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Guidelines for Handling Crimes at Munich University of Applied Sciences (MUAS)

Dear Students,

An email was previously sent with an incorrect salutation (“Dear Colleagues”). We apologize for this error; it was meant for you.

Best regards, Christina Kaufmann Head of University Communications

Dear Students,

Last week, there was a security incident in the women’s restrooms at the Karlstraße campus. An employee of an external cleaning service engaged in inappropriate conduct, exposing himself in the presence of others. We assure you that your safety and well-being are taken very seriously, and we have taken immediate actions:

 • The employee has been banned from campus.

 • Cleaning services are instructed to ensure no one is present before starting in washrooms.

 • Only female employees will clean the women’s restrooms.

This unfortunate event underscores the importance of knowing the correct procedures to quickly report and prevent criminal acts on campus. Here are our recommendations for handling incidents:

 • Move to safety if you are directly affected.

 • Do not intervene if it risks your safety.

 • Assist other affected individuals and contact the police at emergency number 110.

 • Certain crimes require formal reports for the police to act. Support victims wishing to file reports; witnesses can also file reports.

Additionally, please report incidents to university authorities (Dean’s Office, President, or Chancellor) and Building Management for prompt safety measures.

Please note that Building Management’s daytime on-call service is not a security service; always contact the police first if in doubt.

For incidents of a sexual nature, the Women’s Emergency Hotline for Munich (089/76 37 37) and the MUAS Anti-Discrimination Center are available for support.

Kind regards, Martin Leitner President

Jörg Finger Chancellor

Information and Initiatives to Strengthen Safety at MUAS

Dear Students,

Following a January violent crime, I am reaching out with an update. First, our deepest sympathies are with the affected student. The incident has greatly impacted us, and we offer our ongoing support.

We have taken immediate steps to enhance safety:

 • Security patrols are now conducted by male-female teams after hours, a measure in place for three months.

 • An “Online Guard System” will track security checks precisely.

 • Security staff must now present clean police records.

Looking ahead, we have initiated further safety improvements:

 • We are critically reviewing our security concept with experts and authorities.

 • A “Safety Round Table,” including student representatives, has been established.

 • A new security service tender is underway.

Despite these steps, we recognize that overcoming discomfort from such incidents is challenging. We are committed to providing a safe campus environment, working closely with the student body to create a secure, welcoming atmosphere.

Best wishes for the new semester, Martin Leitner President

Serious Incident at MUAS

Dear Students,

On Friday morning, a sexual assault occurred at MUAS (Lothstr. 17). At 5:30 am, a student was attacked while resting on a couch. She alerted classmates, who contacted the police. The suspected perpetrator, a security service employee, was arrested on-site and detained.

We extend our full support to the student involved and are in contact with her and her family. Immediate measures are being taken in coordination with the security service company.

For those feeling unsettled, we encourage you to use the following counseling resources:

 • Psychotherapeutic and Psychosocial Counseling by Munich Student Union: [Link]

 • Psychiatric Crisis Service for Upper Bavaria: [Link]

Sincerely, Martin Leitner

Some common solutions adopted in response to security incidents:

1. Increased Campus Security

  • Patrols and Surveillance: Many universities, such as Columbia University and the University of Sydney, increased the frequency of patrols in sensitive areas like bathrooms, dormitories, and common areas. In some cases, mixed male and female patrol teams were formed, and stricter controls were implemented during nighttime hours.
  • Security Cameras: Institutions like the University of Hong Kong and the University of Oxford installed additional security cameras in key areas of the campus, especially at entrances and high-traffic zones.

2. Review of External Staff Hiring Protocols

  • Background Checks: Several universities reinforced their hiring policies for external service employees (cleaning, maintenance, security) by conducting background checks and reference verifications. This was done at the University of Toronto and the University of California, Berkeley, where they ensured that staff had clean records and were appropriate for working in the academic environment.
  • Supervision of External Staff: Some universities now require contracted service companies to provide specifically trained personnel to interact in educational settings and perform regular checks to ensure adherence to standards.

3. Rapid Response Protocols and Victim Support

  • Anonymous Reporting Hotlines: Institutions like Columbia University and UNAM created anonymous reporting hotlines and easily accessible contact points for students and staff to report any incident confidentially and without fear of retaliation.
  • Psychological and Legal Support Services: Many universities have implemented psychological support services and legal guidance for victims. For example, the University of Munich has provided access to emergency hotlines and psychological support resources for affected students and others in the community who may feel impacted by incidents.

4. Improvements to Security Infrastructure

  • Access Control: To prevent unauthorized people from entering the campus, universities like Oxford and Hong Kong implemented access control systems with ID cards or codes in high-risk areas such as bathrooms and rest areas. This restricts access to students, staff, and authorized personnel only.
  • Alarms and Emergency Systems: On some campuses, panic buttons or alarm systems have been installed in high-traffic or high-risk areas. This helps individuals quickly alert authorities in case of emergency situations or threats.

5. Education and Awareness on Security

  • Prevention and Awareness Campaigns: Several universities have launched educational campaigns to raise awareness about safety issues, harassment, and appropriate conduct on campus. These campaigns include seminars, workshops, and informational materials to help students recognize risky situations and know how to act.
  • Staff Training: Additionally, many institutions offer training to staff, including security personnel and external service employees, on how to appropriately respond to security risks and respect students' rights and privacy.

6. Collaboration with Students and Support Groups

  • Security Committees with Student Representatives: Some universities have created security committees or roundtables that include student representatives to ensure that student needs and concerns are considered in security-related decision-making.
  • Access to Anti-Discrimination Centers and Diversity Support: Institutions like MUAS and the University of Toronto offer access to anti-discrimination centers and diversity support services, helping to create a safer and more respectful environment for all members of the university community.