Campus Safety Resources

Buena Vista University is committed to student safety. Residence halls are locked at all times, and each building is equipped with fire alarms and an emergency phone near the entrance. We provide safety services through Campus Security and offer safety resources here. 

Male and female students walk in front of the chapel

About Campus Security

The department responsible for safety and security at BVU is Campus Security. Campus Security staff are not sworn or commissioned law enforcement officers, and do not carry weapons. They provide basic security services to the campus community and are on duty 24 hours a day.

Campus Security works closely with the Storm Lake Police Department, Buena Vista County Sheriff's Department, and state and federal law enforcement agencies to keep our community safe!

Siebens Forum 205, Student Success Suite
712.749.2500
security@bvu.edu

BVU Campus Security on Facebook
On duty 24 hours a day
Regular office hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Our Mission

Buena Vista University Campus Security considers our students quality of life an essential component of the learning environment, which we are trusted to protect. We are committed to this charge and focus all necessary attention towards its fulfillment. We value democratic process, integrity, cooperation, quality service, sensitivity, and consistency; and are committed to providing a safe environment to the students, staff, faculty and visitors of the University.

  • Services Provided
  • Campus Safety Log

Security and Safety Report (Jeanne Clery Act)

Under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, colleges report the three previous years of crime statistics, campus security information, emergency response and evacuation procedures, and fire safety information.

In compliance with the Clery Act, BVU Campus Security has published this report to provide students, employees, and visitors with an overview of the University’s security resources, policies, and procedures, as well as crime statistics. The report is updated annually and is provided to anyone who requests a copy.

JEANNE CLERY DISCLOSURE OF CAMPUS SECURITY POLICY & CAMPUS CRIME STATISTICS ACT

ANNUAL CAMPUS SECURITY AND FIRE REPORT

Campus Security Authority

Although BVU strongly encourages everyone to report any crime that occurs on or around campus, the Clery Act requires certain crimes reported to a Campus Security Authority (CSA) to be included in those annual statistics. Therefore, CSAs must be identified and trained in their reporting responsibilities. If CSAs fail to report and/or if the University has not properly identified and trained these individuals, it can cause the university to suffer significant fines and jeopardize Title IV funding.

Learn More About CSA

Emergency Management Plan

BVU's Emergency Management Plan is designed to guide the University through an emergency situation when routine measures are not sufficient until normal operations can resume.

Emergency Management Plan

BVU is pleased to offer convenient on-campus parking to students, faculty, staff, and guests. Campus Security regulates parking on campus. Parking Information

Emergency Tips

Be prepared in the event of an emergency, by familiarizing yourself with tips on what to do.

View Tips

Crime Prevention Tips

Learn more about our crime prevention tips and tricks to help you avoid crime and injury.

View Tips

Crime Reporting

Making a Report

Any emergency situation or knowledge of a crime should be immediately reported to Campus Security by calling 712.749.2500 or by going to the Security Office. You may also dial 911 to reach police, ambulance, or fire department in any emergency. When calling either number, the caller should stay on the line until the police dispatcher or Campus Security person terminates the call. Be able to provide your exact location and the status of the situation you are reporting.

Emergency Blue Light Phones are located in Lots B, D, G, E, F, H, and L. Residence hall exterior emergency phones are also located at the main entrances.

Please keep the following in mind when involved in or witnessing a crime:

  • Make every effort to ensure that physical evidence is maintained and protected. Immediate reporting will aid in preserving evidence.
  • Obtain a description of the offender(s) including sex, age, race, hair, clothing and other distinguishable features. Attempt to obtain a description and license number of any vehicles involved and the direction of travel of those vehicles.
  • Preserve the crime scene. Do not touch any items involved, nor allow anyone into the area until Campus Security or Storm Lake Police Department personnel arrive.

Additional Reporting Information

Individuals reporting information to Campus Security and wishing to file a complaint with the Storm Lake Police Department will be provided assistance by Campus Security if requested.

All faculty, staff, students or visitors who become aware of a crime should report the violation to Campus Security. All employees (excluding counselors, clergy, and health professionals who are performing that function) have an obligation to report any crime to Campus Security.

Confidential Reporting Form

If a person is the victim of a crime and does not want to pursue action within the university judicial system or the criminal justice system, you may still want to consider making a confidential report. You may submit a report anonymously by going to the Campus Security website and using the form provided. Reports filed in this manner are counted and information on patterns of crime are used to alert the campus community of potential danger. You may report an incident to any Campus Security Officer confidentially or you may submit a report using this form.

Confidential Reporting Form (PDF) BVU Sexual Misconduct & Title IX Policy

Jessica Garling, Director of Campus Security

Jessica Garling has served Buena Vista University since 2014. She has been honored with the Education for Service award, a top honor presented annually to a BVU staff member who demonstrates an outstanding work ethic and is valued as a role model within the BVU community.

In 2020, Garling was lauded for her nonstop efforts in selflessly serving BVU students, staff, faculty, and community members throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Her approach and demeanor were described as "unwavering" in a crisis situation.

 
Jessica Garling

 

Campus Security Staff

Jessica Garling, Director of Campus Securitygarlingj@bvu.edu                           

Theresa Lullman, Office Coordinator lullmant@bvu.edu

Josh Norwood, Full-Time Campus Security Officer norwoodj@bvu.edu

Alexander Davidge, Full-Time Campus Security Officer davidgea@bvu.edu

Reed Wunschel, Full-Time Campus Security Officer WunschelR@bvu.edu                    

Sullivan Baily,  Part-Time Campus Security Officer  BailSul@bvu.edu

Bradyn Mack, Part-Time Campus Security Officer MackBra@bvu.edu