Safety at Rice is built on a foundation of trust and transparency. We are guided by the legacy of the Clery Act, established following a profound tragedy involving Jeanne Clery in 1986. Her parents’ subsequent advocacy reshaped campus life, prioritizing a student's right to know and be safe by ensuring all students have access to accurate crime information and timely safety alerts. The Clery Act reminds us that compliance is not just a legal obligation but a commitment to awareness, accountability, and community well‑being. At Rice, we approach compliance the Rice Way, through care, responsibility, and a dedication to keeping our community safe.
What the Clery Act Requires—and How Rice Fulfills These Obligations
Rice’s Clery compliance program, coordinated by Shelley Godeke, Assistant Director of Clery Compliance, in Rice University Police Department (RUPD), works year‑round with campus partners to meet federal requirements, by:
- Publishing the Annual Security Report with three years of crime data and safety policies
- Designating and training Campus Security Authorities (CSAs)
- Collecting and classifying crime reports from CSAs and law enforcement
- Maintaining a Daily Crime Log updated within two business days
- Issuing Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications
- Maintaining accurate Clery Geography
- Documenting prevention and awareness programs
- Publishing the Annual Fire Safety Report
- Collecting and reporting hazing statistics and prevention efforts
These requirements work toward the goal of ensuring the Rice community has the information and tools needed to remain safe, informed, and prepared.
The Critical Role of Campus Security Authorities (CSAs)
CSAs play a vital role in Clery compliance. Many Rice constituents recently received training assignments due to meeting the following CSA designation criteria:
- Work in campus police or security roles
- Have responsibility for campus safety
- Are listed in official policies as crime‑reporting points of contact
- Have significant responsibility for student or campus activities
CSAs must report Clery-reportable crimes so they can be reviewed and appropriately documented.
Rice’s Daily Crime Log: Transparency in Real Time
The Daily Crime Log provides an ongoing record of reported crimes within RUPD’s patrol jurisdiction.
- Offers up‑to‑date incident information
- Includes the most recent 60 days online at https://rupd.rice.edu/
- Supports awareness of trends and safety concerns
- Reinforces Rice’s commitment to transparency
Accurate reporting by CSAs and community members keeps the log complete and reliable.
How to Report an Incident
Everyone on campus plays a role in safety and can help maintain campus safety by reporting concerning or criminal behavior using any of the following resources:
- EthicsPoint, Anonymous Reporting Line
- Online Witness Report | Rice University Police Department
- Crime Statistic Report Form | RUPD | Rice University
- Campus Security Authority Clery Act Incident Reporting Form
Contact RUPD for emergencies or immediate concerns at 713-348-6000 (or 6000 fr om a campus phone).
Reporting, even when uncertain, ensures incidents are evaluated and documented appropriately.
How You Can Support Clery Compliance at Rice
Every Owl has a role in maintaining a safe campus. You can support Clery efforts by:
- Reporting incidents promptly
- Asking for guidance if you’re unsure how or where to report
- Participating in training, especially if you are a CSA
- Reviewing the Daily Crime Log and Annual Security Report
- Encouraging awareness and care within your campus circles
Together, we uphold Rice’s commitment to transparency, safety, and community responsibility.
For Clery‑related questions, contact Shelley Godeke at sg307@rice.edu, or reach out to the Rice University Police Department (RUPD).
We are here to support you.