Campus Safety
Lees-McRae College is committed to providing a safe and secure living and learning environment for our students, faculty, staff, and campus community.
Campus Police and Security
Campus Police employ a community-oriented policing and problem-solving approach to law enforcement and crime prevention. Campus Police Officers are sworn law enforcement officers with the same law enforcement authority as North Carolina municipal and county police officers. Campus Police and/or Campus Security Officers are on-duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Contact Campus Police and Security
Emergencies – DIAL 911
Non-emergencies – call the officer on duty at 828.260.0505
Emergency Management
To protect the college community from any potential emergency situation, the college’s Emergency Procedure Manual establishes policy and procedure for campus-wide communication, service coordination, and safety protocols in the event of emergencies and dangerous situations such as an active shooter, fire, severe weather situation, long-term power or water outage, hazardous material incident, or any other situation that could pose a threat to lives or property.
Campus Operations
Campus Operations include the Campus Post Office, visitor registration, parking information, and key and ID card replacement information.
Coronavirus Updates
Lees-McRae continues to monitor the spread of COVID-19, a respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus. The college is working with local health officials and the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), in addition to seeking guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
View policies and protocols
Safety and Prevention Tips
Although Lees-McRae College is among the safest places you can be, our campus is not immune to crime. Incidents can be reduced if all members of the campus community practice everyday precautions. Your safety depends mostly upon your own attitude and actions. Use common sense and do not place yourself in a location or situation to become a victim of crime.
Download the Rave Guardian AppThis app can discreetly contact Campus Police or Security, make emergency calls with one button push, safely monitor your travel on campus, and help you find the campus resources you need.
Complete Safety Training
Training modules are available through Vector LMS that promote crime resistance and prevention skills.
Keep your room door locked at all times: Locking your door with your key, wherever you reside, is an effective way to reduce theft and enhance personal safety. The vast majority of thefts occur from unlocked rooms when the occupant is gone only briefly.
- Do not prop open exterior doors, and close any doors you find propped open. Propped doors are a high risk and greatly increase chances of your victimization.
- Do not open your door to someone you do not know.
- Do not lend your key or key card to anyone.
- Your action could result in both you and/or an innocent victim being referred to the campus judicial system. Report a lost or stolen key to Resident Life staff immediately.
Use the buddy system: Avoid walking alone at night, but if you must, stay on well-lit paths and sidewalks. If you must walk alone, use the Rave Guardian App Safety Timer feature.
Secure your vehicle: Remove valuables or secure all valuables in your trunk and use your vehicle's security alarm system.
Be aware of wildlife: Keep an eye out for wildlife and never approach bears or other wild animals.Timely reports increase the likelihood that critical evidence will be obtained, property will be recovered, and the offender will be successfully prosecuted. This is especially important in cases involving sex offenses. A prompt report to the police will also ensure that you are made aware of all available victim support services.
Contact Campus Police Immediately:
- If you observe any suspicious activity
- To report an emergency
- To report a criminal act
- If you are a victim of a crime
Report obscene, annoying, or harassing calls, messages, or emails immediately: Campus Police will investigate and work closely with service providers to apprehend offenders.
Report maintenance problems: Locks, doors, and windows in need of repair, exterior lights in need of replacement, shrubbery in need of trimming, or other unsafe conditions should be reported immediately to Campus Facilities.
Winter in Banner Elk is a beautiful time of the year, but it is also a time when winter storms and below-freezing temperatures pose a threat to personal safety.
- Wear proper footwear in snow or ice conditions. Boots or well-insulated waterproof shoes with non-slip treads are ideal.
- Stay alert of conditions. Do not text or talk on your phone while walking on snow or ice.
- Use handrails when navigating stairs for added support. Avoid stairways with snow or ice buildup.
- Avoid walking underneath icicles. As melting occurs, falling icicles are especially dangerous.
- Use designated walkways that are clear of snow or ice. Take small steps to keep your balance and avoid slipping.
- Avoid driving in snowy or icy conditions. If travel is necessary, make sure that your tires are in good shape and that all vehicle systems are in working order (lights, brakes, wipers, etc.).
- Keep your gas tank as full as possible and your cell phone fully charged when traveling during inclement weather.
- Prepare a winter safety kit that includes a flashlight, blanket, first aid kit, bottles of water, and snacks.
Learn more about the Inclement Weather Policy regarding closures and delays.
Theft is a crime of opportunity. The best means of prevention is to reduce or remove the opportunity.
- Whenever you leave your residence hall room or office, lock the door and all windows and turn off the lights.
- Never loan your keys or ID card to anyone.
- When storing a purse or backpack in an office, put it in a file cabinet or drawer and lock it.
- Do not leave backpacks, purses, or briefcases unattended in public places, especially in the library, labs, or dining hall.
- Do not keep large sums of money, jewelry, or valuable items in your room. Record serial numbers and descriptions of your valuables.
- Do not leave messages on your door indicating that you won’t be back for a period of time.
- Do not leave your room unlocked while you are sleeping or when you leave your room, even if it’s “just for a minute”.
- Purchase renters insurance or ensure your homeowners insurance covers losses incurred on campus.
- Soliciting on campus is prohibited. If a salesperson approaches you on campus, call Campus Police immediately.
- Report suspicious persons or activity to Campus Police. The officer on duty will verify whether these individuals should be on campus.
Clery Act and Reporting
The Jeanne Clery Act is a Federal Statute designed for consumer protection. The law requires all colleges and universities who receive federal funding to share information about crime on campus and their efforts to improve campus safety, as well as inform the public of crime in or around campus. This information is made publicly accessible through the institution's Annual Campus Safety Report.
Safety Resources
Campus Safety works continually to ensure a safe and secure environment for all students, faculty, and staff. Although our campus is among the safest places you can be, it is important to remain alert and prepared.
North Carolina Sexual Offender Registry
Vector LMS Safety Training Resources
Counseling Services
Non-Discrimination and Title IX