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Campus safety in the U.S.

Fri 17 Aug 2018

For many international students and their parents, studying in a foreign country raises safety issues. Going to live in a new country, with a different culture from your own can be daunting. However, universities in the U.S. work hard to make sure students are safe on campus. Below is an overview of campus safety at ONCAMPUS partner universities in the U.S.

The University of Rhode Island

Ranked in the top 5 for campus safety in the U.S., the University of Rhode Island is known for its excellent safety record. The university campus is located in a small village, which boasts very low crime rates. The university’s Safety Department is dedicated to ensuring the safety of faculty, staff, students, and visitors. On the university web-site (https://www.uri.edu/safety/) you can sign-up for emergency alerts, get emergency phone numbers, and see active safety notices.

The University of North Texas (UNT)

With over 37,000 students and located in Denton, in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, UNT ranks 48th in terms campus safety. UNT takes a very proactive stance when it comes to the safety of their students. On their web-site (https://www.unt.edu/safety-emergency) you can get all the important emergency numbers, as well as sign up for Eagle Alert messages. This is a system the university implemented to contact students and staff quickly, when an emergency occurs. The university also has an official Twitter account for emergencies, which will keep you informed in real time (@UNTEagleAlert).

California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB)

Located on an old Army base on the central coast of California, just one mile from the beach, CSUMB is nestled between the two small towns of Seaside and Marina. Students can sign up for OTTERalerts

(https://csumb.edu/police/personal-safety-0) on the university web-site, which provides real-time emergency text message alerts. The university also offers NightWalk services, whereby you can request an escort to walk with you after 5pm.

SUNY Morrisville

With a small student body of around 3,000 SUNY Morrisville is located in a small town southeast of Syracuse, New York. Safety of students is a priority and the New York University Police (UP) patrol the campus 24-hours a day. There is a ‘blue light’ emergency phone system set-up on campus, which can be used by anyone with an emergency. More information on safety procedures can be found on the university web-site (https://www.morrisville.edu/contact/offices/university-police).

Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT)

Located in Chicago, IIT has established a close relationship with city police to jointly create a safe and secure environment for students at all IIT campuses.  IIT’s web-site lists all important emergency phone numbers (https://web.iit.edu/public-safety) and other emergency information. The university offers both on-campus (on foot or bicycle) and off-campus (by car) escorts for students. All you need is show your IIT identification to use the service.

Take away tips

U.S. universities take campus security seriously, but there are certain steps you can take to stay safe. Participate in any orientation program your university offers. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the campus and its surroundings, as well as the safety services the university offers. Also make sure you have all the phone numbers you need in case of an emergency programmed in your phone. If you have any questions about safety at one of our partner campuses, please contact ONCAMPUS for more information.


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