It’s not just your parents who want to ensure that your first year at Michigan is a safe one. Our community is at its strongest when everyone feels safe. In addition to the workshop you’ll attend on campus safety as part of your first year experience programming, check out the resources below.
The U-M Dean of Students office provides all sorts of student safety resources. Whether you’re wondering about walking alone at night, Spring Break safety, speaking up when you see something unsafe, setting boundaries, bike safety, or tips for staying safe in your off-campus house, they have info to share.
Make sure you keep your property safe – the U-M Department of Public Safety and Security can help you register your electronics and bicycles to deter thefts and improve your chances of getting such important items returned to you. You also have a part to play – use the bike racks (u-bolt locks are best) and keep your valuables on you at all times or secured within a drawer or safe in your room. While you’re at it, consider not bringing valuable jewelry to campus and not carrying a lot of cash or important documents with you (social security card, pin numbers).
Lock your doors, even if you are just going to the bathroom or down the hall to visit another resident. And don’t allow anyone you don’t know into the building (even if they “look like they belong” – whatever that means!) Never give someone your MCard, room key, or any of your PINs. Speaking of PINs, of course you want to stay safe online. Practice safe computing and online dating.
Know what to do in case of a fire, sign up for university emergency alerts, and respond promptly to alarms and directions to evacuate. And you don’t need to be reminded, of course, but don’t tamper with any fire safety equipment, including pull stations, smoke detectors, sprinklers, and fire extinguishers. We need all of those things to be working for all of us!
Whether you’re walking alone, at home, at a party, or out with friends, pay attention to your surroundings and to your intuition and know your options for late night transportation.
Want even more info about student safety? The university will provide your residence hall, student organization, fraternity or sorority with all sorts of training, including what to do in case of a shooter on campus or how to report a crime to the university police department. And you can check out the Annual Security Report & Annual Fire Safety Report from DPSS.