Maintaining a secure environment is a shared responsibility of students, faculty, staff, MGCCC Police, and every member of the campus community. A key part of campus life is learning to stay aware of your surroundings, make smart decisions, and minimize risks to your own safety and the safety of others.
Campus crimes typically fall into two categories: crimes against property and crimes against persons. In many cases, these incidents occur because an opportunity was available. By removing those opportunities, through simple, consistent safety habits, we can prevent many crimes before they happen.
The following sections outline practical tips to help you both on and off campus.
For more campus police and public safety information, please see the Student Handbook.
Contents
Protecting Property
Residence and Valuables
Smart Habits for a Secure Room
- Always lock your door every time you leave, sleep, or shower.
- Make sure doors and windows have working locks; report issues immediately.
- Keep personal information off keychains.
- Never share keys or IDs; request a rekey if anything is lost or stolen.
- Keep ground‑floor windows locked and report any malfunctioning hardware.
Protecting Personal Belongings
- Store valuables out of sight in locked drawers or cabinets, including electronics.
- Get to know your neighbors and look out for each other’s spaces.
- Record serial numbers and label high‑value items for identification.
- Keep voicemail messages generic. Don’t share your name, address, or travel plans.
Residence Hall Safety
- Never prop open exterior or lobby doors; close any that you find open.
- Use monitored entrances at night.
- Don’t allow unknown individuals to follow you into the building, even in uniform.
- Stay alert when moving in or out. Moving days create perfect opportunities for theft. Ask family or friends to help watch your belongings at your room and at your vehicle.
Bicycles
Lock It Every Time
- Always lock your bike, even if you’re stepping away for only a minute or two.
- Choose well‑lit, high‑traffic areas or indoor storage when available.
- Run your lock through the frame and both wheels.
- Securing your ride to a solid, immovable object such as a bike rack or sturdy post is essential.
Use a High‑Quality Lock
- Invest in a durable U‑lock or heavy‑duty chain. Thieves often look for the nicest bike with the weakest lock.
- Avoid thin cable locks as they can often be cut quickly and quietly.
Vehicles
- Lock your vehicle every time you are on and off campus.
- Use deterrents like car alarms or steering wheel locks.
- Record equipment details (brand, model, serial numbers, and license plate numbers).
- Do not leave valuables in plain sight.
Safety In and Around Your Car
- Park in well‑lit, busy areas.
- Keep doors locked, even when inside.
- Stay aware while approaching your car; avoid anyone loitering nearby.
- Have your keys ready before you reach the vehicle.
- Check the interior before getting in.
- Carry a whistle or personal alarm for emergencies.
- Do not stop for stranded motorists; call the police instead.
- If you are stranded, stay in your locked vehicle and accept help only from uniformed law enforcement.
- If threatened by a carjacker, do not resist. Your safety comes first.
ATM
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
- Complete your transaction quickly and discreetly.
- Before leaving, secure your cash and card in your wallet or purse; don’t handle or display money in public.
Title IX
Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct
Sexual harassment includes any of the following:
- Unwelcome conduct based on sex that a reasonable person would consider severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive, interfering with equal access to an education program or activity.
- Sexual assault (as defined by the Clery Act), dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking (as defined by the Violence Against Women Act).
- To report sexual harassment involving another student or a College employee, contact the Title IX Coordinator at (601) 528‑8735 or Campus Police at your enrolled campus or center.
What to Do if You Experience Sexual Harassment
- Tell someone. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or your campus Equal Employment Opportunity Officer. They can listen, offer support, and help you understand your options. You do not have to navigate this alone.
- Tell the person to stop (if you feel safe doing so). Clearly describe the behavior that was unwelcome, how it made you feel, and that you expect a professional and respectful environment. Let them know this conversation should not affect your grade or employment.
- File a complaint. While reporting may feel intimidating, doing so helps protect you and others. The College will respond promptly and take necessary steps to address the situation.
Click here to file a sexual harassment or sexual misconduct complaint.
Stalking
Stalking is defined as a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable individual to fear for their safety or the safety of others, or to experience significant emotional distress. Click here to file a stalking complaint.
If You Experience Stalking:
- Report it immediately. Contact your campus police department as soon as possible, even if you are unsure about filing charges. Early reporting helps ensure your safety and supports any future action.
- Document everything. Save any evidence, such as threatening calls (recordings), text messages, emails, letters, license plate numbers, vehicle descriptions, personal descriptions, and a detailed log of all contact or attempted contact.
- Seek legal protection. If needed, request an anti‑stalking order of protection and/or pursue a civil lawsuit for damages caused by the stalker’s actions.
- Continue reporting. If the stalking persists after an order of protection has been issued, contact police immediately and press charges.
Sexual Assault: Prevention, Response and Recovery
- Go with friends and stay together. Arrive as a group, look out for each other, and leave together.
- Stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
- Avoid being isolated with someone you don’t know well or fully trust.
- Understand “date rape.” Many campus assaults involve someone the victim knows. Learn the warning signs and how to exit uncomfortable or unsafe situations.
- Be cautious with alcohol and substances. Many assaults involve alcohol or drugs. Drink responsibly, never leave your drink unattended, and avoid accepting drinks if you’re unsure what’s in them or don’t trust the person offering.
- Know and communicate your boundaries.
If You Are Sexually Assaulted:
- Report the assault to campus police or local law enforcement. A counselor can help explain the process and next steps.
- Get to a safe place and ask a trusted friend to stay with you for support.
- Preserve evidence. Do not bathe, brush your teeth, or change clothes. Write down details you remember about the incident and the attacker.
- Seek medical care. Even without visible injuries, it’s important to be evaluated for STDs or pregnancy. Ask the hospital for a forensic exam (rape kit) to preserve evidence.
- Recovery is a process, and it’s okay to seek support.
Digital Safety
- Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi‑factor authentication on all important accounts.
- Lock your devices and keep software updated.
- Avoid logging into sensitive accounts on public Wi‑Fi; use a VPN when possible.
- Limit personal information you share online and adjust your privacy settings.
- Watch for phishing and scams. Don’t click suspicious links or share personal info.
- Back up important files and download apps only from trusted sources.
- Be cautious with online interactions; verify identities and avoid sharing compromising content.
- Report suspicious activity by emailing the Help Desk at helpdesk@mgccc.edu, and any harassment or threats to Campus Police.
Extra Precautions
- Pepper spray is legal for self‑defense in Mississippi.
- Personal safety or self‑defense classes can further build confidence and preparedness.
- Share your schedule or destination with trusted contacts.
- Avoid walking alone at night; choose well‑lit, high‑traffic routes.
- Familiarize yourself with campus layout during both day and night.
- Know emergency procedures for weather events, fires, and intruder alerts.
- Keep your phone charged and headphones low or off.
- Keep your keys in hand and trust your instincts.
- Participate in campus safety programs, drills, and other events.