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Campuses are relatively safe places, with people usually around at all hours throughout the day and night. There are cameras, campus courtesy officers, and some campuses even have their own police department. Safety concerns, however, persist due to the easy access to campuses. Most doors remain unlocked throughout the day and do not require anything for access, making it easy for anyone to blend in with the student population. As a response to these concerns, many campuses have implemented emergency system installations to enhance security measures. Below also are a few tips to help keep you aware of your safety while on campus.

1.       Save important phone numbers in your phone and ensure you have them saved wit quick access.

a.       Add Campus Security/Police.

b.       Add your Residence Hall Emergency Phone.

c.       Add your Resident Assistant.

2.       Adopt the Buddy System.  Try to avoid walking alone especially at night.  Going across campus to the library late at night, take a friend with you, meet up and go together.  Don’t have any friends to go with you?  Utilize your campus resources. 

a.       You have officers available to provide an escort with a simple call.

b.       Take the shuttle instead of walking.

c.       Research student groups and other resources on campus that provide services and focus on campus safety.

3.       Party Smart. 

a.       This is where having a buddy is extremely important. Go together, stay together, and leave together.

b.       Never leave your drink unattended and do not take a drink that is already open (or that you did not see being poured or accept from someone you don’t know.

c.       If you suspect trouble leave.

d.       Be aware of where you are and who you are with.

4.       See something, Say something.  If you notice something that appears to be out of the ordinary, if something seems off, or if there is danger call for help immediately.  It won’t hurt to have the campus officers check on things. 

5.       Be aware of your surroundings. Ensure you are paying attention to what is going on around you is extremely important.  Avoid texting while walking, play music on low or only use one ear bud. Be attentive and take time to see who is around you and what is happening.

6.       If you have a car, ensure it is safe and secure as well.

a.       Do not leave ANY personal items in plain sight. Thieves see value in anything they can exchange money, this includes textbooks, electronics, and other personal items.

b.       Lock your doors.  Leaving your doors unlocked or your windows cracked is an invitation for a thief to help themselves.

c.       Be aware of your surroundings.  Check the car before entering, look around to notice any lurkers, and look for anything that may be suspicious.

7.       Know safe places on campus.  Regardless of your location on campus, know your surroundings.  Actively preparing for the following scenarios will allow you to stay calm and think clearly during the situation.  Identify the closest exit or place of refuge and ways you can protect yourself in the following situations:

a.       Earthquake

b.       Tornado

c.       Hurricane

d.       Flooding

e.       Active Shooter

 

Safety cannot be guaranteed, but following these tips will assist as you navigate on campus.

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House parties and fart parties are a way of life for many college freshmen. Whether you rushed a Greek organization or just know someone who did, chances are you may end up at a party by your senior year. These parties can be a lot of fun, but it is important to know how to stay safe while you’re doing so.

The number one way to stay safe while in an environment you are unfamiliar with is to have a plan ahead of time. Don’t just show up at the door-go in knowing your limits. How many drinks will you have? Which friends are you going with and who do you know in the house? If you’re going to be offered a place to stay for the night, will you accept or do you plan to head home at a certain time? It may seem kind of foolish to “plan your fun” but you’ll be thankful for it when a situation is sprung on you and you already have an answer.

The second important factor in staying safe is to be familiar with the safety resources your campus has to offer. For instance, knowing how you’ll get to and from a party is very important, particularly if you plan to be drinking. My university had a bus that ran on a set schedule on campus and some off campus places, as well as a campus transit option that would pick you up when you called and take you anywhere else on campus. Knowing your campus resources can be life-saving, especially if you planned for a different ride that backs out at the last minute. You should also program your campus police number as well as the local area number, just in case.

No one wants to plan for the worst to happen at a party, but planning ahead can make your time much more enjoyable. You won’t have to worry about what might happen because you’ll be at ease knowing that no matter what happens you’ll be ready.

Safety on Campus is a reoccurring topic.  In the days of school shootings, sexual assaults, and viral fighting videos school safety has never been more of a concern.  When things go wrong and incidents occur, fingers are pointed and everyone wants to know who is responsible.  The truth is campus safety begins with each student.  Each student should be aware of their own safety and well as the safety of others.  One of the first things you should take note of is safety practices on campus.  Campuses across the country have emergency alert systems.  The system allows you to be contacted via text message and email in the event of an emergency.  You should also add campus security/police as a contact in your phone. Having this information readily available allows quick access in the time of emergency.  Another helpful resource campus’ are implementing is the anonymous texting system.  The system allows you to anonymously send message to campus safety officials about possible incidents.  This allows you to report issues, possible threats, or bring things to their attention to further investigate.

As you are navigating around campus, you should always travel with caution.  While on campus you become comfortable and assume everyone is your friend. Campuses are targeted every day, lurkers standing by observing, someone trying to find their next target.  That is why it is extremely important to pay close attention to your surroundings, only share personal information with those you trust, and report suspicious activity. After hours, when travelling on campus, be sure to travel in groups and never walk alone. Campuses offer escort services; providing an officer to assist you in getting from one place to another.

While out you should be very careful when mingling and partying with others.  You should never accept a drink from someone that you do not know. You should also not leave your drink unattended. Any time away from your drink or accepting a drink from someone you do not know could place you in danger. The same rule applies to taking any other food, candy, or medicine from someone you do not know. You may not be aware but drugs come in all shapes, sizes and flavors.  Drugs can be placed in food, look like candy, or appear to be medicine.  Consuming such items can cause you harm and ultimately death.  Additionally, if physical safety becomes a concern be sure to find the closest exit to safety.  Grabbing your phone to take video should not be your first concern.  You should grab your phone to contact campus safety or to report the incident.  Your actions could help determine how the situation ends.  Be sure to create a buddy system and always know where your buddy is located and what they are doing at all times.  When it is time to leave be sure you leave together and that you both arrive home safely.  Leaving a friend could result in tragedy; arriving together, staying together, and departing together should be your primary goals throughout the evening.

Campuses are relatively safe places to be.  However, there are people the target college students for their lack of caution, maturity, and street knowledge.  Be sure you are aware of your surroundings and know which resources are available to you. Having the knowledge before a situation occurs will help you when a situation actually unfolds. Throughout your college experience you want to be open, have fun, and have new experiences, but you also want to be safe and you are ultimately responsible for your safety.