Personal Safety

It is often said that personal safety is a matter of common sense; however, common sense does not always result in common practice. The following tips may not be new information, but it is important to be reminded of them from time to time.

Personal Safety & Crime Prevention Tips

  • Prepare a Personal Safety Plan
  • Register your mobile phone to get emergency notifications via text. If you don't register a mobile phone, you will receive emergency notifications via email and your office or residence hall phone.
  • Familiarize yourself with our emergency response guides.
  • Never hesitate to contact Public Safety to request a campus escort to your destination.
  • Report crimes immediately to Public Safety and the St. Paul Police Department. Call Public Safety or make an online report.
  • Do not wear headphones when walking or running alone outside, especially if it is dark. This potentially cuts off audible signals of threats to your safety.
  • Walk in groups - there is safety in numbers.
  • Don't take unnecessary risks. Stay in populated, well-lit areas.
  • Trust your instincts and leave any location that doesn't feel safe. If you feel you're being followed or you sense something wrong, change direction or cross the street and head for a well-lit area, any occupied building or to an emergency phone where you will be in direct contact with Public Safety.
  • Remember suspect information, including direction of travel, vehicle information, approximate age, height, weight and details on hair, clothing, jewelry, scars, tattoos - anything noticeable.
  • Lock your doors at all times.
  • Do not let strangers into residence halls or allow them to follow you in after you unlock the door.