Advising the Campus Community About Sex Offenders Policy

Responsible Unit: Security | Executive lead: CIO 
Created: 06/2013 | Reviewed/Revised: 12/15/2022 | Effective: 12/15/2022 
Compliance: 34 CFR Section 668.46(b)(12), Clery Act, NWCCU 2.I.1, COCA 4.2, CAPTE 3E, CAPTE 5C 
Approving Body: PAC | Classification: Institution-wide 

Policy:  
PNWU advises the campus community where to obtain law enforcement agency information concerning registered sex offenders. 

The Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act (CSCPA) of 2000 is a federal law that provides for the tracking of convicted sex offenders enrolled at, or employed at, institutions of higher education. The CSCPA is an amendment to the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offenders Registration Act (the “Wetterling Act”). The federal law requires state law enforcement agencies to promptly notify Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences of registered sex offenders who have indicated that they are either enrolled, employed, or carrying on a vocation at PNWU. The CSCPA amended the Higher Education Act of 1965 which requires institutions of higher education to advise the campus community where it can obtain information about registered sex offenders provided by the State (pursuant to 42 U.S.C. Section 14071(j)) such that as the campus law enforcement office, a law enforcement agency, or a computer network address. 

The CSCPA further amended the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) to clarify that nothing in FERPA may be construed to prohibit an educational institution from disclosing information concerning registered sex offenders who are required to register. 

This statement is provided in compliance with the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act of 2000, the Community Protection Act of 1990, and pursuant to RCW 4.24.550 and the Washington State Supreme Court decision in State v Ward. Law enforcement agencies are authorized to inform the public of sex offenders release when, in the discretion of the agency, the release of information will enhance public safety and protection. The sex offenses which require registration and description of the registration procedures are found under RCW 9A.44. 

Definitions:  
N/A 

Procedure:  
N/A 

Related Documents: 
Registered sex offenders’ information located on the Campus Security page at PNWU.edu under Security Resources and Training 


Policy Resources

For assistance with policies and procedures contact:

Lori Fulton
lfulton@pnwu.edu