Student Handbook

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Safety Tips

Whether on or off campus, every individual needs to take responsibility for the issue of safety. The following tips can help you stay out of harm's way and ensure the safety of you and your personal property.

General Safety

  • Please follow all signs and other indicators (ropes, fences, barriers, etc.) around campus, especially while we are undergoing construction and renovations.
  • During icy weather, reduce vehicle speed to allow yourself more reaction time. Also, while on foot on campus, observe the conditions of paths and walkways. Although our maintenance staff arrives early to begin clearing snow and ice, winds and accumulation can make some areas slippery.

Protecting Personal Property

  • If you need to work in an isolated area, make sure someone know you are there.
  • In the parking lot, have your keys ready as you are walking toward your car, check under your car and in the back seat before getting in, and walk to your car with someone you know, especially if it is dark.
  • Don't put yourself in a situation of potential danger. Do not argue or try to reason with someone who is irrational or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • If you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, keep your voice and body language calm and get help.
  • Trust your instincts.

Protecting Against Assault

  • Don't be alone with someone you just met.
  • If you go somewhere with friends, do not leave unless everyone is accounted for.
  • Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs can compromise your safety. "Date rape drugs" can be odorless and tasteless and easy to slip into your drink. Play it safe - never leave beverages unattended or accept a drink from someone you do not know.

Computer Safety

  • Cyberspace is not necessarily a safe space.
  • Don't give out personal information to people you do not know – identity theft is real and should be a concern.
  • More and more people are getting acquainted online. If you choose to meet someone with whom you have been communicating online, meet in a public place. Do not be alone with someone you do not know.
  • Report cyberstalking; stalking is never a game!

Injuries and Accidents

  • If you or someone with you becomes injured, stay calm – look for help or emergency communications outlets (call boxes, someone with a cell phone, etc.) to notify the appropriate authorities.
  • If someone is bleeding, apply pressure to the affected area and ask someone else to get help.
  • Stay out of the way of medical/emergency personnel.
  • Don't move someone who is injured – you could do more harm than good.

Aiding Authorities

  • If possible, during a crisis politely volunteer to help in a non-interfering way.
  • If witnessing a crime or crisis/emergency situation, accurate descriptions can sometimes be important:
    • When describing a person, notice permanent features such as hair color, height, facial structure, scars/marks, tattoos or birthmarks, etc. – clothing is important, but it can be easily changed.
    • When describing a car or object, be aware of size, color, and shape. Write down any characteristics including a license plate number (any portion may help) and other identifiers.
    • When describing an incident, be objective. Provide the "who, what, when, where, and why" like a reporter, keeping things in order as much as possible.