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Safety & Security
The well-being of the students, faculty, staff and guests of the American University of Rome is an issue of the highest priority. This document summarizes the strategies and procedures the American University of Rome has put in place in order to assure the maximum level of preparedness.
General physical security
The university is in frequent contact with both Italian law enforcement and Rome-based US consular authorities, including the US Regional Security Officer. The university provides the US Consulate in Rome with the names and US phone numbers of all visiting students.
Any plan of program closure or evacuation would be in response to specific recommendation from US consular officials. Several senior staff members have direct contact with the US consular services and will be able to rapidly disseminate information to the AUR community in the event of an emergency or important political developments in Italy or the world.
The university is located in a well-patrolled and exceptionally quiet area of Rome in close proximity to embassies and embassy residences. As recommended by security assessments, no large signs identify the university. In addition, the university maintains several security precautions to ensure the highest level of safety for its community, including:
- Armed guard surveillance during hours of operation.
- 24-hour camera surveillance of the university premises and perimeter and a daily review of the tapes.
- Personalized ID cards to allow admission to the university premise. (Security personnel escort visitors to their destination.)
- Mail handling procedures, including the capacity to screen packages for explosives in conformity to professional recommendations.
- Fire or premises evacuation plans reviewed in staff meetings. (Specific, trained people have responsibilities for the evacuation of the premises.)
- A large number of fire extinguishers and safety equipment.
- Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the premises.
- Additional security measures that are not readily visible.
- The review of safety procedures regarding campus security, mail handling and other matters is continuous and involves ongoing consultation with both government and private security professionals.
The university has implemented procedures to communicate important information rapidly to students, faculty, staff and other members of the university community. The Study Abroad Office communicates important information to students and other people responsible for school and study abroad programs.
Individual security
While the university cannot guarantee the individual security of students, staff, faculty or visitors, it has put several important strategies in place in order to maximize safety.
As a G8 member nation Italy’s overall level of physical safety is high. Incidents of violent crime (e.g., assault, rape, murder) are extremely low. Italian police are known for their expertise in maintaining civil order and crowd control.
The American University of Rome encourages all its students periodically to check the U.S. Department of States webpage (http://travel.state.gov/) for latest advisories and travel warnings.
For current information check the following websites:
Avian Flu
H1N1 Flu
Housing
The university does not own dormitory or housing facilities. Students may choose to enroll in the university-facilitated housing program in conjunction with one of several housing agents or providers. The university requires that the agents respect agreed-upon standards with regard to safety and hygiene. Students are housed in apartments in well established residential areas and are to conduct themselves as residents rather than tourists. Emergency contact information is prominently posted in each unit. Phones are provided in the apartments.
24-hour telephone number
Staff members explain emergency response at length in mandatory orientation sessions (see below). In the event of emergency, the university maintains a 24-hour emergency number answered by a university official.
Student-specific information
The university student information office offers valuable information and basic assistance. For example, the office maintains a library of guides and websites for visitors to Rome and Italy.
The Student Handbook and other university publications contain a good deal of valuable information on daily life in Rome, including basic security. For example, it details how and where to file a police report or replace a lost passport. The university enforces a sexual harassment policy and a stringent student code of conduct, which imposes sanctions upon students engaged in undesirable behavior, found in the Student Handbook.
All students are required to provide an emergency contact person and phone number.
Orientation Session
Upon arrival students attend an orientation session in Rome. Practical advice and information is provided on a range of topics, including:
Automobiles and motorbikes
The Rome orientation reinforces information already reviewed by the home university’s study abroad office before departure for Rome.
Medical Issues, injury or illness
As a G8 member Italy’s level of health care and overall hygiene is excellent. There are no special health risks and no special immunizations or inoculations are required for entry into Italy from the developed world.
In the event of student illness or injury, the staff member manning the emergency phone is available to assist the student obtain appropriate medical care. In such an event, the study abroad director advises the home university or sending study abroad office. Parents and guardians and, within legal constraints, the emergency contact will be advised. Additional assistance is provided in the event of a medical evacuation.
For non-emergency situations the Student Affairs Office can be consulted during normal business hours.
Insurance
Italian law requires all visiting students to obtain a mandatory state emergency health coverage for the duration of their study in Italy. The university facilitates this process by arranging the purchase of the insurance and the compilation of the applicable documents for the authorities. This insurance coverage gives the student complete access to emergency public medical care. The applicable study abroad program often requires additional medical coverage, inclusive of emergency medical evacuation.
English-speaking medical personnel
The Student Handbook lists a number of English-speaking physicians and the Office of Student Affairs maintains an extensive and up-to-date directory. The office can assist students with hospital or physician appointments. There are several excellent public hospitals in the immediate campus area and a private hospital within easy walking distance of the campus.
Psychological issues
Short-term emotional and mental health issues with a mental health professional retained by the university are dealt with confidentially and at no cost to the student. All visits are off-campus and the phone number is found in university publications and on bulletin boards.
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