In an effort to make your experience in the residence halls safe and enjoyable, the Department of Residence Services offers a variety of services and programs that contribute to the development of a safe living environment. These include area desks that are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, security aides who routinely patrol the halls during the evening and early morning hours and resident assistants and residence hall directors who live in the residence halls and are on duty evenings and weekends.

However, it should be noted that even with these services in place, the campus community is not immune to crime. Creating a safe living environment is the responsibility of all community members. Each student needs to take an active role in helping to create a safe environment. This includes reporting suspicious or criminal activity to the University Police Services, keeping your resident assistant and residence hall director informed about unusual activity taking place in the hall, reporting persons who are un-escorted to the hall staff, security or the police department and finally, taking precautions over which only you have control.

• Don't leave book bags, books or other valuables unattended in public areas. Mark your books so you are able to identify them if they are stolen.
• Keep cash and other valuables out of sight.
• Don't keep large amounts of cash in your room. Keep your money in the bank and withdraw it just before you need it.
• Lock your door, even when in the room. It only takes a few seconds to enter your unlocked room and take books, cash, jewelry, cameras, etc.
• If someone knocks on your door, look through the peephole before opening your door.
• Don't lend out your keys.
• Report un-escorted individuals, including solicitors, to hall staff, security aides or the University Police Services.
• Don't prop open exterior doors.
• Don't walk alone. Go with a friend, group or use the Campus Escort Service (672-7004). Avoid dark or secluded areas.
• Always lock your bike to a fixed object.
• Report suspicious activity immediately to the University Police Services.