General Information

Emergency Procedures

Baptist University of Florida has a formal Emergency Response Plan. It is contained in the Student Handbook. For further information, refer to the Emergency Response Plan. Every attempt will be made to inform the campus community of emergencies in a timely manner utilizing the emergency notification system.

Inclement Weather

Decisions affecting classes and university operations will be made by the President no later than 7 a.m. (local time) on the day in question and will be announced through area radio and television stations, email, and the emergency notification system.

On Campus Emergencies

Major emergencies encompass such disasters as fire, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, chemical spills, and military action. Should any of these events occur, the President of the university or his designee may declare a state of emergency and order evacuation of all or part of the campus. Evacuation shall be supervised by the Director of Campus Safety/Plant Operations and Executive Director of Student Life (See Appendix C for assigned storm shelter).

In the event of injury to a student, employee, or campus visitor, first call 911 and then contact the Director of Campus Safety.

In the event of a national disaster or explosion, seek shelter in the assigned shelter, an interior doorway or under a desk or table. After debris ceases to fall, evacuate the building and contact the Director of Campus Safety/Plant Operations. Assist the disabled and wounded during evacuation and follow the directions of university or civil authorities.

In the event of a fire, sound the fire alarm and evacuate the building. Call 911 and then contact the Director of Campus Safety and the Graceville Fire Department (850-263-3214). Do not re-enter the building.

In the event of a man-made hazard (e.g., chemical spill, radiation leakage), evacuate the building or area immediately. Then call 911, and then contact the Director of Campus Safety/Plant Operations.

Emergency Contact Numbers

In case of emergency, please contact these individuals:

Campus Safety (after hours only) (850) 415-0801 (cell)

Director of Campus Safety/Plant Operations (850) 415-0800 (cell)

Policies for Reporting Criminal Actions

Distribution of Annual Crime Report

The annual crime report will be prepared and distributed by the Director of Campus Safety. A copy will be available in the office and on the website. All students will be emailed a copy of the crime report to their university email address.

Crime Reporting

All crimes on campus are to be reported to the Director of Campus Safety. If necessary, call 911, and then contact the Director of Campus Safety.

Access to Campus Facilities

See section 1.12 in the Student Handbook. Students are not normally permitted in BUF buildings and classrooms after regular hours. Anyone requiring access after- hours must notify the Campus Safety Office. Anyone gaining unauthorized access is subject to punishment by BUF as well as criminal charges, if warranted. Any faculty or staff member wishing to grant access to students after hours must notify the Campus Safety Office via email bhamilton@buf.edu.

Law Enforcement

Safety personnel will secure buildings and ensure the safety of the campus. Because Campus Safety is not a law enforcement agency, in the event of a crime, Campus Safety will contact local and state law enforcement.

Keeping the University Community Informed

At least once per calendar year, the Director of Campus Safety will inform all students, faculty, and staff of security procedures and practices and to encourage students and employees to take responsibility for their own security and the security of others.

The Director of Campus Safety will also provide information to the university community about the prevention of crimes.

Sexual misconduct and sexual crimes are addressed in section 5.40 of the Student Handbook.

The possession, use, and sale of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, and drug or alcohol abuse education programs are addressed in section 5.4 of the Student Handbook.

University Hymn and Motto and Colors and Mission Statement

University Mascot

BUF Eagle – Izzy

BUF Mission Statement

Baptist University of Florida shall operate within the confines of a Christian worldview to promote, provide for, operate and control a program of education and training for Christian leaders through awarding certificates and associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degrees in a co-educational postsecondary setting.

To fulfill its mission, the university seeks to develop those qualities in students that contribute to effective ministry. In the areas of personal growth, we seek to foster a desire for knowledge; develop cultural awareness by introducing students to a wide range of knowledge; nurture the ability to acquire, evaluate, assimilate, and use information; and promote personal and social maturity. For spiritual growth, we provide the resources for gaining biblical and religious data; we also assist students in learning and living the Christian life. In terms of professional growth, students are enabled to gain the credentials that enhance opportunities for ministry, and they learn to master a specialized body of knowledge. At the same time, we encourage positive attitudes toward ministry and foster both an awareness of and a loyalty to the Southern Baptist heritage.

Professional Licensure Disclosure Statement

Baptist University of Florida has two degrees that lead to professional licensure: the Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and the Bachelor of Music Education. These two degrees lead to licensure in the State of Florida only. BUF cannot confirm whether either of these two programs will meet the requirements for teacher certification outside the State of Florida. Interested students should contact the appropriate licensure boards in their states prior to beginning either of these academic programs to determine whether the programs meet licensure requirements.

Campus Safety and Security

Baptist University of Florida shall make available an Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report to all enrolled students and current employees by October 1st of each school year. Distribution of the annual security report shall be accomplished by posting the report on a website and by giving notice through emailing students and employees that the report is available on a specified web address and by advising that a paper copy is available on request.

Prospective students and employees shall also be advised of the availability of the report.