Campus Security Authorities

Campus Security Authorities

What Is a Campus Security Authority?


A Campus Security Authority (CSA) is a role defined under the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act). CSAs are individuals or groups of individuals who, because of their job function, are likely to receive reports of crimes from students, employees, or campus visitors.

CSAs are not investigators and do not determine whether a crime occurred. Their responsibility is to report information they receive about Clery-reportable crimes promptly and accurately so the Institute can meet its federal safety and transparency obligations.

CSA Reporting Form

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CSA Reporting Form

Why CSAs Matter 


The Clery Act is built on one core principle: Students and employees report crimes to people they trust — not always to police.

Because of this, federal law requires Georgia Tech to:

  • Identify who their CSAs are
  • Notify them of their designation
  • Train them on their reporting obligations
  • Provide clear reporting pathways

Failure to do this exposes the Institute to:

  • Federal compliance findings
  • Fines and enforcement actions
  • Inaccurate crime statistics
  • Reputational harm

Georgia Tech takes CSA compliance seriously as part of its commitment to campus safety, transparency, and accountability.

What CSAs Are Required to Do 


If someone tells you about an incident that may fall under the Clery Act, you must:

  1. Listen and document the information provided
  2. Do not investigate or question credibility
  3. Submit a CSA Crime Report promptly, using the link above

Reporting is required even if:

  • The person does not want police involvement
  • The incident occurred off campus but is connected to Georgia Tech
  • The incident occurred in the past 

What CSAs Should Not Do
 

  • Do not attempt to determine whether a crime meets a legal definition
  • Do not investigate or interview witnesses
  • Do not promise confidentiality beyond your role
  • Do not delay reporting while waiting for more details 

How CSAs Report Crimes


CSAs must submit reports using the official CSA Reporting Form or by contacting GTPD at 404-894-2500, if victims need law enforcement assistance.

Reports should be submitted immediately after receiving information. 

CSA Reporting Form
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Crimes and Incidents CSAs Must Report 


Georgia Tech is required to disclose statistics for Clery-reportable crimes occurring:

  • On campus
  • In non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the Institute
  • On public property immediately adjacent to campus 

Clery-Reportable Crime Categories:

Criminal Offenses

  • Murder and Non-Negligent Manslaughter
  • Manslaughter by Negligence
  • Robbery
  • Aggravated Assault
  • Burglary
  • Motor Vehicle Theft
  • Arson
  • Hazing 

Sex Offenses

  • Rape
  • Fondling
  • Incest
  • Statutory Rape
  • Dating Violence
  • Domestic Violence
  • Stalking 

Hate Crimes (by bias category)

  • Race
  • Religion
  • Sexual orientation
  • Gender
  • Gender identity
  • Ethnicity
  • National origin
  • Disability 

(Hate crimes may involve any Clery offense or additional offenses such as larceny, simple assault, intimidation, or vandalism.) 

Arrests and Disciplinary Referrals

  • Liquor law violations
  • Drug law violations
  • Weapons law violations 

Who Is Designated as a CSA at Georgia Tech?


Georgia Tech designates CSAs by role and function, not merely by job title. The following categories reflect the Institute’s official CSA designations.

  1. Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD)
    1. All sworn law enforcement officers
    2. All non-sworn public safety personnel
  2. Non-Police Individuals Responsible for Campus Security
    1. Parking lot attendants
    2. Building monitors or access-control staff not employed by GTPD
  3. Officials with Significant Responsibility for Student and Campus Activities
    1. Residence Life staff (e.g., Resident Assistants, Residence Hall Directors, Housing Directors)
    2. Athletic coaches, trainers, and team staff
    3. Division of Student Life staff
    4. Academic advisors and coordinators overseeing student travel, field programs, or off-campus activities
    5. Advisors of student groups and organizations
    6. Supervisors and managers of student employees
    7. Human Resources professionals with oversight of misconduct, workplace behavior, or student employment
  4. Individuals Identified in Georgia Tech Institutional Policies as Designated Recipients of Crime Reports
    1. Office of Student Integrity staff
    2. VOICE Advocates
    3. Office of Equal Opportunity, Compliance, and Conflict Management (EOCCM) staff
  5. The President and Cabinet Members

CSAs at Other Georgia Tech Campuses
 

  1. Georgia Tech–Europe
    1. President
    2. Dean of Students representative
    3. Head of Academic Programs
    4. Academic Office and Student Life staff
    5. Program Assistants
    6. Security Guard
  2. Georgia Tech–Savannah
    1. All security guards
    2. All academic deans, associate deans, and assistant deans
  3. Georgia Tech–Shenzhen
    1. Student Affairs Coordinator
    2. Local Assistant Director
    3. Director
    4. Residence Life staff 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What if the person doesn’t want to report to police?

You still must submit a CSA report. The Clery Act requires reporting for statistical and safety purposes, not law enforcement action. Note: Unless indicated otherwise, victims will not be contacted by GTPD.

What if I’m not sure the incident is a crime?

Report it anyway. The Clery Compliance team, in collaboration with GTPD officials, determine classification, not CSAs.

What if the incident happened off campus?

If it involves a Georgia Tech student, employee, program, or activity, report it.

Can I submit a report without names?

Yes. CSAs should report what they know, even if information is limited.

Am I required to tell the person I’m a CSA?

Yes. Transparency is encouraged so individuals understand your reporting obligation.

What if I think my role makes me a CSA but I wasn’t notified?

Speak with your supervisor or contact the Clery Compliance Coordinator at clery@gatech.edu. CSA status is determined by function, not title.

Training and Notification

Georgia Tech:

  • Identifies CSAs by role and function
  • Provides annual role-based CSA training in the Learning Management System
  • Requires documentation of training completion
  • Maintains CSA records for compliance and audit purposes

If you have not received CSA training but believe you qualify, notify your supervisor immediately. 

Questions or Support

 

For questions about CSA responsibilities, reporting, or training, contact the Clery Compliance Coordinator at clery@gatech.edu.

Clery Compliance Team 
Office of Equal Opportunity, Compliance, and Conflict Management (EOCCM)