campus safety tips

Our efforts are not to give you a false sense of security. You need to know that crimes will occur but that prevention efforts can be effective in reducing the opportunities for criminal activity. You play a key role in our crime prevention efforts. Be cautious, careful and alert to your own safety and protection of yours and the University's possessions. Please exercise the crime tips listed below and help avoid victimization.

• Be cautious of strangers
• Avoid getting into vulnerable no-exit places
• Do not hesitate to call police when confronted by unknown persons
• Keep your house or residence hall room locked
• At night, walk in groups of at least two
• Walk with confidence, and avoid walking near bushes or parked cars
• Familiarize yourself with the location of courtesy telephones
• When parking, remove valuables from plain view and lock your vehicle
• Record serial numbers of your property
• Make copies of credit cards and other valuables in your wallet
• Write your name and ID number in several places in textbooks
• Lock your bicycle in a bicycle rack
• Take valuables home when away for an extended period of time
• Report all maintenance problems (broken locks, windows, etc.)
• If you must walk alone, please make sure to use well lighted paths and sidewalks and take the most direct route
• Attend security awareness programs held on campus for valuable information and safety tips
• Use crosswalks and pedestrian crossing signals to safely cross streets
• Be aware of campus services. You are your best protection -- educate yourself
• Report all incidents and losses to Campus Police immediately

• The Vincennes University Police Department provides escorts for individuals who have legitimate concern about their safety. The escort service is provided for your safety while walking on campus. Please call 5555 (on campus phones) and an escort can be summoned to your location and can accompany you to your on campus destination.
• Self-Defense for Women Workshops -- conducted periodically.
• Resident Hall Handbook - Discussion by resident assistants with residents on security section of the handbook. This program centers around lost keys, strangers in the hall, room security and hall security.
• Housing Facilities at VU provide 24 hour desk coverage, resident access to the building, floor, wing, and room by key only, screens in windows and door alarms to control unlawful entry and exit.
• Videos followed by discussions on the subjects of safety and acquaintance rape are held on campus.
• Greek Advisor -- sponsors workshops with fraternities and sororities regarding issues of security, alcohol, and date rape.
• Residence hall students may register their personal property with their individual residence hall.
• Students residing off-campus may register their personal property with Campus Police. Security issues are addressed with parents during Summer Registration days.
• Theft insurance brochure -- all residence hall students are mailed information of personal property insurance that can be used while they are students at VU.
   

• University personnel have access through the lock and key system to their work area or office at all times. Students, guests, and University people with no authority or role in a building have access only when a building is open. In order for a building to be open, an authorized University employee must be present.
• The maintenance staff is responsible for locking all academic and administrative buildings after working hours. Residence halls are secured by residence hall staffs during those periods of time when only the students residing in those halls are allowed.
• Areas and buildings where students gather or walk are lighted throughout the evening hours. Heavily traveled walkways are lighted all night. Campus Police officers patrol the campus on a 24-hour basis.