Physical and Environmental Security

Policy Number:
IV.05.03
Reason for Policy:

This policy sets out how the University aims to protect its community members and its assets (including its buildings, property, information, and equipment) against physical threats such as crime (theft and criminal damage), fire, and terrorism through the implementation of physical fire protection and security controls. Physical fire protection and security requires appropriate 'layering' of physical and technical measures and involves a balance between prevention, detection and response.

Entities Affected by this Policy:

All members of the UO community and visitors.

Responsible Office:

For questions about this policy, please contact Safety and Risk Services: (541) 346-8070, safety@uoregon.edu

Enactment & Revision History:

18 December 2018 - Approved by the university president

Policy:

Physical and Environmental Security

Policy: 

I. To support a unified campus implementation of physical fire protection systems, the UO Fire Marshal Office has the responsibility and has been delegated authority to ensure the UO complies with Oregon fire and life safety regulations as adopted in Oregon Fire Code and local municipality ordinances. When these regulations are silent or in conflict, fire prevention decisions are made by the UO Fire Marshal, under guidance of nationally recognized practices or standards such as those promulgated by the National Fire Protection Association, other nationally recognized fire protection agencies, and commonly accepted fire protection practices.

II. To support a unified campus security policy, UO has established three building security levels. Buildings are assigned security levels based on the functions that occur within the building.

a. In certain cases, a portion or room of a building could receive additional security elements beyond the building’s level. Definitions of the building levels and the accompanying security elements are located in the security standard.

III. Based on the principles of common crime prevention, the University will incorporate appropriate and proportionate physical security measures in both the design and layout for new campus buildings and major remodels

IV. Security levels may apply to the internal and exterior design of campus facilities (including buildings and grounds).

V. Determination of the building level occurs during the programming phase of the design process for major remodels and new construction to determine the plan for physical security elements and will be done in close collaboration with user groups, stakeholders and the Campus Vulnerability Assessment Team (CVAT). Determinations shall not negatively impact the unit’s activity.

a. In the event that involved parties disagree on security elements identified above the “Base” levels, then respective unit leadership will be consulted. If agreement cannot be reached there, the decision will go to the vice presidents of the respective units.

VI. Physical security elements are implemented through campus standards, managed by UO Design and Construction and Facilities Services.

VII. UO will integrate industry standard practices in building and space design to enhance crime prevention as part of the Campus Design Process.

VIII. No Department or Auxiliary will install a standalone physical security system (e.g., alarms, cameras, outdoor emergency phone systems, etc) without consulting with the Campus Vulnerability Assessment Team. Centralized systems are encouraged to ensure interoperability.

IX. Certain circumstances, including, but not limited to, large scale special events, temporary displays of high value, or occurrence of an emergency or incident may result in the need to temporarily increase security elements in or around a facility. In these instances, UOPD will be responsible for recommending temporary security measures.

X. In special cases, CVAT and the user group may determine that certain physical security elements identified in the building levels are not necessary. In these cases, the reasoning will be documented and kept by CVAT.

Responsibilities

I. Protecting the people and assets of the University of Oregon is the responsibility of the whole campus community. All university personnel are expected to support the university’s safety and security policy and associated procedures.

II. The University of Oregon Fire Marshal, an officer within the Department of Environmental Health and Safety, in accordance with agreement of the Eugene-Springfield Fire Marshal, is the designated authority having jurisdiction in the interpretation and application of fire protection codes and regulations and authorized to enforce applicable fire and life-safety codes, laws, regulations, and implementation of fire protection systems within campus facilities.

III. The University of Oregon Police Department (UOPD) is the lead department responsible for assessing physical security needs and making recommendations for security improvements for campus facilities. Departments will work in partnership with UOPD to plan, coordinate and implement and install security elements in their facilities. Examples of campus security needs include but are not limited to site security, assets protection, camera systems, security alarms, and personal safety, etc.

IV. The UO Campus Vulnerability Assessment Team (CVAT) works on enterprise-wide safety, security, and vulnerability policies and protocols to address campus vulnerabilities and vet request for standalone security elements.

V. All administrators, deans, department heads, directors, supervisors and/or principal investigators are directly accountable for the provision of appropriate training and promotion of a culture of security.

Chapter/Volume:
Chapter 5: Public Safety and Risk Services
Original Source:
UO Policy Statement