Your teen is off to college. How exciting! She’ll be seeking new opportunities, new friendships, and a new sense of independence. You’ve done all the right things. You shopped together for desk lamps and linens, registered her for orientation, and paid the deposit on time. However, the most important question is: Have you prepared her with strategies to stay safe while living away from home?
College student safety tips
College campuses are often safer than their surrounding communities. However, this can provide a false sense of security. Campus crime is a reality, so it is imperative that students familiarize themselves with all available safety resources their campus has to offer.
Safety Resources
- General: Reid DeVoge, a residential police officer at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, MI , counsels, “Know all the services your college offers. Most campuses offer, at no charge, safety rides, vehicle lockout assistance, battery boosts, security assessments of your residence, and other useful information.” DeVoge also advises students to save campus security numbers in their cell phones.
- Alerts: Schools are required by law to have mass notification systems to warn students and faculty if there is a safety situation on campus. “Most colleges send messages via email, text and phone calls. These messages generally inform students about an ongoing situation and give instructions on how to proceed,” DeVoge reports. Ken Miller, director of campus safety at Rollins College in Winter Park, FL, urges parents to familiarize themselves with the emergency communication system that their teens have access to. “Many times, they will allow students to add additional phone numbers and email addresses for parents.”
- Blue-Light Phones: Many universities have blue-light emergency telephones which are highly visible and easily accessible throughout campus. “These allow direct access to the campus safety staff and, if needed, the police department,” explains Miller.
- Mobile Phone Apps: Cell phone applications are the new trend in campus security. Many colleges are opting to use cell phone applications in addition to more traditional alert systems (landlines and email) for emergency notification. Some services provide a panic button so students can instantaneously send pertinent information (such as GPS location and student ID #) to campus security from their cell phone. One example is Rave Guardian (an app by Rave Mobile Safety which is used by colleges throughout the United States). Inquire about the campus emergency notification system and the types of services it provides.
- Classes: Most colleges offer classes in self-defense and how to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of sexual assault. Take advantage of these opportunities.
- Laptop Theft: Laptop theft is an issue students should be aware of. “I would strongly encourage the use of anti-theft software on all laptops in the higher education environment,” urges Miller. “There are many providers that will allow you to install software on your laptop that will only be activated if you report the machine as being stolen (e.g. Absolute Computrace).”
Familiarize Yourself with the Campus and Its Surroundings
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act, 1990) was prompted by the 1986 rape and murder of 19-year-old Jeanne Clery, a Lehigh University freshman, in her dorm room. The Clery Act requires colleges to report crime statistics to the Department of Education. DeVoge explains, “Any campus that receives federal funding must report annual crime statistics. Review this report so you know the crime trends, if any, at your campus.” Chances are that your teen will venture off campus at some point. Freshmen and transfer students can speak to an RA or campus security personnel about surrounding areas that should be avoided.
Stay Sober
“If you go out and alcohol or drugs are involved, your chances of becoming a victim greatly increase,” warns James Magee, director of safety & security at Eastern University in St. Davids, PA. It’s safest to be sober; however, some students will choose to drink. “If you choose to drink, never accept drinks from a stranger or leave your drink unattended,” Magee adds. Ken Miller points out, “Alcohol is a factor in a majority of sexual assault cases.” He also reports that, statistically speaking, sexual assaults are most likely to occur in your own room by someone you know. Therefore, students should avoid entertaining mere acquaintances in their rooms.
Don’t Go it Alone
Reid DeVoge reminds students, “There really is safety in numbers. Never walk alone.” He also suggests that students use well-lit paths and avoid shortcuts through secluded areas.
Let Your Instinct Guide You
Magee points out, “If a building has a combination or card swipe lock, don’t let someone piggyback with you into the building if you don’t know them. The first two homicides at Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 2007 happened when Seung-Hui Cho piggybacked into a residence hall, and then killed a student and the RA who came to investigate.” Students should remain alert and report suspicious behavior or anything that makes them feel uncomfortable. “Trust your instincts,” Magee says. “If a location or situation feels unsafe, leave immediately.”
Personal Safety Checklist
Provided by James Magee, Director of Safety & Security (Eastern University):
Keep your room locked at all times.
Don’t let strangers into your residence hall.
Report threatening, suicidal or other behaviors that raise concern.
Register for mass safety notifications.
Avoid walking alone at night – call for an escort.
Be aware of your surroundings: Don’t wear headphones while walking alone.
Never leave your property unattended in public places.
Report suspicious persons to campus police/security.
Myrna Beth Haskell is a freelance writer and monthly contributor to Rochester Area & Genesee Valley Parent Magazine who lives in Salt Point, NY. She is the author of the newly released book, LIONS and TIGERS and TEENS: Expert advice and support for the conscientious parent just like you (Unlimited Publishing LLC). For more information visit www.myrnahaskell.com. Also available at: Amazon.com.
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