Safety and Security

At Minnesota North College – Itasca, we strive to provide the safest, most stable environment possible in which education may be pursued without the fear and presence of crime or violence. We do this by supporting and educating students, employees, and visitors in areas of personal safety and providing assistance in situations of need. The safety and security of students, faculty and staff, and visitors is of the highest priority.

Emergency: Dial 9-1-1

Itasca partners with local law enforcement to respond to health, safety and emergency situations. Members of the campus community should call 9-1-1 first in emergency situations.

Campus Compliance and Security Report

 

2022 Campus Security & Fire Safety Report

Itasca encourages all students and campus community members to be fully aware of the safety issues on and around campus and to take action to prevent and to report illegal and inappropriate activities. Personal awareness and applying personal safety practices are the foundation of a safe community.

Each year Itasca creates and publishes an annual Campus Compliance and Security Report offering three years of campus crime statistics. The Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act requires that this report include information about particular types of crimes that occur in and around Itasca campus properties. This report further includes policy statements, program descriptions and procedures to follow in response to criminal activities.

2021 Campus Security & Fire Safety Report

2020 Campus Security & Fire Safety Report

2019 Campus Security & Fire Safety Report

2018 Campus Security & Fire Safety Report

Drug and Alcohol Free Campus Policy

Missing Student Notification Policy

Sexual Violence Prevention

Itasca is committed to creating a campus environment that is free of sexual violence. Sexual violence is not tolerated at Itasca and it takes reports about sexual violence seriously.

REPORTING AN INCIDENT: Submit a report by downloading Campus Eye.

Please note you will need the following sign-up code: 9QYV

All reports will be held in strict confidence and are anonymous unless you share your identity in the report text box. As you submit your report, please know that our ability to most thoroughly investigate any complaint is dependent on the information you provide. Providing details about the location, whether you are a student/employee, and the nature of the incident will enable us to most effectively address the matter you are reporting. The review & investigation of your submission will begin within 24 hours.

Sexual assault is an actual, attempted, or threatened sexual act with another person without that person’s consent. Sexual Assault includes but is not limited to:

  • Involvement without consent in any sexual act in which there is force, expressed or implied, or use of duress or deception upon the victim. Forced sexual intercourse is also included in this definition, as are the acts commonly referred to as “date rape” or “acquaintance rape.” This definition also includes the coercing, forcing, or attempting to coerce or force sexual intercourse or a sexual act on another.
  • Involvement in any sexual act when the victim is unable to give consent.
  • Intentional and unwelcome touching, coercing, forcing or attempting to coerce or force another to touch a person’s intimate parts (defined as primary genital area, groin, inner thigh buttocks, or breast.)
  • Offensive sexual behavior that is directed at another such as indecent exposure or voyeurism.

Sexual assault is often a criminal act that can be prosecuted under Minnesota law, as well as form the basis for discipline under Minnesota State institution student conduct codes and employee disciplinary standards.

Non-forcible acts include unlawful sexual acts where consent is not relevant, such as sexual contact with an individual under the statutory age of consent, as defined by Minnesota law, or between persons who are related to each other within degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.

  • Go to a safe place. Call 911 if you feel you are in immediate danger or to report the incident to law enforcement.
  • If you are on campus, contact any of the following employees:
  • Do not bathe, douche, use the toilet, or change clothing. Timely and prompt reporting of a sexual assault within 72 hours is critical in preserving evidence important in proving a criminal case against the assailant.
  • Seek medical attention immediately regardless of whether you report the matter to the police. Local hospitals include:
  • You may file a police report with the appropriate law enforcement agency. For on campus incidents contact the Grand Rapids Police Department at 911, or the non-emergency dispatch number at 218-326-3477. Contact Richard Kangas, Associate VP of Student Affairs at 218-322-2319 if you would like assistance filing a police report.
  • Contact any of the following for support, assistance and referral:
    • Support Within Reach, 1325 NW 4th Street, Grand Rapids, MN, 218-326-5008 or 1-866-747-5008 (24 hours)
    • Itasca Campus Counseling Department located in the Student Services Office in Backes Student Center, CC107, 218-322-2320
  • You may request that the college make arrangements to reduce contact between you and the alleged assailant, such as attempt to provide a change in classes and/or academic schedules, working arrangements, or other appropriate remedial measures. These options are available regardless of whether the victim chooses to report the crime to law enforcement or campus authorities.
  • You have the right to petition for an Order for Protection (OFP) or a Harassment Restraining Order (HRO). Support Within Reach and the Grand Rapids Police Department have information and support available on how to file for and request an OFP or HRO.
  • You may contact the Minnesota Crime Victims Reparations Board at 651-201-7300 which provides financial help to victims and their families for losses incurred as a result of a violent crime.

This policy applies to:

  • The conduct of all Itasca students and employees when they are on college property or participating in any Itasca course or sponsored activity.
  • The conduct of individuals who are not Itasca students or employees who come on college sites.
  • The off-campus conduct of students and employees if it results in a hostile educational or work environment for Itasca students or employees.

Minnesota State policy

Minnesota State procedure

Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT)

The Behavioral Intervention Team provides proactive assistance to students who are exhibiting concerning behaviors, both to support students and assist faculty/staff.

The Behavioral Intervention Team is a cross-functional assessment group that will respond to students in apparent/potential distress. The BIT has been created to:

  • Collect information from students, faculty, staff, and community members about students who demonstrate, through current or past behavior, conduct of expression that may post a safety risk to either themselves or the campus community.
  • Connect information that is collected into an assessment of risk that may exist. “Connect the dots” regarding problematic actions involving a student(s) that may be known to various faculty, staff, students, and community members.
  • Prevent possible harm by providing support and initiating appropriate intervention/referral based on assessment.
  • Self-injurious behavior: (Suicidal ideation/attempt, cutting behavior, dangerous alcohol/substance abuse consumption, etc.)
  • Disruptive behavior that violates campus community safety (homicidal threats, stalking, assault, cyber bullying, carrying weapons, etc.)
  • Unusual behavior: (changes in personality, depressive symptoms, shifts in mood, unexplained irritability and/or lethargy, hopelessness, etc.)
  • Rick Kangas – Associate Vice President of Student Affairs
  • Ann Vidovic – Director of TRIO Student Support Services and Disability Services
  • Amie Furlong – Student Support Services Counselor
  • Becky Niemi – Faculty / Counselor

AS NEEDED MEMBERS

Other college officials as well as community professionals may be asked to serve on the team in specific situations as needed. The team will consult with the Attorney General’s Office as needed. The team will meet every two weeks during the regular academic year. In addition, you may contact one of the BIT members.

Sometimes students do not ask for help when they need it. Members of the college community may refer students of concern to BIT by accessing the Behavior Intervention Incident Form. The incident report form should be downloaded, completed, and brought to the Student Services Office located in the Backes Student Center. In addition, you may contact one of the BIT team members listed above.

In cases where a student may pose an immediate risk of harm of self or others, please CALL 911 to reach law enforcement.