minor's presence as a factor at the time of sentencing. 

4. For the purpose of determining the number of convictions under this section, a conviction means: 

j. a conviction, as defined in 45-2-101, under this section; 

k. a conviction for domestic abuse under this section; 

l. a conviction for a violation of a statute similar to this section in another state; 

m. if the offender was a partner or family member of the victim, a conviction for aggravated assault under 45-5-202 or assault with a weapon under 45-5-213; 

n. a conviction for strangulation of a partner or family member under 45-5-215; 

o. a conviction in another state for an offense related to domestic violence between partners or family members, as those terms are defined in this section, regardless of what the offense is named or whether it is misdemeanor or felony, if the offense involves conduct similar to conduct that is prohibited under 45-5-202, 45-5-213, or this section; or 

p. a forfeiture of bail or collateral deposited to secure the defendant's appearance in court in this state or in another state for a violation of a statute similar to this section, which forfeiture has not been vacated. 

An offender convicted of partner or family member assault is required to pay for and complete a counseling assessment with a focus on violence, controlling behavior, dangerousness, and chemical dependency. An investigative criminal justice report, as defined in 45-5-231, must be copied and sent to the offender intervention program, as defined in 45-5-231, to assist the counseling provider in properly assessing the offender's need for counseling and treatment. Counseling providers shall take all required precautions to ensure the confidentiality of the report. If the report contains confidential information relating to the victim's location or not related to the charged offense, that information must be deleted from the report prior to being sent to the offender intervention program. 

The offender shall complete all recommendations for counseling, referrals, attendance at psychoeducational groups, or treatment, including any indicated chemical dependency treatment, made by the counseling provider. The counseling provider must be approved by the court. The counseling must include a preliminary assessment for counseling, as defined in 45-5-231. The offender shall complete a minimum of 40 hours of counseling. The counseling may include attendance at psychoeducational groups, as defined in 45-5-231, in addition to the assessment. The preliminary assessment and counseling that holds the offender accountable for the offender's violent or controlling behavior must meet the standards established pursuant to 44-7-210 and be: 

a. (i) with a person licensed under Title 37, chapter 17, 22, or 23; 

b. (ii) with a professional person as defined in 53-21-102; or 

c. (iii) in a specialized domestic violence intervention program. 

The minimum counseling and attendance at psychoeducational groups provided in subsection (4)(b) must be directed to the violent or controlling conduct of the offender. Other issues indicated by the assessment may be addressed in additional counseling beyond the minimum 40 hours. Subsection (4)(b) does not prohibit the placement of the offender in other appropriate treatment if the court determines that there is no available treatment program directed to the violent or controlling conduct of the offender. 

In addition to any sentence imposed under subsections (3) and (4), after determining the financial resources and future ability of the offender to pay restitution as provided for in 46-18-242, the court shall require the offender, if able, to pay the victim's reasonable actual medical, housing, wage loss, and counseling costs. 

In addition to the requirements of subsection (5), if financially able, the offender must be ordered to pay for the costs of the offender's probation, if probation is ordered by the court. 

The court may prohibit an offender convicted under this section from possession or use of the firearm used in the assault. The court may enforce 45-8-323 if a firearm was used in the assault. 

The court shall provide an offender with a written copy of the offender's sentence at the time of sentencing or within 2 weeks of sentencing if the copy is sent electronically or by mail. 

45-5-502. Sexual assault:

1. A person who knowingly subjects another person to any sexual contact without consent commits the offense of sexual assault.

1. On a first conviction for sexual assault, the offender shall be fined an amount not to exceed $500 or be imprisoned in the county jail for a term not to exceed 6 months, or both. 
2. On a second conviction for sexual assault, the offender shall be fined an amount not to exceed $1,000 or be imprisoned in the county jail for a term not to exceed 1 year, or both. 
3. On a third and subsequent conviction for sexual assault, the offender shall be fined an amount not to exceed $10,000 or be imprisoned for a term not to exceed 5 years, or both. 

2. If the victim is less than 16 years old and the offender is 3 or more years older than the victim or if the offender inflicts bodily injury upon anyone in the course of committing sexual assault, the offender shall be punished by life imprisonment or by imprisonment in the state prison for a term of not less than 4 years, unless the judge makes a written finding that there is good cause to impose a term of less than 4 years and imposes a term of less than 4 years, or more than 100 years and may be fined not more than $50,000.

3. An act “in the course of committing sexual assault” includes an attempt to commit the offense or flight after the attempt or commission. 

d. Subject to subsections (5)(b) and (5)(f), consent is ineffective under this section if the victim is: 

1. 1. incarcerated in an adult or juvenile correctional, detention, or treatment facility or is on probation or parole and the perpetrator is an employee, contractor, or volunteer of the supervising authority and has supervisory or disciplinary authority over the victim, unless the act is part of a lawful search; 
   2. less than 14 years old and the offender is 3 or more years older than the victim; 
   3. receiving services from a youth care facility, as defined in 52-2-602, and the perpetrator;
      1. has supervisory or disciplinary authority over the victim or is providing treatment to the victim; and 
      2. is an employee, contractor, or volunteer of the youth care facility; or 
   4. admitted to a mental health facility, as defined in 53-21-102, is admitted to a community-based facility or a residential facility, as those terms are defined in 53- 20-102, or is receiving community-based services, as defined in 53-20-102, and the perpetrator: 
      1. has supervisory or disciplinary authority over the victim or is providing treatment to the victim; and 
      2. is an employee, contractor, or volunteer of the facility or community-based service. 

4. A program participant, as defined in 52-2-802, in a private alternative adolescent residential or outdoor program, pursuant to Title 52, chapter 2, part 8, and the perpetrator is a person associated with the program, as defined in 52-2-802;  

v. the victim is a client receiving psychotherapy services and the perpetrator: 

1. 1. 1. is providing or purporting to provide psychotherapy services to the victim; or 
      2. is an employee, contractor, or volunteer of a facility that provides or purports to provide psychotherapy services to the victim and the perpetrator has supervisory or disciplinary authority over the victim; or  

vi. a student of an elementary, middle, junior high, or high school, whether public or nonpublic, and the perpetrator is not a student of an elementary, middle, junior high, or high school and is an employee, contractor, or volunteer of any school who has ever had instructional, supervisory, disciplinary, or other authority over the student in a school setting.  

Subsection (5)(a)(i) does not apply if one of the parties is on probation or parole and the other party is a probation or parole officer of the supervising authority and the parties are married to each other. 

Subsections (5)(a)(iii) and (5)(a)(iv) do not apply if the individuals are married to each other and one of the individuals involved is a patient in or resident of a facility, is a recipient of community-based services, or is receiving services from a youth care facility and the other individual is an employee, contractor, or volunteer of the facility or community-based

45-5-220 Stalking – exemption – penalty.

1. A person commits the offense of stalking if the person purposely or knowingly engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person and knows or should know that the course of conduct would cause a reasonable person to:  
   1. fear for the person's own safety or the safety of a third person; or  
   2. suffer other substantial emotional distress. 

For the purpose of this section, the following definitions apply: 

1. 1. "Course of conduct" means two or more acts, including but not limited to acts in which the offender directly or indirectly, by any action, method, communication, or physical or electronic devices or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, harasses, or intimidates a person or interferes with a person's property. 
   2. "Reasonable person" means a reasonable person under similar circumstances as the victim. This is an objective standard. 
   3. "Substantial emotional distress" means significant mental suffering or distress that may but does not necessarily require medical or other professional treatment or counseling. 

This section does not apply to a constitutionally protected activity.  

Except as provided in subsection (4)(b), for the first offense, a person convicted of stalking shall be imprisoned in the county jail for a term not to exceed 1 year or fined an amount not to exceed $1,000, or both.  

1. 1. For a second or subsequent offense within 20 years or for a first offense when the offender violated any order of protection, when the offender used force or a weapon or threatened to use force or a weapon, or when the victim is a minor and the offender is at least 5 years older than the victim, the offender shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term not to exceed 5 years or fined an amount not to exceed $10,000, or both. 
   2. A person convicted of stalking may be sentenced to pay all medical, counseling, and other costs incurred by or on behalf of the victim as a result of the offense. 

Upon presentation of credible evidence of violation of this section, an order may be granted, as set forth in Title 40, chapter 15, restraining a person from engaging in the activity described in subsection (1).  

For the purpose of determining the number of convictions under this section, "conviction" means:  

1. 1. a conviction, as defined in 45-2-101, in this state; 
   2. a conviction for a violation of a statute similar to this section in another state; or 
   3. a forfeiture of bail or collateral deposited to secure the defendant's appearance in court in this state or another state for a violation of a statute similar to this section, which forfeiture has not been vacated.  

Attempts by the accused person to contact or follow the stalked person after the accused person has been given actual notice that the stalked person does not want to be contacted or followed constitutes prima facie evidence that the accused person purposely or knowingly followed, harassed, threatened, or intimidated the stalked person.  

Consent

The State of Montana defines consent, in relation to sexual activity, with reference to sexual assault, in the applicable jurisdiction (Montana Code Annotated (MCA) 2021, (45-5-501), as follows: 

1. The term “consent” means words or overt actions indicating a freely given agreement to have sexual intercourse or sexual contact and is further defined but not limited by the following: 

1. 1. an expression of lack of consent through words or conduct means there is no consent or that consent has been withdrawn;
   2. a current or previous dating or social or sexual relationship by itself or the manner of dress of the person involved with the accused in the conduct at issue does not constitute consent; and
   3. lack of consent may be inferred based on all of the surrounding circumstances and must be considered in determining whether a person gave consent. 

Subject to subsections (1)(c) and (1)(d), the victim is incapable of consent because the victim is: 

1. 1. mentally defective or incapacitated; physically helpless; overcome by deception, coercion, or surprise; less than 16 years old;
   2. As used in subsection (a), the term “force” means:
   3. the infliction, attempted infliction or threatened infliction of bodily injury or the commission of a forcible felony by the offender; or
   4. the threat of substantial retaliatory action that caused the victim to reasonably believe that the offender has the ability to execute the threat. 

2025 ANNUAL CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY REPORT FOR REPORTING YEAR 2024, 2023 & 2022 

Introduction

MSU publishes this Annual Fire Safety Report as part of its annual Clery Act/HEOA Compliance document, which contains information regarding fire safety practices, education, and standards for the University. This report includes statistics concerning the number of fires, the cause of each fire, the number of injuries and deaths related to a fire, and the value of the property damage caused by a fire (see Fire Statistics later in this report). 

In an effort to standardize the information an institution publishes on fire safety, the U.S. Department of Education requires all universities that maintain on-campus student housing facilities and receive U.S. Department of Education funding to publish an annual fire safety report, maintain a fire log, and report fire statistics to the Secretary of Education. The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is also posted on the University Student Housing website. Paper copies of the full report are available upon request at the University Student Housing Office during business hours. 

Federal Definition of Fire: Any instance of open flame or other burning in a place not intended to contain the burning or in an uncontrolled manner. Fire safety is essential in protecting a campus community from injuries, deaths, business interruption, and property damage resulting from fires. 

On-Campus Student Housing: A student housing facility that is owned or controlled by the institution or is located on property that is owned or controlled by the institution, and is within the reasonably contiguous geographic area that makes up the campus. 

Fire Reporting and University Response to Arson

If you suspect an active fire or witness evidence of a fire (singed paper on bulletin board, fire in a trash can, etc.), please call UPD located at the corner of 7th Ave. and Kagy Blvd., in the Roy Huffman Building or dial:

For emergencies call 911
Non-Emergencies call (406) 994-2121

MSU is required to annually disclose statistical data on all fires that occur in on-campus housing facilities. To report a non-emergency fire that has already been extinguished in on-campus housing contact the University Police Department non-emergency line at (406) 994-2121.

Arson is the act of maliciously, voluntarily, and willfully setting fire to the building, buildings, or other property within the building. Arson is a criminal offense and will be treated as such. Any acts or attempted acts of arson will result in disciplinary sanctions, up to and including suspension or expulsion from the university as well as criminal charges.

If you are not sure if UPD or the Fire Department has been contacted, call 911 or the University Police Department immediately. Make a difference, please call and report arson. Concerned citizens can (and should) report fires and/or arson.

University Fire Marshal

MSU’s Fire Marshal is the authority that has jurisdiction over fire and life safety across the Bozeman campus and, as part of his duties, annually reviews MSU’s fire safety policies, evacuation plans, and oversees fire drills in MSU’s buildings. For questions related to MSU’s fire and life safety programs please contact MSU Fire Marshal Chris Salter at (406) 994-7583. University Student Housing coordinates with MSU Fire Marshal to facilitate drills and fire safety education in campus housing facilities.

 UNIVERSITY FIRE SAFETY POLICIES

Some of the University Fire Safety Policies referenced below are from the University Student Housing Community Standards which can be found at www.montana.edu/housing/halls/handbook.html and https://www.montana.edu/housing/apartments/contract_and_policies.html 

Fire Safety 

As stated in section 330.110 of the Code of Student Conduct, violations of local, state, federal or campus fire policies including, but not limited to: 

• Intentionally or recklessly causing a fire which damages university or personal property or which causes injury; 

• Failure to evacuate a university building during a fire alarm 

• Improper use of university fire safety equipment; or 

• Tampering with or improperly engaging a fire alarm or fire detection/control equipment (including fire extinguishers and AED units) while on university property. Such action may result in a local fine in addition to university sanctions. 

Appliance Use & Prohibited Appliances 

Preventing fire and electrical hazards is a very important shared responsibility of each community member and is necessary to maintain a safe environment. The list of items and appliances is not meant to be exhaustive.  Items that may compromise the safety and security of community living environments and/or residents are prohibited.  

Air Filtration and Purification Unit Guide 

Air conditioners do not filter or purify air. Students may purchase an air filtration/purification unit if desired. It is recommended to keep doors and windows closed to provide the maximum benefit. Medical documentation is not required to operate an air filtration/purification unit. Unit must be free standing, operatable within room, and cannot have a window exhaust. 

Prohibited Appliances 

The list of prohibited appliances provided may not be exhaustive. Students should use it as a guideline when determining which appliances are permitted. If there are any questions about a specific appliance, students should reach out for clarification. 

• 3D Printers (3D printers may only be used in academic spaces) 

• Air Conditioners (Portable or free-standing air conditioning or dehumidifier units) 

• Appliances containing exposed heating elements, for example: 

• griddles 

• hot plates 

• rice cookers 

• Toasters/toaster ovens 

• Air Fryers 

• Crock Pot/ Instant Pot/slow cooker 

• Dishwashers (except those installed by the university) 

• Electric frying pans 

• Extension cords without internal circuit breaker 

• Grills (indoor/outdoor) of any kind including electric, gas or coal 

• Halogen lamps/Lava Lamps 

• Space heaters (except when provided by University Housing in the event of emergency). 

Refrigerator and Microwave Use Guide 

Appliances must carry the approval label of Underwriters' Laboratories and be connected directly into a wall socket or power strip with an internal circuit breaker. Only one (1) refrigerator per room. If students have a dietary, medical, or other need for an extra refrigerator in their room, they should contact your Community Director. 

• Refrigerators must be less than 5 cubic feet in size, 120-volt, energy rating less than 2 amps. 

• Microwaves cannot exceed 800 watts. 

• Energy Star units are not required, but we ask that if you are bringing your own refrigerator to consider using one that is energy efficient to assist in Montana State University’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. 

• Refrigerators, microwaves, or combination microwave/refrigerator units should be positioned to allow ventilation and should never be placed in closets. 

• Wiring on refrigerators and microwaves cannot be covered and refrigerators should be kept free of excessive frost, mold, and mildew. Food should be kept in airtight containers. 

Power Strip Use Guide 

Possession of extension cords (without internal circuit breakers) is considered a fire safety hazard and is prohibited. When you need more outlets than you have, power strips with multi- plugs may be used. They must contain an internal circuit breaker and have the approval label of Underwriters' Laboratories. Power strips that have cracked or exposed wires, burn marks, loose connections, or other damage present a safety hazard and may not be used. If your power strip doesn't meet these requirements, it could be hazardous, and the owner will be instructed to remove it. 

• Unplug power strips when leaving the room for five or more days 

• Do not connect power strips together 

• Do not use power strips in bathrooms 

• Do not staple, tack, or tape power strips to the floor, walls, or ceiling 

• Do not cover power strips or cord with carpet, furniture, clothing, or other objects that could prevent air circulation. 

Beds 

All residential rooms have university-issued beds. Students are responsible for any damage or loss to the beds and/or to the room, including maintenance staff charges to inspect a bed that has been disassembled. There is no storage for bed frames or mattresses available on campus and students will be charged for loss or removal of these items.   

*Students may loft/deloft their bedframe but should not dismantle the hardware or remove any railings from lofted beds.  All lofted beds must have safety rails always attached with one side against the wall. 

If the provided bed does not have lofting capability, students are not permitted to construct a loft/make modification to the provided furniture.   

Storage and workspace under lofted beds should be maintained in a safe manner. Lamps/lights under the loft must have a shade/covering to protect the bulb and heat generating appliances (e.g. refrigerators and microwaves) should be kept to a minimum. Students should be cautious to maintain at least six inches between the bottom of the loft and any furniture below. Failure to do so will damage the furniture. Mattresses must be at least 18 inches from the ceiling. 

Candles 

Burning candles is prohibited. One of the most common causes of fire in residential settings is the use of candles. Because of the threat this poses to people and property, burning candles is prohibited. Decorative candles are allowed but cannot be burned. Evidence that candles have been burned may result in disciplinary action and/or confiscation of candle(s). It is encouraged to trim the wicks of all candles in the living environment and to use electric candle warmers if they wish to enjoy the smell of scented candles. 

*See also: Religious Accommodations 

Items Blocking Hallways, Stairways, or Egress 

In the event of an emergency, or just everyday transit, students need to be able to move freely through our hallways, stairways, and entrances/exits. Additionally, facilities and fixtures must remain available for frequent cleaning and disinfection. Therefore, no personal items, appliances, or trash should be stored outside of a student’s apartment. This includes the hallways, bathrooms, lounges, laundry facilities, kitchen facilities, and any other space shared with other students. Doormats in hallways are prohibited. 

Incense 

Burning incense in University Student Housing is strictly prohibited. The evidence of burned incense is enough for disciplinary action and/or confiscation. 

*See also: Religious Accommodations 

Objects Producing Smoke or Vapor 

Use of objects that produce smoke or vapor including, but not limited to: smoke machines, smoke bombs, chemical de-foggers, fog machines, signal smoke makers (flares), dry ice smoke or fog, smoking paraphernalia or materials, electronic cigarettes, and vape pens are prohibited in University Student Housing.  

As noted in Montana State University’s Tobacco Free Campus policy, smoking of any kind (cigarettes, marijuana, e-cigarettes, vaping, etc.) is prohibited in residential areas or on campus. 

Open Flame Cooking Devices 

Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. Combustible construction means the structure’s patio fences and deck railings, as well as combustible decks above patios. Cooking devices shall not use a gas container larger than 2.5 pounds [nominal] 1 pound capacity (camp size). University Student Housing reserves the right to fully restrict open-flame cooking devices as needed due to safety or usage concerns. Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices are strictly forbidden at both Nelson Story and Peter Koch Tower. 

Sprinkler Pipes & Window Coverings 

Due to potential safety concerns and fire hazards, posters and/or decorations cannot be placed on the window(s). Only university provided window treatments (blinds or curtains) may be used. Hanging blankets, sheets, tapestries, etc., that physically or visually restrict or block access to the room is prohibited. 

* See also: Decorations and Displays 

Chemicals and Explosives 

Any condition that creates a hazard is prohibited and must be immediately eliminated.  Chemicals and explosives (including but not limited to, firecrackers, spray-paint, explosive devices, smoke bombs, combustion engines, flammable and explosive liquids/gases, ammunition, bear spray, and fireworks) are not permitted in University Student Housing. This includes materials and devices which by themselves, or when combined, could be explosive, toxic, flammable, or dangerous (such as camping fuel). Spray painting is not allowed in the University Student Housing or indoor common areas. Spray adhesive can be used unless it is disrupting other students in the building or causing damage to the building. If students are unsure about a substance, check with a Community Assistant/Community Director. 

Fire Evacuation Procedures

Fire alarms alert community members of potential hazards, and community members are required to heed their warning and evacuate buildings immediately upon hearing a fire alarm in a facility. Use the nearest stairwell and/or exit to leave the building immediately. Community members should familiarize themselves with the exits in each building. Fire drills are mandatory and failure to participate in a fire drill is subject to disciplinary action.

When a fire alarm is activated, the elevators in most buildings will recall automatically to a safe floor. Occupants should use the stairs to evacuate the building. If students are caught in an elevator, they should push the emergency phone button. Emergency phones in elevators on campus typically ring to Montana State University Police Dispatch at the Gallatin County 911 Center.

University Student Housing

Resident Advisors explain the evacuation procedures to residents at the first-floor meeting of each academic year, including discussion of evacuation plans posted at each floor exit door. Residents are directed to exit through the nearest safe exit route/stairwell and are informed of the exterior hall meeting location for students. Students are required to evacuate any residence hall immediately upon the sound of an alarm and may not re-enter until authorized by University personnel.

During the alarm, senior staff members document the fire alarm and evacuation progress. University Student Housing senior staff members facilitate the evacuation of students and staff during the alarm. Residents are not permitted to re-enter until Fire department personnel have reauthorized entry.

University Student Apartments

Tenants are instructed to evacuate their apartment and call 911 if they hear an alarm or see smoke or fire.

Fire Safety Education and Training

Procedures that Students and Employees Should Follow in Case of Fire

In these programs, procedures that students and employees should follow in case of a fire are reviewed and include the following:

University Student Housing Evacuation Procedures In Case of a Fire

1. If you hear the fire alarm immediately evacuate the building using the nearest available exit. Do not attempt to fight a fire unless you have been trained to do so. 
2. Awaken any sleeping roommate or suitemates. Prepare to evacuate by putting on shoes and coat if necessary. Feel the doorknob and the door. If they are hot, do not open the door. If they are cool, open slowly, if heat or heavy smoke rushes in, close the door immediately and remain inside.
3. When leaving your room, be sure to take your key in case it is necessary to return to the room should conditions in the corridor deteriorate. Make sure to close the door tightly when evacuating.
4. University Student Housing staff members who are present on their floors should facilitate the evacuation of their floor/section if possible. When the alarm sounds shout (Example: there is an emergency in the building leave by the nearest exit) and knock-on doors as they make their way to the nearest exit and out the building.
5. When exiting in smoky conditions keep your hand on the wall and crawl to the nearest exit. Always know more than one path out of your location and the number of doors between your room and the exit.
6. DO NOT USE ELEVATORS. Elevator shafts may fill with smoke, or the power may fail, leaving you trapped. Elevators have features that recall and deactivate the elevator during an alarm. Standing and waiting for an elevator wastes valuable time.
7. Each resident should report to their assigned assembly area. University Student Housing staff should report to their assigned assembly area and make sure that students have cleared the building. University Student Housing will not allow re-entry into the building until directed to do so by emergency personnel.

University Student Housing Training

All residence halls are equipped with portable fire extinguishers and Resident Advisors attend training and participate in fire evacuation simulations each academic year. Students in the residence halls are provided with the housing requirements set forth in the University Student Housing Community Standards and are instructed on evacuation procedures.

University Student Apartments Training

All University Student Apartments are equipped with portable fire extinguishers and Community Assistants attend and complete live fire extinguisher training.

Check-in Appointment

Tenants are required to attend a check-in appointment within one week of their move into their apartment. During this meeting, tenants are given the following instructions. These are ongoing throughout the year, dependent on when the tenant(s) obtains housing.

1. If an alarm is audible, vacate the building immediately in a safe manner;
2. If smoke or fire are visible, dial 911 immediately and report visible fire/smoke; as well as instructed to activate the emergency pull station for their building.
3. Tenants are encouraged and instructed to practice Exit Drills in the Home (E.D.I.T.H).

Fire Safety Brochure

A fire safety brochure is delivered to all tenants during our week of welcome. This provides information for new tenants and a refresher for existing tenants. Details are listed below:

1. D.I.T.H (Exit Drills in the Home) – education materials provided by NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) are provided to the tenants.

University Student Apartments Welcome Back BBQ & Resource Fair

Held within the first two weeks of the fall semester, the Annual Welcome Back BBQ & Resource Fair is an event for all tenants of University Student Apartments. Fire safety is featured, along with a variety of other safety-related topics (bicycle safety, household safety/ security, neighborhood crime reporting, fire extinguisher training, personal safety, etc.)

Fire Drills and Fire Safety Systems

The Higher Education Act (HEA) defines a fire drill as “A supervised practice of a mandatory evacuation of a building for a fire.” Fire drills assist in the educational process for students and staff alike. Within the residence halls and University Student Apartments, fire drills are conducted in each building at the beginning of each academic period. Fire drills are scheduled with staff and unannounced to the general public.

The table below lists the various fire drills conducted in 2024, as well as a list of on-campus residential and academic buildings and their current fire/life safety status.

FIRE SAFETY REPORT LOG 2022/2023/2024

The MSU Fire Log, located online at www.montana.edu/housing/halls/firelog.html, includes the date, time, and location of fire reports and the nature of the fire for the past three years in on-campus living units. The University Student Housing Office has MSU Fire Log hard copies available during normal business hours.

The following tables indicate the fire statistics from each on-campus housing facility during the last three years.

2022 Fire Safety Report Log Statistics

2023 Fire Safety Report Log Statistics

2024 Fire Safety Report Log Statistics

Plans for Future Improvements in MSU’s Fire Safety

Montana State University is committed to reviewing trends as it relates to student housing and adjacent facilities fire incidents, alarms, and best practices to provide our campus community with a fire-safe living and learning environment.  New programs and policies are developed as needed to help ensure the safety of all faculty, staff, and students.  Montana State University is committed to enhancing the degree of fire and life safety of all campus facilities.