To our University community:
Welcome home! As chief of the West Virginia University Police Department — also known as UPD — I’m so excited to see everyone back on campus.
As you get settled in for a new year, please know your safety is always our top priority. My team is here to handle safety concerns and make sure you have a good environment so you can focus on learning, connecting, and growing.
But, please remember, safety is a shared responsibility, and being aware of your surroundings and making safe choices every day can make a real difference.
Earlier this month, my team moved into new office space in the Chestnut Ridge Building, located at 886 Chestnut Ridge Road near the Health Sciences area of campus. Our new space will better support our officers, dispatchers, and trainers while keeping us close to campus. If you ever need anything, feel free to stop by our main office, or visit us at one of our satellite offices at the Mountainlair, Mountaineer Station, the Health Sciences Center, or University Place. We’re here to help you.
Here’s some important safety information to keep in mind throughout the year.
- If you see something suspicious, please say something. Report suspicious activity by dialing 911 or calling us at 304-293-3136. Another communication option is the LiveSafe app, which allows you to communicate directly and discreetly with our dispatchers through text, photo, video, and audio. You can also activate the app’s panic alarm to contact us quickly during emergencies.
- If incidents occur on or near campus, the University notifies our campus community by sending information through the three-tiered emergency messaging system — the WVU Alert system. Students are automatically registered to receive emails, but should add their phone numbers to their accounts to receive text notifications as well.
- It’s also important to remain vigilant while you explore off-campus areas. When possible, travel with a friend and put your phone away so you can stay alert.
- For those who choose to participate in activities involving alcohol, always exercise caution. If you choose to drink, stick with one type of alcohol to better moderate how much you consume, pace drinks to one or fewer per hour, and alternate alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic beverages. You should also always keep an eye on your drink. Never set it down or give it to someone else to hold. Utilize the buddy system to help prevent someone from ending up in an unsafe situation, and have a plan to get home safely either through ride-sharing, a designated driver, taxi, or walking.
- Finally, always call for medical assistance when someone is in danger of a drug or alcohol overdose. With the WVU medical amnesty policy, you may be safe from prosecution and may not face charges under the Campus Student Code if you seek medical assistance in an emergency. Bottom line — always seek help to save a life.
The University Police team works hard to protect our campus community and keep you safe. With such a large campus and so many fun activities planned for Welcome Week — like FallFest and Mountaineer Movie Night — use these safety tips to make sure your WVU experience is a safe one.
For more University Police information, visit our website at police.wvu.edu or follow us on Instagram at @wvusafetyofficial. If you have any questions, thoughts or concerns, please don’t hesitate to talk to our officers on campus or submit your feedback through our contact form found on our website.
I can’t wait to see you around campus this year.
Let’s Go!
Chief Sherry St. Clair
West Virginia University Police Department