Campus Security and Safety Report
French Academy of Cosmetology
10/2024
For this report, FAC will be used as an acronym for French Academy of Cosmetology
To request copy, please call 616.844.7070.
Preparing the annual disclosure of crime Statistics
French Academy of Cosmetology’s administrative staff prepares the annual security report to comply with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). A report is received from our local police agency listing crimes that have occurred on or near campus and school controlled or affiliated property. (Crime Report on page 12-13) Once our data has been reviewed it will be made available to the general public at http://ope.ed.gov/security.
Timely Warnings
All crimes specific to the Clery Act are required to be assessed for a potential Timely Warning Notice to determine if the crime represents a serious or continuing threat to the campus community. In the event that a crime occurs within the Clery Geography (on campus, in or on a non-campus building or property, or on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus) that, in the judgement of school administrators and/or instructors, a serious or continuing threat to persons or property, and/or as an educational effort to prevent similar crime(s) in the future, a campus wide timely warning will be issued. The decision to issue a timely warning will be made on a case-by-case basis in light of all the facts surrounding the crime, including factors such as the date and time of the crime or incident versus the date it was reported to a French Academy staff member, the nature of the crime, the continuing danger to the campus community and the possible risk of compromising law enforcement efforts. Timely Warnings are typically issued for the following Uniformed Crime Reporting Program (UCR)/National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) crime classifications: major incidents of arson, aggravated assault, and Murder/Non-Negligent Manslaughter, robbery, and sex offenses. Cases of aggravated assault and sex offenses are considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the facts of the case and the information known by French Academy staff. For example, if a crime occurs between two individuals, there may be no on-going threat to French Academy students or staff and a Timely Warnings would not be distributed. In cases involving sexual assault, they are often reported long after the incident occurred, thus there is no ability to distribute a “timely” warning notice to the community. Sex offenses will be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on when and where the incident occurred, when it was reported, and the amount of information known by French Academy staff. French Academy administrators and/or staff will determine what type of information will be included in the timely warning, and will likewise be responsible for issuing the warning. Depending upon the particular circumstances of the crime or incident, a timely warning may be issued utilizing one or more of the following methods: School intercom system, bulletin boards, word of mouth, email or texts.
Emergency Response and Evacuation Procedures
French Academy personnel will respond to any actual or perceived emergency and with whatever the necessary course of action mandates. In the event that an evacuation is necessary, the campus population will be notified through our intercom system and/or personnel verbally issuing warning:
● Staff (office staff or instructors) will be notified immediately to assess the situation. If the incident warrants outside services such as police, EMS or fire department they will be called. At the scene, the staff of French Academy is responsible in retaining order, interviewing victims and witnesses (if professional personnel did not need to be called).
● In case of injury or illness, the office staff will obtain the student’s emergency record, which is filed in the students file and highlighted in pink.
● The investigating staff member files a written incident report.
● Upon a confirmation of a significant emergency or dangerous situation (i.e., gas leaks, tornados, contagious viruses, etc.) involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or employees occurring at the school, the staff at French Academy will immediately call the police, EMS, or fire department.
French Academy will without delay, and taking into account the safety of the community, determine the content of the notification of the emergency and initiate the notification system. If a crime or emergency is reported at French Academy and the incident warrants outside services such as the police, EMS, and fire department, they will be called by staff at French Academy immediately.
Reporting of Criminal Offenses/Limited Voluntary Confidential Reporting
To report a crime: Dial 911 (emergencies only), or you may report a crime to the staff at French Academy. Any suspicious activity of person seen in the parking lot or loitering around vehicles should be reported to the instructors or staff.
French Academy encourages anyone who is the victim or witness to any crime to promptly report the incident to the police as police reports are public record under the law and French Academy cannot hold reports of crime in confidence. If the victim is unable (physically/mentally) to make a report, French Academy staff will contact local law enforcement on their behalf.
See staff list on final page
Security and Access
Access Policy – During business hours, the school will be open to students, employees and clients. The only employees who have access to a school key are office staff and certain instructors. Doors are locked and unlocked during the same time frame each day. Our campus hours are daylight hours only with no concern about lighting for evenings, etc. Our institution does not have campus residences.
Campus Law Enforcement
Our institution does not have campus police.
Encouragement of Accurate & Prompt Crime Reporting
Our institution does not have security personnel. Victims and witnesses to crime are directed to contact local law enforcement.
Counselors
(For institutions with confidential Reporting procedures) We do not have procedures for voluntary confidential reporting of crime. Violations of the law will be referred to law enforcement agencies.
Security Awareness Programs
A common theme of all awareness and crime prevention programs is to encourage students and employees to be aware of their responsibility for their own security as well as being informed about maintaining good security practices. The following guidelines are given to students during or before orientation:
· Report all suspicious activity to French Academy staff.
· Never take personal safety for granted.
· Carry only small amounts of cash.
· Never leave valuables (wallet, purse, books, calculators, etc) unattended.
· Do not leave your valuables in your car, especially if they can be easily noticed.
· Engrave your initials on items of value.
· Always put belongings away to discourage theft.
Criminal Activity off Campus
We do not have off-campus activities.
Possession, Use, and Sale of Alcoholic Beverages
The possession, sale, manufacture or distribution of any controlled substance on campus is forbidden. Violators are subject to disciplinary action, criminal prosecution, fine and imprisonment. It is unlawful to sell, furnish or provide alcohol to a person under the age of 21. The possession of alcohol by anyone under the age of 21 years in a public place is illegal under state and federal laws. It is also a violation for anyone to consume or possess alcohol in any area on campus.
Illegal Drug Policy
French Academy has been designated “Drug Free” facility. The possession, sale, manufacturing or distribution of any controlled substance is illegal under both state and federal laws. Such laws are strictly enforced by French Academy. Violators are subject to disciplinary action, criminal prosecution, fine and imprisonment.
Substance Abuse Education
We do not offer substance abuse education at our academy; however, we can provide students and employees with additional information on the availability of counseling support services in the community (see page 7, 8, 10, 11 for referrals).
Sex Offenses
Students or employees who are victims of rape, or any other sexual offenses are encouraged to notify law enforcement authorities. Victims, if they choose, can elect to have a school employee assist them in notifying the correct law enforcement agency should the assault have occurred off campus. French Academy can provide students and employees with additional information on the availability of counseling support services in the community (see page 7-8 for referrals).
Sexual Harassment / Violence Against Women Act Policy Statement
French Academy does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs. Sexual harassment and sexual violence are considered to be types of sex discrimination. Other acts can also be forms of sex-based discrimination, and are also prohibited whether sexually based or not. These other acts include dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. French Academy prohibits the offenses of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking and reaffirms its commitment to maintain a campus environment emphasizing the dignity and worth of all members of the community
Sexual Assault crimes: Early steps for victim
The victim of a sexual assault should report the incident as soon as possible. In order to protect certain important physical evidence, the victim should not shower, bathe, brush their teeth, or change their clothing prior to going to the hospital. If applicable to the situation, the student should maintain the scene exactly as it was at the time of the assault. A hospital or facility offering sexual assault nurse exams (SANE) are the only places where necessary evidence for forensic and/or medical evaluation and court testimony can be collected. In order to be useful, physical evidence should be collected within 12-24 hours and no later than 5 days after the assault. Medical protocol also involves testing for sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. Contact with the hospital and the collection of medical evidence does not mean that criminal charges will automatically be filed against the assailant.
Violence Against Women Act / Sexual Assault and Other Important Definitions
Many definitions are available through Michigan Legislature Michigan Compiled Laws.
Advisor: Any individual who provides the accuser or accused support, guidance, or advice
Awareness Programs: Programs designed to increase awareness of the issues regarding sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.
Bystander Intervention: A philosophy and strategy for prevention of various types of violence, including bullying, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence.
Ongoing Prevention and Awareness Campaigns: Informational campaigns that are sustained over time focusing on increasing awareness or understanding of topics relevant to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking prevention.
Primary Prevention Programs: Programs, initiatives and strategies intended to stop domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking before it occurs by preventing initial perpetration or victimization through the promotion of positive and healthy behaviors and beliefs.
Proceeding: activities related to a non-criminal resolution of an institutional disciplinary complaint, including, factfinding investigations, formal or informal meetings, and hearings.
Result: initial, interim, and final decision by official or entity authorized to resolve disciplinary matters within the school including rationale for the result or sanctions.
Risk Reduction: Strategies that seek to mitigate risk factors that may increase the likelihood of perpetration, victimization, or bystander inaction.
Consent: Defined by Merriam Webster as: 1. To give assent or approval, agree. 2. To be in concord in opinion or sentiment. In Michigan, consent as it relates to sexual assaults is evaluated on several factors. Victims cannot give consent if: Victim is under 16; victim incapacity (victim is mentally incapable– a mental disease or defect makes the victim incapable of understanding the nature of his/her conduct); mentally incapacitated–(victim is temporarily incapable of appraising or controlling his/her conduct due to the influence of a narcotic, anesthetic or other substance administered without consent or due to any other act committed upon the victim without consent); and/or physically helpless (victim is unconscious, asleep, or for any other reason physically unable to communicate unwillingness to act); assailant uses force or coercion.
Sexual Assault
Sexual Assault: An offense that meets the definition of rape, fondling, incest, or statutory rape as used in the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Per the National Incident-Based Reporting System User Manual from the FBI UCR Program, a sex offense is “any sexual act directed against another person, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent.” In Michigan, Criminal Sexual Assaults are defined as: sexual penetration or sexual contact with a person without their consent, or with someone who is incapable of giving consent.
Rape: Rape is now inclusive of sexual assault with an object and forcible sodomy and can be perpetrated against both women and men. The penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.
Sodomy: Oral or anal sexual intercourse with another person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or not forcibly against that person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her youth or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
Sexual Assault with An Object: The use of an object or instrument to unlawfully penetrate, however slightly, the genital or anal opening of the body of another person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her youth or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
Fondling: The touching of the private parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her age or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental incapacity.
Incest: Sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.
Statutory Rape: Sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.
Domestic Violence: Includes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred; or by any person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred. In Michigan Domestic Violence means the occurrence of any of the following acts by a person that is not an act of self-defense: Causing or attempting to cause physical or mental harm to a family or household member, placing a family or household member in fear of physical or mental harm, causing or attempting to cause a family or household member to engage in involuntary sexual activity by force, threat of force, or duress, engaging in activity toward a family or household member that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed, or molested. Family or household member includes any of the following: spouse or former spouse, an individual with whom the person resides or has resided, an individual with whom the person has or has had a dating relationship, an individual with whom the person is or has engaged in a sexual relationship, an individual to whom the person is related or was formerly related by marriage, an individual with whom the person has a child in common.
Dating Violence: Means violence committed by a person (a) who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and (b) where the existence of such a relationship will be determined based on the reporting party’s statement with a consideration of the following factors: (i) The length of the relationship, (ii) The type of relationship, (iii) The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. For the purposes of this definition:
A) Dating Violence includes, but is not limited to, sexual or physical abuse or the threat of such abuse.
B) Dating violence does not include acts covered under the definition of domestic violence. In Michigan, Dating Violence is violence when a person is in a dating relationship with someone. Dating relationship means frequent, intimate associations primarily characterized by the expectation of affectional involvement. Dating relationship does not include a casual relationship or an ordinary fraternization between 2 individuals in a business or social context.
Stalking: Means engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to (a) fear for his or her safety or the safety of others; or (b) suffer substantial emotional distress. For the purposes of this definition:
A) Course of conduct means two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts which the stalker directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about, a person, or interferes with a person’s property.
B) Reasonable person means a reasonable person under similar circumstances and with similar identities to the victim.
C) Substantial emotional distress means significant mental suffering or anguish that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling. In Michigan, Stalking means a willful course of conduct involving repeated or continuing harassment of another individual that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed, or molested and that actually causes the victim to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed, or molested and that actually causes the victim to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threatened, harassed, or molested.
Violence Against Women Act / Sexual Assault Education and Prevention and Awareness Programs
French Academy provides information about preventing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking that are culturally relevant and inclusive to student body. Students receive sexual assault awareness and prevention materials at orientation and periodically throughout their enrollment. Employees receive information upon hire and periodically throughout employment.
Violence Against Women Act / Sexual Assault Procedures for Reporting a Complaint
French Academy of Cosmetology will be sensitive to those who report sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, by informing individuals about their rights, and referring persons to medical, counseling, and support services. It is the victims’ choice to call, or not call, local law enforcement in regards to their complaint. French Academy staff will assist in calling local law enforcement if requested. Additional remedies may be implemented to prevent contact between a complainant (also known as victim) and an accused party.
The College will provide resources to persons who have been victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, and will apply appropriate disciplinary procedures to those who violate this policy. The procedures are intended to afford a prompt response to charges of sexual assault, domestic or dating violence, and stalking, to maintain confidentiality and fairness and to impose appropriate sanctions on violators of this policy.
As time passes, evidence may dissipate or become lost or unavailable, thereby making investigations, possible prosecution, disciplinary proceedings, or obtaining protection from abuse orders related to the incident more difficult. If a victim chooses not to make a complaint regarding an incident, they nevertheless should consider speaking with law enforcement to preserve evidence in the event that the victim changes their mind at a later date. If a report of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking is reported to the French Academy staff, below are the procedures that FAC will follow as well as a statement of the standard of evidence that will be used during any proceedings arising from such a report.
Sexual Assault, Stalking, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence: FAC administrators with preponderance of the evidence standard (more likely than not), can take a report, provide person with victim’s rights information, refer to medical care, assess short and long term safety needs, assist with contacting local police, referrals for mental health providers and assist with Personal Protection Orders.
Violence Against Women Act / Sexual Assault Evidence Preservation
After an incident of sexual assault and domestic violence, the victim should consider seeking medical attention as soon as possible. Local emergency rooms may provide physical evidence recovery and access to Forensic Nurse practitioners and Sexual Assault Nurse Practitioners. In Michigan, evidence may be collected even if victim chooses not to make a report to law enforcement. It is important that a victim of sexual assault not bathe, douche, smoke, change clothing or clean the bed/linen where they were assaulted if the offense occurred within the past 120 hours so that evidence necessary to prove criminal activity may be preserved. In circumstances of sexual assault, if victims do not opt for forensic evidence collection, health care providers can still treat injuries and take steps to address concerns of pregnancy and/or sexually transmitted disease. Victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and dating violence are encouraged to also preserve evidence by saving text messages, instant messages, social networking pages, other communications, and keeping pictures, logs or other copies of documents, if they have any, that would be useful to investigators, or police. Although FAC strongly encourages all members of its community to report violations to law enforcement, it is the victim’s choice whether or not to make such a report and victims have the right to decline involvement with the police. The FAC administration will assist any victim with notifying local police if they so desire.
Violence Against Women Act Assistance for Victims: Rights & Options Regardless of whether a victim elects to pursue a criminal complaint, FAC will assist victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking by providing each victim with a written explanation of their rights. In Michigan, a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking has the following rights:
CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS ACT MCL 780.751-780.834
This statute establishes certain protections and rights that allow victims of crimes committed in the state to be active participants in the criminal justice process. It requires that child abuse and sexual assault cases be given priority and brought to trial as quickly as possible. Among the act’s many provisions are the victims’ right to make an impact statement at sentencing and to participate in parole board proceedings. The law defines a victim as someone who suffers direct or threatened physical, financial, or emotional harm as the result of a crime. Crimes covered by the act include felony violations and serious misdemeanors committed by both adult and juvenile offenders.
CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT MI Constitution. Article I Section 24
Many of the protections and rights guaranteed by the Crime Victims’ Rights Act became part of the Michigan Constitution when voters passed a constitutional amendment in 1988. These protections include the right to restitution, notification of court proceedings, fair treatment, and protection from the accused.
COMPENSATION FOR INJURED CRIME VICTIMS MCL 18.354
Certain personal injury crime victims may receive financial compensation for particular losses resulting from the crime. A victim of domestic assault may be eligible for assistance under this statute. Personal injury crimes include those in which the victim suffers actual bodily harm, including pregnancy resulting from a crime such as rape.
Personal Protection Order Compliance
FAC complies with Michigan Law in recognizing Personal Protection Orders. Any person who obtains a Personal Protection Order from Michigan or any reciprocal state should provide a copy to FAC administrative staff. A complainant may then meet with FAC administrative staff to develop a safety action plan, which is a plan for FAC and the victim to reduce risk of harm while on campus or coming and going from campus. This plan may include, but is not limited to: escorts, special parking arrangements, changing classroom location or other academic arrangements. Personal Protection Orders may be available through the local circuit court. To the extent of the victim’s cooperation and consent, FAC will work cooperatively to ensure that the complainant’s health, physical safety, work and academic status are protected. For example, if reasonably available, a complainant may be offered changes to academic or working situations in addition to referral to counseling, health services, and assistance in notifying local law enforcement. Additionally, personal identifiable information about the victim will be treated as confidential and only shared with persons with a specific need to know who are investigating / adjudicating the complaint or delivering resources or support services to the complainant (for example, publicly available record-keeping for purposes of Clery Act reporting and disclosures will be made without inclusion of identifying information about the victim). Further, the institution will maintain as confidential, any accommodations or protective measures provided to the victim to the extent that maintaining such confidentiality would not impair the ability of the institution to provide the accommodations or protective measures. FAC does not publish the name of crime victims.
Resources for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking
FAC does not provide counseling, medical care, or legal advice. FAC provides written notification through its’ Security Report or via request to students and employees of available community resources in the following services:
Pine Rest North Shore Clinic 17325 Van Wagoner Rd, Spring Lake, MI 46456 616-847-5145 www.pinerest.org
Community Mental Health 111 Fulton St #1 Grand Haven, MI 49417 616-842-5350 www.miottawa.org
National Sexual Assault Helpline 800-656-4673 (HOPE)
Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network https://rainn.org/
Resilience 300 N Ferry St #4 Grand Haven, MI 49417 616-392-2829 www.resilience.org 800-848-5991 – 24 hour crisis line
(The listing of an agency in this Directory does not constitute an endorsement by the FAC.)
Filing a personal protection order: www.miottawa.org/departments/countyclerk/courtrecord/ppo for Ottawa county and http://www.co.muskegon.mi.us/circuitcourt/ppos.htm for Muskegon county.
Violence Against Women Act / Sexual Assault Judgement of Violations
FAC’s disciplinary process is consistent with the institution’s policy and is transparent to the accuser and accused and will include a prompt, fair, and impartial investigation and resolution process from the initial investigation to the final result. Administrators are trained on the issues related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking via yearly written and online training. The policy provides:
1. The accuser and accused student each have the opportunity to attend a hearing before FAC administration.
2. The accuser and the accused student each have the opportunity to be advised by a personal advisor of their choice, at their expense, at any stage of the process and to be accompanied by that advisor at any meeting or hearing. An advisor may only consult and advise his or her advisee, but not speak for the advisee at any meeting or hearing.
3. The institution will not limit the choice of advisor or presence for either the accuser or the accused in any meeting or institutional disciplinary proceeding; however, the institution may establish restrictions regarding the extent to which the advisor may participate in the proceedings, as long as the restrictions apply equally to both parties.
4. A conduct decision is based on the preponderance of the evidence standard, i.e. “more likely than not to have occurred” standard. In other words, the conduct process asks: “is it more likely than not that the accused student violated the college’s student code of conduct?” or, in the case of victim pursuing legal course, the evidence standard will be the decision of the legal system.
5. The accuser and the accused will be notified simultaneously in writing of the result of any proceeding, as well as any changes to those results or disciplinary actions prior to the time that such results become final.
6. The accuser and the accused each have the right to appeal the outcome of the hearing by following the procedure; and will be notified simultaneously in writing of, any change to the result prior to the time that it becomes final and of the final outcome after the appeal is resolved.
7. The accuser and the accused will have timely notice for meetings at which the accuser or accused, or both, may be present.
8. The institution will allow for timely access to the accuser, the accused and appropriate officials to any information that will be used after the fact-finding procedure but during formal and informal disciplinary meeting and hearings.
9. The institutional procedures will not be conducted by officials who have a conflict of interest or bias for or against the accuser or the accused.
Violence Against Women Act / Sexual Assault Hostile Working Environment
A person alleging sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking committed by a student or staff member may contact FAC owner personally or in writing in order to remedy any hostile environment. When a complainant does not consent to the disclosure of their name or other identifiable information to the alleged perpetrator, FAC’s ability to respond to the complaint may be limited.
How to be an Active Bystander
Bystanders play a critical role in the prevention of sexual and relationship violence. They are individuals who observe violence or witness the conditions that perpetuate violence. They are not directly involved but have the choice to intervene, speak up, or do something about it. FAC wants to promote a culture of community accountability where bystanders are actively engaged in the prevention of violence without causing further harm. Below is a list of some ways to be an active bystander. If you or someone else is in immediate danger or it is not safe for you to intervene dial 911.
1. Watch out for your friends. If you see someone who looks like they could be in trouble or need help, ask if they are ok.
2. Confront people who seclude, hit on, try to make out with, or have sex with people who are incapacitated.
3. Speak up when someone discusses plans to take sexual advantage of another person.
4. Believe someone who discloses sexual assault, abusive behavior, or experience with stalking.
5. Refer people to on or off campus resources listed in this document for support in health, counseling, or with legal assistance.
Risk Reduction
With no intent to victim blame and recognizing that only abusers are responsible for their abuse, the following are some strategies to reduce one’s risk of sexual assault or harassment (taken from Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network, www.rainn.org)
1. Be aware of your surroundings. Knowing where you are and who is around you may help you to find a way to get out of a bad situation.
2. Try to avoid isolated areas. It is more difficult to get help if no one is around.
3. Walk with purpose. Even if you don’t know where you are going, act like you do.
4. Trust your instincts. If a situation or location feels unsafe or uncomfortable, it probably isn’t the best place to be.
5. Try not to load yourself down with packages or bags as this can make you appear more vulnerable.
6. Make sure your cell phone is with you and charged and that you have cab money.
7. Don't allow yourself to be isolated with someone you don’t trust or someone you don’t know.
8. Avoid putting music headphones in both ears so that you can be more aware of your surroundings, especially if you are walking alone.
9. When you go to a social gathering, go with a group of friends. Arrive together, check in with each other throughout the evening, and leave together. Knowing where you are and who is around you may help you to find a way out of a bad situation.
10. Trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe in any situation, go with your gut. If you see something suspicious, contact law enforcement immediately (local authorities can be reached by calling 911 in most areas of the U.S.).
11. Don't leave your drink unattended while talking, dancing, using the restroom, or making a phone call. If you’ve left your drink alone, just get a new one.
12. Don't accept drinks from people you don't know or trust. If you choose to accept a drink, go with the person to the bar to order it, watch it being poured, and carry it yourself. At parties, don’t drink from the punch bowls or other large, common open containers.
13. Watch out for your friends, and vice versa. If a friend seems out of it, is way too intoxicated for the amount of alcohol they’ve had, or is acting out of character, get him or her to a safe place immediately.
14. If you suspect you or a friend has been drugged, contact law enforcement immediately (local authorities can be reached by calling 911 in most areas of the U.S.). Be explicit with doctors so they can give you the correct tests (you will need a urine test and possibly others).
15. If you need to get out of an uncomfortable or scary situation here are some things that you can try:
a. Remember that being in this situation is not your fault. You did not do anything wrong; it is the person who is making you uncomfortable that is to blame.
b. Be true to yourself. Don't feel obligated to do anything you don't want to do. "I don't want to" is always a good enough reason. Do what feels right to you and what you are comfortable with.
c. Have a code word with your friends or family so that if you don’t feel comfortable you can call them and communicate your discomfort without the person you are with knowing. Your friends or family can then come to get you or make up an excuse for you to leave.
d. Lie. If you don’t want to hurt the person’s feelings it is better to lie and make up a reason to leave than to stay and be uncomfortable, scared, or worse. Some excuses you could use are: needing to take care of a friend or family member, not feeling well, having somewhere else that you need to be, etc.
16. Try to think of an escape route. How would you try to get out of the room? Where are the doors? Windows? Are there people around who might be able to help you? Is there an emergency phone nearby?
17. If you and/or the other person have been drinking, you can say that you would rather wait until you both have your full judgment before doing anything you may regret later.
Violence Against Women Act / Sexual Assault Confidentiality
FAC will protect the identity of persons who report having been victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking.
Violence Against Women Act / Sexual Assault Standard of Proof
Investigations that result in a finding of “more likely than not” (preponderance of the evidence standard) (or in the case of a legal finding, preponderance of evidence standard being the legal decision by the courts) that a violation of the policy occurred will lead to the initiation of disciplinary procedures and or sanctions against the accused individual. FAC sanctions including verbal warning, written warning, behavior contract, changes to academic schedule, transportation changes/restrictions, changes in work assignment, suspension, termination of employment, expulsion, may be imposed upon those determined to have violated this policy. FAC may implement protective measures following the report of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and or stalking which may include escorts, special parking arrangements, changing classroom location, other academic arrangements, assisting with personal protection orders, modifying the work environment, and assisting in obtaining outside resources. For students, sexual assaults, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking are violations of the Student Code of Conduct. Employees who violate this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination of employment. Sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking are criminal acts which may also subject the perpetrator to criminal and civil penalties under federal, state and local laws.
Violence Against Women act / Sexual Assault Interim Interventions
FAC trained staff will determine if interim (in the meantime) interventions should be implemented, and, if so, take steps to implement those protective measures, as soon as possible. Examples of interim protective measures include, but are not limited to: an order of no contact, a leave of absence, or reassignment. These remedies may be applied to one, both, or multiple parties involved. Violations of the FAC’s directives and or protective measures will constitute related violations that may lead to additional disciplinary actions. Protective measures imposed may be temporary pending the results of an investigation or may become permanent as determined by FAC. FAC will, upon written request, disclose to the alleged victim of a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense, the report on the results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by the institution against a student who is the alleged perpetrator of such crime or offense.
Sexual Offenders Registration
Upon release from prison, individuals convicted of sex crimes in the State of Michigan are required by state law to register their home address with their area law enforcement agency. In addition, if registered sex offenders are enrolled at, or employed at a post-secondary institution, the offenders must also provide this information to the state through their local law enforcement agency. The State of Michigan maintains the information regarding convicted sex offenders at http://www.mipsor.state.mi.us/. In order to use this website, you must enter either a zip code, or name and approximate age of an individual. The Michigan Public Sex Offenders Registry is also available on the United States Department of Justice Sex Offenders Public registry. Multi-state information can be located at http://www.nsopr.gov/.
Assistance Programs
Substance abuse and sexual assault counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, or re-entry programs are available through, but not limited to, the following locations:
Alcoholic Anonymous 419 Fulton, Grand Haven, MI 49417 616-847-7954
Alcoholics Anonymous 4613 Henry St. Norton Shores, MI 49441 231-798-4242
Resilience 300 N Ferry St. #4 Grand Haven, MI 49417 616-392-2829
Every Woman’s Place 175 W. Apple Ave. Muskegon, MI 49442 231-759-7909
Teen Challenge 440 E. Pontaluna Rd. Muskegon, MI 49442 231-798-7927
Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800- SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
(The listing of an agency in this Directory does not constitute an endorsement by the FAC.)
Definitions of Crimes
· Aggravated assault – An unlawful attack by one person upon another for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury (this type of assault usually is accompanied by the use of a weapon or by means likely to produce death or great bodily harm).
· Arson – Any willful or malicious burning or attempt to burn, with or without intent to defraud, a dwelling house, public building, motor vehicle or aircraft, personal property of another, etc.
· Burglary – The unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or a theft.
· Dating Violence- Violence committed by a person (a) who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and (b) where the existence of such a relationship will be determined based on a consideration of the following factors: (i) The length of the relationship, (ii) The type of relationship, (iii) The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
· Destruction/damage/vandalism of property – To willfully or maliciously destroy, damage, deface, or otherwise injure real or personal property without the consent of the owner or the person having custody or control of it.
· Domestic Violence-Includes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse, or by any person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction.
· Drug Abuse Violations – The violation of laws prohibiting the production, distribution, and/or use of certain controlled substances and the equipment or devices utilized in their preparation and/or use.
· Intimidation – To unlawfully place another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words and/or other conduct, but without displaying a weapon or subjecting the victim to actual physical attack.
· Larceny-Theft (Except Motor Vehicle Theft) – The unlawful taking, carrying, leading, or riding away of property from the possession or constructive possession of another (attempted larcenies are included; embezzlement, confidence games, forgery, worthless checks, etc. are excluded).
· Liquor Law Violations – The violation of state or local laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession, or use of alcoholic beverages, not including driving under the influence and drunkenness.
· Motor Vehicle Theft – The theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle.
· Murder/Non-negligent manslaughter – The willful (non-negligent) killing of one human being by another.
· Negligent Manslaughter – The killing of another person through gross negligence.
· Robbery – The taking or attempted taking of anything of value from the care, custody, or control of a person by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear.
· Sex Offense-Forcible Fondling: The touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her youth or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
· Sex Offense-Incest - Non-forcible sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.
· Sex Offense-Rape - The carnal knowledge of a person, forcibly and/or against the person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her youth or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
· Sex Offense-Sexual Assault With An Object - The use of an object or instrument to unlawfully penetrate, however slightly, the genital or anal opening of the body of another person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her youth or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
· Sex Offense-Sodomy - Oral or anal sexual intercourse with another person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her youth or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
· Sex Offense-Statutory Rape - Non-forcible sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.
· Simple assault – An unlawful physical attack by one person upon another where neither the offender displays a weapon, nor the victim suffers obvious severe or aggravated bodily injury involving apparent broken bones, loss of teeth, possible internal injury, severe laceration, or loss of consciousness.
· Stalking - Means engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to (a) fear for his or her safety or the safety of others; or (b) suffer substantial emotional distress.
· Weapons: Carrying, Possessing, Etc. – The violation of laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession, concealment, or use of firearms, cutting instruments, explosives, incendiary devices, or other deadly weapons (this classification encompasses weapons offenses that are regulatory in nature).
Annual Fire Safety Report
FAC is responsible for reviewing, publishing and updating this Annual Fire Safety Report which contains information specific to on-campus facilities including fire safety practices and standards of French Academy.
Reporting a Fire
If a fire occurs at FAC, students should immediately notify staff which will initiate a response, and contact the local fire department.
Fire
If students receive notification over the intercom or if are instructed to evacuate, leave the area immediately and proceed to the nearest exit, and leave the building. The first to recognize a fire situation, should announce threat on the intercom, evacuate to a safe location using the nearest exit, and notify staff or dial 911.
1. Remain Calm
2. Assist the physically impaired.
3. Proceed to a designated reassembly area (public park across from main entrance). Keep all walkways clear for emergency vehicles.
4. Make sure all personnel are out of the building. Do not re-enter the building.
Fire Drills
FAC conducts two fire drills per year. FAC staff logs each drill including the date, time, location, and the official conducting the drill. All students and staff must participate in all drills.
Staff
Administrative – Please contact administrative staff for emergencies, to request documents and consumer information and for reporting crimes or incidents (located in main office)
Rene’ French – owner
Dallas Eslick-Sturgill – Director of Administration/Title IX Coordinator
Kristen Eslick – Admissions and Financial Aid Director
Instructional – Please contact instructional staff for emergencies (located in clinic and classrooms)
Kristen Kutchin, Danelle Ackerberg, Tanya Sheerin, Rachel Knight
Support Staff – Please contact support staff for emergencies (located in reception lobby)
Janet Walker and Madison Sheerin – receptionists
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office became the primary provider of law enforcement services for the Village of Spring Lake and City of Ferrysburg in July 2014. They are now the holder of records from the Police Department. After record of the Ottawa County Sherriff’s Office were reviewed the following was found:
Criminal Offenses Reporting Table-
2 reports of Disorderly/Disturbance
1 Criminal Sexual Conduct
1 Larceny
2 Frauds/Retail Fraud/Shoplifting
There were 0 crimes reported in 2019-2022. Contact office for Criminal Offenses Reporting Table.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) prohibits sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity) discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. French Academy of Cosmetology’s Title IX Coordinator is Dallas Eslick-Sturgill.