Safety at Interlochen
Our Commitment to Student Safety
At Interlochen, student safety and well-being are our top priority. We are committed to fostering a nurturing, inclusive, and secure environment where students thrive artistically, academically, and personally.
Our protection of minors program is based on a robust ecosystem of written policies, routine practices, education and training, monitoring, and vigilance – all of which intersect and reinforce one another to minimize risk and promote safety and accountability for all Academy and Camp students and participants.
Campus Access & Physical Security
To protect our community, Interlochen utilizes comprehensive campus access controls, visible credentialing protocols, and monitoring by our Campus Safety team.
Campus Safety & Student Supervision
Interlochen maintains multi-layered safety operations that combine 24/7 monitoring, thorough employee screening and continuous training, and extensive student supervision protocols.
Background Checks
All staff and trustees undergo multiple background checks prior to employment.
Faculty, Staff, Volunteer, and Trustee Training
To maintain a safe and supportive campus, Interlochen provides the highest standards of student care by requiring annual mandatory reporting training, professional boundary workshops, and behavioral management education for all personnel.
Emergency Procedures & Safety Planning
Interlochen safeguards a highly prepared campus through comprehensive emergency planning, regular responder-led drills, and rigorous policy evaluations with expert safety and Title IX partners.
Safety at Concerts & Performances
To create a secure and enjoyable experience for all attendees, Interlochen implements customized, event-specific safety measures ranging from entry screenings to on-site medical and law enforcement presence.
Housing & Guest Access
Access to student living spaces is strictly controlled to ensure the safety and privacy of all students.
Interlochen Core Values and Community
Rooted in our Core Values, Interlochen fosters a supportive and collaborative artistic journey by providing all students and staff with education on building a deeply inclusive community.
Community Building
Arts Academy students participate in structured programs that communicate the values, norms and expectations of Interlochen, fostering a community of respect for all.
Student Support
To impart transition and continuous well-being, Interlochen offers Arts Academy students holistic care through dedicated orientation programming, peer mentorship, and extensive health and counseling services.
Protection from Discrimination
Interlochen is deeply committed to equity and fairness, prohibiting any form of discrimination or retaliation in our admissions, employment, and educational programs.
Digital & Social Media Safety
Interlochen actively cultivates a respectful online environment by enforcing clear digital conduct policies against cyberbullying and guiding students through dedicated advisory programming to reflect on their social media presence.
Oversight
Ways to Report
Interlochen maintains an anonymous 'Report a Concern' form on our website. Reports submitted through that form are automatically routed to designated senior administrators, who share responsibility for monitoring, reviewing, and ensuring appropriate follow-up. Any reports of adult-to-student misconduct are shared directly with the President, along with a review of actions taken and next steps. This team-based structure helps ensure that concerns are addressed promptly, consider all available information, and are reviewed by a multi-disciplinary team, rather than delegated to an individual.
As a Michigan school, Interlochen also participates in the State of Michigan’s OK2SAY program. OK2SAY is a confidential student safety reporting system that allows individuals to confidentially submit tips about potential harm or criminal activity involving students, employees, or the school without involving administration. Reports made through OK2SAY are shared through a comprehensive communication system to facilitate tip sharing among students, parents, school officials, community mental health providers, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and law enforcement, as appropriate, about harmful behaviors that threaten to disrupt the learning environment. This provides another mechanism for students and families to report concerns externally and does not rely solely on internal channels. OK2SAY signs are posted on campus.
Students can also report concerns directly to any trusted adult in the community—including residential faculty, classroom teachers, counselors, advisors, and Campus Safety personnel. Employees, volunteers, and trustees participate in annual training on their mandatory reporting responsibilities. This training instructs employees, volunteers, and trustees who have a reasonable suspicion of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, neglect, or exposure to unsafe environments (such as drugs or violence), to report this activity to their supervisor and/or school administration immediately. When there is a suspicion of child abuse or neglect, this information is reported to Child Protective Services.
Students may also contact Campus Safety at 231-276-7575 or safetyconcern@interlochen.org or call 911 in an emergency.