Campus Safety Advisory
It is important that students stay alert on college campuses as political and social issues raise concerns related to safety for students. Students should always use resources offered by your specific university, practice awareness of your surroundings, and implement personal safety habits to ensure you are pro-active in being safe.
Most campuses have dedicated police departments, emergency alert systems, and escort services safety processes to help students stay safe and secure. It is important that students utilize campus resources to remain safe at all times when on campus.
Please be advised that it is important that you behave in a socially accepted manner to avoid provocation of an altercation or to place yourself in a position for retaliation by others or exposure to any legal situation.
Campus police:
Get to know your university's police department. They are commissioned law enforcement officers with full authority to enforce laws on your campus. o Invite the local and campus police to your meetings for safety discussions.
Program emergency phone numbers into your cell phone:
Program the emergency number; 911, 311 or other numbers to contact police.
Learn the location of emergency call boxes that may have flashing blue lights.
Note where fire alarms are located in places that you frequent.
Alert systems:
Register for your university's emergency notification system to receive alerts via text and email about severe weather, crime, and other incidents. o Create a student alert system among your friends, such as the “Next Door” application to share safety information among your group. o Use any electronic applications your school provides to use for your safety.
Escort services:
Most Texas universities offer free, safety escort services, often run by campus police or students, to ensure you don't have to walk alone.
Walk in groups of two or more on campus. Avoid walking alone, especially at night.
Campus shuttle/ride services:
Some universities may provide free or discounted ride services for students after hours.
Create your own share ride groups to avoid having to move around campus alone.
Self-defense training:
Take advantage of any self-defense training that maybe available for free or a small fee.
Form your own self-defense group with someone already trained in self-defense tactics.
Practice personal awareness:
Your vigilance is the first and most important line of self-defense.
Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid looking at your phone or wearing headphones that could limit your ability to hear or notice threats.
Plan your route:
Stick to well-lit and populated paths, especially at night. Avoid isolated or dimly lit areas and alleyways, even if they are shorter.
Share with others where you are going and when you will return.
Trust how you feel and what your instincts tell you:
Maintain a strong, purposeful stride, and appear confident even if you feel otherwise. Avoid making eye contact with strangers, especially if you feel uncomfortable.
Trust your instincts. If a person or situation makes you feel uneasy, trust your gut. It's always better to be safe than sorry, so leave the area immediately if something feels off. Remember “fear” is a gift from God.
Know what to do if you are followed. If you think someone is following you, change directions and walk toward the nearest public area or building. Call campus police or 911 immediately.
Safeguard your property:
Theft is one of the most common crimes on college campuses, but many incidents can be prevented with simple precautions.
In your dorm or apartment:
Always lock your doors and windows, even if you are just leaving for a moment.
Do not prop open exterior residence hall doors or allow strangers to "tailgate" behind you.
Keep valuables out of sight and secure, and don't leave messages on your door about when you'll be back.
On campus:
Never leave valuables like laptops, phones, or purses unattended in common areas.
Consider registering your bicycle with campus police and use a highquality U-lock.
Secure your vehicle:
Always lock your doors, roll up your windows, and take your keys with you. o Never leave packages, electronics, or other valuables in open view. Place items in the trunk before you arrive at your destination. o Park in well-lit areas and avoid secluded and dark locations.
Anti-theft devices such as alarms or steering wheel locks are recommended.
Stay safe in social situations:
Be cautious at parties and social events. Never leave your drink unattended. If you accept a drink, get it directly from the bartender and not from a stranger.
Use the buddy system. Never go to a party, bar, or date alone or with strangers. Go with friends and look out for one another.
Drink responsibly. The use of alcohol or drugs can increase your risk of harm. If you choose to drink, know your limits and don't let your judgment become impaired.
Stay vigilant, stay smart, stay safe, be professional, avoid the negativity and don’t get distracted.
Now more than ever, it is critical that we remain levelheaded.
Travel in 2s and 3s or groups, let people know where you are going
For accountability and safety
We must love each other and protect each other
Freedom of Speech is under attack.
Be mindful of what you post
Mindful of what you say, and
Mindful of what you do
Use your phone (when possible and safe)
Texas is one-party state: that means only one person has to agree to be recorded unless there is an existing University policy prohibiting the same
