Hospitality

Policy

The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School seeks to foster openness and respect towards all members of the Case Western Reserve University and surrounding communities. We will demonstrate our commitment to these values by treating all visitors equally and with respect and dignity. Our visitors include staff, faculty and students from CWRU and other institutions, community neighbors, business associates, research participants, research collaborators, friends and family of faculty, staff and students, subcontractors and vendors (referred to as visitors).

Our community (Mandel School and Case Western Reserve University individuals) and visitors are welcome to use our spaces as long as their behavior is not disruptive to Mandel School activities and generally falls within the “per space” guidelines below. It is understood that a person and behavior may be completely acceptable in one space while it may be inappropriate in another. For example, while it would be acceptable for two community members to have a meeting in the Noble Commons, it would not be appropriate to do this in the Higley Research Commons (without a Mandel School individual).

In addition, it is recognized that there are times when a member of the Mandel School/Case Western Reserve University community or a visitor may display behavior that concerns those around them. This concern should be based on a combination of the behavior itself and location of the person. It is not permissible to base this concern on dress, appearance, race, ethnicity, or otherwise “profile” an individual.

Procedure

If you observe a person that looks as though they need help or is in an unexpected space, it is okay to approach the person. Please be aware that, due to the size of the Mandel School, we will not all recognize each other. Occasionally, you may be the “unknown person” and be asked if you need help, or you may approach a colleague whom you don’t know. If this occurs, it is acknowledged this was out of concern and not hostility.

If you decide to approach the individual

1. Greet the individual;
2. Ask if they are meeting someone and whom;
3. Direct them to that person or a more appropriate space. 
4. Based on the response you receive:

• If the individual needs assistance that you cannot provide, but you suspect that another Mandel School faculty or staff member could, please contact that person (likely one of the contacts below, based on space) or direct the visitor to that person. Keep in mind that it may be reasonable to contact CWRU Security if the individual has a medical or personal issue that is beyond what anyone at the Mandel School can address.
• If you receive evasive or unusual answers, this could indicate the person has bad intentions or at least needs further assistance beyond what anyone at the Mandel School can provide. If you are suspicious, trust your instincts and contact CWRU Security at 368-3333. If the person leaves immediately, you should still call CWRU Security (and notify the contact below, based on space). Your report may help establish a pattern of behavior and/or warn a neighbor.

If you decide to not approach the individual

• If you have concerns about a person’s behavior and you feel there is an immediate threat to your safety or the safety of those around you, please contact CWRU Security at 368-3333. You do not need to engage the person directly. If possible, please notify the contact below (based on space) after contacting Security.

The majority of the time, the person will respond in a typical fashion and there will not be a safety threat.

Contacts

The individuals below may be contacted if you have questions about an individual in a particular space and want to determine if anyone knows the individual. The contacts below may also consult with each other as necessary depending upon the situation. For example, Wendy Boerger may be contacted because an individual is in the Noble Commons, but she may involve Kim McFarlin because it is suspected the individual is a student.

Note

• The Mandel School community (faculty, staff and students) can be in all spaces.
• CWRU students can be unaccompanied in the Mandel Building and Mandel Center as follows:
  • Building: 2nd and 3rd floor atria, huddle rooms, classrooms
  • Center: classrooms and lounge
• MSASS students always receive priority in using huddle rooms and classrooms
• This table addresses the types of unaccompanied visitors who can also be in a space. Visitors with or on their way to join a Mandel individual are always welcome (referred to as “Visitors w/ Mandel Individual” below).
• If the visitor type is “None,” the intended group or purpose is in parentheses.