Employee Handbook

Employee Safety and Security

At SUNY Broome, we are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for everyone on campus. This section provides important information on various safety and security policies, procedures, and services designed to protect employees, students, and visitors. Whether it’s guidance on emergency procedures, information on crime prevention, or resources for maintaining a healthy and secure work environment, we strive to create a campus where everyone feels supported and protected.

Below, you’ll find helpful information on topics like campus security, background checks, safety programs, emergency protocols, and regulations related to alcohol and drug use. We encourage all employees to familiarize themselves with these policies to help contribute to a safer and more secure campus.

In some extenuating circumstances parents or guardians may need to bring their child(ren) to campus. In general, children, along with their parent or guardian, may visit College offices or facilities for limited periods of time when the parent or guardian is conducting routine business at the College.

View the full policy on the Policy and Procedures page under Safety and Security (SS8006).

To ensure the safety and security of SUNY Broome’s students, faculty, staff, and visitors, the College will conduct standard background checks and verify relevant information for new employees. These checks are intended to reduce the risk of crime, injury, and loss, and to help build confidence in the College’s workforce.

This policy applies to all new part-time and full-time faculty, staff, adjunct employees, and identified student employees upon approval by the Board of Trustees. Employees who have had a break in service of 12 months or more will also be subject to this policy if re-employed. Note that Campus Peace Officers are subject to more stringent background checks and are not covered by this policy.

View the full policy on the Policy and Procedures page under Personal Affairs (PA3012).

The Office of Public Safety at SUNY Broome is dedicated to providing 24-hour emergency response, crime prevention, traffic enforcement, hazard control, and parking management services for both the main campus and the Culinary Events Center. The office is available to assist with any safety or security concerns raised by students, faculty, or staff.

Emergency Calls
  • From a Cell Phone: Dial 911 or Text 911
  • From a Campus Phone: Dial 911
  • From a Blue Light Phone: Press the call button for direct access to a 911 dispatcher
Additional Services

In addition to its core safety and security functions, the Office of Public Safety provides the following services:

  • Vehicle registration and parking permits for students, faculty, staff, and visitors
  • Management of the College’s lost and found property system
  • Assistance with emergency notifications
  • Personal safety and property protection guidance and materials
  • SUNY Broome Alerting System (RAVE)
  • Issuance of campus ID cards
  • Vehicle jump-start services

SUNY Broome’s campus is open for regularly scheduled classes and activities Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Specific hours for classrooms, support facilities, registration, counseling, and special events (meetings, seminars, workshops, etc.) are advertised in various college publications. Any temporary adjustments to the campus schedule, such as for holidays, inclement weather, or power outages, will be communicated through RAVE Alerts, the SUNY Broome website, announcements, the campus switchboard operator, voicemail, campus distribution bulletins, and/or notices posted at facility entrances.

Outside of regular hours, access to campus buildings is restricted to maintenance/custodial staff, faculty, and staff with urgent work. Students are expected to leave college buildings by 10 p.m., unless they are participating in a college activity supervised by a SUNY Broome teacher, advisor, or coach. No student may remain in a building past 11 p.m., except for those in the residence halls. Resident students and their guests are governed by the Housing License.

College employees with keys should contact the Office of Public Safety at 607-778-5083 before entering or leaving a campus building outside of regular hours for their safety. Employees without keys should be prepared to present a valid photo ID (e.g., SUNY Broome ID or NYS driver’s license) to the responding officer for identification and access.

In accordance with the Campus Safety Act of 1998 (Clery Amendment) and New York State Education Law Article 129-A, SUNY Broome Community College maintains and reports statistics on crimes reported to campus safety and local law enforcement agencies.

These statistics are publicly available through the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education website. You can search for SUNY Broome Community College by name or by using the College’s OPE ID: 00286200.

For additional information or to request a printed copy of the crime statistics report, please contact the Office of Public Safety at 607-778-5083.

Preventing crime on campus is a shared responsibility. The Office of Public Safety encourages all members of the SUNY Broome community to stay alert and take simple, common-sense precautions to help ensure personal safety and protect personal property:

  • Walk with a companion whenever possible.
  • Stick to well-lit paths and areas at night.
  • Keep your keys in hand while walking to your car or leaving a building.
  • Park in your designated lot and always lock your vehicle.
  • Choose well-lit areas when parking at night.
  • Mark and label valuables to aid in identification if lost or stolen.
  • Never leave purses, wallets, or other valuables unattended.
  • Call Public Safety for a campus escort if you’re traveling alone at night.
  • Lock all desks, lockers, file cabinets, and offices when unattended.
  • Keep your keys with you at all times—never lend them to others.

Report any suspicious activity or non-emergency incidents to the Office of Public Safety at 607-778-5083. For emergencies, call 911. Prompt reporting helps ensure a quick response and contributes to a safer campus environment.

SUNY Broome provides support and resources for students who have been victims of a crime. The following campus services are available to offer information and referrals:

  • Counseling Services
    Location: Science Building, Room 102
    Phone: 607-778-5210
  • Student Health Services
    Location: Science Building, Room 102
    Phone: 607-778-5181

In addition, students may also contact the Crime Victims Assistance Center for confidential support:

Office Line: 607-723-3200
24-Hour Crisis Line: 607-722-4256
Crime Victims Assistance Center Website

These services can assist with emotional support, referrals, and connections to community agencies dedicated to helping victims of crime.

What is an Emergency?

An emergency is any unplanned event that could cause injury, death, operational disruption, property damage, or harm to SUNY Broome’s reputation (FEMA definition).

How Should You Respond?
Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures. The two main responses are:

  • Shelter-In-Place:
    Stay indoors during threats such as an active shooter. Choose a secure interior room or hallway with few or no windows. Your department should designate this location in advance.
  • Evacuate:
    Leave the building using the nearest safe exit. If possible, alert others and call 911. In case of fire, activate the nearest alarm as you exit.

Be Prepared:

  • Know the location of emergency exits, evacuation routes, and fire alarms.
  • Identify alternate exits.
  • Participate in drills and training.

More Information:
Refer to the Emergency Response Guide available on the Public Safety website or in department offices, classrooms, or by contacting the Office of Public Safety.

A. Essential Personnel
Essential employees are required to work on-site during emergencies. Designations are made at the employer’s discretion and may change. Identified employees will be notified directly by HR, Public Safety, or a supervisor. Roles considered essential will vary depending on the situation.

B. Telecommuting
Nonessential employees may be directed to work remotely. Supervisors will coordinate remote schedules and submit tech support requests via CSR. Refer to SUNY Broome’s Remote Work Program Policy (Policy PA3016) for guidance. ITS will ensure necessary resources are available.

C. Work Shifts/Schedules
To maintain safety, SUNY Broome will follow CDC and NYS guidelines, which may include social distancing and staggered shifts for essential employees. Adjustments will be made based on the nature of the threat.

D. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE protocols follow CDC, NYS DOH, and Broome County Health Department guidelines. The Office of Public Safety oversees PPE storage, distribution, and coordination, including training, signage, and disposal.

E. Exposure Protocol
All on-site employees must complete the CampusClear COVID Screening, even for brief visits. SUNY Broome follows state guidelines for screening, testing, and tracing, with updates provided as situations evolve. Cleaning and disinfection procedures meet SUNY and NYS standards and include high-touch areas such as:

  • Lobbies and entrances
  • Restrooms
  • Light switches and handrails

F. Contact Tracing
Trained contact tracers from Public Safety, in collaboration with BCHD, will conduct interviews to identify exposures and coordinate cleaning and quarantine procedures.

G. Emergency Housing
SUNY Broome will coordinate with Broome County Emergency Services to provide temporary housing for essential staff if needed.

H. Compliance
SUNY Broome will comply with all executive orders and emergency regulations during a declared disaster emergency.

SUNY Broome Community College maintains a compliance program to meet the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) and the New York State Right-to-Know Law. These regulations require the College to inform employees of workplace chemical hazards and train them in safe handling practices.

Key Elements of the Program:
  • Training:
    • Provided to all new employees at hire.
    • Ongoing training for new procedures/materials is given by supervisors.
    • Annual HazCom/Right-to-Know training is mandatory for all employees.
    • Lab Safety training is department-specific.
    • Training records are maintained and available to employees and NYS DOL-PESH.
  • Hazard Information Access:
    • Employees are trained to locate and use Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and respond to emergencies.
    • SDSs must be available in each work area and online via the Environmental Health & Fire Safety – Workplace Safety – SDS portal.
  • Documentation & Inventory:
    • A campus-wide inventory of hazardous substances is maintained.
    • The Hazard Communication Plan and Chemical Hygiene Plan are available for review at the Office of Public Safety (Annex Building).
    • All labs must prioritize safety and follow documented protocols.

In compliance with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, SUNY Broome has established a comprehensive program to minimize employee exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). This program protects workers and helps prevent serious illness and fatalities.

Key Components of the Program:
  • Universal Precautions:
    • All blood and certain body fluids are treated as infectious, regardless of the source.
  • Control Measures:
    • Use of engineering controls, safe work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
    • Warning labels and color coding are used to mark containers storing or transporting blood or OPIM.
  • Training Requirements:
    • Provided upon hire and annually for employees with occupational exposure.
    • Additional training occurs when tasks, procedures, or roles change.
    • Training records are maintained and accessible to employees and NYS DOL-PESH.
  • Medical Provisions:
    • Hepatitis B vaccination is offered at no cost to employees with occupational exposure.
    • Post-exposure evaluation and follow-up are also provided at no cost after an exposure incident.
  • Exposure Control Plan:
    • Identifies tasks and procedures involving potential exposure.
    • Details how SUNY Broome will protect, train, and support its employees.
    • Available for review at the Office of Public Safety (Annex Building) and includes the full OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.

Stormwater refers to precipitation (rain or snowmelt) that does not absorb into the ground but instead flows over surfaces and into waterways. While individual sites may contribute only small amounts of pollution, the cumulative effect can seriously impact the health of rivers, lakes, wetlands, and other natural water bodies.

Regulatory Overview:
SUNY Broome is classified as a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) under the EPA’s Phase II Stormwater Rule. As an MS4, the College is required to:

  • Obtain a stormwater permit
  • Develop and implement programs to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff

SUNY Broome’s Stormwater Management Program includes the following six key elements:

  1. Public Education & Outreach
  2. Public Involvement & Participation
  3. Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination
  4. Construction Site Runoff Control
  5. Post-Construction Stormwater Management
  6. Pollution Prevention & Good Housekeeping

Reporting and Resources:

  • To report a stormwater issue or suspected illicit spill:
    • Visit the Environmental Safety website
    • Or call Public Safety at ext. 5083
  • For additional information and annual stormwater reports:
    • Refer to the Environmental Safety website
  • Questions?
    • Contact the EH&S Coordinator at ext. 5366

(Including Exposure to Hazardous Materials)

Employees who experience a work-related injury, accident, illness, or hazardous material exposure must follow these steps:

1. Immediate Reporting

  • Notify your supervisor immediately.
    • The supervisor must then contact:
      • Human Resources at ext. 5319
      • Public Safety at ext. 5083

2. Workers’ Compensation Packet

  • A Workers’ Compensation packet must be completed for all such incidents. Packets are available:
    • At the Human Resources Office (Wales 103)
    • From your department secretary
    • On the MyCollege Portal under:
      • Employee → Human Resources Documents → Forms & Documents

3. Recurrent Illness or Injury

  • If the injury or illness recurs, the employee must complete a new packet to document the latest occurrence.
  • Notify Human Resources at ext. 5319 as soon as possible.

4. Timely Reporting
Prompt reporting:

  • Ensures proper medical care
  • Allows for timely and accurate processing of Workers’ Compensation claims

5. Follow-Up and Recordkeeping

  • All reported accidents are reviewed by the Office of Public Safety.
  • Accident investigations are conducted when necessary.
  • The Summary Log of Injuries and Illnesses required by NYS Public Employee Safety and Health (PESH) is:
    • Maintained by Broome County
    • Posted annually from Feb. 1 – April 30
    • Available on the bulletin board outside the Human Resources Office (Wales 103)

Need Help?
For general questions or assistance at the time of an incident, contact Human Resources at ext. 5319.

The CARE Team is composed of campus responders from Public Safety, the Dean of Students Office, On-Campus Housing, and Counseling Services. The team meets regularly to address behavioral concerns, plan intervention strategies, and consult with the Vice President for Student Development & Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) regarding students at risk of harm.

The team evaluates student behaviors from multiple campus perspectives and coordinates early intervention services, referrals, or mental health assessments if necessary.

Behavior Categories Requiring Attention:

  1. Self-injurious behavior or suicidal ideation/attempts.
  2. Erratic or disruptive behavior, including online activities.
  3. Behavior that is concerning or disturbing to others.
  4. Involuntary transportation for alcohol/drug use or abuse.

Examples of Concerning Behaviors:

  • A student submits an assignment about suicide.
  • Two students create a class video about bomb threats.
  • A threatening email is received (“I’m going to kill everyone in the Business Building”).
  • A student’s webpage links to information about poisoning others with cyanide.
  • A student exhibits disordered thinking in communications with faculty.
  • A student expresses suicidal or homicidal intent.

Making a CARE Referral:

  • Contact the Dean of Students at 607-778-5681
  • Contact Public Safety at 607-778-5083
  • Contact Counseling Services at 607-778-5210
  • Referrals can also be made by email, but direct contact is preferred. In urgent situations, call 911.

Commitment
SUNY Broome is dedicated to maintaining a safe and secure academic environment. All faculty, staff, and students must contribute to a workplace free from violence, threats, harassment, intimidation, and coercion. The College prohibits workplace violence and takes complaints seriously. Violators may face disciplinary action, including termination, and/or law enforcement referral.

Scope
In accordance with NYS Labor Law Section 27-b, SUNY Broome is responsible for maintaining a workplace free from violence to the extent reasonably possible.

Definitions

  • Workplace: Any location where an employee performs work duties, whether permanent or temporary.
  • Workplace violence: Includes threats, verbal abuse, physical assault, intimidation, or any behavior that causes others to feel threatened or unsafe.
  • Threat: Any conduct that threatens personal safety or property or could reasonably be interpreted as intent to cause harm.

Examples of Prohibited Behavior:

  • Bullying, sexual harassment, stalking, or obscene/threatening communication.
  • Intimidating presence or unwanted physical contact.
  • Verbal abuse, offensive comments, and bomb threats.
  • Carrying or using weapons without proper authorization.

Responsibilities

  • President: Ensures implementation and distribution of these procedures and oversees investigations and follow-ups.
  • Public Safety: Conducts workplace risk assessments, responds to incidents, logs all workplace violence events, and reports findings. Public Safety also tracks incidents, provides training, and ensures compliance with policies.
  • Supervisors: Must report any workplace violence incidents to Public Safety, ensure confidentiality, and manage responses.
  • Faculty & Staff: Should report any incidents of violence or threats to their supervisor or Public Safety. Employees with restraining orders should notify their supervisor and Public Safety.
  • Human Resources: Assists with workplace violence responses, ensures training and dissemination of procedures, and provides support to affected employees.
  • Students: Should report any incidents of violence to Public Safety. Information on workplace violence awareness and counseling services will be provided upon registration.
  • Marketing & Communications: Handles communication regarding workplace violence after consulting with the President and Public Safety.

Training & Information

Employees will receive training on workplace violence prevention at the time of hire and annually thereafter. Training includes identifying risks, protective measures, and how to respond to workplace violence.

Retaliation
Retaliation against anyone reporting workplace violence or participating in investigations is prohibited and may lead to disciplinary action, up to termination.

False Reports
Making a false report of workplace violence is grounds for disciplinary action, including termination and possible referral to authorities.

Confidentiality
The College will maintain confidentiality during investigations to the extent possible and will act on anonymous complaints if necessary to protect the safety and well-being of the community.

Employee and Student Regulations on Alcohol and Drug Use

SUNY Broome Community College is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy campus environment. The use of alcohol or drugs can pose significant health and safety risks to individuals and the campus community. In compliance with federal, state, and local laws, the College has established the following regulations:

  • Prohibited Actions:
    The College prohibits the use, consumption, sale, purchase, transfer, or unlawful possession of controlled or illicit substances by students or employees on campus or at any College-sponsored event off-campus.

    • Legally prescribed medications are allowed only if they do not negatively impact the student’s academic performance, the safety of the student or others, or the employee’s job performance.
    • Prescription medications must be in their original pharmacy containers, clearly labeled with the individual’s name, drug name, dosage, doctor’s name, and prescription and expiration dates.
  • Alcohol Regulations:
    • Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at student events or in students’ possession on campus at any time.
    • Student Activities fees or student organization funds cannot be used for purchasing alcohol.
    • Employees are prohibited from consuming alcohol while working or reporting to work under the influence.
    • Consumption of alcohol on campus is only permitted at authorized functions.

Disciplinary Action for Violations

  • Students: Violations of these regulations may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal from classes or the campus. Disciplinary action for students will be managed by the Vice President for Student Development.
  • Employees: Employees who violate these regulations will face disciplinary actions, up to and including termination.

In addition to internal sanctions, legal penalties for the unlawful use or distribution of drugs or alcohol may apply under local, state, and federal law.

Substance Abuse Resources:

Additional resources can be found on the College website under:

SUNY Broome RAVE Alert

SUNY Broome utilizes the Rave Mobile Safety system to send emergency alerts through various communication methods. Faculty, staff, and students are automatically enrolled in the system through Banner. However, it is important to verify that your emergency contact information is accurate. To do so, log in to your MyCollege account and use the SUNY Broome RAVE Alert Site link to update your details as needed.

Rave alerts are the College’s primary way of communicating critical information, such as weather-related delays, closings, or other emergencies. Alerts will be sent via email, text message, and phone call. In addition to Rave alerts, the College will also post updates on the website and notify local media outlets.

More Information on Rave Alert

Note: For Parking Regulations and Procedures, visit our Parking Information page.

All employees are required to register their vehicle(s) with the Office of Public Safety (Public Safety Building) and obtain the appropriate parking permit hang tags. These hang tags must be clearly displayed on the rearview mirror. Everyone, including visitors and guest speakers, must obtain a parking pass from the Office of Public Safety.

  • Faculty/Staff Parking: Parking for faculty and staff is now open parking, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Student Parking: Students are only permitted to park in areas designated as Student Parking. Exceptions include:
    • Disabled Parking: Employees, students, and visitors with disabilities may park in spaces reserved for individuals with disabilities in any campus parking lot. The vehicle must display a valid “handicapped” parking license plate, decal, or hang tag from a state Department of Motor Vehicles or local city, town, or village clerk’s office.
    • Motorcycle Parking: Designated parking spaces for motorcycles are available on the asphalt ramp at the northwest corner of the Student Services Building.

Prohibited Parking Areas:

  • Parking is not permitted in roadways, sidewalks, grass, or any area not marked for parking unless authorized by the President of the College.
  • No parking in areas that would block roadways, entrances, loading docks, or curb cuts.
  • Areas where “No Parking” signs are posted or that are restricted for safety or reservation reasons.
  • Parking outside of lined spaces, which would impede normal traffic in campus parking lots.

Other Parking Regulations:

  • Overnight Parking: Overnight parking is not permitted on campus. If a vehicle needs to be left overnight, the owner/operator must notify the Office of Public Safety.
  • Speed Limits: The speed limit on campus roadways is 20 MPH, and in campus parking lots, it is 10 MPH. These limits are strictly enforced.

Any violation of campus traffic/parking rules will result in a ticket and related fine at the expense of the vehicle operator/owner.

For further information on SUNY Broome traffic and parking rules and procedures, including the process to appeal a ticket, please contact the Office of Public Safety at 778-5083 or visit Parking Information.

Visitor Parking: Please assist visitors to campus by directing them to the Wales Reception Desk or the Office of Public Safety (Public Safety Annex Building) to request a Visitor’s Pass. A visitor parking area is located in front of the Wales Building. A parking pass will be provided to visitors, allowing them to park legally in that area or in a nearby lot close to their destination on campus.

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