September is National Campus Safety Awareness Month. Colleges and universities around the country recognizes this month as a time to raise awareness about the safety concerns on their campuses. Maintaining a safe and secure campus is a top priority every day of the year. Every year college students across the nation become victims of stalking, sexual assault, thefts, robbery, homicide, and other crimes. National Campus Safety Awareness Month provides a time to have those conversations to address these safety concerns and to share information about campus safety programs and services.
Here at UTHSC, Campus Police is dedicated to the safety and sharing safety awareness with the campus. We are proud of the campus security and other safety services we use to ensure a safe campus. Campus Police operates 24 hours daily, weekends, and holidays; visibility is key to deterring criminal activity. We house security officers in many of our buildings here on campus, and there are several security officers driving around the campus. We are fortunate to also have sworn police officers to provide law enforcement services. There are many other implements used to enhance our campus security from the surveillance cameras, card reader accessible doors, call boxes, enhanced lighting, and a mass notification system during emergency situations.
Navigating the daily challenges to ensure a safe campus and workplace environment are tasks not easily accomplished. There is not a single solution for security on campus. Efforts made to maintain a safe campus are most successful when the community encourages collaboration among campus staff, administration, students, parents, and community groups. UTHSC-Campus Police is committed to doing our part to protect the safety of our students, faculty, staff, employees, and guest. Safeguarding the campus welfare requires everyday diligence and everyone has a significant role.
Come and join us in the Plaza for a fun and informative day on Thursday, September 26, between the hours of 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. Representatives from Campus Police will be distributing safety prevention information, along with playing interactive games to determine your level of safety awareness.
Safety Tips
If you are working late
- Keep your office door locked.
- Lock all doors behind you as you enter and exit the building.
- Advise the Campus Police that you are in your office.
Protect yourself and your car
- Keep doors locked while driving.
- Don’t pick up hitchhikers.
- Always lock your car and take the keys.
- Park in well lighted areas.
- Place packages out of sight.
Protect personal and University property
- Lock your office door every time you leave.
- Engrave expensive equipment
- Engraving equipment is available upon request in the Campus Police office.
- Don’t store your purse in an unlocked desk drawer.
- Don’t leave your belongings unattended in libraries, hallways, locker rooms, or classrooms.