Campus Security

At Columbia International University (CIU), we are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Our campus security team is dedicated to maintaining a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere where you can focus on your studies, faith, and community life.

Campus Safety Resources

• CIU Alerts: Stay informed with real-time notifications about campus emergencies or important updates. Sign up on MyCIU.
• Emergency Call Boxes: Strategically placed across campus, these phones provide direct access to campus security with the push of a button.
• CIU’s Campus Security Officers: Ensure that our community is well-protected at all times. Whether it’s patrolling the campus, responding to emergencies, or providing escorts across campus, our security team is always ready to assist.

Collaboration with Local Authorities

CIU works closely with local law enforcement agencies to ensure the highest level of safety for our campus community. This collaboration allows us to respond swiftly to incidents and maintain open lines of communication with the broader Columbia community.

Report an Incident

If you witness or experience any suspicious activity or safety concerns, we encourage you to report it immediately to campus security. Your vigilance helps us keep our community safe. Full Clery and Fire Report.

Contact Campus Security

• Phone: (803) 807-5555
• Location: Ridderhof Building

Vehicle Registration, Parking, and Driving Regulations

All CIU community members are responsible for knowing and abiding by the on campus Vehicle Regulations. If you receive a citation, it must be appealed within 5 days of the date on the Citation by submitting the Citation Appeal Form.

Emergency Response and Preparedness

In the event of an emergency, CIU’s security team is trained to respond quickly and effectively. We have comprehensive emergency procedures in place, including lockdown drills, fire safety protocols, and severe weather alerts. Our goal is to keep you informed and safe, no matter the situation.

• Campus Security is available to respond to campus emergencies 24/7.
• When requesting emergency services, be prepared to provide the following:
  • Your name and telephone number
  • Location of the emergency
  • Extent of the incident, injury, or illness.

Active Assailant

CIUSAFE utilizes the concept of Escape, Hide, or Fight in defending against an active shooter.

Escape:

• Attempt to ESCAPE if it is safe to do so
• Escape whether or not others agree
• Leave belongings behind
• Help others to escape
• Advise others not to enter area
• Inform Campus Security of the situation
• If Campus Security or law enforcement are encountered during your escape:
  • Keep hands in the air, drop anything in your hands such as a cell phone
  • Obey instructions given by them
  • Inform them of what was seen, heard, and location of shooter and others in the building or area.

Hide:

• If escape is not possible, find a place to HIDE.
• An ideal place to hide is a room that can be locked and includes exterior windows.
• Lock doors, turn off lights, close blinds, turn off radios and silence cells phones.
• Use whatever is available to block the entrance to the room.
• Remain out of sight and behind anything that gives protection.
• Allow others to seek shelter with you if it is safe to do so.
• Keep everyone as calm and quiet as possible.
• Call 911 or Campus Security and let them know where you are.
• If outside, seek shelter in the nearest building or whatever cover is available in the area.
• Do not activate the fire alarm. This may cause others to flee the building and may place them in danger.
• Remember — there may be more than one shooter.

Fight:

• If confronted by the shooter and escape is not possible, then survival may depend upon the ability to FIGHT.
• This is a personal decision that has to be make quickly and decisively.
• Attempt to incapacitate the shooter by improvising weapons.
• Be committed to the action and be physically aggressive.
• If possible, call 911 and leave the line open so that what is happening can be heard by law enforcement officials.

What to expect:

• Do nothing to make yourself look like a suspect.
  • Follow law enforcement instructions.
  • Do not run from law enforcement.
  • Drop anything in your hands.
  • Put your hands in the air.
• Law enforcement’s objective is to stop the threat. Therefore they may not stop to render aid to injured, etc.
• EMS will not enter the area to assist inured until it is safe to do so.
• Be prepared to be interviewed about what you saw and heard.
• A CIU Emergency Alert will advise what is happening, what areas to avoid, what buildings to evacuate, or to shelter in place.
• Do not leave until the all-clear is given by law enforcement, campus authorizes, or CIU Emergency Alert.

Campus Emergency Warning System

CIU Info Messages:

• “CIU INFO MESSAGES” inform the campus of non-emergency events that may cause disruptions or changes in daily routine such as class cancellations, accident on Monticello Road, etc. CIU INFO MESSAGES will be sent as text messages to your cell phone and as emails to campus computers.

CIU Emergency Alerts:

• “CIU EMERGENCY ALERTS” inform the campus of an actual emergency and how you should respond. You will receive them via texts and emails.
  • Check texts and emails to determine the type of emergency and plan your response.
  • Inform others around you of the emergency.
  • Be prepared to take immediate self-protection measures.
  • Be available to assist others with special needs.

An “All-Clear” will be given when the emergency has been resolved.

• Text messages/emails will be sent to indicate the all-clear.

How To Receive Text Messages To Your Phone:

To sign up for CIU Alerts, log in to MyCIU.edu, access the CIU Alert home page and follow the two-step instructions.

Assisting Others:

• Assist those in need until emergency personnel arrive. Persons with disabilities, the elderly, children, and campus guests may experience panic, confusion and helplessness. Your assistance may save lives.

A Death on Campus

• A death on campus may be accidental, natural, or violent.
• All deaths on campus have to be treated as suspicious until law enforcement has advised otherwise.
• If you discover a deceased person:
  • Check for vital signs if you know how
  • Call Campus Security immediately
  • Move away from the area, do not disturb anything, and keep others away.
  • You will need to be available to give emergency personnel any information you may have about the incident.

Violence Against Women

• It is encouraged to report incidents of violence against women to Campus Security, Student Life, or law enforcement.
• Violence against women includes sexual assault, stalking, dating or relationship violence, and domestic violence.
• Victims of violence against women must decide to report or not report the incident to Campus Security, law enforcement or campus authorities such as Student Life or Human Resources.
• Campus authorities have assistance available for counseling and victim advocacy.
• If a sexual assault has occurred, it is important to preserve evidence by not changing clothes or bathing.
• If there is the possibility that the perpetrator of a sexual assault is still on campus, a CIU emergency alert will be issued informing the campus of the incident but protecting the victim’s privacy.

Missing Person/Abduction

• An abduction or a missing person is a critical emergency where time is a crucial factor in finding the person safe.
• If you become aware of an abduction or a missing person, call Campus Security immediately. After that, if the person is a student, contact Student Life or Residence Life.
• A CIU Emergency Alert will be issued with information on the person and asking for the campus community to be on the lookout for the person.
• The alert will also ask the campus community to report any information that may relate to the incident.
• Law enforcement will be notified of the incident as soon as the information is validated.

Disruptive/Violent Behavior

• A disruptive/violent person is someone who:
  • Makes threats of physical harm toward you, others, or themselves
  • Behaves in a bizarre manner or exhibits unstable behavior
  • Appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Has any type of weapon.
• Do not approach the person.
• Seek safety and advise others of the situation.
• Call or have someone call Campus Security and give a brief explanation of what is happening and the location.
• Make mental notes about the person: age, personal appearance, type of vehicle, etc. This will help identify them if they move to another part of campus.
• An emergency alert will be issued giving information and warning others to stay away from the area.
• If confronted by the person and you cannot leave:
  • Try to remain calm, speak clearly.
  • Interact with the person in a calm manner by doing things such as calling them by name, or asking them to sit down, etc.
  • Try to find out what the problem is, and let them know what you can do to help.

Utility Failure/Hazardous Materials

Power Failure/Water Leak/Lack of Water/Gas Leak:

• During normal business hours, notify the Physical Plant of power failure, downed power lines, or water issues.
• After hours, weekends, and holidays, notify Campus Security of the failure. They will contact emergency maintenance.
• If the fire alarm activates during a power outage, evacuate the building as normal.
• Do not touch or try to move a downed power line.
• A CIU Info Message will be issued describing the situation and how it is being resolved.
• If there is a prolonged utility failure or a hazardous material emergency, classes and work may be postponed. A CIU Info Message will be issued advising of any closures.

Hazardous Material Emergency:

• Leave the area of any release of hazardous materials and warn others to stay away.
• Report the release of any hazardous material such as chemicals or petroleum products to Campus Security or the Physical Plant. They will determine the extent of the release and what action should be taken.
• Blood borne pathogens are micro-organisms that are found in blood and other body fluids that may contain diseases.
• Alert Campus Security or Physical Plant if you or someone has been in contact with the material.
• A CIU Info Message or CIU Alert will be issued describing the situation and what steps should be taken.
• If there is a prolonged utility failure or a hazardous material emergency, classes and work may be postponed. A CIU Info Message will be issued advising of any closures.

Medical Emergency/Mental Health Crisis

Medical Emergency

• Render aid to the person if you have training to do so.
• Call Campus Security. They will call 911.
• During regular business hours contact the campus nurse.
• The campus nurse, athletic staff, and resident assistants are trained in CPR and in the use of defibrillators and can be contacted by Campus Security.
• Campus Security will escort EMS to the scene.
• If the person is unconscious, provide EMS with any information you may have on what happened.

Mental Health Crisis

Awareness:

Anyone can experience stress associated with academic demands, family issues, social relationships, work, financial problems or cultural adjustment.

How To Help:

• Contact campus authorities for help.
• Provide a quiet environment where the person feels safe.
• Ask the person to stay until help arrives, but don’t try to make them stay if they want to leave.
• Listen actively and show empathy while giving them positive support.
• If you encounter someone or are aware of someone who is experiencing this type of crisis, you may contact:
  • Student Life or Residence Life
  • The campus nurse
  • One of the campus chaplains
  • Campus Security.

Suicidal Person:

• Campus Security MUST be notified.
• If a suicidal person is encountered, do not approach the person but given them plenty of space.
• If the person has a weapon of any kind, contact Campus Security immediately.
• Contact Student Life, Residence Life, or campus chaplain.
• They will make the decision if EMS, Campus Security, or law enforcement need to be called.

Fires/Explosions

If a fire alarm is given:

• Evacuate if you are in the affected building.
• Assist others who may need help.
• Check CIU Emergency Alert for information.

If you discover a fire on campus grounds, or involving a vehicle:

• Call Campus Security immediately.
• Attempt to put out the fire only if you have adequate means to do so.
• Inform others to avoid the area.

If you discover a fire in a building:

• Activate the fire alarm system.
• Call Campus Security immediately.
• Attempt to put out the fire only if you have the means to do so.
• Remember that a fire in a building produces toxic smoke very quickly. Do not prolong leaving the building.

How to use a fire extinguisher:

Remember to P.A.S.S.

• P = PULL the pin
• A = AIM the hose or nozzle
• S = SQUEEZE the lever
• S = SWEEP the agent

An explosion can occur on campus grounds, in a vehicle, or in a building:

• An explosion does not necessarily mean that an explosive device has detonated. It could be caused by a water heater failure, boiler failure, or an electrical transformer.
• If an explosion is on campus grounds or in a vehicle, avoid the area and let others know.
• If an explosion occurs in a building, activate the fire alarm and evacuate the building in the same manner as a fire.
• Assist those who need help.
• Advise first responders of anyone who is still in the building.

Suspicious or Criminal Activity

The campus community plays an important role in making the campus a safe place by being alert for suspicious persons or criminal activity.

If you are the victim of a crime or if you observe either suspicious or criminal behavior, do the following:

• Call Campus Security immediately.
  • Be prepared to give them information such as location, type of incident, use of a weapon, injuries, and description of persons or vehicles involved.
• Do not attempt to intervene or apprehend but seek safety.
• Warn others of the situation.

Signs of suspicious behavior:

• A person looking into multiple vehicles
• A person forcibly entering a vehicle
• Anyone being forced into a vehicle
• A vehicle that keeps driving through campus
• A person going through a building and checking offices to see if they are locked
• Sounds of gunshots, yelling, or arguing
• A person exhibiting suspicious behavior who appears out of place on campus.

A CIU Emergency Alert will be issued to notify the campus.

Hostage Situation

• A hostage situation can occur on campus grounds, in a vehicle or in a campus building.
• If a hostage situation is encountered, do not attempt to talk to the hostage taker nor try to free the hostage.
• Leave the situation quickly and without drawing unnecessary attention.
• Contact Campus Security and listen for instructions.
• Advise others that you encounter of the situation.
• A campus emergency alert will be issued to advise the campus of the situation and any steps to take.

Civil Disturbance/Demonstration

• A civil disturbance or demonstration can occur on campus or move from off campus to on campus.
• If this type of situation becomes a safety issue for the campus community, an emergency alert will be issued giving information on the event or what you need to do.

Evacuations/Shelter in Place

The CIU Emergency Alert will notify campus of an impending evacuation of a building(s) or of the campus.

Assembly areas on campus may include:

• Hoke, Shortess, Fitness Center, BLS gym or cafeteria
• CIU or BLS athletic fields
• The Pointe area
• Any campus parking lot.

Building Evacuation:

• Events that may prompt an evacuation in your building are fire, explosion, bomb threat, active shooter, or hazardous materials release.
• In case of a fire or explosion, the fire alarm may sound.
• Stay calm. Do not rush or panic.
• Do not use elevators but nearest stairs and exit.
• Take your belongings especially any medications.

Campus Evacuation:

• An event such as a forest fire or hazardous materials release may prompt a campus-wide evacuation.
• At the time of campus-wide evacuation, emergency officials will determine an assembly area. For accountability reasons, all evacuees would need to report there.
• All CIU students, Pine View residents, Ben Lippen (BLS) day students, BLS boarding students, and CIU and BLS faculty/staff, should leave in an orderly manner and report to assembly area.
• BLS day students, off-campus CIU students and faculty/staff would be allowed to leave after accountability is completed.
• If the evacuation will be prolonged, emergency officials will work with the Red Cross and others to provide shelter to CIU, BLS and Pine View residents who are displaced.
• No one will be allowed to enter campus until emergency officials have given the all-clear.

Sheltering In Place:

• The CIU Emergency Alert will be given for sheltering in place. This may be directed at a certain building or buildings.
• The Alert will state why you need to take cover and what actions to take. For example, a tornado warning would direct you to the nearest shelter zone in a building.

Natural Disaster/Weather Emergencies

Natural Disasters

• Earthquakes that are violent seldom happen in South Carolina but minor ones do occur.
  • An earthquake may occur so suddenly that a CIU Emergency Alert may not initially be sent out.
  • Evacuate any buildings and go outside to an area that is away from any buildings.
  • Avoid hazards such as ruptured gas lines, downed electrical lines, and trees.
  • If sheltered in place, take cover underneath sturdy furniture. Avoid objects such as book shelves that can topple over.
  • If in a vehicle, stop in the safest place available and stay away from trees and power lines.
  • Instructions and information will be given by CIU Emergency Alert.
  • Do not re-enter a building until an all-clear is given and it is safe to do so.
• Forest/brush fires are a concern for CIU since it is located in a woodland area.
  • Report any signs of a brush or forest fire immediately to Campus Security.
  • A CIU Emergency Alert will be issued calling for an evacuation or for sheltering in place.
  • Be prepared to move quickly and follow directions.
• Severe Weather Alert — A CIU Info Alert will be given to inform of a severe thunderstorm in the area or of approaching weather such as a snow/ice storm or a hurricane.

Weather Emergencies

• A weather emergency is a dangerous weather condition such as a tornado warning for the immediate area or an actual sighting of a tornado.
• A CIU Emergency Alert will be issued stating the emergency and what actions to take.
• If outside, seek immediate shelter in the nearest building. Assist others who may have difficulty in getting to shelter and those who are not familiar with campus.
• If outside and unable to move indoors, lie flat in a ditch or low area.
• If indoors, seek shelter in a designated shelter zone. Each building on campus has shelter zones. Be familiar with their locations.
• If possible, go to the lowest level of a building and in an interior hallway. This is where most shelter zones are located.
• Stay away from windows and objects that might be blown over.
• Inform Campus Security if you are injured or are trapped.
• Once the all-clear is given via CIU Emergency Alert, be careful when leaving a building. Avoid such objects as downed power lines, etc. Let friends, family, or co-workers know that you are OK.

Bomb Threats/Suspicious Package

Bomb Threat:

• Bomb threats should be treated as real until the situation has been evaluated and authorities have searched the area.
• If a bomb threat is received by phone, ask the caller these questions:
  • Where is the bomb?
  • When will it explode?
  • What does it look like?
  • What will cause it to explode?
  • Did you place the bomb?
  • Why?
  • What is your name?
  • Are you an employee or student?
  • Where are you calling from?
• Write down any pertinent information such as background noise, gender of the caller, voice pitches and patterns.
• If possible, pass a note to someone in the area to call Campus Security.
• Once the call is ended, call Campus Security from another phone if they have not already been notified.

Do the following if advised of a bomb threat in your area:

• Follow instructions given in the CIU emergency alert.
• Check your area for any unfamiliar objects or familiar objects that appear out of place.
• Report anything serious to Campus Security.
• Take personal items such as purses, backpacks, or lunch boxes when you leave. This allows bomb searchers to eliminate these as suspicious.
• Leave doors or windows open.
• Do not turn lights on or off.
• Use the stairs and not the elevators.

Suspicious package, letter, or email:

• Suspicious Package:
  • Do not touch, handle, or move the object.
  • Do not use a phone in the immediate area.
  • Do not touch any power switch.
  • Do not activate the fire alarm.
  • Move to a safe area and call Campus Security.
  • Advise others in the general area to move to a safe area.
• Suspicious letter:
  • Do not handle any more than necessary.
  • Save the envelope as well as the letter.
  • Call Campus Security.
• Indications that a letter or package is suspicious:
  • No return address.
  • Poor handwriting, misspelled words, stains.
  • Incorrect titles, or notes to deliver to a certain person.
  • Strange odors or sounds.
  • Foreign postage, excessive postage, or unexpected delivery.
• Suspicious Email:
  • Do not delete the message.
  • Call Campus Security.