Campus Safety
Know Your Campus. Know Your Resources.
College brings greater independence, which also means taking an active role in your own safety.
Every campus is different. Learn how your college handles emergencies, what safety resources are available, and where to turn when you need help.
Learn Your Campus Safety Resources
Early in the semester, find out:
- How to contact campus safety or campus police
- How emergency alerts are delivered
- Whether safety or escort transportation is available
- How residence halls and academic buildings are secured
- Where to report safety concerns
- What resources are available after normal business hours
Save important numbers in your phone rather than waiting until an emergency to look them up.
Sign Up for Emergency Alerts
Make sure you're enrolled in your college's emergency notification system.
These systems may provide information about:
- Severe weather
- Campus emergencies
- Building closures
- Safety threats
- Other urgent situations
Keep your contact information current.
Protect Your Living Space
Whether you live in a residence hall, apartment, or house:
- Lock doors and windows.
- Don't share keys, access cards, or entry codes.
- Don't allow unknown people into secured buildings.
- Report broken locks, doors, lights, or other safety concerns.
- Know your building's emergency procedures and exits.
If you live with roommates, talk about shared expectations for security and visitors.
Pay Attention to Your Surroundings
Know the areas you regularly travel and the transportation options available to you.
When you're uncomfortable with a situation, trust your judgment and change your plans when you can.
Use available campus transportation, safety escorts, or other resources when they help you feel safer.
Protect Your Belongings & Information
Campus safety includes protecting your property and personal information.
Secure:
- Phones and computers
- Identification
- Financial information
- Student accounts
- Bicycles and vehicles
- Important documents
Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication for school and financial accounts.
Know Where to Get Help
If you experience or witness an emergency, crime, harassment, violence, or another safety concern, know how to reach the appropriate campus or community resource.
Your college may provide resources through:
- Campus safety or police
- Student affairs
- Residence life
- Counseling services
- Health services
- Title IX or other campus offices
- Emergency services
Different situations call for different resources. Learn what's available before you need it.
Research Campus Safety Information
Colleges participating in federal student-aid programs have responsibilities under the Clery Act to disclose certain campus crime statistics and security information.
Reviewing a college's annual security information can help you understand its policies, available resources, and reported incidents.
Remember that statistics are one piece of the picture. Also consider how the institution communicates about safety, supports students, and responds to concerns.
Safety Is a Community Responsibility
Campus safety isn't only about avoiding risk.
Respect other people's boundaries, follow campus policies, look out for friends and classmates, and speak up or seek help when you're concerned about someone's safety.
Knowing your resources and using good judgment can help you navigate campus with greater confidence.
