Clery Act is the federal law that requires Title IV institutions to disclose campus crime statistics and security policies.
How it works
The institution identifies its Clery geography, collects crime reports from campus security authorities, and compiles the annual security report. The report is distributed to current students and employees and made available to prospective students. Timely warnings are issued when a reported crime poses a serious or ongoing threat. Online students receive the report electronically and any applicable emergency notifications.
Example: an online university with an administrative office building includes crimes occurring at that location in its Clery statistics, publishes the annual security report on its website, and emails the report link to all enrolled students each year.
How it differs
Student right-to-know focuses on graduation and transfer-out rates plus broader consumer information. FERPA protects education-record privacy. Title IX addresses sex discrimination and sexual harassment and intersects with Clery in the handling of certain incidents, but the two statutes have distinct requirements.
Common errors
Assuming a fully online institution has no Clery obligations. Omitting non-campus locations used for occasional residencies or proctored exams when they meet the geographic test. Failing to distribute the annual security report to prospective students.
References
- 1. Clery Act overviewCrime statistics and security policy disclosures
- 2. 34 CFR 668.46Regulatory requirements
Clery Act is the federal law that requires Title IV institutions to disclose campus crime statistics and security policies.