Campus Security Authorities (CSAs)
Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) are designated based on their institutional responsibilities, job positions, temporary duties, or volunteer commitments. Their primary responsibility is to ensure accurate crime data collection by formally reporting any Clery Safety Act crimes they witness or receive from others to App State Police.
Who is a CSA
A CSA is anyone with significant responsibility for student and campus activities, including but not limited to:
- Campus law enforcement personnel;
- Security personnel;
- Any individual or organization specified in the University's statement of campus security policy as an individual or organization to which students and employees should report criminal offenses;
- Individuals with significant responsibilities for student and campus activities, including residence life staff, student conduct staff, athletic coaches and trainers and advisors to student organizations.
Who is NOT a CSA
The following individuals are not CSAs when acting in their professional roles:
- Licensed pastoral and professional counselors – When providing confidential counseling services
- Faculty members – Unless they also serve as advisors for student organizations
- Clerical and administrative staff – Unless they have direct involvement in student and campus activities
While faculty and instructional staff are not typically CSAs, when they have additional duties that give them responsibility for student or campus activities, such as traveling with students or advising recognized student organizations, they are CSAs while functioning within the scope of those activities.
Campus Security Authority Training
CSAs must complete annual training that covers Clery Safety Act crime reporting and CSA responsibilities.
If you are unsure whether you are a CSA, contact the Office of Access & Opportunity: Equal Opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
If someone makes a confidential report, does it still count for Clery reporting?
Yes. Even if a report is made confidentially, it must still be included in Clery statistics. While the identity of the individual remains private, the incident itself must be documented to ensure the campus community receives accurate safety information.
If the person doesn’t want an investigation, should I still report it?
Yes. Clery reporting is separate from investigations. Reporting for Clery purposes is about documenting the incident for statistical and safety reporting.
What if the person reporting doesn’t give me much information?
That’s okay. You are not expected to investigate. Just report what you know. Even limited details can help ensure accurate Clery reporting and support campus safety efforts.
If the incident happened off campus, do I still report it?
Yes, report. Even if the incident didn’t occur within Clery geography, your report can help connect individuals to support and contribute to a safer campus environment.
If I didn’t witness the incident myself, should I still report it?
Yes. If someone tells you about a possible Clery crime, even secondhand, you are required to report it. Firsthand knowledge is not necessary.
I'm not a CSA. Can I still report a crime or concern?
Absolutely. Anyone—whether you're a student, staff member, faculty, or visitor—can report incidents that may impact campus safety. While CSAs have a legal obligation to report certain crimes, community safety is a shared responsibility. If you see something concerning, report it to the App State Police Department or the appropriate campus office.
Responding to Disclosures
When someone discloses a Clery-reportable incident, your response matters. Use this simple guide to respond with care and clarity:
- Be - Calm, kind, and supportive.
- Check - Ask about their safety and avoid questions about their experience. Call 9-1-1 for any emergency requiring police, fire, or medical assistance.
- Ask - What can I do to help you right now?
- Inform - explain your requirement to report and assist them in connecting to resources.
Bystander Intervention: Speak Up, Step In, Support
If you witness a situation that may lead to harm or violates community standards:
- Recognize the situation as a potential problem.
- Decide to take responsibility.
- Act safely—whether by interrupting, distracting, or seeking help.
- Support those affected and follow up if needed.
Bystander intervention is about creating a culture of care and accountability. You don’t have to do everything—but doing something can make a difference.