Prepare Yourself:

Reduce the Risks of Campus Violence

  Campus Safety

Campus safety is the responsibility of all those on campus. You can protect yourself and your community by taking steps to decrease your exposure to risks. Being aware of your surroundings, using assertive body language, keeping doors locked and using the buddy system will help you feel safer and may deter an attacker. 

Protecting Yourself in Residence 
Halls and at Home

• Always lock your door, even if you intend to return shortly or are just going down the hall. 
• Lock all doors and windows when you are sleeping or are alone. 
• Do not allow strangers to enter the premises. 
• If someone asks to use your phone for emergency purposes, offer to telephone for them instead of allowing them access to your residence 
and possessions. 
• Keep emergency numbers by your phone. 
• Do not put your address anywhere that a stranger can gain easy access, such as a key chain or hang tag. 
• On-campus, call public safety to report any suspicious activity. Off-campus, use the emergency number of the city or town. Immediately give the dispatcher your location and any pertinent information. If possible, stay on the line until help arrives or the dispatcher terminates the call. 
• Utilize a bank account instead of keeping money in your room. 
• Keep ATM cards in a safe place. Never reveal your PIN number to anyone. 
• Never loan your ATM card to anyone, no matter who they are. 
• When possible, use your ATM card during the day. If you must use the machine at night, go to an indoor or otherwise well-lit machine.

Safety Tips for the Office, Classroom, Laboratory or Library

• Avoid working or studying alone in a 
building at night. Have a friend available 
for emergencies. 
• Avoid using stairs in remote sections 
of a building. 
• Keep your purse locked up in a drawer 
or cabinet instead of underneath or on 
top of your desk. 
• Keep any money or stamps in a 
locked drawer. 
• Never leave valuables unattended. 
• Keep personal belongings in view 
at all times. 
• Never prop doors open, even for a 
short time, especially fire doors. 
• Do not remove rings to wash hands. 
They can easily be lost or stolen. 
• Call the police if you see a man 
entering, leaving or in a woman’s 
lavatory. Do not stop to ask the 
individual questions. 
• Report any suspicious behavior to a 
staff member or the police. Remember 
the individual’s appearance to relay 
to the dispatcher. Do not confront 
the individual. 
• Advise police of any hazards or 
security problems. 
• Use a walking escort service or 
walk with a friend at night.