Safety on Campus
What you can do:
Check out our printable Safety on Campus Brochure!
-Lock your residence hall room door at all times. Even though you know everyone on your floor and you’re only going to be away for a few minutes, you can’t control guests and visitors walking the hallways. The same goes for off-campus residences. You never know who might make their way into your neighborhood.
-Ask who is at your door before opening it. The residence hall community does not have to be as informal as you think.
-Walk with a friend late at night. Avoid unlit areas. Walk with your head up and move with confidence.
-Be smart about your use of alcohol and other drugs. Being under the influence makes it difficult for you to think and react quickly.
-Get to know your University Police Officers. Then you won’t be so hesitant to call for help. We are all members of the campus community.
-Be careful about the information you choose to share online. Whether it’s in an away message or on a social networking site, more people have access to your profiles than you think. Before posting your information, think about how an unscrupulous person might use your information.
-Don’t advertise your whereabouts. Posting your schedule on your door or online is not a good idea. If you need people to know where you are, make phone calls or email them directly. If someone else needs to find you, they’ll call. When traveling or when you expect to be away from your room for more than a day, it is a good idea to let your Resident Assistant or parents know, in case an emergency arises.
-Keep your vehicle locked, and store valuables out of site. Be cautious and aware when approaching your car late at night. Have your keys in hand. They allow you quick entry and can serve as a defensive weapon if attacked.
-Do not share your credit/debit card or PIN with anyone. Don’t keep your PIN with your cards.
Taking Emergency Preparedness Seriously
Tragedy provides an unfortunate reminder of the importance of being prepared for disaster to strike. As a student your cooperation with emergency preparedness will help in ensuring the campus is as safe and prepared as possible. When asked to participate in fire, shelter-in-place or other drills, participate respectfully. A university community can only be as safe and prepared as the community allows it to be.
Making your Community Safer:
-Don’t prop open doors to residence halls or other buildings on campus. This action compromises the overall security for the building and puts everyone at risk. It permits anyone to gain access.
-Don’t let in people behind you when entering your residence hall. Even though it can be hard to confront a stranger and deny access, your diligence will help keep everyone that much safer.
-Treat the campus grounds with respect. Vandalizing and damaging directional signs, fire extinguishers and other safety equipment costs the campus valuable funds and effort that could be directed to other areas. You also endanger the safety of everyone in the community.
-Follow your campus safety and security policies; they are in place for your safety and protection.
-Report suspicious behavior to the University Police, even if it’s ‘just a hunch. Your tip may be the one of many being received about an individual or event. Every little bit of information about a potential threat to our community is critical.
If you have information pertaining to a crime or suspicious event, please contact the University Police at 293-COPS (293-2677). If you are aware of an emergency in progress, dial 9-911 for a WVU phone or 911 from off-campus phones.
For helpful tips and information, we provide a number of classes and programs for your safety, personal protection and protection of your property. Call us at 293-COPS (293-2677).
Working Together With Campus Officials
Campus officials are trained to work with college students. They have a great deal of expertise in helping to manage difficult situations, referring students to the appropriate resources, and working together to create a safe and positive educational environment.
Don’t be afraid to tap into their experience!
If you are struggling or are concerned about someone’s behavior, ask for help.