Student Safety is Priority #1

They are all grown up and off to college, but it doesn’t mean you won’t worry about your student from time to time. At the University of Michigan, safety is a priority with numerous resources to ensure your student is experiencing a safe, secure environment. Here’s a handy guide to what’s available.

 

Alerts

When the U-M Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) determines there is a serious safety concern on campus they issue an emergency alert.  The DPSS website has a thorough list of faqs to help you, and your student understand and register for emergency notifications.

 

Housing Security

On the job 24/7, DPSS' Housing Security Officers patrol residence halls and apartments 365 days a year. Officers respond to requests for assistance in residence halls and U-M apartments and are dispatched by the U-M Police Dispatch Center. Students can call 911 from any phone for emergencies. Call 31131 from any University telephone for non-emergency situations. If you are off-campus or using a cell phone, call 734-763-1131.

 

Off Campus Housing

Students living off-campus can often feel that first-time on-your-own anxiety. Student Legal Service (SLS) offers these tips for staying safe in rental housing. Also, SLS provides services for student’s legal needs in various areas of law such as criminal, landlord tenant, consumer disputes, and family. Off campus, rental related services include lease review before signing, the move-in process, and disputes with landlord or utility providers to name a few.

 

Beyond the Diag

Also, for students who live off-campus, U-M's Beyond the Diag is a resource that helps to raise awareness of safety issues, as well as fostering a greater sense of community, connectedness, and citizenship.

 

Blue Light Phones

In the event of an emergency, there are multiple blue light phone locations around campus. Lifting the receiver places a call to the U-M Police Dispatch Center. Help is immediately dispatched to emergency calls. Non-emergency calls for assistance are handled in the order they are received.

 

After-Hours Transportation

Free university buses run across campus until midnight or later.  After-hours transit services are also available to U-M students that are either free (Safe Ride, State StreetRide, RideHome) or low cost (Night Ride). If no other option is available, DPSS will provide transportation from campus to a student’s residence. Please encourage your student to use these services.

 

Personal Property Registration

The U-M Police Department offers a free traceable property registration program for laptops, personal electronics and bicycles to deter theft and assist in the recovery of stolen property.

 

The Choose to be Safe and Legal Program

It is important for parents to talk with students about the risks of underage college drinking—such as the penalties for underage drinking, and how alcohol use can lead to sexual misconduct, violence, and academic failure.

Encourage your student to download the Stay in the Blue app for none of the drama and all of the fun! Learn how you, as a parent, can help students choose to be safe and legal.

 

Violence Prevention and Support

Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC) works toward a campus free of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, sexual harassment, and stalking. Through their commitment to prevention, they provide educational and supportive services for the U-M community.

 

More…

And, here’s a fun animation you can share with your Wolverine about being safe and sensible. It's titled "Be Smart."

 

To help Student Life continue making a difference in students' lives, please consider making a gift