Campus Safety Guide: Essential Tips for Students

University of Central Missouri | Department of Public Safety

Safety is a shared responsibility. By staying alert and following these practical guidelines, you can significantly reduce risks to yourself and your property.

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🏠 Safety in Your Residence Hall

Your room is your private sanctuary. Keep it secure with these daily habits:

• Lock Your Doors: Always keep your door locked, especially when you are sleeping, studying, or leaving—even for a short time.

• The Suite Connection: If you live in a suite, remember to lock the bathroom door connecting to the neighboring room.

• Use the Peephole: Identify who is at the door before opening it.

• Key Security: Immediately report the loss or theft of room or mailbox keys to Housing staff.

• Report Concerns: Report threatening or obscene phone calls immediately. If you see someone who doesn't belong in the hallway or lobby, call 911.

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🚶 Safety While Walking

• Never Walk Alone at Night: Walk with a friend or call the SAFE Team at (660) 543-4123 for a safety escort.

• Stay in the Light: Stick to well-lit paths. Avoid shortcuts through bushes, alleys, or wooded areas.

• Be Alert: Walk confidently and with purpose. Avoid distractions like looking down at your phone or wearing noise-canceling headphones.

• Be Prepared: Have your keys in your hand and ready to use before you reach your door or car.

• If Followed: Change direction, head toward a populated area (like the Union or Library), or go to the nearest Blue Light emergency phone.

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🚗 Safety in and Around Your Vehicle

• Parking: Always park in well-lit areas and check for suspicious activity before approaching your car.

• Driving: Keep your doors locked while driving. When stopped in traffic, leave enough space between you and the car in front to pull away if needed.

• Valuables: Never leave bags, tech, or wallets in plain sight. Lock them in the trunk.

• Stranded? If your car breaks down, stay inside with the doors locked and call for help. Do not stop for other stranded motorists or hitchhikers; instead, call the police to report their location.

• Vehicle Kit: Keep your gas tank above 1/4 full and carry an emergency kit (flashlight, first aid, warm clothes, and a mobile phone).

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🏢 Safety Inside Campus Buildings

• Stay Visible: Avoid isolated corridors, stairwells, and remote restrooms whenever possible.

• Elevator Safety: * Avoid entering an elevator if only one stranger is inside.

  • Stand near the control panel and locate the emergency button.

  • If assaulted in an elevator: Press the emergency alarm and as many floor buttons as possible to ensure the doors open quickly at the next stop.

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🌐 General Community Safety

• ATMs: Use caution and stay aware of your surroundings when withdrawing cash.

• Personal Items: Carry your purse or bag close to your body. Don’t carry more cash or credit cards than necessary.

• Hitchhiking: Never hitchhike or pick up hitchhikers.

• The "Waiting" Rule: If someone drives you home, ask them to wait until you are safely inside the building before they drive away. Do the same for your friends.

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🚨 Quick Contact Reference

• Emergencies: 911

• UCM Police (Dispatch): (660) 543-4123

• SAFE Team Escort: (660) 543-4123

• UCM Text Line: (660) 422-2632