Campus Security Authorities

Campus Security Authorities (CSA) are individuals and organizations at the University who, because of their function for the University, have an obligation under the Clery Act to notify the University of alleged Clery Act Crimes that are reported to them in good faith, or alleged Clery Act Crimes that they may personally witness.

• In “good faith” means there is a reasonable basis for believing that the information is not simply rumor or hearsay. That is, there is little or no reason to doubt the validity of the information.

• Under the Clery Act, a crime is “reported” when it is brought to the attention of a campus security authority, the institution's police department or campus security office, or local law enforcement personnel by a victim, witness, other third party or even the offender. It doesn’t matter whether or not the individuals involved in the crime, or reporting the crime, are associated with the University. 

Who is a CSA? 

These individuals typically fall under one of the following categories:

1. A member of a campus police/security department. Example: University Police and Police Safety.

2. Individuals having responsibility for campus security in some capacity but are not members of a campus police/security department. Example: an individual who is responsible for monitoring the entrance to University property.

3. People or offices that are not members of a campus police/security department, but where policy directs individuals to report criminal offenses to them or their office.  Examples: Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response, Office of Student Conduct, Affirmative Action.

4. Officials having significant responsibility for student and campus activities, including but not limited to, student housing, student discipline and campus judicial proceedings.  Examples: Athletic Directors, Athletic Coaches, Faculty advisors to student organizations, Resident Assistants, Coordinators of Greek Affairs.

Who is NOT a CSA?

• When acting within the scope of the official responsibilities, Pastoral Counselors and Professional Counselors are not CSAs.  

• Individuals who do not have significant responsibility for student and campus activities are not CSAs. Examples: faculty members not responsible for student and campus activities beyond the classroom, and clerical or cafeteria staff.

CSA Reporting Responsibilities

If a Campus Security Authority receives information of alleged Clery Act crime and believes it was provided in good faith, or personally witnesses an alleged Clery Act Crime, they should report the crime directly to the University Police or via the CSA Incident Report Form. 

The Campus Security Authority can refer to the Clery Crime Classification form to assist in determining if the alleged crime is a Clery Act crime, as well as the definitions of Clery Act Crimes and Clery Act Geography (Clery Reportable Location).

Please note that it is NOT the role of the CSA to investigate the allegation in an attempt to determine whether the crime occurred and/or confront or apprehend the alleged perpetrator of the crime.  That is the role of law enforcement. 

Crime Reporting Requirements for Campus Security Authorities (PDF)

How to Access CSA Training

Persons designated by the University as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) are required to complete Clery Act Training. Clery Act Training includes the history of the Clery Act, Clery Act requirements, and reporting responsibilities of the CSA.

Clery Act Training is available online through The Penn State Learning Resources Network.

For those individuals that complete their training online, the training includes a post-test, which the individual must pass with a score of 80% to earn a Certificate of Completion.  If you have any trouble accessing the Penn State Learning Resources Network, please contact HR Shared Services at 814-865-1473. 

If you need accommodations or would like a copy of the transcript for the course, please contact HR Shared Services at 814-865-1473.