Campus Security Authority (CSA)

Promoting a safe and secure campus environment is a campus-wide effort and concerns all members of the Dartmouth community. The overall intent of the Clery Act is to encourage the reporting and collection of accurate campus crime data and to promote crime awareness and enhance campus safety.

The Department of Safety and Security relies on offices and individuals across the College to report crimes. Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) play an integral role in the College's efforts to maintain campus safety.

Who is a CSA?

A "Campus Security Authority" or CSA, is a Clery-specific term that encompasses four groups of individuals and organizations associated with an institution. A Campus Security Authority can also be defined as anyone who has significant responsibility for students and campus activities. The law defines four categories of CSAs:

  1. A member of a campus police department or a campus security department of an institution. (e.g., The Department of Safety and Security)
     
  2. Any individual or individuals who have responsibility for campus security but who do not constitute a campus police department or a campus security department (e.g., an individual who is responsible for providing access control and/or security at campus facilities, athletic events or other special events).
     
  3. Any individual or organization specified in an institution's statement of campus security policy as an individual or organization to which students and employees should report criminal offenses (e.g., The Department of Safety and Security, Title IX Coordinator | Clery Act Compliance Officer).
     
  4. An official of an institution with significant responsibility for student and campus activities, including, but not limited to, student affairs, residential life and student housing, and judicial affairs. An official is defined as any person who has the authority and the duty to take action or respond to particular issues on behalf of the institution.

To determine which individuals of organizations are CSAs, consider job functions that involve relationships with students. Look for Officials (i.e., not support staff) whose functions involve relationships with students. If someone has significant responsibility for student and campus activities, then they are a CSA. 

Some examples of CSAs in this category include, but are not limited to:

  • academic deans
  • undergraduate deans, student life, and residential life officials
  • Greek letter organizations and societies staff
  • athletic administrators, including directors, assistant directors, and coaches
  • student activities coordinators and staff
  • student judicial officials
  • faculty and staff advisors to student organizations
  • student center building staff
  • student peer education advisors

Additional Information and Assistance

Contact the Clery Act Compliance Officer for questions about the Clery Act and the role and responsibilities of a CSA.

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