Each year Saint Mary's students are plagued with telephone calls of an annoying and/or obscene nature. The caller generally states that he is conducting a survey and begins asking the student questions which become increasingly personal. Eventually these questions lead to "What kind (or color) of underwear are you wearing?" and questions as to the student's attitudes about sex. In the past, the caller has identified himself as a representative of the National Education Association and asked students to participate in a sexuality survey. The Security Department advises that students refuse to participate in such surveys and immediately hang up the phone when the caller states he is conducting such a survey or asks what the student is wearing.

If you follow these recommendations, you can eliminate or discourage obscene or annoying phone calls.

• Don't talk to strangers. Tell the caller you're not interested and hang up.
• Don't attempt to be clever. This generally only encourages the caller.
• Hang up immediately if you hear an obscene or improper question.
• Report Obscene or Annoying phone calls to Security at once.

If you receive continuing obscene, harassing or annoying phone calls, inform the Security Department.

1. Note the date and time of the call

2. Write down what the caller said, as clearly as you can recall.

3. Make a note of any identifying sounds (accent, background noise, etc.)

4. Report the call to Security as soon as possible. We will prepare an incident report and work with Ameritech Annoyance Bureau so they can set up a record of calls to your line.

5) Once monitoring is set up, students need to call the Ameritech Annoyance line whenever they receive subsequent annoying/obscene phone calls. 1-800-769-4099

Calls will be tracked for 21 days.

** Security can't trace calls.

Please help yourself and us by following the above recommendations. If you have any problems with an obscene or annoying caller, or questions about what to do, call the Security Department at 284-5000.