Campus Safety and Security

Here at Southwestern Michigan College, providing a safe and carefree environment in which to live and learn is our main objective. SMC's new student housing features everything a student needs to feel safe and at ease from the minute they arrive on campus. Any truly safe campus can only be achieved through the implementation of many different types and levels of security. SMC has several. In addition to the security features specific to the dorm building and rooms mentioned above, campus-wide security includes:

• On-campus security through the local police departments.
• Rave Security System allows for instant communication via e-mail, cell phone, home phone. Student and employees may also elect to receive text message alerts.
• On-campus paging system provides immediate communication regarding unexpected emergencies such as sudden weather or violent crime threats.
• Announcement system allows for timely on-campus communication.

The Rave Security System allows SMC to send time-sensitive information to home telephones, cell phones or via text messaging. It also allows the College to send messages to students and staff regarding important and/or emergency situations within minutes whether they are on campus or off. Campus security is provided in part by the Dowagiac Police and the Cass County Sheriff ’s Department through an intergovernmental agreement with SMC.

At Southwestern Michigan College, we provide services to individuals in the prevention, reporting, and follow-up of crimes. Counselors are on staff to provide referrals and limited counseling services to students whose lives are affected by crime, drugs, or alcohol abuse.

We are committed to an awareness and prevention of criminal activities of all natures at Southwestern Michigan College. As part of our commitment to campus safety and security, we have employed a reporting system that can be used to alert our College Concerns Team about any situation that is or may become a threat to the campus. By following the Related Link to the Cause for Concern Reporting System on left and fully reporting the concern, community members can support our campus safety initiatives.

Follow the Related Links to the Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report which were prepared by the Dean of Students and Academic Support and the Office of Institutional Research to comply with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act.

Questions regarding this Report or requests for the Report in alternative formats should be directed to the Dean of Students and Academic Support, Southwestern Michigan College, 58900 Cherry Grove Road, Dowagiac, Michigan 49047, (269) 782-1000 or mhay@swmich.edu.