At the University of Michigan, student safety is a top priority, and the university has measures in place as well as valuable resources for keeping your student safe and sound.
The following information and resources are important and helpful to have handy. Please review this guide, as well as encourage your student to do so.
Be Smart
Above all, staying safe means that the Leaders and Best make smart decisions. Students should remember to take belongings with them, lock their rooms and bicycles, and register their property with the U-M Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) to prevent theft. Here’s an animation you can share with your Wolverine about being safe and sensible.
For Assistance
- For non-emergency situations, students can call DPSS at (734) 763-1131.
- For emergencies, they should call 911.
- Students can use blue light phones around campus, which immediately dispatch DPSS when the receiver is lifted.
Sexual Violence Prevention and Support
Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC) works toward a campus free of sexual assault and harassment. They also provide free, confidential services for survivors including a crisis intervention hotline, support groups, and prevention education.
Students being aware of their surroundings can make an important difference, to themselves and others.
If students witness others being harassed or attacked, with caution, they can assist by noticing the event, assuming personal responsibility, and taking action.
In these cases, they can use choose the best method to intervene using the four D’s of bystander intervention, which first-year students learn about as part of the First-Year Experience:
- Direct: Directly intervene
- Distract: Distract either party
- Delegate: Get help from others
- Delay: Check in again
Housing Security
For students who live in University Housing, Housing Security Officers patrol university housing and respond to requests for assistance.
For students who live off-campus:
- Beyond the Diag is a resource for safety.
- Student Legal Service provides information about staying safe in rental housing, as well as legal services for students including criminal, landlord, and consumer disputes.
Alcohol and Other Drugs
U-M provides services to reduce harm from alcohol and other drugs, including the Stay in the Blue app to track alcohol consumption. It’s important for parents to talk with students about risks and how to make the best, safest choices.
Responding to an Active Attacker
Chances are that your student will never face an active attacker situation. However, if they do, being prepared in advance can make a difference.
When DPSS determines there is a safety concern on campus, they issue an emergency alert. It’s important that your student register in order to be notified immediately.
Students are encouraged to remember three words -- run, hide, fight -- to help determine their best course of action. You can learn more in this DPSS video and article.
The university takes student safety seriously and works to create a safer environment, educate and inform students and other members of the campus community, and respond as needed.
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