Community Expectations and Emergency Information

Community Expectations

All participants in programs on the College’s campus are expected to respect the rights of others, their persons and their possessions, and refrain from any unreasonable disruption to the college and the community around it. By participating in an on-campus program, you agree to behave with courtesy towards others, including those whose beliefs and behavior differ from your own, and to contribute to a community in which all members and guests are treated with respect and are free of harassment.

In case of emergency dial 911 from your cell phone or any campus phone. You can also press the button on the campus blue light phones for emergency assistance or use the keypad to dial 9-1-1.

In non-emergency situations, dial 413.597.4444 OR x4444 from a campus phone to contact Williams Campus Safety Services in non-life-threatening situations.

Fires & Fire Alarms: When a fire alarm sounds, you must evacuate immediately.  Do not return to the building until instructed to do so by someone of authority.  Tampering with fire and smoke alarms or fire equipment is a serious violation.  Williams College adheres to State & Federal Laws in connection with these offenses and cooperates with local officials in handling violations.  Those in violation will be fined $250.00 and may be asked to leave the campus.

First Aid: In case of emergency dial 911. Campus Safety will automatically be notified of your call. In case of non-emergent illness or injuries, call ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care next to Stop & Shop in North Adams at 413-287-7798. 

 Illegal Drugs, Firearms, and other Weapons:  The use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, is prohibited on campus.  Firearms and other weapons are also strictly prohibited. Violators will be asked to leave campus. 

Lost & Found:  Williams College is not liable for lost items.  Contact your program contact or Campus Safety Services to see if someone has dropped off your missing item.  

Smoking:  Smoking is not allowed inside campus buildings or within 25 feet of any campus facilities.  This includes the use of electronic smoking devices. The fine for smoking is $250.

Fire Safety Information

Fire & Other Life-Threatening Emergencies: On the inside of your dorm room door you will find fire evacuation directions specific to your room location. Be sure you familiarize yourself with these as soon as you check in. If you find these directions are missing or inaccurate, notify your program contact or Campus Safety Services immediately. 

In Case Of Fire: If you are in your room and smell smoke or an alarm sounds, FIRST review the escape plan on your door, then put shoes on and feel your door. 

If the door is HOT – Do Not Open It. Remain in your room until help arrives. 

  • Seal cracks around the door with blankets or towels. Open your window and hang a sheet over the ledge. Stay visible at the window, if possible. 
  • Stay low to the floor to breathe less smoke if the conditions warrant. 

If the door is COOL – Open The Door Slowly to check for smoke or fire. 

  • Close, but DO NOT LOCK your door. Proceed to the nearest exit (but do NOT use elevators). 
  • Tell others you see to leave the building. 
  • If it’s not sounding already, pull any fire alarm you pass. 
  • If you encounter smoke, crawl on the floor to breathe less smoke. 
  • If exits are blocked, return to your room and follow instructions for “If the door is HOT” above. 

Once Outside: 

  • Never return for personal belongings.
  • Dial 9-911 or Campus Safety x4444 from the closest outside Emergency Phone.
  • Stay a safe distance from the building, but close enough to direct officials to the fire location.
  • Do not attempt to re-enter the building until instructed to do so by Campus Safety. 

Damage or Theft of Property

Williams College accepts no responsibility for any damage or theft experienced by individuals on campus.  All locks and other security devices are presumed to be in good operating condition and any evidence of malfunction should be immediately reported to Campus Safety Services staff.  Do not prop exterior doors to dorms.