Sonoma State University

2025 Campus Safety Plan

Availability, Location, and Methods to Summon Law Enforcement Assistance

The Sonoma State University Police Department (SSPD) is located on campus at 1801 East Cotati Avenue, Verdot Village, Rohnert Park, CA and provides law enforcement services 24 hours a day. All emergencies should be reported by calling or texting 911. Instructions for texting 911 can be found on the SSPD website (https://police.sonoma.edu/divisions/patrol-operations/text-911).  All non-emergency requests to dispatch should be made by dialing 707-664-4444, 24 hours a day. 
Peace Officers at Sonoma State University have statewide police authority and jurisdiction per Penal Code 830.2 and Education Code 89560, and are vested with law enforcement powers and responsibilities, identical to the local police or sheriff departments in your home community.

Crime Reporting

The campus community is strongly encouraged to report all known or suspected crimes, as well as suspicious behaviors or circumstances to the Sonoma State University Police Department as soon as possible. When calling, do the following:

  • Provide your name, telephone number, and location.
  • Give clear and accurate information.
  • Be prepared to supply suspect and vehicle description, direction of travel, and other relevant facts.
  • Don’t hang up until instructed by the dispatcher.

By Telephone

  • Emergency: 9-1-1 or text 911
  • Non-emergency 707-664-4444

In Person

  • The Sonoma State University Police Department is located at the south end of Verdot village across from parking Lot ‘D’ and the Student Center.   If the lobby is closed, please call (707) 664-4444 or utilize the call box adjacent to the lobby doors, and a staff member will meet you.

Emergency Blue Light Call Stations

Emergency call stations are located throughout campus that allow for one button activation.  Upon activation, the emergency telephone will put you in contact with a 911 dispatcher.  There are call stations located throughout campus, including the residential community.

Special Safeguards for Facilities or Activities

Security of and Access to Campus Facilities

All campus facilities are key or key-card accessed, and most are open daily for scheduled campus community use.  Campus key control and distribution is a function of the Seawolf Service Center and Facilities Services. The Sonoma State University Police Department may revoke campus facility access per Penal Code 626.4 or 626.6.

Security Considerations Used in Maintenance of Campus Facilities

The Campus Safety Committee, which includes faculty, staff, and student representation along with many campus departments that oversee various safety programs or activities, meets monthly to review campus conditions, projects, hazards, and safety programming.   As a function of this committee, a multidisciplinary group of campus employees conducts regular inspections and security surveys of campus during different seasons and times of day/night to review indoor/outdoor lighting, shrubbery, and walkways.

The California State Fire Marshal, Facilities Management, and Risk Management and Safety Services conduct periodic inspections of campus facilities to ensure compliance with fire and building codes and that classrooms and workspaces are safe from hazards.

Actions Taken in the Preceding 18 Months to Increase Safety

The following initiatives represent highlights among many actions taken to increase campus safety.  For additional information, please contact Risk Management & Safety Services at risk@sonoma.edu .

  • Risk Management sponsored the first annual Campus Safety Week to promote campus safety initiatives for students, faculty, and staff
  • Developed and implemented the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan.
  • Updated the building inspection program to support compliance with the state fire and building codes, ADA access, and overall building safety.
  • Conducted an emergency operations center exercise. 
  • Hosted safety marshal and general emergency preparedness training for campus employees to support emergency planning and response.
  • Delivered multiple consent-related campaigns, including “My Costume is not Consent” and “I Ask You Ask”.
  • Continued delivery of Sexual Misconduct Bystander and Harm Prevention programs through the Cal OES and DOJ sexual assault prevention grant, in which student ambassadors present educational programs.
  • Delivered Title IX and harm reduction training into new student orientation.
  • Expanded Title IX education for all club and student organization leadership, including over 90% of student-athletes and sorority/fraternity members, on bystander intervention.
  • Hosted awareness events for National Stalking Month, Human Trafficking Month, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and National Domestic Violence Month.
  • Created the Campus Infrastructure Group to address core water, electricity, cellular, campus facility safety, and other needs.
  • Hired a consultant to assess our current physical security systems.
  • Supported the delivery of monthly wellness classes and resources for employees.
  • Updated the Drug Abuse and Alcohol Prevention Program (DAAPP) Committee and Workgroup to review the DAAPP and identify additional resources to support drug and alcohol programming on campus and off campus.
  • Included Fentanyl education in the 2023-24 DAAPP Report.
  • Updated the Critical Incident/Campus Protest 2024 Plan to ensure safe demonstrations and provide a template for supporting future free speech activities.
  • Reviewed and enhanced the Care Team, which provides individualized support for students in need, for improved effectiveness, including tabling for outreach and information sharing.
  • Provided programming on Fentanyl, marijuana, naloxone use, and illicit substance misuse in collaboration with the Sonoma County Department of Public Health.
  • Conducted safety-focused sessions during Noma Nation Orientation on AOD (alcohol and other drugs), sexual assault, and bystander intervention.
  • Hosted the annual Safety Fair, pooling resources from on-campus and off-campus organizations on safety-related topics.
  • Opened Noma Cares Central (NCC), centralizing campus resources such as Care, Basic Needs, Confidential Advocacy, CalFresh, and Mental Health Ambassadors.
  • Revamped the "Save a Seawolf" program, a series of programs addressing student health and safety concerns, with a focus on prevention, bystander intervention, reporting, and support services.
  • Repaired pedestrian pathways and enhanced ADA accessibility across campus.
  • Replaced 14 fire alarm control panels.
  • Converted over 70% of campus exterior lighting fixtures to LED for improved reliability and safety.
  • Conducted annual campus exterior night walks to identify and address safety lighting concerns.
     

Changes in Safety Precautions and Initiatives Expected to Be Made during the Next 24 Months

  • Develop an Emergency Procedures Guidebook for students and employees.
  • Establish an Academic Safety Committee to address and support the safety of students, faculty, and staff engaged in academic activities including research, field studies, service learning, and instruction.
  • Developing expanded policies and procedures related to the use of electric alternative vehicles, including utility carts, skateboards, scooters, and bicycles, to increase safety for pedestrians and riders.
  • Development and implementation of a new policy to increase the safety of campus facilities and grounds.
  • Host an emergency response exercise with a focus on earthquake preparedness. 
  • Develop an SSU Alert website for standalone alerts and emergency incidents.
  • Develop a strategic plan for educational programming focused on consent and bystander education.
  • Launch social media campaigns by student ambassadors promoting harm reduction and sexual assault awareness.
  • Update building addresses across campus to improve location clarity and safety.
  • Collaborate with Risk Management to continue the medical monitoring program for employees.
  • Work with the Workers' Compensation administrator to identify areas needing additional training and support.
  • Assess and review the Care Team’s effectiveness, incorporating expanded NomaCares branding and programming.
  • Provide a quick reference guide on the website with help resources related to alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, and fentanyl as part of prevention efforts.
  • Host an Emergency Operations Center exercise with an emphasis on Active Shooter scenarios.
  • Address deferred maintenance and infrastructure improvements, including upgrades to the 12kV distribution system and installation of a new MicroGrid energy system, supported by a 4-megawatt solar array and 1.5-megawatt battery, which will collectively increase the reliability of the electricity on campus.
  • Replace 16 exterior card access swipe readers with proximity touch card readers to improve security and reduce maintenance needs.
     

Records of On-Campus Crime

California Education Code 67380(a)(1)(A)

California State University campuses are required by California Education Code 67380(a)(1)(A) to compile records of all occurrences reported to campus police, campus security personnel, or campus safety authorities of, and arrests for, crimes that are committed on campus and that involve violence, hate violence, theft, destruction of property, illegal drugs, or alcohol intoxication, and to make this information available within two business days if requested by students, prospective students, employees, or the media. If you wish to request crime information, please contact: pra@sonoma.edu.

Systemwide Hate Crime Reports

The Annual Systemwide Hate Crimes report, including statistics from 2023, is posted on the systemwide website.