Who is exempt from being designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA)?

Professional counselors are exempt from being designated as Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) because of the confidential nature of their roles in providing support and counseling to students. The Clery Act recognizes the importance of maintaining confidentiality in counseling scenarios, allowing students to seek help without the fear that their disclosures will be reported to law enforcement or campus security. This exemption acknowledges that counselors serve as a trusted resource for students, where their primary obligation is to the student and not to report information related to potential crimes, unless there is a clear and immediate threat to someone’s safety.

On the other hand, academic advisors, food service workers, and support staff do not have similar confidentiality obligations in their roles. Therefore, they are typically designated as CSAs and are required to report any incidents of crime or suspicious activity they observe or in which they become aware. This distinction ensures that individuals who are in a position to offer support while also having the responsibility to report criminal behavior are clearly defined within the context of the Clery Act.