Prioritizing Safety and Security at Texas State

message from txst president dr kelly damphousse

Dear Bobcat Community,

It’s so exciting to see our campuses coming to life for the fall semester! I know there are many things to do and take care of as we start the semester. For me, nothing is more important than taking the necessary steps to keep you safe during the upcoming year.

Security and safety on our campuses is the highest priority for the university. Texas State University Police Department (UPD) Chief Matthew Carmichael, our officers, and the UPD staff have processes in place and resources available to promote a safe environment for all of us. As Bobcats, it is also our responsibility to stay informed and to take care of ourselves and others in our community.

Please watch your official TXST email tomorrow for important information related to safety and security. I strongly encourage you to read these emails and become familiar with available resources:

  • Chief Carmichael will provide information about staying safe, being alert, and accessing UPD services.
  • Institutional Compliance and Ethics will provide information related to: Equal Opportunity and Title IX programs and resources that address claims of discrimination and sexual misconduct; and the Clery Act program and crime reporting options and responsibilities.

Also, in the next few weeks, we will post the university’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR) as required by the Clery Act. The ASFSR contains crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on TXST campuses. It also covers topics including crime prevention; university police law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking; the procedures the university will follow when one of these crimes is reported, and other matters of importance related to security and safety on campus.

You may be aware that TXST has been participating in an off-site Clery Compliance Program Review by the U.S. Department of Education since 2019. Last week, I sent a letter to the Department of Education expressing my commitment to continue the steadfast progress TXST has made to become a model Clery Act Program for other universities to follow. 

I am committed to your safety and to the security of our campuses. Let’s work together to make TXST a place where all Bobcats thrive, grow, and learn. Have a great semester!

 

Sincerely,

Kelly Damphousse, Ph.D.

President