Safety & Security

The University of the Ozarks does not assume responsibility for the loss of, or damage to, articles and personal property which occurs in its buildings or on its grounds. Students and their parents are encouraged to carry appropriate insurance. Lost items should be reported immediately. Residents are encouraged to lock their rooms when leaving and not give their room keys to others. All keys issued are the property of the University and are not to be duplicated or misused in any way. Stolen property is seldom recovered! Residents should leave valuable jewelry and family heirlooms at home or in personal lock boxes.

  1. Fire Evacuation and Equipment   (see also Fire Drill Guidelines for current students)
  2. Fire Protection
  3. Health and Safety Inspections
  4. Room Searches
  5. Pets
  6. Personal Safety   (see also Campus Security)
  7. Severe Weather Warning    (see also Inclement Weather Policy for current students)

Fire Evacuation and Equipment

Fire evacuation routes are posted on each floor of all residence halls. Fire evacuation drills will be held each semester so that residents may become familiar with their evacuation route. Participation in any and all fire drills is required for those present in the building during the time of the drill. Each student room is equipped with a smoke detector and should not be tampered with. Fire extinguishers are located on each floor and fire alarms are located by the hall offices. These are to be used only in case of an actual fire. False fire alarms and the use of fire extinguishers for purposes other than an actual fire is a violation of the University code of student conduct. Students involved in false fire alarms, improper use of fire extinguishers, or tampering with fire safety equipment will be subject to disciplinary procedures and fined for repairing or replacement of fire equipment.

Back to top

Fire Protection

The University will not tolerate students starting fires of any sort in or near University housing. Strong disciplinary action will be taken against those not following FIRE PRECAUTIONS listed below:

  1. Tampering with fire safety equipment or a fire alarm is prohibited.
  2. A resident may not possess anything constituting a fire hazard, such as candles,incense, open-flame devices, etc.
  3. Firearms, fireworks, explosives, and dangerous chemicals are prohibited everywhere on campus.

Back to top

Health and Safety Inspections
The University respects the privacy of residents. However, University personnel reserve the right of inspection of the residential buildings and all University-provided rooms. Inspection shall mean routine examination

  1. to determine if there is damage to the room,
  2. to determine if the occupants are in compliance with health and safety regulations and provisions of public law, University regulations, or housing policy,
  3. to provide cleaning or maintenance work,
  4. to conduct an inventory of University property. An inspection means only a visual survey of the external appearance of a room and the interior of its closets. A room may also be entered if there is an indication of danger to life, health, or property, or for other reasons as determined necessary by the University.

Because of the close nature of living in a residence hall, students must be conscious of their personal living habits and their own personal hygiene. Personal grooming habits are important to health, and the University expects that a reasonable level of cleanliness will be maintained in the rooms. The University reserves the right to inspect student rooms concerning this health issue. Students may be required to clean their rooms and change their own personal habits. Should problems or disputes between students arise over this issue, the Residence Hall Director may intervene.

Back to top

Room Searches
Any search of rooms for reasonable cause conducted by University officials will be carried out only with the explicit authorization of the Dean of Students and/or the Dean of Residential and Campus Life. If such a search is required, an effort will be made to have the resident(s) of the room present at the time of the search. A search involves a detailed inspection of the room including the opening of drawers and personal belongings.

Back to top

Pets
Due to health hazards such as fleas and possible allergic reactions, no pets are allowed in the residence halls. Fish in a ten gallon or less aquarium are an exception.

Back to top


Personal Safety
For the personal safety of residents, the following restrictions apply to personal property on the University campus:

  1. Due to possible injuries and a fire hazard, hot plates, popcorn poppers, toasters, etc. are not permitted.
    (Microwaves and 3.5-cubic ft. refrigerators are allowed.)
  2. Firearms and lethal weapons, such as gas pellet pistols and switchblade knives, are not permitted anywhere on campus.
  3. Any tool which could create a harmful or dangerous situation cannot be kept in the residence hall, in a vehicle, or anywhere on campus.

Back to top

Severe Weather Warning

If there is a tornado warning, Clarksville's storm sirens will sound. Residents should seek shelter in the basements of their respective residence halls. If students are outside on campus, they should go to the basement of Seay Center or the nearest classroom building. All students are reminded to cooperate with any designated University official in the event of an emergency. Clarksville radio stations KLYR (92.7 FM) or KXIO (106.9 FM) will give up-to-date weather information, as well as Channel 5 TV (out of Ft. Smith.) Each residence hall office has a weather monitor.

Back to top