When you are looking for safe college campuses, understanding how schools handle safety is just as important as looking at their academic programs. If you are wondering how to check college safety, the best place to start is the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act.
Usually just called the “Clery Act,” this federal law requires all colleges and universities that receive federal funding to share important information about their campus security policies and crime records. The law was named in memory of Jeanne Clery, a 19-year-old student who tragically lost her life in her dorm room in 1986. Her parents discovered the school had kept quiet about a history of violent campus crimes, and their advocacy led to this life-saving transparency law.
Whether you are a prospective student, a parent, or a current student, here is the Clery Act explained simply, covering the reports and alerts every school must provide to keep you safe.
Annual Security Report (ASR)
Every year by October 1st, colleges must publish an Annual Security Report (ASR). Think of this as your main guidebook for college campus safety. It outlines 16 specific security policies, including how to report a crime, how the school supports victims of violence, and the rules regarding drugs and alcohol.
- Crime Statistics: The ASR includes official college crime stats from the past three calendar years. This data tracks crimes that happen on campus, in dormitories, and on public property immediately bordering the school. It covers major crimes, hate crimes, and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) offenses, such as dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
Annual Fire Safety Report
If a college has on-campus housing, such as residence halls or dorms, they must also publish an Annual Fire Safety Report.
- Fire Statistics: This report tells you exactly how many fires have occurred in student housing facilities.
- It also details the school’s fire safety systems (like sprinklers and fire alarms), evacuation plans, and rules about what items are banned from dorms (like hot plates or candles).
Ongoing Disclosures: Keeping You Informed Year-Round
A truly safe college campus doesn’t just report numbers once a year. The Clery Act requires schools to keep their communities updated in real-time through “Ongoing Disclosures.”
- Timely Warnings: If a serious crime occurs on or near campus that represents an ongoing threat to students and employees, the school must send out a timely warning. This alert helps people protect themselves and prevents further crimes, all while keeping the victim’s identity private.
- Emergency Notifications: If there is an immediate, confirmed threat to the health or safety of the campus (like an active shooter, severe weather, or a chemical spill), the school will instantly send an emergency notification. Colleges test these emergency systems every year and use tools like text messages, emails, and sirens to tell everyone exactly what to do.
- Crime Log: Any college with a campus police or security department must maintain a daily, public Crime Log. Anyone—including prospective families—can look at this log to see the most recent incidents reported to campus security.
Campus Hazing Transparency Report
In 2024, the law was updated with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, adding new, strict requirements to stop hazing in student clubs, athletic teams, and Greek life organizations.
- Starting with the 2026 reports, colleges must include statistics on hazing incidents right alongside their other college crime statistics.
- Schools must also publish a Campus Hazing Transparency Report and detail their hazing prevention programs. These programs teach students what hazing looks like, how bystanders can step in to help, and how to build strong student organizations without harmful rituals.
Take Action on Your College Search
Reviewing a school’s safety data is a vital step in making a smart, confident college choice. When you visit a school, ask the admissions office where you can find their Annual Security Report and check out their college crime stats. Knowing that a school takes the Clery Act seriously will give you peace of mind as you begin this exciting new chapter!