Public Safety
The Boston Architectural College takes the safety and security of its students and campus community seriously. Learn more about the policies and protocols we have in place, and feel free to contact our onsite Security Personnel at security@the-bac.edu or at 617-585-0200 with any questions.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Following the notice from the Massachusetts governor’s office that the state’s COVID-19 public health emergency would end on May 11, 2023, the BAC’s COVID-19 policies have transitioned.
Please go to our COVID-19 page for the latest updates at the BAC on the Coronavirus.
Campus Security
Longwood Security Services provides public safety and security for the Boston Architectural College (BAC).
In the event of an emergency call 911 immediately and then, when possible, dial 857.248.0284 (from an external phone) or dial extension 200 (from an internal phone). Longwood Security follows protocol specific to the nature of the critical event.
If you have any non-emergency questions or concerns please report them to our onsite Security Personnel at: Security@the-bac.edu or 617.585.0200 during our standard hours of operation or dial 857.248.0284 outside of standard hours of operation. For any questions regarding Security please contact Patti Vaughn at Patti.Vaughn@the-bac.edu or 617-585-0211.
Longwood Security reports to:
- Patti Vaughn, Director of Administrative Operations, Patti.Vaughn@the-bac.edu;
- Ellen Yee, Director of Facilities, Ellen.Yee@the-bac.edu;
- Richard Griswold, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, Richard.Griswold@the-bac.edu.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Campus Compliance Reports
The Boston Architectural College, in accordance with the US Department of Education, is committed to assisting in providing a safe environment for staff to work, faculty and students to teach and learn, as well as to keep parents and students well informed about campus security. Data collected in this survey will be published by the Office of Postsecondary Education on the Campus Safety and Security page. The survey was authorized by Congress with the 1998 amendment to the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to help potential college students and their parents research criminal offenses on college campuses. Please see the attached documents pertaining to the Boston Architectural College's Clery and campus compliance reports. For the BAC Student Policies and Community Standards along with the Campus Compact these can be found here.
In compliance with the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990, the BAC requires students, faculty, and staff to report all criminal actions or threats thereof, vandalism, and emergencies occurring within the building and vicinity by calling 911 and then reporting the incident to our Security personnel. Reports are to be made to the Security Officer on duty at the reception station in the lobby, who will file an incident report. The Security Officer can be reached internally by dialing 617.585.0200. In the event that an incident occurs after hours, students should call appropriate law enforcement at 911 and emergency personnel and Longwood Security at 857.248.0284. All reports will then be disseminated to appropriate staff member(s).
Longwood Security Escort
An escort is available at all times. Anyone requesting an escort service may ask the security officer on site to secure one through the Longwood Security main office.
Emergency Info
In the event that an emergency situation arises, a member of the BAC's Critical Incident Management Team will contact the necessary staff to initiate a timely warning by following our emergency notification procedure. This will be used to transmit critical information to a large segment of the BAC campus, staff, students, and faculty as quickly as possible. This will be accomplished through one or more of the following methods:
- BAC Emails - Emails are sent to all staff, current faculty, and current students, which will be received by those who check their school-issued email account. A member of the Critical Incident Management Team will be responsible for sending out emails relative to emergency situations.
- The BAC Website - Every page of the BAC website will display crucial information in event of an emergency: the-bac.edu. A member of the BAC's Critical Incident Management Team will be responsible for updating the website.
- Text Messages - Broadcast SMS messages via the BAC messaging system.
To sign up for text alerts go to: https://alerts.the-bac.edu/index.php
Timely Warnings will be sent out via text message by a member of the BAC's Critical Incident Management Team.
Two types of communication are necessary: Internal Systems Operations, Public Information.
- In case of a medical emergency, call 911.
- Please notify security at 617.436.0200 or 857.248.0284.
- 951 Boylston Street: Familiarize yourself with emergency phones on each floor-this will connect you to Longwood Security.
- Onsite security can help make a determination as to whether or not medical attention is required.
- If medical attention is needed and the injury is minor, security can treat the victim with the first aid kit.
- If the injury is more serious, security can call an ambulance.
- Boston Medical Center, 1 Boston Medical Center Place (by car: 10 minutes / 1.45 miles)
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 1 Deaconess Road (by car: 11 minutes / 1.9 miles)
- New England Baptist Hospital, 125 Parker Hill Street (by car: 15 minutes / 2.38 miles)
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street (by car: 11 minutes / 1.8 miles)
- Mass General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA 02114 (by car: 11 minutes / 2.1 miles)
Security completes an incident report and forwards it to the Director of Administrative Operations and the Director of Facilities. A file is maintained for the federal year-end statistics report.
- When fire alarms sound and emergency lights are flashing, please evacuate the building immediately in an orderly fashion.
- If possible, take all belongings with you and leave the immediate area where the hazard exists.
- Please walk immediately to the exit stairwells.
- Do not use elevators! Walk in a single file, on the right side of the stairs, and use the handrail when necessary.
- Upon exiting the building, please gather across the street from the building, remaining at least 100 feet away from the building.
- Do not re-enter the building until the fire department has given permission to do so.
Security will alert all those trying to enter the building that the building is closed.
- Report all incidents to security at the 320 Newbury Street location as soon as possible.
- Security can also be notified by calling 857.248.0284 or 617.585.0200.
- If stolen property is found, the person will be notified. Please keep in mind the BAC is not responsible for lost or stolen property.
- Please report any stolen items to the local police department in our precinct which is located at:
Boston Police Department, 650 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02116-6199; 617.343.4250 - Security completes an incident report and forwards it to BAC staff, the Director of Administrative Operations, the Director of Facilities and the Associate V.P. and Dean of Students. A file is maintained for a Federal year-end statistics report.
- At the end of each semester any items left unclaimed will be disposed of.
If the decision has been made to close the BAC buildings, notification will be posted on the BAC's website and email notifications will be sent to current faculty, staff, and students. Security will alert all those entering the campus that the building is closing and the designated time. The telephone's voicemail system will be updated to the building’s closing status. Text messages will be sent out with notification of our status to those who opt-in at alerts.the-bac.edu.
You can also find our college closing notification on the following broadcasts:
If we decide to close the building for the day, we will post the morning cancellations between 6 am-6:30 am.
For storms that begin while we are on campus:
4:00 pm -7:00 pm class cancellations will be posted by 1:00 pm
7:00 pm-10:30 pm class cancellations will be posted by 4:00 pm
For an emergency, call 911, then call 857.248.0284, if possible.
The fire signal is an audible alarm made through the fire system. When the alarm sounds, please follow the instructions below:
- Leave the immediate area where the hazard exists.
- Use the handrails, and walk single file on the right side of the stairs. Do not use the elevator!
- Remain calm and quiet in order to hear additional instructions.
- Exit the facility and remain at least 100 feet away from the building or at an established meeting place.
- Remain outside of the facility until instructed by emergency responders to re-enter.
- Cooperate with emergency response personnel.
- Security will alert all those entering the campus that the building is closed.
- During hours of operation, a valid BAC or Pro Arts identification card is requested for access to the BAC. Guests must sign in and out at the front desk Anyone visiting the BAC must sign into the guest book at the front desk with Security
- Any guest visiting McCormick Gallery may do so once they have signed the guest book. If they wish to tour the campus they must alert the Admissions Department who will work with them to set up a tour when available. Guests may not tour the campus unescorted
- Students should be prepared to show their BAC ID if requested by a uniformed security guard. Anyone who does not present an ID will be asked to leave the building if there is no one present who has a valid ID and who can vouch for the identity of the unidentified student and sign him or her in.
- 24-hour access is available only to those with special access cards, which are made available to Studio and Thesis students, subject to terms specified upon issue.
- BAC ID access rights are valid for one semester only. Students must have their BAC ID access card to be guaranteed access after-hours.
- Access to the BAC is a privilege and not a right. Everyone who wishes to exercise that privilege has a responsibility to enhance the security of the community by observing security rules and regulations and reporting without delay anything that would diminish that security. Reporting procedures are specified under "Crime" below.
- New and replacement BAC ID badge/access rights/library cards are made for current Students, Staff, and Faculty in the Office of Student Life located on the first floor of 320 Newbury Street.
- If you lose your BAC ID/access rights/library card please notify the Operations Department by phone at 617-585-0211 or by email at operations@the-bac.edu as soon as possible so that we may deactivate any access right privileges for safety and security purposes.
- Replacement of a BAC ID/access rights/library card for students will cost $30.
Lost and Found
Lost and Found is located at the 320 Newbury Street Security Desk. The BAC is not responsible for personal property left on the premises. Please do not store any items at the Security desks, Security is not responsible for items left and all unclaimed items will be donated or discarded one week after the end of the semester.
Rollerblades, Skateboards, & Roller Skates
For the safety and well-being of all, the use of rollerblades, skateboards, and roller skates are prohibited in all BAC facilities.
Parking at the BAC
Automobiles, motorcycles, etc.
There is no provision for parking anywhere on BAC property for staff, faculty, students, or other constituents. Any unauthorized vehicle parked on BAC property will be towed without notice, at the owner's risk and expense. Security personnel make routine checks of school property throughout the week during day and evening hours, to ensure that no vehicles are illegally parked.
Mental Health/Crisis and Assistance
The Boston Emergency Services Team (B.E.S.T.), under the leadership of Boston Medical Center and with the support of the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership and the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, provides 24-hour service for adults and children in need of immediate psychiatric intervention. Individuals who need emergency care are assessed and briefly treated by experienced, master's level clinicians and physicians who specialize in rapid response to those in psychiatric crisis. B.E.S.T. provides a comprehensive, highly integrated system of crisis evaluation to children, adolescents, adults, including the elderly, the homeless, mentally ill, and the multicultural populations within the Metro Boston areas. This toll-free number can be used 24 hours a day, seven days a week. By using the 1-800-981-4357 helpline, a caller is assisted in dealing with psychiatric, crisis support, information and referrals. The caller may be directed to a B.E.S.T. urgent care center or a designated emergency department, or a crisis intervention mobile team may be dispatched to the site of the crisis. If you or someone in your family is in crisis, consider calling 1-800-981-4357 for guidance. They may suggest useful alternatives to the emergency department.
Safety Tips
Although the Boston Architectural College campus is safe, crime can happen anywhere and safety can be compromised at any time. The cooperation and involvement of students, faculty, and staff in their own safety and security is crucial to maintaining a safe campus environment. Although no one set of guidelines can completely protect you, following the tips below can minimize your chances of becoming a victim. You should always trust your own instincts and follow the rules of common sense. The Boston Police Department offers some helpful safety tips to community members. In addition, please follow these tips below.
General Safety
- Children visiting the campus must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- Service animals are permitted on campus, we ask that arrangements be made in advance, with proof of documentation provided to our disability services staff who can be reached at: disabilityservices@the-bac.edu
- Consider carrying a shriek alarm or whistle.
- Know the locations of fire exits, fire extinguishers, and emergency call boxes. Emergency Call Boxes are located at various locations throughout campus.
- If you experience or observe a safety or security violation of any type on or off campus, please call 911 and contact Security at either 320 Newbury Street or 951 Boylston Street as soon as possible to make a report. The 24-hour Security Emergency number is 857.248.0284.
- Keep your cell phone with you in case of an emergency. Store “in case of emergency” (ICE) contact phone numbers in your cell phone so that hospital or police personnel can contact your parents or guardians if necessary.
- Check your bank and credit card statements for irregularities.
- Know the nearest route to evacuate the building in the event of an emergency.
- When you attend parties, keep your drink in your possession at all times until you are finished consuming it. Do not accept beverages from strangers.
- Get to know others around you and watch out for each other. Report any suspicious persons to Police or Security.
- Notify Facilities or Security if there are maintenance or lighting deficiencies that may compromise security on campus at Facilities@the-bac.edu
Off Campus and Apartment Security
- Never prop a door open, as this could allow an unauthorized person to enter.
- Always lock your residence, even if you will only be gone for a short time. Never leave money, jewelry or other valuables out in the open, even if you are present.
- Get to know others around you and watch out for each other. Report any suspicious persons to Police by calling 911.
- Do not leave notes stating where, when, or how long you will be gone.
- Close your drapes and blinds at night, especially if your windows are on ground level.
- Keep yourself informed by checking campus email and bulletin boards for campus alert notices pertaining to security issues on and around the campus.
While You Are Out and About
- Communicate nonverbal cues (body language) that you are calm, confident, and know where you are.
- Don’t walk alone, especially at night. Walk with one or more acquaintances.
- Stay in well-lit, busy areas and avoid dark poorly lit alleys or shortcuts.
- Don’t be afraid to tell someone who is harassing you to leave you alone in a firm, loud voice.
- Trust your instincts — if something or someone makes you uneasy, leave the scene.
- Keep your car locked at all times.
- Avoid flashing cash or valuables.
- Don’t allow technology to make you unaware of your surroundings. BE AWARE!
- Everyone with headphones, an iPhone, a smartphone and an MP3 player knows, the minute you’re plugged in, you barely exist anymore! You stare at your phone, zone out, not knowing what is going on around you. This is exactly what you should avoid doing.
- The key to getting out of a potentially dangerous situation is to recognize it as such. This is nearly impossible if you aren’t even aware of the situations you’re walking into.
- Have your key prepared in hand as you approach your car or apartment.
- If you feel concerned for your safety, call 911 or while on campus, call 857.248.0284 for a personal safety escort.
Social Networks and Digital Identity
Social Networks have greatly increased our ability to connect with people all around the world. When used effectively, social networks can help with networking, making new friends, and so much more. There is more than one way to engage in social networks or social media, and to each person social networking may be different. However, there are still risks we all take when engaging in social media and networks. Below are some tips for thinking about your digital identity and using social networking sites/applications:
- Be sure to have strong password protection on your accounts (use complicated passwords using both upper and lower case letters, symbols, and numeric values).
- Review and adjust privacy settings on all your social media accounts to determine who has access to your profile and information.
- When posting on social media, assume the post is public (even with privacy settings) and think about whether or not this is something you want friends, family, or potential employers to see.
- Check your apps location-based settings. If you don’t manage these settings, Apps may post your specific-location without your knowledge.
- Run a google search of your name; see what happens when people look you up. Do you have control over what is out there?
- If you are harassed or bullied through social media, document the situation, report the posts, and contact Security or Associate Provost and Dean of Students to file a complaint.
October 2015
All BAC campus buildings have a quarterly tested sprinkler system. The systems are maintained and tested in such a way as to comply with all local and state codes.
All BAC campus buildings are equipped with fire extinguishers that are maintained on a regular basis.
All BAC campus buildings are equipped with programmable fire alarm systems that meet or exceed all local and state codes. These systems are tested four times per year.
All BAC campus buildings hold frequent fire drills. The drills are observed by senior staff, and are conducted by floor monitors who are trained on a regular basis.
All BAC academic and meeting space have conspicuously placed egress floor plans showing the direction of egress in the event of an evacuation order.
All bicycles are to be parked at the bike rack in the rear of the 320 Newbury Street building (off Hereford Street). No bicycles are allowed inside the campus buildings except under the following conditions:
- Any Staff members who have a private office may store a bike inside their office.
- Anyone may bring a folding bike inside the campus buildings but it must be kept entirely folded at all times.
- It cannot be more than 24” x 24” x 11” and must be contained in a bag or carrying case and kept out of the aisle and any means of egress.
- Any of the following or similar brands are allowed under this policy:
- BROMPTON
- DAHON
- CITIZEN
- TERN LINK
It is most important to keep ramps, stairwells and aisles clear of bikes. Bicycles found in any building that does not comply with the exceptions above will be removed at the owner’s risk. If a bike is discovered blocking a means of egress or a passageway the bike will be removed immediately without notice to the owner.
Security staff will, from time to time, check campus property to ensure that no bicycles are in the building. If a bicycle is found and is not blocking a means of egress, the security officer will do the following:
- Secure the bike with a lock (which is stored at the security desk)
- Place a “ticket” on the bike, which will inform the owner to locate the security officer who will then free the bike and inform the owner that it is improper to store bikes inside the building and
- Remove the bike (if the owner does not recover the bike within two days) and park it unlocked at the bike rack at the rear of the 320 Newbury street building.