Campus safety & Clery Act

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) is a federal law that requires colleges and universities to disclose certain timely and annual information (Annual Crime and Safety Reports) about campus crime, and security and safety policies. In addition, as required by the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the University publishes a Fire Safety Report and provides Missing Student information for those locations where Northwestern maintains on-campus student housing facilities (Evanston campus). The Fire Safety Report contains information about the University’s fire prevention practices and systems, as well as fire-related statistics.

The Clery Act affects virtually all public and private colleges and is enforced by the U.S. Department of Education. Campuses that fail to comply with the act can be penalized with fines and may be suspended from participating in the federal financial aid program.

Obtaining the report

As provided by the Clery Act, you are entitled to request and receive a copy of Northwestern University's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This Report includes statistics for the previous 3 years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Northwestern University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from campus. The Report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies on drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, fire safety and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this report by contacting the Northwestern University Police Department Deputy Chief at (847) 491-3256. The report can also be accessed and printed from the University Police website.