Pace University: A Safe Space For Students?

Pace University offers a variety of security measures and resources to ensure the safety of its students. The institution prioritises safety and security, maintaining a 24-hour security presence on both its New York City and Westchester campuses. With trained security personnel, late-night transportation, and electronically-operated dormitory entrances, Pace University provides a comprehensive approach to campus safety.

However, it is important to consider the experiences of students to understand their perception of safety. While some students have praised the university's location as being safer than most areas, others have reported mixed feelings about their overall experience, including mentions of selfish peers and a lack of welcome for transfer students.

In terms of crime statistics, Pace University reported 310 incidents related to crime and safety in 2019, with 309 of those occurring on campus. The on-campus crime ratio is 276.29 per 10,000 students, with disciplinary actions accounting for the majority of incidents.

The university's security measures, emergency preparedness, and commitment to providing a safe environment free from discrimination and harassment all contribute to the overall safety of the Pace University community.

Crime statistics

In terms of crime statistics, Pace University reported a total of 310 incidents related to crime and safety in 2019. With a student body population of 13,395, this translates to 23.14 incidents per 1,000 students. It is worth noting that the number of incidents may not reflect the actual crime rate, as some schools have stricter reporting practices than others.

The incidents at Pace University can be categorized into arrests for major crimes, arrests for possession, violence against women, and disciplinary actions. Disciplinary actions account for the majority of incidents, making up 96.1% of all crime and safety-related reports. Arrests for major crimes, such as murder, robbery, and aggravated assault, represent 2.6% of the total incidents. Violence against women, including domestic violence and stalking, accounts for 1.3% of the reported incidents.

On-campus crime statistics at Pace University are also notable, with 309 incidents reported in 2019, resulting in 23.07 incidents per 1,000 students. Additionally, there were 307 safety-related incidents involving students in residence halls, translating to 22.92 incidents per 1,000 students.

Furthermore, Pace University reported three criminal offenses, including rape, fondling, robbery, and aggravated assault. There were also 371 disciplinary actions, primarily related to weapons possession, drug law violations, and liquor law violations. Unfortunately, there were also two reported incidents of violence against women, categorized as VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) offenses, which included domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

In summary, while the crime statistics provide a quantitative perspective on safety at Pace University, it is essential to recognize that they may not capture the full scope of students' feelings of safety. The university's security measures, emergency preparedness, and resources also play a significant role in fostering a safe environment for students.

Security measures

Pace University has a comprehensive set of security measures and resources in place to ensure the safety of its students, staff, and faculty. The Office of Safety and Security maintains a 24-hour security presence on both the New York City and Westchester campuses, providing security response, access control, after-hours security escorts, and emergency alerts.

The university prioritises the safety and security of its students and offers several additional resources and services. These include:

• Trained security personnel
• Late-night transportation
• Electronically-operated dormitory entrances
• ID cards and access control
• Comprehensive emergency preparedness program
• PaceSafe app, which provides safety alerts and access to campus safety resources, including friend walks, campus maps, and emergency contacts

In terms of crime statistics, Pace University reported 310 incidents related to crime and safety in 2019, involving students at or near the campus or on other properties associated with the school. This equates to 23.14 incidents per 1,000 students, with disciplinary actions accounting for 96.1% of all crime and safety incidents. It is worth noting that a high number of incidents could indicate stricter reporting and law enforcement compared to other institutions.

On-campus crime statistics for Pace University specifically mention 376 residence halls, 10 on-campus fires, 3 criminal offenses, 371 disciplinary actions, and 2 VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) reports. The criminal offenses include rape, fondling, incest, statutory rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The disciplinary actions include weapons possession, drug law violations, and liquor law violations.

Student experiences

Some students have praised the university's security measures, such as the 24-hour security presence on both the New York City and Westchester campuses, the PaceSafe app, and the comprehensive emergency preparedness program. The university also offers resources like trained security personnel, late-night transportation, and electronically-operated dormitory entrances.

However, crime statistics for the university show that there have been incidents of criminal offenses, including rape, fondling, robbery, and aggravated assault, as well as disciplinary actions related to weapons and drug and liquor law violations. There have also been reports of violence against women, including domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

Student reviews reflect a range of experiences. Some students feel that the campus is safe and appreciate the university's commitment to safety and security. They also highlight the supportive environment, financial assistance options, and the abundance of extracurricular activities. Others have criticised the university for its handling of certain situations, such as a building collapse that left some students without housing or refunds. Some students have also reported feeling isolated, particularly those who transferred to the university, and have criticised the administration for being unresponsive and money-driven.

Overall, while there are mixed reviews, the university's security measures and resources are generally viewed as positive, but there are areas where students feel the university could improve to enhance their sense of safety and overall experience.

Discrimination and harassment

Pace University is committed to providing a safe environment for its students, free from discrimination and harassment. The university prioritises the safety and security of its students and has comprehensive policies and procedures in place to address any issues that may arise.

The Office of Safety and Security at Pace University is responsible for maintaining a secure environment for students, staff, and faculty. This includes a 24-hour security presence on both the New York City and Westchester campuses, security response, access control, and emergency alerts. The university also provides resources such as the PaceSafe app, which offers safety alerts and access to campus safety resources, including emergency contacts and friend walks.

In terms of discrimination and harassment, Pace University has policies in place to address these issues. The university is dedicated to providing an inclusive and respectful environment for all members of the university community. The institution has policies that specifically address discrimination, non-sex-based harassment, and retaliation. Additionally, the university has a Sex-based Misconduct Policy and Procedure to ensure the safety and inclusion of all individuals.

According to the 2019 Pace University - New York Crime & Safety Report, there were 310 incidents related to crime and safety, involving students at or near campus or on other properties associated with the school. This amounts to 23.14 incidents per 1,000 students. Disciplinary actions accounted for 96.1% of all crime and safety incidents, while 2.6% were arrests for major crimes, and 1.3% were acts of violence against women. It is important to note that the presence of reported incidents may be indicative of a strict reporting culture at the university.

While reviews from students at Pace University vary, some have expressed feelings of isolation and a lack of support from the administration. However, others have praised the university for its location, academic offerings, and career opportunities.

Emergency preparedness

Pace University has developed a comprehensive emergency preparedness program that covers a range of potential threats, including outbreaks of serious illness, gas leaks, explosions, fires, chemical or hazardous waste spills, and armed intruders. The university conducts unannounced fire drills at least three times a year to test its emergency response and evacuation procedures.

The Office of Safety and Security at Pace University is responsible for maintaining a 24-hour security presence on both the New York City and Westchester campuses. They are in charge of security response, access control, after-hours security escorts, and emergency alerts to ensure the safety and security of the Pace community.

The university provides several resources and services to enhance safety, including trained security personnel, late-night transportation, electronically-operated dormitory entrances, ID cards, and access control.

The PaceSafe app is a tool that provides important safety alerts and access to campus safety resources, including features such as friend walks, campus maps, and emergency contacts. Students are encouraged to download the app and register for emergency alerts to stay connected with the Office of Safety and Security.

In addition to these measures, Pace University is committed to providing a safe environment free from discrimination and harassment. The institution has policies in place to address discrimination, non-sex-based harassment, retaliation, and sex-based misconduct.

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